Do you have what it takes to explore roads less traveled? Going off the beaten path in Italy can be daunting, especially if you’re used to visiting tourist-friendly places like the Colosseum or the galleries in Florence. But don’t let your doubts get the best of you. A tour of Italy’s hidden gems can be one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of your life.
Why you should gooff the beaten path in Italy
- Enjoy your privacy
Sick of dealing with crowds and long lines at tourist attractions? This is never an issue when you travel off the beaten path. In most cases, it will just be you, your travel companions, your guide, and the locals, giving you more privacy during the trip. This way, you can do whatever you want and explore Italy to your heart’s content.
If you’re traveling with kids, off-the-beaten-path tours are a great way to avoid busy streets and protect your children from harm.
- Live like a local
What better way to immerse yourself in a new culture than traveling off the beaten path? A private tour will allow you a chance to blend in with the rest of the population, providing more time for you to learn about the local culture and history. You may even discover a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves the most amazing Italian food or discover the secrets of a castle on the hills.
Off the beaten path in Italy—The most charming hidden destinations to explore
- The Gulf of Poets
The Italian region of Liguria may be small, but it certainly has no lack of stunning views. Sitting on the tip of the Ligurian coastline is the Gulf of Poets, a beautiful bay area that stretches from one village to another.
The Gulf of Poets has views you think you would only find in postcards and paintings. In fact, Sandro Botticelli himself was inspired to create the Birth of Venus after visiting the bay.
Despite its relatively small size, there are many things to do in the Gulf of Poets. Eating and drinking is just one example, with the local cuisine characterized by Mediterranean ingredients and freshly caught seafood. You should make sure to try the local mussels, anchovies, and oysters while you’re in the area, finishing your meals off with a glass of Sciachetrà wine.
In addition to filling your stomach, the Gulf of Poets is a great place to enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, sailing, and diving. You can even spend a day or two walking along the coast and exploring medieval streets and marble floors.
- Calabria
Italy has no shortage of beaches and island experiences, but because of their popularity, places like Sicily and Sardinia tend to be very crowded. So, if you don’t want to miss an Italian summer vacation, consider visiting Calabria.
Located in Southern Italy, Calabria is a peninsular region surrounded by water. You’ll find the Ionian Sea on the region’s eastern side, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, and the Strait of Messina to the south. Meanwhile, Basilicata borders Calabria to the north, connecting it to the rest of Italy.
Calabria can be the perfect summer getaway if you know where to go. First, you should head to Gerace, an ancient town that hosts the medieval Church of St. Francis and the ruins of an old Greek city.
Do take the time to explore the Jasmine Riviera, a stunning stretch of coastline named after the flowers that dot the region. The Riviera is home to the Coast of the Gods, which is surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, you’ll also find Tropea, a charming village that sits high above the sea.
- Apulia and the Gargano Coast
Do you want to travel back to the past? Apulia feels like an ancient world that has been brought back from the medieval period, filled with ancient structures and majestic castles.
This small but welcoming region in Italy is not one to miss, especially if you prefer to travel more leisurely. Apulia, also known as Puglia, is home to notable attractions like Alberobello’s Trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the church of St. Anthony and the Sovereign Trullo.
You can also climb the hilltops of Apulia to reach Ostuni, a picturesque town hidden in the depths of the Murgia plateau. And finally, don’t forget to visit the Gargano Coast, a gorgeous coastal area lined with caves, coves, and ravines.
- The Dolomites
Italy is a destination for all seasons. Summer lovers can visit coastal areas like the Jasmine Riviera and the Gargano for a relaxing time under the sun, while ski enthusiasts and winter enjoyers can head to the Dolomites.
Known as one of the world’s best ski regions, the Dolomites are a sanctuary for winter sports lovers. You can spend your days relaxing in the area’s luxurious hotels or brush up on your skiing skills in Val Gardena.
And if you’d rather explore on foot, you can visit one of the many attractions in the mountain range, such as the Rifugio Malga Ra Stua, the Santa Croce Sanctuary, and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park.
In addition to its fame as a winter sports destination, the Dolomites are a year-round wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer months, you explore its verdant hills and valleys with leisurely walks or embark on daring treks up rugged peaks to mountain bike, rock climb, or go hiking. And if you prefer a more relaxed pace, just enjoy the local cuisine, culture, and architecture in the picturesque towns and villages. Whether you’re an explorer or seeker of adventure, a trip to the Dolomites will leave you with lifelong memories and remarkable experiences.
Traveling off the beaten path in Italy can introduce you to sights and sounds you would never experience in a crowded vacation destination. And luckily, you don’t have to visit little-known towns alone and risk getting lost. Top-rated tour operators offer off-the-beaten-path packages for tourists who want a taste of something new, whether it be horseback riding in Tuscany or walking along the Ligurian coastline.
Don’t hesitate to book your tour now and see Italy in a brand-new light with the best travel package providers in the country.