Italy's hidden gems

Italy’s Best Kept Travel Secrets

Italy may be famous for its headline acts, Rome, Venice, Florence, but some of its most memorable moments happen off the tourist trail. From hilltop villages and lesser-known lakes to sleepy fishing towns and vineyard-backed countryside, the country is full of hidden gems that offer a deeper, more authentic experience. Think peaceful piazzas, family-run trattorias, and landscapes untouched by mass tourism. Whether you’re swapping Lake Como for Lake Iseo or choosing medieval Lucera over busy Bari, these under-the-radar destinations give you Italy at its most honest, relaxed and flavourful. Read on to discover the destinations, why you'll love them, and everything you need to know about getting there.

Jump to:

Venice >Treviso

Bari > Lucera

Cinque Terre > Bogliasco

Turin > Biella

Lake Como > Lake Orta

Palermo > Enna

Catania > Caltanissetta

Lake Garda > Lake Iseo

FAQs

Instead of Venice, visit Treviso

Often called “Venice without the chaos,” Treviso is a charming canal city with cobbled streets, medieval city walls, and elegant palazzi decorated with frescoes. You’ll still find the romantic waterway views but without dodging cruise ship crowds. It’s the birthplace of tiramisu, and the surrounding Prosecco hills produce some of Italy’s best sparkling wines under the DOCG label. In autumn and winter, try dishes with radicchio rosso di Treviso, a local chicory that gives classic risottos and pasta a unique bite. Easy to reach from Venice, but far less hectic.

Tucked in the Veneto region, just 30 minutes north of Venice by train, Treviso is a compact, elegant city built around winding canals, ivy-clad bridges and fresco-covered medieval palazzi. It feels like Venice’s more grounded sibling, refined but relaxed, romantic but lived-in. With far fewer tourists, you can explore at your own pace and enjoy an atmosphere that’s both historic and distinctly local. Locals commute by bike, markets sell seasonal produce, and evenings buzz quietly with aperitivo chatter. It’s ideal for travellers who enjoy slow strolls, people-watching, and sampling the region’s best food and wine without a reservation weeks in advance.

Things to do in Treviso

• Piazza dei Signori – Treviso’s heart, surrounded by cafes and historic buildings like the Palazzo dei Trecento.

• Buranelli Canal – a photogenic stretch of canal framed by colourful houses and tiny bridges.

• Treviso Cathedral – home to a masterpiece by Titian and peaceful cloisters to escape the heat.

• City walls & gates – walk or cycle the Renaissance-era walls for views across the city.

Getting to and around Treviso

• 30–40 minutes by train from Venice Santa Lucia

• Easy access to the Prosecco Hills and Dolomites for day trips

• Treviso Airport is nearby, served by low-cost airlines from the UK and Europe

Instead of Bari, visit Lucera

Lucera sits inland in northern Apulia and boasts a Roman amphitheatre, a commanding Swabian-Angevin fortress, and layers of Roman, medieval, and Arabic heritage. The food here is rustic and honest, try cavatelli with local sauces, wood-fired breads, and sheep’s cheese aged in caves. Wine lovers can explore the nearby Monti Dauni DOC wine region, known for bold reds. With very few tourists, you can wander the streets freely, chat with locals, and enjoy a slower, deeper experience of Apulian life.

Set among rolling hills in northern Puglia, Lucera is a city rich in Roman history, medieval architecture, and traditional southern Italian charm. Often overlooked in favour of coastal cities like Bari or Lecce, Lucera offers a quieter, more immersive experience. It's ideal for travellers who want to connect with local life, walk ancient streets, and eat incredibly well. Unlike Puglia’s coastal resorts, there’s no rush here – just warm hospitality and a strong connection to the land. It’s also a great base for exploring the lesser-known Dauni Mountains, a tranquil area of olive groves, hilltop villages, and panoramic trails.

Things to do in Lucera

• Roman Amphitheatre – One of the largest in southern Italy, this remarkably preserved site once held over 18,000 spectators.

• Swabian-Angevin Fortress (Castello di Lucera) – Built by Emperor Frederick II, its vast ramparts sit on a hill overlooking the city and countryside.

• Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta – A Gothic-Angevin masterpiece with a peaceful piazza and Moorish-style details.

Getting to and around Lucera

• Around 1.5–2 hours from Bari or 1 hour from Foggia by car or regional train

• Best explored with a car if you want to visit surrounding towns and countryside

Instead of Cinque Terre, try Bogliasco

Nestled just east of Genoa, Bogliasco is a peaceful seaside village with all the colourful charm of Cinque Terre, but none of the tour-bus crowds. It’s a favourite among locals, surfers, and hikers, thanks to its hidden coves, wave-ready coastline, and proximity to scenic trails. The food is a highlight, enjoy freshly fried anchovies, creamy focaccia di Recco, and pesto alla Genovese in waterfront trattorias. There’s a lived-in, community feel here, perfect if you want the Ligurian lifestyle without queuing for it.

Swap the packed hiking trails and selfie-stick crowds for a slower, more local Ligurian experience. Just 20 minutes by train from Genoa, Bogliasco is a colourful fishing village perched on a crescent-shaped bay, with pastel houses, scenic cliffs and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It offers all the charm of Cinque Terre, minus the queues.

Things to do in Bogliasco

• Walk the seafront promenade, dotted with cafés and swimming spots

• Explore quiet coves and rocky inlets, ideal for a dip or some peaceful sunbathing

• Follow local coastal hiking trails with views of the Riviera, without the elbow-to-elbow congestion

• Watch locals cast fishing lines or surf the mellow waves (yes, it’s a surfing hotspot in autumn/winter)

Getting to and around Bogliasco

• Just 20 minutes by train from Genoa Brignole station

• Well-connected to Camogli, Nervi, and Rapallo for easy day trips

• No need for a car – public transport and walking will do the trick

Instead of Turin, try Biella

Biella is a foothill city in northern Piedmont, ideal for anyone craving nature, culture and food without the tourist buzz. Visit the Sacro Monte di Oropa, a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage site with alpine views. The cuisine is hearty and mountain-led from polenta concia (melted with butter and local cheese), and rich toma cheese, to artisanal honey from nearby meadows. Biella has long been Italy’s capital of high-end wool production, supplying fabrics to luxury fashion houses like Zegna and Loro Piana. You can visit textile outlets, heritage mills, and artisan studios, many of which still operate with traditional methods. This focus on craftsmanship also extends to food, hospitality and everyday life. Biella is a perfect slow-travel stop for those who like their holidays off the radar.

Tucked into the alpine foothills of northern Piedmont, Biella offers a quiet, elegant alternative to the bustle of Turin. This under-the-radar city combines natural beauty, spiritual heritage and artisanal tradition, making it a dream for slow travellers and culture lovers alike. It’s surrounded by mountains, vineyards and historic sanctuaries and yet it remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism.

Things to do in Biella

• Visit the Sacro Monte di Oropa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred pilgrimage complex set high in the mountains. Wander among chapels, woodland trails and panoramic viewpoints

• Explore Biella Piazzo, the city’s historic upper town, connected by a funicular and full of medieval architecture, noble palazzi and local cafés

• Take a walk or cycle along the Burcina Park Nature Reserve, especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons bloom

• Discover local textile museums and ateliers – Biella is known globally for its fine wool, cashmere and tailoring heritage

Getting to and around Biella

• Around 1.5 hours from Turin by car or train

• Best visited by car if you want to explore nearby valleys and sanctuaries

• Ideal as a base for combining with the Langhe wine region or Alpine hikes

Instead of Lake Como, try Lake Orta

Less than an hour from Lake Maggiore but a world away in feel, Lake Orta is romantic and serene, centred on the atmospheric island of San Giulio and the hillside Sacro Monte di Orta. The cobbled lanes of Orta San Giulio are lined with artisan shops and family-run trattorias serving perch risotto, freshwater fish, and alpine cheeses. No motorboats zipping past, just still water, mountain views and quiet moments. Ideal for couples or solo travellers after charm without the celebrity scene.

Tucked at the edge of the Piedmontese Alps, Lake Orta is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. It's a tranquil, romantic lake with cobbled villages, glassy waters, and not a celebrity in sight. It offers all the charm of Lake Como, but with fewer visitors, more authenticity, and a much calmer atmosphere.

Things to do at Lake Orta

• Explore Orta San Giulio, a charming lakeside town with cobbled lanes, artisan shops and pastel facades

• Visit Isola San Giulio, a tiny island with a peaceful monastery and scenic lakeside walk

• Hike or drive up to the Sacro Monte di Orta – a spiritual hilltop site and UNESCO World Heritage location offering panoramic views and quiet forest trails

• Swim, kayak or paddleboard on the clear, calm waters without dodging motorboats or tour groups

Getting to and around Lake Orta

• Around 1.5 hours from Milan by car, or by train to Domodossola or Novara with a short transfer

• A great add-on to a Piedmont wine region trip, or a peaceful base before exploring Lake Maggiore

Instead of Palermo, visit Enna

Nicknamed the “navel of Sicily” for its central, hilltop location, Enna offers spectacular panoramic views and a slower, more authentic experience. Explore the mighty Castello di Lombardia, wander among medieval churches, and taste piacentinu ennese; a saffron-infused sheep’s cheese that’s unique to this region. Enna is known for its deep-rooted festivals, especially around Easter, which reflect ancient traditions and strong community ties. The food is hearty and sweet, so expect cavateddi pasta, almond desserts, and seasonal local wines.

Enna sits dramatically on a mountaintop in the island’s centre, offering sweeping 360° views of the Sicilian countryside. While Palermo is loud, layered and coastal, Enna is its quiet, soul-rich cousin packed with history, folklore, and traditional flavours, all wrapped in a slower, more contemplative pace. There are strong of Sicilian folk traditions here– especially during Holy Week, when elaborate processions wind through the streets in full medieval regalia. Throughout the year, small festivals celebrate everything from saints to seasonal harvests, keeping Old Sicily alive in daily life.

Things to do in Enna

• Climb the Castello di Lombardia, one of Sicily’s largest castles, with panoramic views stretching to Mount Etna

• Explore the Duomo of Enna, a grand cathedral with impressive Baroque interiors

• Walk to Rocca di Cerere, a sacred ancient rock believed to be a centre for the worship of the goddess Demeter

• Visit nearby Piazza Armerina and the Villa Romana del Casale, home to stunning Roman mosaics (a UNESCO site)

Getting to and around Enna

• About 1.5 hours from Catania or Palermo by car

• Best explored as part of a Sicilian road trip or inland itinerary

• Well connected to nearby towns like Caltanissetta, Piazza Armerina and Agrigento

Instead of Catania, visit Caltanissetta

Sitting in central Sicily, Caltanissetta has long been a cultural crossroads, with visible traces of Arab, Norman and Spanish influence in its architecture and food. It’s famed for traditional torrone (nougat) and almond-based pastries, plus robust ricotta desserts that rival those of Palermo. The city’s Holy Week processions are among the most powerful in Italy. It’s an immersive destination for those seeking real Sicilian life, not just the postcard version.

Centrally located and deeply rooted in Sicily’s layered past, Caltanissetta is a city shaped by Arab, Norman and Spanish influences, offering a warm, authentic atmosphere that feels far from the island’s tourist trails. While Catania buzzes with energy and crowds, Caltanissetta moves to a slower rhythm – filled with local life, traditional sweets, and timeworn beauty.

Caltanissetta feels unfiltered and lived-in, with a strong sense of Sicilian identity. Markets are bustling but not touristy, and the city's architecture blends Arabic design, Spanish baroque, and rural Sicilian touches. It’s also a city of craftsmanship, from traditional confectionery to religious art. And thanks to its central location, it’s an ideal base for day trips to Enna, Agrigento, or the surrounding countryside.

Things to do in Caltanissetta

• Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Nova, home to striking 18th-century frescoes by Flemish artist Guglielmo Borremans

• Explore the Abbey of Santo Spirito, a peaceful Romanesque gem with Norman origins and Arab architectural details

• Wander through Piazza Garibaldi, the heart of city life, framed by elegant palazzi and lively cafés

• If visiting during Easter, don’t miss the Holy Week processions – deeply symbolic and unique to the region

Getting to and around Caltanisetta

• About 1.5 hours from Catania or Palermo by car

• Regional trains available, but car hire gives better access to nearby rural gems

• Best explored as part of an inland Sicily route or cultural escape

Instead of Lake Garda, visit Lake Iseo

Nestled between the better-known Lakes Garda and Como, Lake Iseo is one of Italy’s most underrated lake escapes. It offers all the beauty of its larger neighbours – glassy waters, charming villages and mountain views – but with fewer crowds, more space, and a deeply local feel. Whether you’re sipping wine in a lakeside café or catching a ferry to a quiet island, Lake Iseo is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay a little longer.

Often called the hidden gem of the Italian Lakes, Lake Iseo offers peaceful beauty and an authentic local rhythm far from the crowds of Como or Garda. Take a boat to Monte Isola, a serene, car-free island dotted with olive groves and hilltop chapels, or stroll the waterfront promenades of Iseo and Lovere, where pastel buildings meet calm, reflective waters. The surrounding Franciacorta hills are home to Italy’s finest sparkling wines, best enjoyed alongside lake fish risotto or hearty mountain dishes like polenta taragna. With charming villages, vineyard views and a relaxed pace, Lake Iseo is perfect for slow travel and quiet indulgence.

Things to do at Lake Iseo

• Take a boat to Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe – car-free, peaceful, and full of olive groves, tiny chapels and scenic trails

• Stroll the lakefront in Iseo town, with its cobbled streets, gelato shops and relaxed piazzas

• Visit Lovere or Pisogne, two postcard-perfect villages on the northern shores, full of historic charm and lakeside promenades

• Go hiking or cycling through the Franciacorta vineyards or up into the Camonica Valley, known for ancient rock carvings and Alpine views

Getting to and around Lake Iseo

• About 1 hour from Bergamo Airport or 1.5 hours from Milan

• Well connected by regional trains to Iseo town, or by car for full flexibility

• Easy access to Franciacorta, Brescia and the Camonica Valley

FAQs

What is a hidden gem in Italy?

A hidden gem is a destination that offers authentic Italian experiences, so think local food, rich culture and stunning scenery, without the large crowds found in places like Venice, Rome or Florence. These spots let you connect with the real Italy, at a slower, more personal pace.

When is the best time to visit Italy’s hidden gems?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal. You’ll avoid peak summer crowds and still enjoy great weather. Plus, you'll experience local harvests, food festivals and lower accommodation rates in quieter towns.

Are these destinations good for families?

Yes. Many of these spots, like Lake Orta, Lucera and Bogliasco, offer relaxed atmospheres, spacious piazzas and outdoor adventures that are perfect for children. They’re also generally less busy and more affordable than mainstream cities.

How do I get to these hidden gems?

Most can be reached by regional train or car from major cities. For example, Treviso is just 30 minutes from Venice by train; Biella is 1.5 hours from Turin; and Lake Iseo is around 1.5 hours from Milan. Renting a car gives you more freedom to explore rural spots like Enna or Caltanissetta. Check out each hidden gem above for more detail.

What local foods should I try in these places?

Each destination has its own culinary highlights. Try tiramisu in Treviso, saffron-infused cheese in Enna, fresh lake fish at Lake Iseo, and pistachio-laced pastries in Caltanissetta. These regions often specialise in traditional recipes you won’t find elsewhere.

Are these destinations less expensive than the tourist hotspots?

Generally, yes. Accommodation, dining and activities in lesser-known towns like Lucera, Biella or Rossano are usually more affordable than in cities like Venice or Florence, making them great for budget-conscious travellers.

Can I find NOVASOL holiday homes near these places?

Yes! NOVASOL offers a wide selection of villas, apartments and holiday homes in more rural and relaxed regions of Italy, perfect if you're looking to stay somewhere peaceful but still connected to culture and nature.

See a different side of Italy, without the crowds

Italy’s hidden gems offer a richer, quieter kind of magic, the kind you stumble upon rather than queue up for. Whether it’s a peaceful lake, a hilltop town or a sun-washed fishing village, these off-the-beaten-track spots invite you to slow down, eat well, and experience local life in full colour. While the hotspots of Italy are well worth a visit, if you're looking for beauty without the bustle, let these lesser-known places show you a different side of Italy, one that’s just as unforgettable, with half the crowds.

About NOVASOL

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