The top 10 tourist-free destinations in Italy

Do you feel like taking a trip through Italy, but can’t stand the crowds of the summer months? Although it’s impossible to find places in Italy completely free of tourists, in this small guide we suggest ten locations from north to south to discover unusual and less frequented destinations. Continue reading and discover with us some real hidden treasures!

The main characteristic of a traveler? Curiosity! Sometimes, however, you don’t feel like going to well-known places that, especially in the summer months, are besieged by hordes of visitors. Even though due to anti-Covid restrictions, summer 2021 promises to be less crowded than previous ones, classic Italian destinations will probably still be very popular.

Want to escape the crowds? With this small guide, we suggest some little-known destinations to reach for a weekend getaway or as a detour from a more classic itinerary. Let’s explore these destinations unknown to mass tourism together!

1. Grinzane Cavour, discovering the Piedmont hills

Does the name of this village in the Piedmontese Langhe bring back school memories? That’s right: Grinzane pays homage to the Risorgimento statesman Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, who was its mayor for almost twenty years in the early 19th century.

The landscape is dominated by the castle of the same name, a medieval residence that can be visited today.

For wine and gastronomy lovers, good news: Grinzane is the perfect starting point to discover this beautiful hilly area.

2. Montisola, the green island in the middle of the lake

Montisola, an island… without the sea! It is located in the middle of Lake Iseo, in the province of Brescia. Inhabited, but impossible to visit except on foot or by scooter, it can be reached with a few minutes by ferry from one of the towns along the lake shores. In 2016, it hosted the Floating Piers installation by artist Christo, a series of floating walkways that allowed you to literally walk on water to reach it!

3. Borghetto sul Mincio, the flowered village where time has stopped

Ready to travel back in time? Head to Valeggio sul Mincio, in the province of Verona: the brick houses with water mills will make you feel like you’ve returned to the Middle Ages, among ancient walls and blooming gardens. Don’t miss the Sigurtà Park in Valeggio, a true botanical garden with mazes, paths, and stunning blooms all year round.

4. Lake Tovel, the mirror of the South Tyrolean mountains

Arriving at Lake Tovel, in South Tyrol, you won’t believe your eyes: a clear body of water reflecting the surrounding forest and mountains! Stunning in summer and breathtaking in winter when the entire landscape is covered in snow, enjoy every corner of this lake by walking along the path that surrounds it: about an hour and a half walk suitable for everyone!

5. Bomarzo Forest, the park where fantasy becomes reality

Also called the “Villa of Wonders” or “Park of Monsters,” the Bomarzo forest is a destination in the province of Viterbo that will leave adults and children speechless! Incredible 16th-century stone sculptures depicting monsters and mythological creatures blend with the park’s vegetation, making every walk a real adventure. Play with children and friends to see who can discover the most hidden inscriptions!

6. Civita di Bagnoregio, the decadent charm of a silent city

In the province of Viterbo, discover a unique village, also known as “the dying city.” Built on a hill, Civita is almost uninhabited and reachable only via a pedestrian bridge. The nickname “dying city” is due to the progressive erosion of the hill, which has caused its isolation and still threatens to make it disappear completely. A unique and special destination not to be missed!

7. Tropea, where the blue of the Calabrian sea fills the eyes

Looking at this photo, don’t you already smell the sea? Welcome to Tropea, in Calabria: a small village perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The beaches are many and beautiful, ideal for sea lovers. In the historic center, get lost among the alleys and streets: sudden views of the blue waters will surprise you from the “balconies”!

8. Matera, the lunar city carved into the rock

Did you know that in Basilicata there is a city entirely carved into the mountain rock? It’s Matera, the city of the Sassi. Once dwellings, they now host museums of period crafts. A place out of time, where you can breathe a special and unique atmosphere.

9. Noto, the beauty and warmth of Sicilian Baroque

Attention, attention: relaxation is finally coming! Noto is a city to visit calmly, so as not to miss any of its stunning Baroque views: the Cathedral of San Nicolò, with its imposing staircase, dates back to the 1700s. Don’t miss Palazzo Ducezio, Villa d’Ercole, and the beautiful Vittorio Emanuele Theater.

10. Lampedusa and Rabbit Beach, where nature reigns supreme

Lampedusa, the island for those who love the wild side of beach vacations! The best way to spend the days is to rent a small boat and discover the hidden beaches by arriving directly from the sea; Rabbit Beach is reachable by land only on foot, via a path, but it’s worth it: transparent water, white sand, and priceless tranquility!