12 Amazing Hidden Gems in Italy Only Locals Know About

Italy ambushed me with beauty in ways I never expected. Everyone knows about Rome and Florence, but when I ventured to towns like Matera with its ancient cave dwellings and Orvieto perched dramatically on volcanic rock, I discovered a completely different Italy. The kind that makes you wonder why you wasted so much time in the packed tourist hotspots.

From the jaw-dropping coastline of Puglia to the vineyard-covered hills of Piedmont, Italy hosts some of the best places in Europe for food lovers and architecture buffs alike. After three extended trips zigzagging through the country by train, rental car, and yes, even a vintage Vespa one terrifying afternoon, I’ve finally assembled this list of 12 spectacular spots that deserve your attention more than that thousandth photo of the Colosseum.

Best Things to Do in Italy

Looking to explore hidden gems in Italy? From the stunning landscapes of Civita di Bagnoregio to the serene beauty of Lake Orta, Italy is packed with hidden treasures.

Stroll through the charming streets of Matera, marvel at the natural beauty of Cascate del Mulino, or explore the historic charm of Ravenna. Whether you’re into nature, history, or vibrant towns, here are 12 of Italy’s most breathtaking hidden gems!

1. Civita di Bagnoregio

Ever dreamed of living in a village that’s literally vanishing before your eyes? Italy’s most endangered town delivers drama at every turn.

Perched atop a crumbling plateau in northern Lazio, this medieval village seems to float above the valley like a mirage. The only access is a dramatic 300-meter pedestrian bridge that delivers you into a time capsule of stone archways and centuries-old homes.

While most visitors come for the day, staying overnight in Antica Locanda reveals the true magic when tour buses depart. Morning coffee at Piazza San Donato offers sweeping views of the surrounding badlands. I’ve never seen such a precarious yet persistent settlement anywhere in Europe.

Just an hour north of Rome, Civita rewards explorers with authentic trattorias like Alma Civita, where wild boar pappardelle pairs perfectly with contemplating the village’s inevitable fate – gradually eroding back into the valley from which it rises.

2. Valle d’Itria

Want to sleep in a fairytale stone cone house that stays naturally cool even during scorching Italian summers? Welcome to trulli country.

Tucked between Bari and Brindisi in Puglia’s heartland, Valle d’Itria captivates with its concentration of cone-roofed trulli houses dotting verdant countryside. The white-washed town of Locorotondo offers the perfect starting point, with its circular historic center and panoramic viewpoints.

Nearby, Alberobello boasts the densest collection of these unique limestone dwellings, though smaller hamlets like Cisternino reveal more authentic experiences. Visit Masseria Il Frantoio, a 500-year-old farmhouse where olive oil tastings showcase flavors unique to this microclimate.

The valley’s narrow country roads reveal family-run vineyards producing crisp Verdeca wines. What makes this region special is how seamlessly traditional rural life continues among fairytale structures that have stood for centuries.

3. Castelluccio di Norcia

Imagine standing amid a natural kaleidoscope where millions of wildflowers transform mountain plains into nature’s most spectacular canvas. This is Italy’s secret answer to the Netherlands’ tulip fields.

High in Umbria’s Monti Sibillini National Park sits a village that seems painted onto the landscape. From late May through July, the plains below Castelluccio explode in what locals call La Fiorita, where crimson poppies, yellow rapeseed, and purple violets create a patchwork quilt of color.

The tiny stone village, perched at 1,452 meters, offers unparalleled views from Bar Monte Vettore, where shepherds fuel up before tending their flocks. While damaged by earthquakes, Castelluccio’s spirit endures through producers of the prized Lenticchie di Castelluccio—tiny lentils with IGP protection.

Hiking the ridge of Monte Vettore reveals why this isolated community persisted for centuries despite harsh conditions. The harmony between settlement and nature feels almost mystical at sunset.

4. The Ghost Town of Balestrino

How often can you wander through an authentic Italian ghost town that looks straight out of an apocalyptic film set? Here’s your chance to explore urban ruins without another tourist in sight.

Just inland from the Ligurian coast near Savona, this abandoned medieval hamlet clings to a hillside, its empty stone structures telling stories of lives hastily left behind. Deemed unsafe due to geological instability in the 1950s, residents relocated downhill, leaving the original settlement frozen in time.

The atmosphere in narrow alleys between crumbling walls creates an eerie yet photogenic landscape that has attracted filmmakers. Hike up to the imposing Castello Del Carretto for sweeping views from abandoned rooftops to the Mediterranean beyond.

The newer town below serves exceptional regional cuisine at Trattoria Da Gin, where anchovy-stuffed vegetables hint at both mountain and maritime influences in this forgotten corner of Liguria.

5. Porticciolo

Ready to experience the Sardinia of your dreams without the yacht club prices or pretensions? This tiny fishing village delivers Caribbean-blue waters without the need for a millionaire’s budget.

This tiny fishing harbor on Sardinia’s wild northern coast offers the perfect antidote to the island’s glitzier destinations. Tucked between Alghero and Stintino in the Porto Conte Regional Park, Porticciolo’s single crescent beach features crystal water in impossible shades of blue.

The shallow, protected bay makes it ideal for families, while surrounding macchia scrubland harbors hidden coves accessible only by boat or trail. Book a room at Residence Porticciolo or arrange a boat excursion with local fishermen from the small pier.

The beachfront kiosk Chiringuito serves perfect seafood panini and cold Ichnusa beer. I love how this place retains authentic Sardinian character despite being just 20 minutes from Alghero’s airport.

6. Tropea

Ever stood on a cliff edge while gazing down at water so turquoise it seems Photoshopped, with a medieval town at your back? Calabria’s coastal jewel offers exactly this surreal juxtaposition.

Balanced on dramatic sandstone cliffs above Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, Tropea delivers one of Italy’s most jaw-dropping seascapes. The historic center sits 50 meters above pristine beaches, creating a striking contrast between golden sand and medieval architecture.

The island sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola stands on its own rocky outcrop, accessible by stone staircase and offers spectacular sunset views. While popular with Italians, Tropea remains authentic, with family-run spots like Gelateria Tonino serving unique red onion gelato.

Cobblestone streets lead to panoramic terraces where trattorias like Il Convivio serve ‘nduja-spiked pasta with views stretching to Sicily and Stromboli. The perfect day ends with a spritz at Bar Tropea as the setting sun gilds everything in sight.

7. Procida

Looking for Positano’s rainbow palette without the designer prices and selfie sticks? This technicolor fishing island delivers authentic coastal charm that Instagram filters can’t improve upon.

While nearby Capri draws crowds, this tiny island in the Bay of Naples rewards visitors with a kaleidoscope of pastel-hued fishing houses tumbling down to crystalline waters. Just 4 square kilometers, Procida packs authentic coastal charm into a walkable paradise.

The medieval village of Terra Murata crowns the island, offering breathtaking views from its fortress walls across to Vesuvius. Below, Marina Corricella presents the quintessential Mediterranean fishing harbor—weathered boats, drying nets, and restaurants like La Lampara, where seafood goes from sea to plate in hours.

Wander to Pozzo Vecchio Beach, where scenes from “Il Postino” were filmed. I found Procida’s lack of pretension remarkable—here, fishermen still mend nets while neighbors chat across narrow alleys.

8. Val Grande National Park

Need a digital detox where your phone genuinely won’t have service? Italy’s wildest national park offers soul-resetting wilderness just 90 minutes from Milan’s fashion frenzy.

Italy’s largest wilderness area hides in plain sight, just 90 minutes from Milan. This impenetrable mountain landscape in Piedmont was abandoned by farmers decades ago, allowing nature to reclaim ancient settlements. The rewilded terrain creates Italy’s closest approximation to true wilderness, with wolves and golden eagles returning to steep valleys.

Begin your exploration in Intragna, where the Ecomuseo delle Terre di Mezzo provides essential orientation before you venture into the backcountry. Serious hikers can try the challenging route to Alpe Pian di Boit, a restored mountain refuge in the park’s heart.

For less demanding excursions, the trail from Cicogna to Pogallo follows ancient paths between abandoned villages reclaimed by forest. The relative inaccessibility allows you to hike for hours without encountering another soul—a rarity in densely populated Italy.

9. Lago di Tovel

Ever swim in a lake that once turned blood-red every summer? This mysterious alpine jewel in the Dolomites offers crystal waters with a fascinating scientific backstory.

Nestled in Trentino’s Brenta Dolomites, this alpine lake captivates with deep emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone peaks. Until the 1960s, Tovel was known as “the red lake” for a natural phenomenon that turned its waters crimson each summer – a spectacle now vanished due to environmental changes.

Today, pristine waters reflect perfect mirror images of Cima Uomo and surrounding mountains. A 4km trail circles the lake, leading to viewpoints and the small Casa del Parco Lago Rosso nature center explaining the lake’s unique ecology.

The brave can take a bracing swim, though temperatures rarely exceed 15°C even in summer. The lake sits within Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, offering numerous hiking options including the trail to Rifugio S. Frizzera where I savored freshly made canederli after a day of exploration.

10. Montemerano

Craving Tuscany without tour buses and selfie sticks? This medieval hamlet delivers quintessential Italian charm where locals still outnumber visitors and aperitivo prices haven’t caught up to Florence.

This perfectly preserved medieval hamlet crowns a gentle hill in southern Tuscany’s less-visited Maremma region. Encircled by intact 15th-century walls, Montemerano unfolds through narrow stone alleys that suddenly open onto Piazza del Castello—perhaps the most enchanting square in all of Tuscany.

Flowering vines cascade from weathered stone buildings while locals gather for evening aperitivo. The unassuming church of San Giorgio houses remarkable Renaissance artwork that would draw crowds elsewhere.

Just outside town, Terme di Saturnia offers natural hot springs cascading down travertine formations where you can soak for free. The culinary pinnacle comes at Ristorante Il Glicine, where wild boar pappardelle and local Morellino di Scansano wines showcase Maremma’s robust flavors that I still dream about years later.

11. Grotta della Poesia

Want to cliff-jump into the same turquoise waters where Bronze Age people carved mysterious messages 3,000 years ago? Puglia’s natural swimming hole combines adrenaline and archaeology in one perfect plunge.

On Puglia’s Adriatic coast near Roca Vecchia lies a natural swimming hole that lives up to its romantic “name—”Cave of Poetry.” Formed by the collapse of underground caves, this perfectly oval pool of turquoise water connects to the sea through underwater passages.

Archaeological discoveries reveal this wasn’t just a stunning natural formation but also an important Bronze Age site where ancient visitors carved inscriptions into limestone walls. Daring visitors leap from the 5-meter rim into crystal waters below, while others enter via natural stone steps.

The nearby ruins of Roca Vecchia contain settlements dating back 2,000 years. After swimming, follow the coastal path to Grotta della Poesia Piccola, a smaller but equally beautiful sinkhole often overlooked by visitors. Arrive early morning to avoid summer crowds and experience the transformative quality of light playing on azure waters.

12. Matera

How about sleeping in a luxurious cave where people have lived continuously since prehistoric times? Italy’s ancient troglodyte city offers the chance to experience 9,000 years of human history with surprisingly good Wi-Fi.

Deep in Basilicata’s remote landscape, this ancient city defies conventional urban evolution. Matera’s Sassi districts comprise thousands of cave dwellings inhabited continuously since prehistoric times, creating one of humanity’s oldest continuously occupied settlements.

Once Italy’s “national shame” for extreme poverty, today these restored cave homes house boutique hotels like Sextantio Le Grotte, where modernist furnishings contrast with thousand-year-old rock walls. Wander the labyrinthine alleys to Casa Noha, which documents the city’s remarkable transformation.

As evening approaches, grab aperitivo at Area 8, overlooking the dramatic ravine. The otherworldly atmosphere has attracted filmmakers needing biblical settings. Despite UNESCO recognition, Matera maintains authentic community life, especially in the upper town where locals share evening passeggiata along Via del Corso.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Italy’s Hidden Gems

Are you looking for more information about where to go in Italy for an authentic experience? Here are some frequently asked questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Italy’s best hidden gems.

What is the most underrated city in Italy?

While Italy is home to many renowned cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, one of the most underrated gems is Lecce. Located in the Puglia region, Lecce is the “Florence of the South” for its stunning Baroque architecture. Its historic center is a maze of narrow streets, dotted with ancient churches, palaces, and a Roman amphitheater. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw away from some of the most pristine beaches on the Adriatic coast.

Where are the best hidden vacation spots in Italy?

Italy is brimming with lesser-known destinations that promise unforgettable experiences. From the serene waters of Lago di Tovel in Trentino to the ancient cave dwellings of Matera in Basilicata, there’s a hidden spot for every type of traveler. For beach lovers, the untouched shores of Polignano a Mare in Puglia are a dream. While history enthusiasts might find the Etruscan tombs in Tarquinia fascinating.

What are some unique things to do in Italy that most tourists miss?

Beyond the usual tourist trails, Italy offers a plethora of unique experiences. You can explore the ghost town of Craco, abandoned due to natural disasters. Or, you can take a dip in the natural hot springs of Cascate del Mulino near Montemerano. For a blend of nature and history, the Valley of the Temples in Sicily offers ancient Greek ruins set against a backdrop of almond trees and sea views.

Are there any secret places to visit in Italy that aren’t crowded?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to escape the crowds, consider visiting places like the town of Bosa in Sardinia, known for its colorful houses and medieval castle. Another hidden gem is the village of Civita di Bagnoregio in Lazio, accessible only by a pedestrian bridge and offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Which hidden gems in Rome are worth exploring?

Rome has its fair share of hidden gems. Beyond the Colosseum and the Vatican, explore the lesser-known Quartiere Coppedè, an architectural wonderland with whimsical buildings. The Basilica of San Clemente offers a journey through layers of history, from a Roman house to a Christian Basilica. For a peaceful retreat, the rose garden on Aventine Hill provides stunning views and a variety of rose species.

Where can I find hidden gems in Milan away from the usual tourist spots?

Milan, known globally for its fashion and design, also harbors some delightful secrets. Venture to the Brera District, where art and bohemian vibes merge, offering a plethora of quaint cafes and art studios. The San Bernardino alle Ossa is a unique chapel adorned with human skulls and bones, providing a different perspective on Milan’s history. For a green escape, the Parco Sempione, behind the Sforza Castle, is a peaceful retreat amidst the city hustle.

What is the best kept secret city of Italy?

One of Italy’s best-kept secret cities is Matera. Nestled in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is unlike any other city in Italy or, for that matter, the world. Here’s why:

1. Ancient Cave Dwellings: Matera is renowned for its “Sassi,” ancient cave dwellings that have been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest living cities. These caves were once considered a national shame due to the extreme poverty and harsh living conditions. However, in recent decades, many of the caves are now cozy accommodations, chic restaurants, and unique shops.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognizing its historical significance and unique architecture, UNESCO designated the Sassi of Matera as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
3. European Capital of Culture: In 2019, Matera was named the European Capital of Culture, bringing it further into the spotlight and sparking interest among travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations.
4. Natural Beauty: The city’s rugged landscape, with its deep canyons and gorges, offers a dramatic backdrop that has attracted filmmakers from around the world. Matera has been the setting for several films, including Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.”
5. Rich History: Beyond the Sassi, Matera boasts beautiful churches, some of which are carved directly into the rock. The museums tell the story of the city’s rich history and evolution.

While Matera is gaining popularity, it still remains less frequented than Italy’s major tourist hubs, offering an authentic and unique Italian experience.

Are there any underrated activities in Italy that offer a true local experience?

For a genuine taste of Italy, consider attending a traditional cooking class in Tuscany, where you can learn to make pasta from scratch. In regions like Piedmont, truffle hunting with local experts is a unique experience that allows you to explore the countryside. For those seeking a spiritual journey, the Cammino di San Benedetto, a pilgrimage route connecting Norcia to Subiaco, offers a blend of nature, history, and spirituality.

Final Thoughts on Italy’s Hidden Gems

Italy has always been a top destination for travelers worldwide. While cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence often steal the limelight, the true essence of Italy lies in its hidden gems. From the ancient cave dwellings of Matera to the serene waters of Lago di Tovel, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the country’s diverse landscape and heritage.

For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Italy promises experiences that are both authentic and unforgettable. Whether it’s exploring a secluded beach in Polignano a Mare, diving into the mysteries of the “Cave of Poetry,” or wandering through the timeless streets of Montemerano, there’s always something new to discover.

As you plan your next Italian adventure, consider including some of these lesser-known spots in Italy in your itinerary. Not only will you escape the usual tourist crowds, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for Italy’s multifaceted charm. After all, the beauty of travel lies in exploration, and Italy, with its endless treasures, is waiting to be explored.