11 less known small towns in Italy

Italy is amazing! If I were to choose a place to live in, it would most probably be Italy, no doubt about it. But not in the crowded touristic cities. Sure, Rome is charming, Milan is stylish, Florence is one of the most romantic places I’ve ever seen, but you won’t see the real deal until you have visited one of these 11 less known Italian cities nobody told you about.

I love being by the sea, and of course, most of them are by it, but not only, because there are plenty of other things that can steal your heart and make you get back to a place over and over again..at least in your mind.

Read all the things worth knowing when traveling to Italy for the first time!

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I will also tell you how to get to each and every one of these towns, where to land, and how to include them in your Italy itinerary, no matter how long or short your trip will be. But before we start, here is some useful information worth having for your trip, no matter where you choose to go in the end. 

Skyscanner – I always use this tool when I search for plane tickets. It works best if I look way in advance, and it is one of the best aggregators you’ll find out there. Get the best tickets here!

 

Discover Cars is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. You will most probably need a car to get to most of these places, especially if you want to keep a schedule. Get your offers here!

 

Rail Europe – The one-stop shop for train travel – the #1 distributor for European TRAIN TICKETS & RAIL Passes, covering over 50 European train companies, including Italy. On top of that, they offer sightseeing products making it, even easier to plan your trip around Italy by train. I always love to travel by train while I’m in Italy, and if you’re in the Nortnern part, chances are it will be even super easy to do so. Get your train pass here!

 

Omio – is another great option and your gateway to trains, buses, and flights. All in one place, but I would suggest using it mainly for trains or buses in Italy.

 

Travel insurance – If there’s one thing we learned in recent times, is that we don’t want to make travel plans without insurance. My go-to travel insurance is Safetywing – it works like a subscription, you can use it within or outside the US, and it offers flexibility. You can sign up even if your journey has started, children under 10 are included for free, and much more. Get the best deal for your travel insurance here!

 

11 less known Italy cities nobody told you about

1. Noli, Liguria 

When you say Liguria most probably one destination pops up in your mind: Cinque Terre. But there is so much more to this province than that. Sure, the 5 little villages will charm you and make you fall in love with Italy forever, but if you are looking for a less crowded place, still small, still by the sea, Noli is where you want to be.

With a rich history, the small and elegant town of Noli, has beautiful beaches, alleyways you can get lost in, and some terraces overlooking the sea where you will want to spend your mornings sipping a good coffee and your evenings tasting a delicious gelato.

The best place to stay in Noli:

Palazzo Vescovile Hotel – offers the most incredible view over the pretty small town of Noli, the beach, and its old buildings. Here is where you’ll also have the chance to indulge in amazing meals at the one Michelin star restaurant. Check it out here!

How to get to Noli

Located in the province of Savona, on the coastline, close to the French border, there are several ways you can get to Noli by car. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any options to get there by train.

• From Turin: rent a car and drive for approximately 2 hours.
• From Genoa – drive along the coast and enjoy one of the most scenic rides, it will take you less than 1.5 hours. 
• From Milan – a short 2.5 hours drive.

 

TIP: Make Bologna your base and travel around Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, and Veneto in the search or some famous Italian destinations, but also some small hidden gems. Find them all in this day trips from Bologna comprehensive list!

2. Trieste, Friuli – Venezia – Giulia 

Moving more to the Eastern part of Italy, stopping at one of my favorite cities (I know I might say that about all the cities in Italy, but who can blame me for that?): Trieste.

This city adopted me for half of the year and showed me the real face of Italy. Here is where I’ve learned how to party, love sunsets by the sea, and do aperitivo like a local (only a few of the things you need to know about Italy). Whenever I close my eyes and think about this place, the first thing that comes to mind is the smell of salty water and the noise of coffee mugs in the morning.

Why you should not miss it if you get the chance? Simply because you will fall in love with its magic and romance. And who doesn’t want to drink a delicious Illy coffee right in the place of origin?

Check out also the best Italy subscription boxes to get directly at your place!

TIP: If you somehow get more time and since you are in the Northern part of Italy, why not extend your trip and head over to the Lake District as well? Why miss seeing the beautiful towns on Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Como?

The best place to stay in Trieste

Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste – Starhotels Collezione – I might be biased when it comes to Trieste, but I think the most amazing place where you can stay is in Piazza Unita’, close to everything and with the sea at your feet. Check it out here!

Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta – Another amazing option for Trieste, the 4* hotel is located in the heart of the city. Wake up and take breakfast in the square with the sun on your face and the sea in front. Check it out here!

The Modernist Hotel – A more affordable 4* hotel with an incredible design and breathtaking views from some of the rooms. Check it out here!

How to get to Trieste

Located on the border with Slovenia, Trieste is easily reached both by car and by train from one of the most important airports and cities in Italy: Venice. 

From Marco Polo Airport in Venice, you can rent a car and drive for roughly 1.5 hours. If you land in Treviso, you will have to add another 20 minutes to the car ride. 

By train, from Venezia Mestre, you will have a direct train that will take you to Trieste in less than 2 hours. From both airports, there are direct shuttle buses that will take you to the Venezia Mestre train station. 

 

3. Portovenere, Liguria

Very close to the Cinque Terre, but still not part of them, Portovenere holds the same charm especially if you come by boat, case in which you will be welcomed by the long line of beautifully colored houses.

Still touristic, the port is a bit more remote than the ones part of the Cinque Terre, since the Cinque Terre Express does not stop here, but you still need to expect plenty of people on the narrow streets.

I really loved our stop here and if I were to go back to this part of Italy, I would most probably search to spend here a few nights, the town is a bit bigger then others in the area, but holding a particular charm.

The best place to stay in Portovenere

Grand Hotel Portovenere – why not choose the best of the best if you get to this hidden gem on the Italian Riviera?  The 5* hotel is not only located on the seafront but will offer a unique experience being situated in a 17th-century monastery.

Villa Bianca – a more affordable accommodation option, in a superb location, with a small outdoor pool, a terrace from where to spend your days in style, and stunning room views.

Read this guide and choose the most charming Airbnb in Cinque Terre

How to get to Portovenere

Part of the Cinque Terre Natural Reservation, getting to Portovenere is a bit more challenging since the Cinque Terre Express doesn’t stop here. However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

• From La Spezia – by car, there’s a 25-minute ride, and you can also take the boat for a short scenic ride along the coast. 
• From Pisa – by car, drive for less than 100 km and less than 1.5 hours. You can also take the train from Pisa to La Spezia and take the boat to Portovenere. 
• From Florence – by car, drive for around 2 hours. You can also take the train from Florence to La Spezia and take the boat to Portovenere. 

4. Finalborgo (Finale Ligure), Liguria

I bet you’ve never heard about this place, I hadn’t either until I took a trip here during our Mediterranean cruise this Summer, and convinced myself Liguria is the place to be (or move) in Italy!

Finalborgo (or Finale Borgo as you might find it), is a small historic, fairy-tale-like town hidden between the hills, but still not far from the sea. You won’t need much time to explore it, but either way, you can still choose to spend a couple of days and take things slow.

If you won’t visit the ancient town with a group, chances are that you will find the empty streets meeting only locals every here and there, making the experience even more unique and novel. Climb the hill following the castle’s wall and you will get to this impressive view.

Best place to stay in Finalborgo (Finale Ligure)

Sant’Antonio – a lovely guesthouse where you will feel the real Italian vibes, and amazing views. Check it out here!

Castelli in aria – a quiet stay in a traditional all-Italian house, with that breakfast you won’t forget. Check it out here!

How to get to Finalborgo

This is another small village close to Noli, thus, you will have to follow the same travel options: getting there only by car from Turin, Genoa, or Milan. 

5. Tivoli, Lazio

Visiting Rome for the first time and do you have more time available? Or even better, you have already been to the Eternal City and you have returned and want more? Tivoli with its endearing Villa D’Este is the perfect place to visit for a day trip (or even half-day) from Rome.

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage, the villa will charm you both on the inside and on the outside with its amazing garden filled with many impressive fountains.

Best place to stay in Tivoli

Casale Colleoni – want to stay in a villa of your own? Live the true Italian vacation, like a local. Just have a look at this place and you will be swept away. See more here!

Regina Bed and Breakfast – extremely centrally located, this place will offer you the best way of not only seeing Tivoli but also Rome on a day trip. See more here!

Antica Villa di Bruto – imagine staying in a place with ruins of a water storage facility beneath the hotel and a roman crypto-portico on the extensive grounds attached to the property. This is one place where you will surely feel like stepping back in time, yet staying in a very well-maintained place. Check it out here!

How to get to Tivoli

Getting to Tivoli from Rome is easy no matter how you choose to go.

• by car – it will take you around 30 minutes.
• by train – depending on the train station you choose to take the train from (Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina), it will take you anywhere between 45 min and 1h and 10 minutes.
• by bus – there are buses leaving from Roma Tiburtina bus stop and will take you there in around 45 minutes. 

Read also: Steal this huge Rome bucket list!

 

6. Martina Franca, Puglia

During our expedition for 4 days in Puglia itinerary, we managed to see so many wonderful Italian towns in a rather short time span.

Puglia is such an incredible Italian region, with so many authentic places, delicious food, and beautiful beaches.

Only an hour away from Bari, Martina Franca is the place you want to go when you are looking for a truly less-known Italian city. It was August when we visited and we still got to explore empty streets, encounter lovely old ladies who greeted us, and take pictures with colorful doors.

Best place to stay in Martina Franca

B&B Trulli Valle d’Itria – yes, you can stay in a trulli home also in Martina Franca, not only in Alberobello. An incredible place, with an outdoor pool and a great location. Check it out here!

LA PETITE MAISON – tucked on one of the narrow streets of Martina France, this cozy welcoming place will leave you wanting more. See more here!

How to get to Martina Franca

Located in the very South of Italy, in the Province of Taranto, you will find it easier to travel around by car. Trains aren’t so well connected in Southern Italy, and buses are not as easy to find. 

However, from Bari International Airport, the car drive to Martina Franca will be just over one hour. 

It is not impossible to get there by train and bus, but it will take you around 2.5 hours. 

7. Treviso, Veneto

Very close to Venice, and the place where most of the low-cost flights land, Treviso is often overseen by tourists heading to the more crowded and touristic town on the canals.

With its historical defensive fortifications still standing today, Treviso makes for a great less known Italian destination to include during your next visit to Northern Italy.

The Ancient walls and gates, the Treviso Cathedral, the beautiful and much less crowded canals, a coffee and some pasta in Piazza dei Signori, are only of the things you can do in a day in Treviso.

Best places to stay in Treviso

B&B Le tre corti – one can’t simply get a better stay than this! I cannot decide what I like most: the elegant design, the location, or the courtyard next to the river. See more here!

LA LOGGIA AL DUOMO – the rooftop terrace is what you will like most, apart from the location and the fact that you will have this whole place to yourself. Check it out here!

How to get to Treviso

Getting to Treviso might be the easiest on the whole list because the city operates one of Venice’s main airports. Thus, you will only have to book a flight to Treviso.

If you cannot find options for this airport, land in Venice Marco Polo airport and take the shuttle bus to Treviso. It couldn’t get simpler than that. 

Read next: The best books about Italy, set in Italy

8. Bergamo, Lombardy

Another destination many pass through without giving it a chance. And I must admit I’ve been one of the many and had no idea about how beautiful Bergamo was until some of my best friends told me they are going to Milan only to see Bergamo again.

If you’re looking for a more romantic destination close to Milan, perched on hills, this walled city filled with cobbler stone streets might be just the destination for you.

Best places to stay in Bergamo

Hotel Excelsior San Marco – that view from the restaurant, the fact that it is perfectly located and offers affordable 4* accommodation.

Relais San Lorenzo – your 5* stay with a rooftop jacuzzi and breathtaking views.

Le Mura Suite – a more affordable yet amazing option to have in mind for Bergamo.

How to get to Bergamo

Another easy option is because Bergamo has one of Milan’s main airports. Thus, land in Bergamo directly. 

9. Vietri sul Mare, Campania

When it comes to the Amalfi Coast everyone has heard for sure about Positano (the crown gem), Amalfi, and maybe Ravello.

But not many will wander around to the far south of the beautiful Italian coastline in search of a smaller, yet amazing hidden spot: Vietri sul Mare.

Since we visited the Amalfi Coast in August when prices are extremely high, we ended up choosing an epic romantic location in Vietri sul Mare. Only a few kilometers away from Positano and all the other pretty villages, Vietri’s center should not be overseen either.

The best place to stay in Vietri sul Mare

Aquaboutique Wellness&Spa – ok, those rooms might look a bit too blue for some tastes, but just look at that jacuzzi with a view. That’s the best price you can get for such a stay on the Amalfi Coast. See more here!

Ancient estate “Il Trignano” – a traditional stay with a garden and the view to die for! Check it out here!

How to get to Vietri sul Mare

You will be able to mix trains, cars, buses, or boats. Bear in mind that when you choose to travel by boat, you will most probably need to take another bus. 

• From Sorrento – you can drive for roughly one hour to Vietri sul Mare, or you can take the train and the bus for anywhere between 1.5 hours and 2.5 hours. 
• From Salerno – 30 minutes by bys, one very short train stop or boat stop, or 15 minutes by car. 
• From Naples – 45 minutes by car, around 1 hour by train (more or less depending on the train).

 

Make these gifts to Italy lovers!

10. Bolzano, Alto Adige

When I was studying in Italy, I used to have plenty of colleagues from this fairytale village in South Tyrol.

Very close to one of the most picturesque mountain areas, the Dolomite Mountains, Bolzano will charm not only the ones looking for adventures but also those of you passionate about photography and zen moments.

The mix of Italian and German reflected in culture, food, language, and traditions won’t let you get bored. The town is so close to Trento, another impressive destination in the Italian Dolomites, that should be part of any Italy bucket list.

The best place to stay in Bolzano

Gloriette Guesthouse – this place! Seriously, you will be lucky to find a spare room, thus plan your stay way in advance. I’ve seen it first at one of my Instagram friends, and I was just wow-ed, and just have a look, I bet you will be as well. Luxury and simplicity at its best, in the heart of the mountains with an infinity pool that offers the wow factor. Check out more here!

Castel Hörtenberg – yes, you’ve read it right, it’s a castle. I mean, who wouldn’t love to spend some nights in a castle at Italy’s border with Germany? A once-in-a-lifetime experience! See it here!

How to get to Bolzano

Even though on the map Bolzano might not look far from most of the important cities in Northern Italy, due to its location in the Tyrol Mountains, getting there will take a bit longer than expected. 

From Treviso – 2h40min or a bit over 3 hours drive depending on the route. The train is not an option because it will take you over 4 hours. 

From Verona  – a 2 hours drive or a little bit over 2 hours by train or bus.

From Bergamo – driving is the best option, and it will take around 2.5 hours. 

Learn all about Trento and Bolzano, and plan your next trip!

11. Syracuse, Sicily

When I visited Syracuse some years ago, I was stunned by the town’s impressive architecture and its ancient ruins. Imposing white buildings stood tall and proud on a dark rainy day

Walking along the restless sea I couldn’t help but fall in love with this hidden village on the Ionian coast of Sicily.

Every building had its strong personality, the Piazza Duomo was triumphant, and I will never forget that strong coffee we had in Piazza Archimede.

The best place to stay in Syracuse

Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel – overlooking the Ionian Sea, right on the seafront, with rooms with outdoor hot tubs on the balcony, this is just a romantic place. Check it out here!

La Via della Giudecca – set in the main square of the Jewish quarter, the property is 150 m from the sea and 5 minutes walk from Siracusa Cathedral. See more here!

How to get to Syracuse

The easiest way to get to Syracuse is to drive from Catania – it will take you less than 1 hour and the road is scenic, along the coastline. There’s also the option to take a bus and a train, or only a regional train, but it will take you around 2 hours. 

From Palermo, it will be a bit harder to get to Syracuse since they are on opposite sides of the island. That being said, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and you will drive for about 3 hours. Getting there by public transportation is not a great option because you will have to change several times and it will take around 5 hours.

Read also: Sicily in winter – the best guide

 

Italy travel resources

• Have less time to spend in Italy but still want to live it up? Spend one day in Genoa on your way to the Cinque Terre. Or stop for one day in Rome on your way to some other amazing destination.
• Take the perfect pictures for your forever memories in these Instagram spots in Positano.
• See a lot more with these fabulous day trips from Genoa.

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