Italy is undoubtedly a popular destination if you want to enjoy a memorable stay in Europe.
Venice, Rome, Florence… we all know these popular destinations. But beyond these cities, Italy is a country full of charm, beauty and history, and you don’t always have to visit the tourist destinations to experience it. There are many less crowded cities with a rich history and beautiful landscapes.
So here’s our ranking of the 7 best underrated cities in Italy and, if you’re arriving via the capital, rather than hiring a car, why not consider public transport, for example taking a train from Rome to Naples.
Sperlonga
Sperlonga is a beautiful coastal town located between Rome and Naples. It is about two hours drive south of Rome in the province of Latina. A quieter seaside town, Sperlonga offers Mediterranean relaxation away from the busy cities.
The Tyrrhenian coast offers magical sunsets, with views of the Ventotene and Ponza islands. In Sperlonga, summer lasts six months, so you can always come in October for a seaside getaway. The town can get busy in August when Roman residents need to escape the heat, but it’s not usually crowded with tourists.
Cefalu
Located in northern Sicily, near Palermo, Cefalu is a charming town rich in culture. The area has an Arabic and medieval influence and the architecture is very pleasant. In the medieval quarter, the city’s Duomo is a popular attraction with its cathedral and detailed mosaics.
A short climb up to La Rocca de Cefalu offers panoramic views of the coast and is home to an ancient history. Cefalu also has some of the freshest fish on the market, so be sure to enjoy a night out at one of the local restaurants.
Chieti
North of Rome in Abruzzo, Chieti is a charming town with stunning mountain views in the background. The area is hilly and mountainous with beautiful lakes, so if you like hiking, this is an excellent area to discover Italy’s nature.
The National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo is a well-known museum to visit, which houses the most important Roman artefact in central Italy, the “Capestrano Warrior” from the 6th century BC. The Abruzzo region is also known for its white wine and is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants.
Rimini
With its white sandy beaches and Roman ruins, Rimini is a beautiful city to visit that you might not have thought to put on your list. Rimini beach is one of the longest beaches in Italy, filled with resorts, restaurants and bars to entertain and relax the whole family.
Bologne
Bologna is often overlooked by tourists as a destination despite its rich culture and beautiful historical sites. Bologna is known as the food capital of Italy, so if you are a foodie, this is an Italian destination that should be on your list.
Parme
This charming city in northern Italy is a small riverside town famous for its cheese name, Parmesan. But that’s not all that’s great about Parma. Colourful and picturesque, Parma was built by the ancient Romans in 183 BC. The city once thrived in trade due to its location and still has historic Roman sites worth visiting. Unesco has named Parma as a “creative and gastronomic city”.
Ravello
A coastal town near the Amalfi coast, Ravello offers stunning views. The beautiful cliffside gardens along the Mediterranean make you feel like you’re jumping into a painting. This is the kind of place you want to book a private villa and stay in.
With so many wonders to provide, we can’t list them all, but if you’re looking for a break from the tourist crowds, here are some places you might want to consider.
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