Lesser-Known Italian Destinations for Families

Italy in the summertime is truly breathtaking. So much so, tourists flock there in droves. While Italians tend to go on their own month-long vacation in August, called ferie, tourist season is still in full bloom through early September. Travelers tend to wane in the colder, quieter months of November–April, but regardless of the time of year, there are still plenty of lesser-known Italian towns perfect for an easy-going traveler.

Lecce

Over in Puglia, in the city of Lecce, visitors find a city brimming with Baroque architecture, fine dining and picturesque landscape. Surrounded by the coastal beach towns of Otranto and Gallipoli, Lecce boasts a young atmosphere within old-school Italy. Take a cooking class in a local masseries, or quaint farmhouses, and enjoy fresh cheese, wine and olives — as the region is known for all of the above. 

Molise

While more of a region encasing provinces and towns, Molise is a hidden gem at the heart of Italy. Stretching to the coastline along the Adriatic Sea and encompassing rural, rustic mountain ranges, including part of the national park of Abruzzo, this region has it all. Enjoy fresh cheese in the tiny town of Capracotta, literally translating to “cooked goat,” or do some shopping in capital city Campobasso. Rent a car and explore end to end, enjoying Roman churches and ancient architecture. 

Molise hillside © Luca Manieri | Dreamstime.com

Treviso

Like blending the romantic setting of Venice with the famous wineries of Tuscany, Treviso is an equally beautiful destination. Neighboring Venice and world-renowned Prosecco-producing regions, Treviso offers piazzas from the Renaissance, historic buildings and ancient waterways weaving between, over and around streets. Take photos by the timeless Palazzo dei Trecento and the Fontana delle Tette — a 16th-century fountain that served as a wine dispenser.

Lake Maggiore

Over in Northern Italy, Lake Maggiore boasts tiny majestic towns within, rivaling the beauty of the much more traveled Lake Como. Stroll through lush gardens, around the picturesque lake and through old luxury villas. Lake Maggiore also serves as an ideal go-between for travelers looking to explore Switzerland and the surrounding Alpine Mountain towns.

Not only is overtourism an issue in the travel industry, destroying smaller cities with an influx of visitors, but it also makes traveling with the family more difficult. First time in Italy? Check out some small tour options offering an inside look at lesser-traveled destinations with smaller groups. Enjoy a private experience with the security of experts nearby.