9 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Italy

Visiting Italy, it is easy to spend your time exploring major tourist cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples, but like any other country that heavily relies on tourism, the best cultural experiences are often found in small offbeat towns that are unspoiled by tourist-centric businesses, and globalization, allowing an authentic glimpse into elements that make the county unique. The nine offbeat towns of Italy are a blend of aqua-centric, mountain-based, and historic communities tucked away in remote locations, serving as a rewarding splendor for those who dare to venture out and explore.

From the simplicity of life in agricultural communities like Bra to the secluded Aeolian Islands, follow along to plan your next adventure.

Colledimezzo

The medieval village of Colledimezzo, located in Abruzzonis, is one of the best offbeat towns to explore for its enchanting historic allure that dates back to the tenth century. The town’s name directly translates to “Hill in Between” for its location on a hilltop between higher mounts overlooking Lake Bomba. The town’s top attractions include the Church of St. Giovanni Apostolo, which dates back to the 18th century, the D'Avalos Castle in the historic center, and the lively Piazza del Popolo, where visitors can stay and shop.

At the Church of St. Giovanni Apostolo, visitors can find paintings of the famous Italian artist Tanzio da Varallo from the 17th century, while outdoor adventures are also a significant part of the tourist experience in Colledimezzo with hikeable trails located slightly outside of town like the Inizio Percorso ColleTrail, Fonte di Via S. Antonio, and picnic-perfect spots along Lake Bomba also known as Lago di Sangro. Some of the rated lodging options in town vary from small, cozy historic stays to lavish resorts, with notable names being Tenuta Villa Rosato and Agriturismo Olimpo, a privately owned Vile with stunning scenery.

Lampedusa

Although Lampedusa is an island located at the very edge of the Italian terrain before the North African Coast, it is home to some of the best beaches in Italy, renowned for its white sands and clear waters of the Spiaggia Dei Conigli. Highlights of a visit to Italy’s underrated island include Dolphin spotting tours, endless indulgences in authentic Seafood cuisine, and unforgettable sunsets best viewed from the cliffs of Capo Ponente and Tabaccara Bay. The island is part of the country’s Sicily region and is a common destination for European watersport enthusiasts looking for an exciting scuba diving and Snorkeling getaway. Aside from aqua-centric experiences, Lampedusa is also home to extensive historical heritage.

One of the most notable places to visit is the Dammuso Casa Teresa stone building, which stands out as one of the oldest structures that inherits Arab architectural design utilizing dry stone. More of the island’s historic allure can be experienced by strolling the main street of Via Roma, which is enriched with street vendors, open classic bistros, restaurants, and more. Travelers and tourists can find Exceptional dining experiences at Trattoria Terranova’s family restaurant, famed for grilled fish, the upscale Trattoria La Risacca Lampedusa and Pizzeria, and Taglio Papa Doc for local grub.

Gardone Riviera

One of the best touristy experiences can be found at Gardone Riviera as it balances historic atmospheres with a diverse natural setting of waterfront and mountainous environments. Situated on the west shore of Lake Garda, the town's natural highlights include the Lakefront Promenade, André Heller Botanic Garden, and hikeable mountainous paths. Recognized as one of the most beautiful underrated small towns in Italy, Gardone Riviera also stands out with tourist attractions like the D’Annunzio’s house Vittoriale degli Italiani, the religious Divine Infant Museum, and San Nicolo da Bari church built in 1740.

The picturesque Piazza Guglielmo Marcon is the town’s main business hub, beautified by arches and housing many pubs, restaurants, and more. Some of the most notable dining destinations in the area include Tatà Pizzeria Griglieria, Casa Novecento, and Geco Ristorante. Top-ranked lodging options in town include the central Hotel Du Lac Gardone Riviera, the classy villa of Dimora Bolsone overlooking the waters, and Villa Capri for a luxurious resort escape.

Serdiana

Serdiana, a charming and often overlooked town in Sardinia, presents a slice of the island's rich tapestry. Far from being just another destination, it offers an intimate glimpse into the secluded life on this vibrant island. Known for its wine production, particularly Vermentino and Cannonau, Serdiana invites visitors to explore its vineyards and wineries, which are integral to the local culture and economy. The town is nestled within a landscape that boasts a distinct nature and dialect, setting it apart from the more frequented Sardinian locales. Despite its modest size, Serdiana is rich in cultural heritage, with historic sites like the Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a Bronze Age Nuragic complex recognized by UNESCO, offering a window into the ancient past.

This, combined with the town's proximity to Cagliari, provides a spectrum of experiences from serene countryside to vibrant city life. Local cuisine in Serdiana further reflects the island's culinary diversity, with fresh Italian seafood and traditional Sardinian dishes. Visitors to Serdiana can thus expect a deeply immersive Mediterranean experience that encapsulates the essence of Sardinian life, distinct from the broader Italian context.

Alberobello

Alberobello ranks as one of the most underrated destinations to visit in Italy for being home to trulli homes, Unesco World Heritage structures that date back to 1797. A small village in Bari, Apulia, on the southern side of the country, Alberbello, is one of the best towns in Italy to get a better sense of early life in Italy. The town is divided into two separate villages, one of which features tourist attractions and serves as an insight into the town's history, while the other, named Aia Piccola, is where all the businesses and residential homes are located.

However, history isn’t the only thing that sets this small town apart from other underrated destinations in Italy; cuisine and locally renowned dining spots are also a significant part of the small town's allure. Visit Arte Fredda Gelateria and Focacceria La Lira for some of the best dining experiences, and take a walkable self-guided tour through town and catch scenic views of the town from places like Bar “Rione Monti that overlook the town’s historic gems.

Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands are the ideal destination for those looking to explore the natural side of Italy, featuring once-in-a-lifetime attractions such as volcanoes and more. Located amidst the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sicily, it is a group of small archipelagoes with highlights being Stromboli’s volcano, archeological marvels of Lipari, the island’s main residential island, Cave di Pomice, and the beaches of Salina, which is considered one of the last unspoiled destinations to visit on the Aeolian Islands. Visitors to the islands can find a luxurious escape at Panarea, renowned for its upscale ambiance and resorts, or chase crystal clear waters and white sand beaches that make for an exceptional romantic escape, spending a few days on the island of Salina.

The array of atmospheres allows tourists to enjoy various themes of the offbeat experience and tailoring to their getaway based on personal preference. However, a visit to the Aeolian Islands is incomplete without making a stop at recreational adventures of snorkeling with local tours like Penida Snorkeling & Tour and hiking adventures through some of the best paths like Isola di Vulcano and Giro ad Anello sull'Isola di Filicudi.

Borghetto

The beauty of this small town lies in its medieval architecture and fairytale ambiance, depicted by stone buildings, water mills, and more. Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, Villa Sigurtà, and the Ponte Visconteo bridge stand as some of the town’s most iconic structures, while Giardino Sigurtà Park is a scenic central park that makes for the perfect Instagrammable spot to document memories of your visit. Visitors can also explore the town through local delicacies like tortellini, which is known for love but not for its association with tales of romance. Traditional stays like the Le Finestre Su Borghetto add to the allure of an unforgettable Italian experience, while nature-centric stays like the Le Camere Di Virgilio.

Gradara

A town of castles and rich history, Gradara is one of the best destinations to travel back in time, embracing Italian heritage through architectural remnants. Ranking as one of the more popular and easily accessible offbeat towns in Italy for its Castello di Gradara, the historic city also holds the nickname “Capital of the Middle Ages.” The Open-Air Theatre and Falconry Centre, Gradara Castle, Porta Firau, and Clocktower, along with the city’s olive gardens, are some of the must-see attractions when visiting Gradara.

Popular places to add to your list include the small Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista church and the underground tunnels used during the mysterious Ravenna underground tunnels accessed through the town’s historic museum. With endless dining options, it becomes difficult to pinpoint the best dining experiences in town, yet some of the top-rated restaurants in the area include Ristorante Ai Capitani in Piazza Catullo and Ristorante Bella Venezia tucked along the narrow alleys.

Bra

Finally, Bra, located along Roero Hill, is one of the best destinations to experience countryside living in Italy. It is surrounded by farmlands that embrace the slow life. Home to The University of Gastronomic Sciences, Roero Hills is a lively town that tailors to the young demographic. Piazza delle Erbe, the central Via Gianolio, and the farmers market, where everything from local produce to homemade cuisines is sold, are ranked as some of the best places to visit in Bra.

Insights into historic industries and sectors like the Museum of Mechanical Writing, the Castle of Racconigi, Craveri Civic Museum of Natural History, and Museo del Giocattolo also enhance a visit to Bra. The tourist experience in Bra is also enriched with endless events to catch throughout the year, such as the International Cheese Festival and the Wine and Food Itinerary, which is known locally as the “Da Cortile a Cortile.”

Discover Authentic Italy: Beyond the Beaten Path

To gain a well-rounded Italian experience, one must dive deeper into culture and history and embrace all the country has to offer in terms of natural settings. While major tourist destinations are a must-visit, exploring less popular destinations like the nine offbeat towns to Visit in Italy adds a layer of authenticity and adventure to your Italian journey, making it truly memorable.