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!