Rome is the first destination that comes to mind when we think of Italy because it is one of the most famous cities in the world, along with Paris and London. Hidden gems are the lesser-known routes in Italy, including the secret small towns, beautiful villages, and islands that are yet to be discovered by tourists that explore the country every year. Italy brims with stunning destinations that most vacationers aren't fully aware of. One great way of discovering these gorgeous places is to hire a car and enjoy Italian road trips. These are the best-hidden travel gems in Italy.
10 Ostuni, Puglia
When exploring Puglia, Ostuni shouldn't miss on the bucket list because it is one of the best-hidden gems in Southern Italy. Also referred to as the white city, thanks to numerous white houses, it is a perfect spot to explore an incredibly unique side of Italy. Some tourists visit this place, but it is still a bit quieter, making it a great destination to relax and unwind. Park somewhere in its adorable old town, and take in the gorgeous views of the white buildings, explore the local restaurants (grab a bowl of pasta), and capture the beautiful memories. Ostuni is full of an unforgettable fun experiences.
9 Bogliasco, Liguria
Bogliasco is incredibly stunning! Located about 10 kilometers (19 minutes) away from Genoa via a train ride, this quiet, lonely small town displays features of a beautiful Mediterranean village. It boasts old churches, colorful buildings, and magnificent pathways that give breathtaking views of the sea. The current construction of Liguria’s capital dates back to the 13th century AD. It has a fascinating history that includes having most of its first settlers as fishermen. Today, while it is one of the lesser visited towns in Italy, it is among the most spectacular destinations, making it worth a day trip from Genoa or anywhere on the western coast of the country.
8 Lake Orta, Piedmont
Located in northern Italy, in the Piedmont region, Lake Orta may not be as famous as Lake Como, but it’s definitely worth visiting. It is a quiet place, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing vacation. Italian lakes are known to be luxury retreats with beautiful landscapes and extremely relaxing. It's no wonder nature lovers, and visitors looking for serene places prefer them over other destinations. Lake Orta is not an exemption. The lake is spectacular and offers a lot of opportunities, including swimming, sailing, dining in one of the seafront cafes, and enjoying the magnificent landscape surrounding the place.
7 Treviso
Treviso is one of the least famous cities in Italy, yet it is brimming with beautiful and unique features that need to be explored. From beautiful cobbled lanes to ancient churches to gorgeous canals to medieval city walls, Treviso is a perfect spot to experience the unique charm of northern Italy. The city's waterway is one of the most impressive things to see in it and would take a day or two of travelers' time. Its location at the edge of the Prosecco wine region makes wine tasting a must-do.
6 Sirmione, Lombardia
Sirmione is a small charming town on Lake Garda, located towards the end of the peninsula. It is certainly one of the most beautiful hidden travel gems in Italy, brimming with magnificent narrow alleys and streets. Towards the end of the town, vacationers will spot numerous gardens, trees, and some of the most impressive villas in the region. This city makes a perfect day trip from destinations like Verona. One of the top places not to miss in Sirmione is the Scaligero Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the city from the tower.
5 Aosta Valley
Aosta Valley might be tiny, but it is one of the most beautiful mountainous regions in Italy, sharing borders with France and Switzerland. Its alpine scenery is one of the most breathtaking and is totally worth visiting. Tourists will find several walking trails and festivals, especially in spring and summer. Most of the festivals are designed to celebrate traditions, some of which date back to the Medieval period. Aosta Valley has a lot to offer, and visiting guarantees unforgettable memories.
4 Matera, Basilicata
Matera is a charming village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located along the cliffs of the Basilicata region. The village features beautiful ancient homes built out of limestone rocks. This village dates back more than 30,000 years, making it the second-oldest continuously inhabited community, after Petra Jordan in Italian history. Vacationers will find several stone dwellings here, proving that the place has seen several centuries pass by.
3 Ponza Island
Since Rome and Naples are only a short distance away from Ponza Island, it is a popular destination among Romans and Neapolitans. Despite being a worthy travel destination for vacationers who want to experience the unique side of the Mediterranean, it is one of the Italian hidden gems. As many people recognize Capri Island more for its beauty, the place is always crowded and costlier than Ponza Island. So, why not enjoy a relaxing getaway on this gorgeous island, away from crowds?
2 Camogli, Liguria
Camogli is one of the most charming Italian seaside villages, brimming with colorful homes, incredible beaches, Italian culture, fantastic Ligurian cuisine, and a scenic natural setting. The destination boasts some of the most delicious seafood. One of the major gems of this beautiful village is its marina, which is home to numerous fishing boats and boats that carry passengers from the village to other destinations in the Gulf.
1 Burano, Venice
Burano is a stunning island in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy, near Torcello. There are more than 100 islands in the region, and Burano, while lesser visited, it is among the most beautiful. The island is actually connected to Venice by regular ferries and can only take 40 minutes from the city. Burano is brimming with colorful buildings, beautiful artisan shops, Burano lace, and more to experience. Taking pictures of its colorful houses is a must-do! Another place to see includes the Leaning Tower of Burano, which is the most iconic landmark after the colorful buildings.