Top 10 Most Underrated Places to Visit in Italy
Italy is a destination nearly on everyone’s travel radar – but instead of checking out typical tourist hotspots like Milan, Rome, Florence, or Venice – what are some of the more underrated places in Italy?
Everyone dreams about seeing the Trevi Fountain and living their out their own Lizzie McGuire moment in Rome, shopping through the Quadrilatero Della Moda in Milan, or riding on a gondola in Venice… but there are so many other places to see in Italy that aren’t the big cities you’ve heard of.
In fact… I liked some of these places better than the big cities in Italy.
View of skinny trees in Tuscany outside of Siena, Italy; July 2018
🇮🇹✨ If You Like... Visit This Hidden Gem in Italy ✨🇮🇹
| If You Like... | Visit... |
|---|---|
| 🌊 Colorful towns with dramatic cliffside views over the water | Cinque Terre |
| ♨️ Relaxing spa getaways and quiet lakeside towns | Lake Garda |
| 🍷 Wine tasting and picture-perfect days under the Tuscan sun | Siena |
| 🍨 Award-winning gelato and remote towns without overwhelming crowds | San Gimignano |
| 🥾 Hiking, water sports, and breathtaking mountain scenery | The Dolomites |
Having taken several trips to Italy since moving to France and a massive trip I took with my mom all around the country, I’ve been able to explore a big chunk of the country shaped like a boot – from all of Italy’s major capitals to some of the more hidden gems in Italy that I almost never hear anyone talk about.
After almost a decade of getting to know Italia, I’m going to share what I think are the most underrated places to visit in Italy.
Here are some of my favorite places in Italy that aren’t Milan, Rome, Florence, or Venice.
Top 10 Most Underrated Places to Visit in Italy
1. Lake Garda
When we think of Italy, we tend to think of summer time festivities – from boat riding, waterside dining, and vibrant floral parks. Luckily, Lake Garda is an underrated place in Italy that screams that.
Located in Lombardy a couple of hours away from Milan, Sirmione and Sulzano are beautiful places to stay if you’re looking for a Swiss-Alps kind of getaway while in Italy.
Seriously… look at the color of this water!
Lake Garda from a Speed Boat; July 2018
With the option to eat the local seafood for lunch, shop through markets, or go boating – Lake
Garda is a wonderful (and cheaper than the Capri or the Amalfi Coast) option.
And look what I was waking up to from our hotel in Lovere…
View from Lovere Resort & Spa
When you’re there, I HIGHLY recommend you hop on a speed boat for the gorgeous views of the mountains against that teal-colored water.
🇮🇹🌊 Best Things to Do in Lake Garda 🌊🇮🇹
Take a Speedboat Ride
One of the best ways to experience Lake Garda is from the water. Take a speedboat ride for stunning views of the lake's teal water, surrounding mountains, and colorful towns lining the shore.
Explore the Local Towns
Spend time wandering through Lake Garda's peaceful towns, parks, and waterfront streets. Places like Sirmione are perfect for walking around, taking photos, shopping, and simply enjoying the calm lakeside atmosphere.
Enjoy Waterside Dining
Lake Garda is perfect for enjoying Italian food beside the water without paying the same prices you might find in Italy's biggest cities. You can still enjoy incredible pasta, pizza, wine, and gelato without skimping on the full Italian experience.
Stay at a Spa Hotel
Lake Garda is a relaxing place for a spa getaway, with beautiful hotels found throughout the surrounding towns. It offers a similar calm lakeside escape to Lake Como, but is generally less expensive and feels a little more low-key.
Travel Time from Milan: Around 2 hours by car or train to Sirmione
Best for Travelers Like This: People who love quiet and serene lake villages, with a little speed boat now and then – a good mix of water activities with low-key waterside dining.
Pro Tip: This is the perfect place to head to after visiting Verona, as it’s only an hour away by train. A lot of people head to villages at the top of the lake, like Riva del Garda, but there’s no need – it’s beautiful from all angles, with my personal favorite town on Lake Garda being Sirmione.
2. Cinque Terre
As someone who has returned to the country numerous times, Cinque Terre has hands down remained my favorite place I went in my entire first two-and-a-half-week trip I took around Italy.
While it’s true that you must prepare yourself if you decide to travel to Cinque Terre during high season in the middle of July like I did – as there will be hot, sweaty trains stuffed with people…it’s incredibly worth it.
Rioggamore in Cinque Terre; July 2018
The mixture of vibrant and pastel colored houses sitting on the jagged, grey cliffs is unlike anything else I’ve ever seen. Do yourself a favor when you’re there, and like Lake Garda – hop on a speed boat, so you can get a view like this:
🇮🇹🌊 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre 🌊🇮🇹
Explore All Five Villages
One of the best things to do in Cinque Terre is to explore each village and experience their completely different personalities. From the low-key atmosphere of Riomaggiore to the waterfront charm of Vernazza, each stop feels like its own little destination.
Relax in Monterosso al Mare
Head to Monterosso al Mare if you want beach time and a more relaxing side of Cinque Terre. It is the best village for swimming, lounging beside the water, and enjoying a slower day along the Italian coast.
Eat Seafood in Manarola
Manarola is a beautiful place to stop for seafood, local wine, and classic Italian coastal views. Wander through the colorful streets before sitting down for a meal overlooking the water.
Photograph Sunset in Corniglia
The third village, Corniglia, is sunset photography heaven. Its elevated position gives you gorgeous views over the coastline, colorful villages, and the surrounding teal water as the sky begins to change.
View of Manarola in Cinque Terre from Speed Boat; July 2018
Travel Time from Florence: Around 3 hours by train
Best for Travelers Like This: Adventurous photographers, seafood lovers, and people who gravitate towards village hopping – similar to the ones alongside the French Riviera.
Pro Tip: Beware that it gets really crowded and hot in Cinque Terre in the summer, so hydrate accordingly and be ready for sardine-in-a-can-like trains. Also, if you visit Cinque Terre and stay in the nearby city La Spieza – I recommend starting at the top and working your way down to Riomaggiore
3. San Marino
A tiny little independent state about 3 hours away from both Florence and Venice, San Marino is one of those underrated places in Italy that’s just too cute for words.
With the option to sit down and have your bucket list Italian bites, to walk all the up to San Marino Fortress for the view, or to stroll through the streets and shop the small boutiques – the honest charm of this town will be sure to get you good.
You won’t want to miss this underrated view in Italy – it’s really a panoramic sight to be seen.
View from the top of San Marino Fortress; July 2018
It makes for the perfect, simple city to write and catch a breath of fresh air in – with a stunning panoramic park with a picture-perfect background to journal or simply have a backdrop for your thoughts to wander against.
🇸🇲🏰 Best Things to Do in San Marino 🏰🇸🇲
See the Views From the Fortress
Head up to the San Marino fortress for some of the most incredible views in the country. From this high above the surrounding landscape, you can look out over miles of rolling green Italian countryside and get some seriously beautiful photos.
Shop the Little Boutiques
Make time to wander through San Marino's little boutiques and shops. I bought the cutest denim dress here that I still wear almost ten years later, so don't overlook the shopping while you're exploring the historic streets!
Dine With Countryside Views
Sit down for a meal overlooking San Marino's gorgeous rolling hills and surrounding countryside. Yes, dining here can be on the pricier side, but having amazing Italian food with views like these makes it so worth it.
Visit the Basilica of San Marino
Stop by the Basilica of San Marino while exploring the historic center. It's one of the country's most important landmarks and an easy addition to a day of wandering through San Marino's beautiful old streets.
Pizza in San Marino. There are great, authentic restaurants in San Marino that won’t be crawling with tourists like Rome. When here, try the pizza – this region is known for making thinner and flatter crusts!
Travel Time from Florence: Around 3.5 hours by train or 3 hours by car
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love picturesque towns surrounded by mountains and a “middle of nowhere” hidden gem feeling, San Marino will be a dream come true for you.
Pro Tip: Be sure to visit the panoramic view of San Marino before it gets too crowded. It’s really the highlight of visiting this underrated place in Italy, and would be a shame if you couldn’t fully enjoy it with loads of people trying to take pictures just like you!
4. Verona
My mom thought that Verona was “the same thing over again”, but honestly – I disagree. I think Verona was one of the more charming and romantic places we saw in Italy.
View of clock tower in Verona, Italy; July 2018
Just over an hour by train away from Milan, Verona encapsulates the best of Italy’s old architecture, Italian dining, and market exploring – with a unique history that isn’t as conspicuous in other places in Italy.
Remember, Verona was founded all the way back in the 1st century BCE – having once served as a military stationary point. Later on, Verona’s personality grew under medieval rule – helping to carve a rich Renaissance architecture that is still recognized on the streets of the city today.
🇮🇹💕 Best Things to Do in Verona 💕🇮🇹
Visit Arena di Verona
Stop by the Arena di Verona, one of the city's most impressive historic landmarks. The massive Roman amphitheater sits right in the heart of Verona and is a must-see if you love ancient architecture and history.
See Juliet's House & Wall of Love
You can't go to Verona without embracing its romantic side! Visit Juliet's House and stop by the famous Wall of Love, where travelers from around the world leave behind messages about love.
Explore the Markets in Città Antica
Wander through Città Antica and explore the amazing local markets filled with fresh fruits, spices, local products, and more. It's one of the best places to slow down and soak up the everyday atmosphere of Verona.
Stroll Through Centro Storico
Spend some time simply walking through Verona's Centro Storico. Between all the shopping, beautiful architecture, and picturesque little streets, it's the perfect part of Verona to explore without much of a plan.
Travel Time from Milan: Just over an hour by train (usually around 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Best for Travelers Like This: If you like Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, and the “arena” like architecture found in other cities like Rome and Arles – you’ll fall head over heels for Verona.
Pro Tip: If you love tiramisu, Verona is the best place to try it in Italy – as this is the region where the beloved coffee-like dessert was created. You’ll find a good bite of it in nearly any café or restaurant in Verona.
5. Turin
Having some of the most beautiful plazas I have seen in all of Europe, Turin encapsulates some of the best of Italy in a much more local light.
From friendly locals, painting-like views from mountains or towers, and local cafés to discover – Turin is a much better taste of local Italian life than its other major cities can provide.
View of Turin, Italy; October 2023
🇮🇹⛰️ Best Things to Do in Turin ⛰️🇮🇹
Take a Half-Day Trip to Superga
Take a half-day trip outside of Turin to visit the Basilica of Superga. Sitting high above the city, it's a beautiful escape from central Turin and a great way to see a completely different side of the area.
Visit the Mole Antonelliana
Visit the Mole Antonelliana, one of Turin's most recognizable landmarks. Its distinctive architecture makes it one of those buildings you really have to see with your own eyes while exploring the city.
Explore the Royal Gardens & Plazas
Spend some time wandering through Turin's Royal Gardens and surrounding plazas. They're perfect for slowing down, enjoying the architecture, and experiencing Turin's beautiful and surprisingly peaceful atmosphere.
Wander Through Turin's Piazzas
Explore as many of Turin's gorgeous piazzas as you can. Some of them are among the most beautiful I've seen in Europe, but without the massive crowds you'll find elsewhere since Turin still isn't nearly as touristy as other Italian cities.
Travel Time from Milan: High speed trains are under an hour, whereas traditional regional trains from Milan to Turin are closer to and hour and a half
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love mountainous countries like Switzerland, love quieter cities with gorgeous plazas and a great mix of modern and old architecture – Turin is truly the perfect place in Italy for you.
Pro Tip: Try to book your tickets for the Mole Antonelliana Tower in advance. I went to Turin during shoulder season in October, and tickets were sold out even then. Also, I highly recommend visiting Turin in the fall, as its orange rooftops and architecture pair beautifully with the auburn colors associated with the season.
6. Sorrento
As someone who grew up watching Switched at Birth, I was pretty stoked when I visited Sorrento – and was pleasantly surprised with just how pretty and underrated this place in Italy really was.
View of Gulf of Naples from Sorrento, Italy; July 2018
Hugging the water with a port-style feel and no lack of quintessentially colorful, cobblestone European charmed streets – Sorrento has all of the things people look for when they look for a summer escape to Italy or Europe as a whole: water, a cute town, and amazing food.
🇮🇹🍋 Best Things to Do in Sorrento 🍋🇮🇹
See the Gulf of Naples
Head to Piazza Gargiulo for beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples. Sorrento's location high above the water gives you incredible views of the coastline and that picture-perfect southern Italian scenery.
Eat Some Seriously Good Pizza
You're incredibly close to Naples, where Neapolitan pizza was born, so take advantage of it! Sorrento is the perfect place to sit down for fresh Italian pizza while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of southern Italy.
Stroll Down Corso Italia
Wander down Corso Italia for amazing cafés, shopping, colorful town vibes, and little peeks of the ocean as you explore. It's one of the best places to simply stroll around and soak up the atmosphere of Sorrento.
Watch Sunset From Villa Comunale
Head to Villa Comunale Park around sunset for gorgeous views over the water. I have to admit, some of the best sunsets I saw in Italy were during our stay in the Sorrento region!
Travel Time from Rome: Around 4.5 hours by train or 3 hours by car
Best for Travelers Like This: If you want a quieter taste of local Italian life and to be port-side with easy access for day trips in Italy like Capri or Naples, Sorrento is a great place to base yourself in the surrounding area.
Pro Tip: Be sure to eat pizza while in this region of Italy, as you’ll be sure to get true-to-its-core Neapolitan-style pizza. Trust me, out of all the places I have traveled to in Italy – this was probably some of the best pizza I’ve had in the country.
7. Lake Braies (Dolomites)
I have to be honest: I haven’t been the Lake Braies in the Dolomites yet – but it has been on my travel bucket list for the longest time for good reason.
Known for its unmatched, mountainous beauty – the Dolomites are a mountain range in Northeastern Italy with cinematic cliffs, too-tall-for-words mountains, and luscious green hills.
It’s popular amongst active travelers, but it also seems like a gorgeous place for avid photography lovers such as myself to get as close to heaven as they can.
🇮🇹🏔️ Best Things to Do in the Dolomites 🏔️🇮🇹
See the Iconic Lake Braies
Head to Lake Braies for one of the most iconic views in the Dolomites. If you're coming for photos, be sure to arrive early, around 6 AM, before the crowds arrive so you can enjoy those famous mountain and lake views in peace.
Go Hiking
Take advantage of the Dolomites' incredible hiking routes for some of the best mountain scenery in Italy. Whether you're looking for an easy walk or a longer hike, getting out on the trails is one of the best ways to experience the region.
See Val di Funes
Head to Val di Funes for those picture-perfect Dolomites views, with rolling green valleys sitting beneath dramatic mountain peaks. It's one of the most beautiful places in the region for scenery and photography.
Stay at a Spa Resort
Enjoy one of the nearby spa resort hotels for the ultimate relaxing mountain and lakeside getaway. After hiking and exploring all day, there's really no better way to enjoy the peaceful side of the Dolomites.
Travel Time from Venice: Just around a three hour car ride – there’s public transportation to get to the Dolomites, but it’s long and tedious (meaning a car is best recommended for this journey).
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love hiking, mountain views, and don’t mind a bit of a more adventurous road trip (think like the Isle of Skye or driving the South Island in New Zealand) – the Dolomites is the exact underrated adventure in Italy you’ve been searching.
Pro Tip: Visiting the Dolomites in the peak of a summer is a big pass, as it’s overcrowded and takes the joy out of the, what’s supposed to be, a serene and stunning atmosphere. That being said, the Dolomites are best for shoulder season travel – such as between April and May or September and October.
8. Lake Como
When on the train from Lucerne to Milan years ago, I remember passing through Lake Como – and the first thought my mom and I had was, “wow, that’s pretty”!
My dad always said that is friend called Como the “Lake Tahoe of Italy” – but I don’t really agree. It’s more like Italy meets Switzerland in the best way: with scintillating lakeside views like Switzerland and the delicious cuisine and warmth found in Italy.
🇮🇹🌊 Best Things to Do in Lake Como 🌊🇮🇹
Explore Colorful Varenna
Head to Varenna for some of the most colorful and picturesque views around Lake Como. Between the waterfront, colorful buildings, and mountains rising behind the lake, it's an amazing place to simply wander around and take photos.
Experience Bellagio
Visit Bellagio for those classic Lake Como vibes you've probably seen in photos. With its beautiful waterfront, narrow streets, cafés, and elegant atmosphere, this is the place to go for the quintessential Lake Como experience.
Escape the Crowds in Menaggio
Spend some time in Menaggio if you're looking for a quieter and less touristy day around Lake Como. You still get the beautiful lakeside views and Italian town atmosphere, but without quite as much of the tourist chaos.
Stay at a Spa Hotel
Lake Como is an amazing place to splurge on a spa hotel and simply relax beside the water. Similar to the Dolomites, the incredible mountain scenery makes this one of those places where staying somewhere beautiful can be part of the experience itself.
Travel Time from Milan: Just an hour by train from Milan, but could be closer to an hour and a half depending on where near Lake Como you end up staying
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love vacations like renting out your own private cave-hotel in Santorini, you’ll probably enjoy the isolated and tranquil vibe found in Lake Como.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a massive Europe railway trip, this is one of the easiest ways to touch base in Italy – as Lake Como is a mere 1 hour train ride away from Lugano in Switzerland.
9. Siena
On my first trip to Italy, I was ecstatic to finally see the skinny trees of Tuscany with my own eyes – and Siena was the postcard perfect place to make it happen.
View of Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy; July 2018
Back in the day in the 13th century – Siena was in tough competition with Florence, as each city would compete against its architecture and rich history.
Personally, I thought Siena was the perfect Italian city to people watch chaos – as it has an adorable little city center, but is a short drive away from some of the most beautiful vineyards I have ever seen (and I live in France)!
🇮🇹🍷 Best Things to Do in Siena 🍷🇮🇹
Go Wine Tasting in Val di Pugna
Head out to Val di Pugna for wine tasting surrounded by those classic Italian countryside views. Think rolling green hills, family vibes, plenty of wine, and lots of laughs. It's the perfect way to experience the Tuscan countryside outside of Siena.
People Watch in Piazza del Campo
Grab lunch around Piazza del Campo and spend some time people watching in the heart of Siena. The huge medieval square is surrounded by beautiful architecture, cafés, and plenty of activity, making it one of my favorite places to simply sit and soak up the city.
Visit Siena Cathedral
Stop by the stunning Siena Cathedral while exploring the historic center. Between its striped marble exterior, intricate details, and dramatic architecture, it's easily one of the most beautiful landmarks to see during your time in Siena.
Climb Torre del Mangia
Climb to the top of Torre del Mangia for incredible views over Siena. From above, you can see the city's terracotta rooftops, Piazza del Campo, and the beautiful Tuscan countryside stretching out beyond the historic center.
Travel Time from Florence: 2 hours by train, and only 1 hour by car
Best for Travelers Like This: If you’re looking for easy day trips to movie-perfect Tuscan skinny trees, vineyards for miles with impeccable wine tasting, and old slightly medieval-styled cities with a splash of color (almost like a mini Valencia) – you’ll really enjoy Siena.
Pro Tip: I would recommend visiting Siena earlier in the day before it gets too crowded with people, and capping off your trip to one of the vineyards outside of the city – my favorite that we visited was Val di Pugna.
10. San Gimignano
If you’re in the mood for some dramatic scenery, San Gimignano is the underrated place in Italy you’ve been scouring the internet for.
Panoramic view of San Gimignano, Italy; July 2018
Although it’s very quiet, the atmosphere in San Gimignano is a wonderful break from the rest of Italy – which is often chaotic in a charming way. But this hidden gem in Italy just leaves charm and the taste of sweet gelato on your tongue on the table.
🇮🇹🍦 Best Things to Do in San Gimignano 🍦🇮🇹
Get Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli
You absolutely have to stop at Gelateria Dondoli for some seriously amazing gelato. The award-winning gelateria is one of San Gimignano's most famous stops, and with so many unique flavors to choose from, it's well worth waiting in line.
Explore Piazza Pecori
Wander through Piazza Pecori while exploring San Gimignano's historic center. Between the old stone buildings, tiny streets, and medieval atmosphere, this entire part of town feels like you've stepped back in time.
Enjoy the Views Near Giardino Bistrot
Head toward Giardino Bistrot for some seriously beautiful views over the surrounding Tuscan countryside. It's the perfect area to slow down and bask in the rolling green hills that make this part of Italy so ridiculously picturesque.
Climb Torre Grossa
Climb Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano, for panoramic views over the medieval town and surrounding Tuscan countryside. If you're a photography lover, this is easily one of the best viewpoints in town.
Try Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Try a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the local white wine produced around the town. With vineyards surrounding San Gimignano in practically every direction, wine tasting is an easy way to add even more classic Tuscany vibes to your day.
Travel Time from Florence: Only a one hour car ride from Florence, you can take public transport but it would take several hours as San Gimignano is relatively remote
Best for Travelers Like This: If you want to feel “in the middle of nowhere” in Italy with no crazy tourist screams and simple, classic beauty with a low-key town and are a die-hard fan of gelato – then San Gimignano is the place for you.
Pro Tip: Try to visit the famous gelato shop, Gelateria Dondoli, as early as possible. We literally stood in line before 9am, and while it may seem on the early side for a scoop of rich gelato – it’s the easiest way to make sure you get to try it in the first place.
Grilled Eggplant. There’s always veggies at Italian places for when your’e sick of the pasta and pizza!
Have more questions about underrated places in Italy?
My FAQ table below will answers all the questions you have about visiting hidden gems across the country.
🇮🇹✨ Visiting Italy FAQs ✨🇮🇹
Just one of the many charming streets in San Marino
And there you have it! 10 places in Italy that I think are extremely underrated and worth a visit for your next trip.
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Last updated: August 6, 2026