10 Secret Vacation Spots in Italy

The Explorateur's favorite less-traveled Italian destination is "a quiet table at Taverna Trilussa in Trastevere loaded with tons of carb-laden food." Dining on deep-fried zucchini flowers and ravioli is one way to get acquainted with this charming neighborhood in Rome. One could also shop for artisan-made souvenirs in the Piazza Santa Maria—a historical Roman square—or get lost in the area's narrow, twisty streets.

"[I] just was in San Gimignano, Toscana—a beautiful place in a wine region!" said TravelWithSome. The historic center of San Gimignano is a designated World Heritage site. The spot was a stopping point for pilgrims heading to and from Rome in the Middle Ages, and it contains 14 extraordinary medieval tower houses built by patrician families who ruled the town in bygone days. After you've gotten your history fix in town, head to the nearby Sovestro in Poggio Winery (it's walking distance from San Gimignano) for a Tuscan wine tasting.

Thecatinthecity recommends visiting the Strada Napoleonica in Trieste, advising, "Take the Opicina tram up. Then come back down for a dip in the Barcola." The Strada Napoleonica, which means "Napoleon Road," is a path that winds up a mountainside to the towns of Prosecco and Opicina above Trieste. One could also forgo the tram and walk, taking in views of the water and the Italian countryside along the way. And don't forget about the dip—Barcola is a beach in Trieste that lies near the bottom of the Strada Napoleonica.

"Orvieto is tops," exclaims derekcooke. Travelers staying in Rome can take an easy day trip to Orvieto, which is about an hour's train ride from the city. The town's got heaps of classic Italian charm: a beautiful cathedral with rose windows, a piazza with outdoor cafes, serpentine cobblestone paths. And beneath it all, there's a hidden underground city to boot. A series of tunnels and caves, built thousands of years ago, lie below the streets of Orvieto.

This Italian island is a popular beach destination. However, according to BBNonnaGavina, "Most people come [to Sardina] for the sea … but the center of the island is just as beautiful." Bypass the troops of tourists and head to the rugged heart of Sardinia, where medieval towns, mountains, and citrus groves abound. At the Giara di Gesturi plateau in the island's interior, one can see the last herd of wild horses in Western Europe galloping free. There's also a World Heritage site, Su Nuraxi di Barumini, set in the Sardinian countryside; this remarkably preserved ancient village was settled during the Bronze Age.

Astounding vistas loom at every angle in this tiny hamlet, which sits atop a mountain overlooking the ocean. Says smartflyer, "Ravello, a small town located on the Almafi Coast, is truly paradise." The greats agree. According to Lonely Planet, Richard Wagner, D.H. Lawrence, and Virginia Woolf have all lingered in Ravello.

Ferrobsan recommends Lake Maggiore, an Alpine expanse of blue surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The region has many popular lakeside resort destinations. However, the area is also abundant with beautiful off-the-beaten-path sites and attractions; these include the Alpinia Botanical Gardens, which overlook the water from the slopes of Mt. Mottarone, and Santa Caterina del Sasso, a medieval church build into the cliffside.

"Cinque Terre has my vote" as the best secret Italian destination, said ACityMouse. This coastal region, which encompasses five picturesque towns, is part of a World Heritage site. ("Cinque Terre" translates to "five lands.") Deviate from the seaside resorts and head inland to avoid the crowds. Cars are banned in the region's quiet villages, but you can get from town to town by train. Or take a stroll on the area's 15th-century footpaths and spy hidden beaches, olive groves, and spine-tingling ocean views along the way.

On our Facebook page, Lee L. vouched for Alberobello, a small town and World Heritage site set in the southern region of Puglia. The village is known for its unique limestone dwellings, called trulli, which are dome-shaped abodes made from limestone. Tourists can crowd Alberobello during the day—especially in the summer high season. But for a less-traveled trulli experience, stay overnight and explore the village in the evening or early in the morning. Travelers can book a stay inside a famous beehive-like trulli; some of them have historical structures that have been turned into guesthouses.

According to AlpanaLDN, "Todi, Umbria, [is a] beautiful town with an adorable piazza for a coffee break [and] irresistible linen shops." This medieval village features a historical main square, the Piazza del Popolo, which is surrounded by a 12th-century chapel and other ancient camera-worthy buildings. Climb the tower of the Church of St. Fortunato to enjoy panoramic views of Todi and the surrounding countryside.

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