With its delectable food, scenic countryside and irresistible wines, Italy is the kind of destination where travelers return to over and over again. The awe inspiring art, the mesmerizing architecture and the historic ruins make Italy one of the most enticing countries of Europe. Our Italy travel guide is designed to help you plan the perfect trip to Italy. Your vacation in Italy will take you to some of the world’s most iconic sights – the Colosseum of Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the decaying canals of Venice and many more. Beyond the history-filled sights, you’ll enjoy the rich culture of Italy, its lively cities and the world famous cuisine it has in store for you. However, Italy is best enjoyed at a slower pace. So remember to relax and come back again and again to truly enjoy the beauty and the laid back attitude of this beautiful country. Continue Reading
There are a whole host of reasons that people flock to Italy for their holidays. A combination of great food, rich culture, stunning architecture and the superb Mediterranean weather all go some way to encouraging over 50,000 tourists to visit the country every year.
With tourist-heavy cities such as the capital, Rome, the magnificent city on water that is Venice and the bustling metropolis of Milan, you might ask what else there is to see in this diverse and beautiful country.
If you’re considering a more tranquil holiday away from the tourist hubs, then here are some places that give you everything Italy has to offer, without the crowds.
Italy’s Best Kept Secrets
Lazio
The tourists might be flooding to Rome, but the tranquil setting of Lazio offers fewer crowds, gorgeous scenery as well as authentic Italian cuisine. These beautiful surroundings make it the perfect place to take a leisurely lunch and enjoy the culinary delights of baked fish and delicious cheese boards.
Locals like to relax and unwind in one of the many natural hot springs. For those who like to see the wilder side of Italy, Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve covers more than 7,000 acres of oak-covered forest.
Umbria
Known as the ‘green heart of Italy’ Umbria is famed for its sprawling landscapes and gorgeous countryside. The region is home to some charming medieval towns and rustic villages with the towns of Assisi, Perugia, Arezzo and Gubbio close by where you’ll discover some of the most important art from the Italian Renaissance.
With excellent food, wine and sightseeing, Umbria is the perfect location to relax and unwind away from the crowds, yet still absorb the rich Italian culture.
Abruzzo
Located between the Adriatic Sea and Apennine mountains, Abruzzo is one of the most diverse places to visit. Over a third of the region is home to protected areas or heritage sites, which include Abruzzo National park.
Winter is the perfect time to visit if you fancy hitting the slopes, as there are ski areas in abundance. For a taste of culture, you’ll find castles and medieval towns all over the area, which are generally free from the tourist masses.
There is a diverse range of amazing places in Italy that are almost entirely ignored by tourists who, instead, choose to visit one of the more well-known cultural hubs. With so much of Italy that begs to be discovered, it’s worth thinking outside the tourist box!