For anyone who has been to Rome, Florence or Venice recently, it’s safe to say the secret has been out on those Italian destinations for some time. While the attraction is well-deserved, you may find you get more bang for your buck taking the cobblestone road less traveled. Wrangle the family and explore these lesser-known Italian towns and villages on your next trip.
Bolzano, Alto Adige
Up north near the Dolomite Mountains, the bilingual town of Bolzano (speaking German and Italian) in South Tyrol, Alto Adige is surrounded by mountains, forests, vineyards and Medieval architecture. The town is tucked away and offers a reprieve from the more-touristy city streets of Milan.
Treviso, Veneto
Much like Venice, but with fewer tourists, Treviso is a historic city brimming with red-brick palaces, weaving canals, churches and cobblestone streets. The walled city is able to remain quaint and authentic — a perfect substitute to the crowded canals of Venice.
Alberobello, Puglia
Picture the famous white buildings and bright blue roofs of Santorini, Greece, and you almost have an image of Alberobello. The stark white block buildings lining the streets boast greystone tops, lined up in a close-knit living situation for locals, but in an interestingly beautiful maze for visitors. It’s an urban maze of unique architecture and small-town attractions.
Cefalu, Sicily © Freesurf69 | Dreamstime.com
Cefalù, Sicily
Sicily is rich with visitors seeking Mediterranean tranquility, quintessential Italian views and incredible sites — enough so that it typically deserves its own trip. Travel to the hidden gem of Cefalù while island hopping and see the city’s beautiful Medieval architecture and seaside promenades while walking through the quiet, picturesque town. You’ll enjoy all the same idyllic views of the sea without all the tourists of the more heavily traveled regions of the island.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abruzzo
With a population teetering around 200, Santo Stefano di Sessanio may be better visited by Italian-speaking travelers, but it’s epically beautiful nonetheless. Located in the Abruzzo region, the Medieval town sits atop a hill in Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park at the highest point of the Apennines. Take in the views from literally the best spot in town, any one of the city’s connecting rooftops, and head back to the center of the city for authentic Italian cuisine and traditional small-town life. Follow the winding city structure, with connecting buildings and residences connected in a twisting line, acting like a labyrinth of architectural finds.
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