Instead of drowning in the crowds of tourists in Rome or Venice, it’s worth visiting equally fascinating, but less crowded, destinations.
During the high season, the most famous tourist destinations in Italy can be crowded, which creates inconvenience for travelers and locals. The Lonely Planet publication suggests paying attention to less well‑known cities and resorts that can offer more pleasant experiences.
Instead of Venice – Treviso. Treviso is suitable for those who are looking for canals, museums, and gastronomy. The historic center is crossed by canals dating back to the 15th century, and among the attractions are the Church of San Nicolò, the Duomo, and the Luigi Bailo Museum. The author also advises trying cicchetti, drinking prosecco or spritz, and tasting tiramisu, which was invented right here.
Instead of Florence – Lucca. Lucca attracts visitors with its Renaissance architecture and ancient city walls. Lonely Planet recommends taking a walk around Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and visiting the San Martino Cathedral, which houses a wooden image of Christ dating back to the 8th or 9th century. Among the local dishes, it’s worth trying the tordelli lucchese pasta.
Instead of Lake Garda, there is Lake Iseo. Lake Iseo is located between Garda and Como and combines Alpine landscapes, the island of Monte Isola, and opportunities for hiking, cycling, water sports, and boat tours. Nearby is the Franciacorta wine region, known for its sparkling wine produced using the traditional method of bottle fermentation.
Instead of Cinque Terre – Lerici. Lerici, located on the Poets’ Bay, is suggested by the author as an alternative to Cinque Terre. It has beaches, picturesque pastel‑colored houses, and the San Giorgio Castle, and from the pier you can set off for Porto Venere, Palmaria, or Cinque Terre. Among the local attractions, the small bay of La Caletta also stands out.
Instead of Taormina – Scicli. Scicli in Sicily was largely destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, after which the city was rebuilt in the style of Sicilian Baroque. The publication advises visiting the Beneventano Palace, the Church of San Bartolomeo, and the Chiafura cave complex, and for a beach holiday, head to Donnalucata or Sampieri.
Instead of San Gimignano-Urbino. The historic center of Urbino is UNESCO-listed, and the main attraction of the city is the Palazzo Ducale with the National Gallery of the Marche. It features works by Piero della Francesca, Titian and Raphael, who was born in Urbino. The author also recommends walking through the medieval streets and climbing up to the Albornos fortress.
Instead of Alberobello – Locorotondo. Locorotondo in the Itria Valley is included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its compact center consists of narrow streets and white houses, and the town is known for its DOC wine. As the author notes, tourists can stay in one of the trulli (traditional white stone houses with conical roofs) in the surrounding area and use it as a starting point for trips around the region.
Instead of Positano – Cetara. Cetara retains the atmosphere of a fishing town on the Amalfi Coast and is famous for dishes made with anchovies and red tuna, particularly the colatura di alici sauce. Here you can combine walking along the coast with relaxing on the beaches.
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