You’ll no doubt have heard of all the famous Italian holiday destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence and the Amalfi Coast. But these well-known places are tourist hot-spots and are usually packed during the summer.
So, where can you go for a summer holiday in Italy if you want to escape the crowds, whilst still taking in the culture, food and beautiful Italian views? Where do the locals go for a bit of rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle?
So, where can you go for a summer holiday in Italy if you want to escape the crowds, whilst still taking in the culture, food and beautiful Italian views? Where do the locals go for a bit of rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle?
5 of the best lesser-known holiday spots in Italy this summer
1. Sardinia
A beautiful island just to the west of Italy, Sardinia is an Italian region with its own sense of independence. Its location means it’s a bit of a hidden gem that’s much less crowded than the Italian mainland. It’s easily accessible by plane and by ferry from Rome and Naples.
For those who like a chilled-out holiday, Sardinia has crystal-clear seas and stretches of sandy beaches to relax on. For those who prefer an active vacation, it has untouched countryside and forests to explore, great diving spots and mountains for hiking, climbing and walking. If you like to see a bit of history on your holidays, the island has plenty of Roman ruins and ancient stone dwellings.
For those who like a chilled-out holiday, Sardinia has crystal-clear seas and stretches of sandy beaches to relax on. For those who prefer an active vacation, it has untouched countryside and forests to explore, great diving spots and mountains for hiking, climbing and walking. If you like to see a bit of history on your holidays, the island has plenty of Roman ruins and ancient stone dwellings.
2. Puglia
Puglia is a southern region in ‘the heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’. It’s filled with whitewashed towns, beaches, ports and harbours. If you’re looking for an authentic place to stay, traditional Puglian farmhouses, known as Masseria, have been transformed into accommodation throughout the region.
The town of Lecce with its beautiful beaches has been dubbed ‘The Florence of the South’, due to its Baroque-style architecture. The Roman amphitheatre, Duomo and Basilica di Santa Croce will also appeal to history buffs.
Alberobello is a town filled with world heritage listed stone buildings, known as Trulli. These whitewashed huts with cone shaped roofs were originally built as houses without mortar to make them easy to take down. Luckily, they’ve managed to last years and have now been converted into restaurants and shops.
The town of Lecce with its beautiful beaches has been dubbed ‘The Florence of the South’, due to its Baroque-style architecture. The Roman amphitheatre, Duomo and Basilica di Santa Croce will also appeal to history buffs.
Alberobello is a town filled with world heritage listed stone buildings, known as Trulli. These whitewashed huts with cone shaped roofs were originally built as houses without mortar to make them easy to take down. Luckily, they’ve managed to last years and have now been converted into restaurants and shops.
3. Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
Ravenna is a Northern Italian town known for music and mosaics. It’s a quieter alternative if you’re interested in the mosaics in Florence or the opera in Venice but don’t want to battle with the crowds. Close to the popular Rimini, with its famous Pink Night, Ravenna offers a slower pace of life. The colourful early Christian and Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna’s monuments, like the Basilica di San Vitale, are UNESCO world heritage listed. There’s a mosaic festival in July and August every year where certain mosaics are opened and illuminated at night. If you’re a fan of opera and classical music, don’t miss the Ravenna music festival in June and July.
4. Conero Peninsula, Le Marche
The Conero Peninsula is popular with the locals. It’s a peaceful holiday spot, ideal for families and couples looking for beaches, nature and a laid-back vibe away from the tourist hot-spots. The area has rugged cliffs, beautiful hill villages and lovely scenery. The large nature reserve, Parco Naturale del Monte Conero, is a must if you’re into hiking and birdwatching.
5. Saturnia, Tuscany
Saturnia is a small spa town in the hills of Tuscany with ancient cobbled streets. It’s a few hours away from Siena, a town famed for its medieval Palio. You’ll notice a slight eggy smell in the air in Saturnia, but don’t let this put you off. Sulphur is all part of the experience! Geothermal activity means Saturnia has natural 37°C thermal baths to laze around in.
For a small town, Saturnia has a big history. It’s said to have been inhabited by the ancient Greeks and the Romans and, in the 1300s, it became a town for outlaws and was destroyed by fire!
For a small town, Saturnia has a big history. It’s said to have been inhabited by the ancient Greeks and the Romans and, in the 1300s, it became a town for outlaws and was destroyed by fire!
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I can help.
As an Italian translator and content writer, I can translate your tourist information or marketing into Italian and ensure it resonates with an Italian audience, grabs attention and persuades people to get booking!
Get in touch for a free translation quote today.