8 Unusual Places You Can Explore In Italy

Italy is a country located in Southern Europe, known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. It is a popular tourist destination and is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the canals of Venice.

Italy is also famous for its cuisine, which includes pizza, pasta, gelato, and a wide variety of cheeses and wines. Italian cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, use of fresh ingredients, and bold flavors. Some of the most famous Italian dishes include spaghetti carbonara, lasagna, and risotto.

Italy has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was home to the Roman Empire. Throughout the centuries, Italy has been home to many famous artists, writers, and thinkers, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, and Galileo Galilei.

Finding some unusual places to visit in Italy for your trip can be the perfect solution to avoid the mass tourism that characterizes the famous locations of the peninsula. Cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice are beautiful, but it’s often very difficult to visit them properly. Fortunately, Italy has a lot of amazing spots outside the common touristic routes, some of them are really gorgeous and literally unknown. We have found almost the most unusual places in Italy that we recommend for an alternative Italian vacation.

# Treviso

Treviso is a small city located in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. It is situated just 30 kilometers north of Venice and is often overlooked by tourists in favor of its more famous neighbor. However, Treviso is a charming city that is well worth a visit.

One of the main attractions of Treviso is its historic center, which is enclosed by medieval walls and features narrow streets and picturesque canals. The city is known for its beautiful frescoes and ornate churches, such as the Church of San Francesco and the Cathedral of St. Peter.

Another highlight of Treviso is its food and wine culture. The city is home to many traditional trattorias and osterias where visitors can sample local specialties such as radicchio, prosciutto di San Daniele, and tiramisu. Treviso is also known for its wine production, with the surrounding hills producing some of the region's finest Prosecco and other wines.

Treviso is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Visitors can take a short train ride to Venice or visit the nearby towns of Asolo and Conegliano, which are known for their beautiful landscapes and historic castles.

# Taormina

Taormina is a charming town located on the eastern coast of the island of Sicily in southern Italy. It is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea and is known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere.

One of the main attractions of Taormina is the ancient Greek Theatre, which dates back to the 3rd century BC and is still used today for cultural events and performances. Visitors can also explore the town's historic center, which is home to many beautiful churches, palaces, and squares, such as Piazza del Duomo and Palazzo Corvaja.

Another highlight of Taormina is its beaches. The town is situated just a few kilometers from the coast, and visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and scenic views of the sea from the nearby beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella.

In addition to its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Taormina is also a popular destination for foodies. The town is known for its delicious Sicilian cuisine, which features fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and local specialties such as arancini and cannoli.

# Ischia

Ischia is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Naples, off the coast of southern Italy. It is the largest of the Phlegrean Islands and is known for its stunning scenery, hot springs, and beautiful beaches.

One of the main attractions of Ischia is its natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. Visitors can relax and unwind in the island's thermal spas and enjoy a variety of treatments and therapies.

Ischia is also home to many beautiful beaches, such as Maronti Beach, Spiaggia dei Pescatori, and Citara Beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, stunning views, and a variety of water sports and activities.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ischia is also rich in history and culture. The island is home to many beautiful churches, castles, and museums, such as the Aragonese Castle, the Chiesa del Soccorso, and the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae.

Ischia is also known for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and a variety of regional specialties such as rabbit, octopus, and spaghetti alle vongole.

# Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure is a beautiful coastal town located in the Liguria region of northwest Italy. It is situated on the Gulf of Tigullio and is known for its stunning scenery, colorful buildings, and charming atmosphere.

One of the main attractions of Santa Margherita Ligure is its beautiful harbor, which is surrounded by colorful buildings and fishing boats. Visitors can take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy the views, or hop on a boat tour to explore the nearby coastline.

Another must-visit attraction in Santa Margherita Ligure is the Basilica of St. Margaret of Antioch, a beautiful church that dates back to the 16th century. The church is known for its impressive Baroque architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Santa Margherita Ligure is also home to many beautiful beaches, such as Paraggi Beach and Santa Margherita Beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, stunning views, and a variety of water sports and activities.

In addition to its natural beauty, Santa Margherita Ligure is also known for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and a variety of regional specialties such as pesto, focaccia, and trofie pasta.

# Bergamo

Bergamo is a beautiful city located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. The city is divided into two parts, the upper city (Città Alta) and the lower city (Città Bassa), each offering its own unique charm and attractions.

The upper city is the historic center of Bergamo, with medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The main attractions of the upper city include the Piazza Vecchia, the Cattedrale di Bergamo e Battistero, and the Rocca di Bergamo, a fortress that dates back to the 14th century.

The lower city is the modern part of Bergamo, with wide streets, modern buildings, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The main attractions of the lower city include the Accademia Carrara, a museum that houses a collection of art from the Renaissance to the modern era, and the Teatro Donizetti, a beautiful theater that hosts a variety of cultural events.

One of the most popular activities in Bergamo is taking the funicular up to the upper city, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can also walk along the city walls, which offer a unique perspective of the city and its architecture.

Bergamo is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes regional specialties such as polenta, casoncelli (a type of pasta), and salumi (cured meats). The city is also famous for its sparkling wine, Franciacorta, which is produced in the nearby countryside.

# Porto Venere

Porto Venere is a picturesque coastal town located in the Liguria region of northwest Italy. The town is situated on a promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea, and it is surrounded by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

One of the main attractions of Porto Venere is the historic center, which is home to narrow, winding streets lined with colorful houses, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the 12th-century church of San Lorenzo and the imposing Doria Castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Another popular activity in Porto Venere is taking a boat tour to the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. These islands are part of a protected marine area, and they offer pristine beaches, hiking trails, and breathtaking views.

Porto Venere is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes regional specialties such as focaccia, pesto, and seafood dishes made with fresh, locally caught fish. Visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the town center, or they can sample the local wines at one of the nearby vineyards.

# Maddalena Archipelago

The Maddalena Archipelago is a group of islands located off the coast of northeastern Sardinia in Italy. The archipelago consists of seven main islands and numerous smaller islets, and it is known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled beaches.

One of the main attractions of the Maddalena Archipelago is the La Maddalena National Park, which covers most of the islands and surrounding waters. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including sea turtles, dolphins, and rare bird species.

Visitors can explore the islands by boat, with numerous boat tours departing from the town of La Maddalena. The tours offer the opportunity to discover secluded coves and hidden beaches, as well as to snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters.

The town of La Maddalena is the largest settlement in the archipelago, and it is known for its colorful houses, picturesque harbor, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, which is home to numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.

Other popular activities in the Maddalena Archipelago include hiking, cycling, and horse riding, with numerous trails and paths winding through the islands' rugged landscapes.

# Courmayeur

Courmayeur is a picturesque town located in the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy, at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountain range. The town is known for its stunning alpine scenery, charming pedestrian streets, and world-class skiing and snowboarding.

During the winter season, Courmayeur is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with over 100 km of slopes and trails catering to all levels of experience. The town is also known for its lively après-ski scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes serving up delicious local cuisine and drinks.

In the summer months, Courmayeur is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, with numerous trails and paths winding through the stunning alpine landscapes. Visitors can also take the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, which offers breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc mountain range and surrounding valleys.

The town of Courmayeur itself is charming and picturesque, with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful houses, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore the town's numerous shops, boutiques, and artisanal stores, or relax in one of its many cafes or restaurants.