Best-Kept Secrets of Italy: Places to Discover

One of the top holiday locations in the world, Italy is exceptionally well-known for its stunning cities, cultural monuments, globally significant historical heritage sites, architecture, language, and cuisine. However, how about everything else that is left unknown and unmentioned in the most popular itineraries and among the top-rated tourism destination list? In reality, Italy has numerous well-hidden secret spots that are a must-see, especially if this is not the first time you go! Read through our list to find out what they are.

Sirmione, Lombardia

A real gem of the region of Lombardia, Sirmione is one of the most impressive communes surrounding Lake Garda. But, without a doubt, the most popular attraction here is the Scaliger Castle, located at the heart of the city, with an unquestionably stunning exterior, as it looks like it is floating on the lake!

Of course, you cannot think of Italy without imagining a warm, sunny place with white sandy beaches and baby-blue waters, so you should head to Jamaica beach, a place of outdoor and water activities, restaurants, entertainment, and the constant good weather.

Sirmione is great since not only it is located at the shore of Lake Garda, it is also bounded by the communes of the province of Verona and the region of Veneto, making it very easy to purchase any kind of Italy train tickets and head towards Lombardy to reach Sirmione in no time!

Padua, Veneto

Another beauty located in northern Italy, the city of Padua, is underrated and should be talked about way more! The town blooming with stunning, romantic architecture, delicious cuisine, and a few historical monuments, Padua is something you should be thrilled to see!

Firstly, you must visit the Basilica da Sant’Antonio, an absolutely remarkable church that catches the eye immediately. With eight different domes and towers, it makes for an impressive sight.

Look for the famous Padua gardens, and try to cover as much ground as possible – there is a lot to see! By the way, Padua is very close to Venice, so most of the time, people travel there first – think about that when planning your transportation!

Latina, Lazio

The city with a beautiful name and even more beautiful appearance, Latina of the Lazio region, is, unfortunately, one of the best-kept secrets of Italy. For sure! Often overlooked and in the shadow of its neighboring capital city, Rome, Latina usually stays untouched and uncrowded, and while crowds are something we could all do without, let’s at least see what you should see here when you come for a visit yourself!

First of all, you should know that Latina is a relatively modern city, something you might be surprised to find in Italy. You should spend some time getting the gist of what fascist Italy might have looked like. When you want a break, head to the Piana delle Orme Museum to see the exhibits and collections of everything related to Italy’s history.

Location-wise, Latina is just a touch away from Rome, so if you follow our suggestions and make it into an itinerary, why not just take the Venice to Rome train, and explore even more than planned?

Bogliaco, Liguria

Only 40-minutes away from Genoa, Bogliaco is a stunning little village and one of the most beautiful destinations in Liguria. While residing here for more than a couple of days is not necessary to explore; stay for the day, at least! As there is not much to do apart from walking around town, we suggest spending some time roaming around the narrow streets, maybe taking a few pictures of the white houses and colorful roofs?

Keep in mind that Bogliaco is also very popular for its gorgeous hiking trails, opening some of the most beautiful panoramas. So, mix in some outdoor activities!

Burano, Venetia

Most people only know Venice when they think of the Venetia region, and while it is undoubtedly the most famous one, there are many other smaller ones, yet equally as charming! That is what brings us here to Burano!

No joke about it, the moment you see Burano, it will feel like you have stepped into the kindergarten version of Venice! However, with less regalness to its aesthetic and a lot more colors and vibrancy to it, the town feels like the PG version, and it is so fun! Admire the same canals and the lovely, light architecture of the city!

The locals often joke that the best way to get to know Burano is by letting yourself get lost between the bridges, canals, and narrow streets. So, if it happens, it happens!

Bagnoregio, Lazio

Another one for Lazio; we have one of the most exciting yet intimidating-looking cities on our list! Bagnoregio carries such names as magical, surreal, and fantastic. Built on a rock, the town is said to be slowly dying due to constant erosion, but that is absolutely not the feeling you get while visiting. Instead, people here are friendly and charming, and you will learn a lot about the birth of the town, as well as its Etruscan and Medieval origins.

The only way of reaching one of the most characteristic Italian villages is by walking through the narrow pedestrian path, which allows you to see the most beautiful landscapes. So, as eager as you are to get to Bagnoregio, take your time and maybe snap a couple of pictures!

Alberobello, Puglia

Hands-down exceptional! This is how the locals describe Alberobello, the town in the southwestern part of Italy. Named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it gives out the vibe of Hobbiton from the Lord of The Rings franchise. That is precise because Alberobello is full of whitewashed houses with grey circular, pointy roofs, making it look like something from a fairytale.

One full day is quite enough to explore the most exciting places here, so the town is perfect for a day trip. First, visit the Chiesa dei Santi Cosma and Damiano, the church in the city’s heart, very obviously untouched and unspoiled by humans, yet very Italian-looking, with its natural rustiness and creamy colors, lightly affected by time, but none less than beautiful. Later on, head to the belvedere, a small and lovely piazza, which serves as the meeting spot for the locals.

Are you just about ready to uncover the best-kept secrets of Italy? With this list ahead, we believe you are! There are plenty of locations just like these, all of them unique in their own way and blessedly void of tourists.

We suggest you mix them up between visiting the most prominent cities so that it does not get predictable and you can see how diverse Italy can be! Take in everything it has to offer, and in no time, you will be eligible for the title of expert in all things Italian!