Italy. The very name conjures images of Rome’s Colosseum, Venice’s canals, Florence’s Renaissance art, and the colorful cliffs of Cinque Terre. These places are iconic for a reason—but in 2025, a growing number of travelers are seeking something different. They want Italy’s magic without the crowds. They’re choosing the roads less traveled, places where the espresso is still strong, the locals still curious, and the experiences still feel undiscovered.
Welcome to Hidden Italy—a side of the country few tourists see, but many are beginning to crave.
The Rise of “Alternative Italy”
After years of overtourism in hotspots like Venice and Amalfi, both travelers and travel designers are shifting focus to Italy’s lesser-known treasures. These destinations offer:
- Authentic local culture
- Lower prices and fewer crowds
- Untouched nature and traditional cuisine
- A deeper connection to regional identity
It’s not about skipping Italy’s famous cities forever. It’s about balancing the itinerary with places that feel more personal, more peaceful, and more real.
7 Underrated Destinations to Add to Your Itinerary
1. Lecce (Puglia) – The Florence of the South
Baroque architecture, white-washed lanes, and golden sunlight define Lecce, a city in the heel of Italy’s boot. Its churches are masterworks, its pasticciotto pastries are divine, and its vibe is blissfully slow-paced.
Don’t miss: local paper mâché workshops, olive oil tastings, and beach trips to nearby Otranto.
2. Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio) – The Dying City
Perched dramatically on a cliff, Civita is only accessible by a footbridge. Its nickname, “The Dying City,” comes from the constant erosion of the land—but what you’ll find inside is timeless: cobbled streets, stunning views, and near silence.
Don’t miss: an overnight stay in a local B&B to experience its magic when the day-trippers leave.
3. Castelmezzano (Basilicata) – Cliffside Wonder
Nestled in the Lucanian Dolomites, Castelmezzano feels like a secret carved into the mountains. Adventure lovers come for the Volo dell’Angelo (Angel’s Flight zipline) between peaks, but the real charm lies in its warm hospitality and slow evenings.
Don’t miss: hearty mountain food like cavatelli with lamb ragu and homemade digestifs.
4. Ascoli Piceno (Le Marche) – Marble Squares & Olive All’Ascolana
Ascoli is all polished marble piazzas, medieval towers, and neoclassical elegance—without the big-city hustle. The locals are proud, friendly, and passionate about their food.
Don’t miss: fried stuffed olives (a regional specialty) and sipping coffee in the historic Caffè Meletti.
5. Borgo a Mozzano (Tuscany) – Where Legends Cross the River
Home to the hauntingly beautiful Ponte della Maddalena (Devil’s Bridge), this little Tuscan town is full of legends and dramatic scenery. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise.
Don’t miss: walking the bridge at dawn and exploring nearby Garfagnana’s hiking trails.
6. Sulmona (Abruzzo) – Confetti, Mountains, and Quiet
Famous for its sugared almonds (confetti), Sulmona sits in a quiet valley beneath the Apennines. You’ll find frescoed churches, colorful festivals, and scenery straight from a storybook.
Don’t miss: the confetti museum and nearby hiking in Majella National Park.
7. Cervo (Liguria) – A Clifftop Surprise on the Italian Riviera
While nearby Portofino and Cinque Terre draw crowds, Cervo remains delightfully under the radar. Its hilltop setting and sea views are as breathtaking as its baroque church and winding streets.
Don’t miss: the International Chamber Music Festival in the summer.
Why Travelers Are Falling in Love with Hidden Italy
Aside from the escape from tourist crowds, Hidden Italy offers:
- Genuine local encounters: Chat with nonnas making pasta in their kitchens
- Slower travel: More time to connect, reflect, and savor
- Affordability: Great food, lodging, and experiences for less
- Eco-conscious appeal: Many towns are walkable, sustainable, and proud of their traditions
It’s ideal for:
- Second or third-time visitors who’ve “done” the big cities
- Travelers seeking wellness, nature, and reconnection
- Digital nomads looking for peace and fiber-optic internet
How Vexo Italy Helps You Explore These Gems
Vexo Italy specializes in custom itineraries that go beyond the expected. Instead of funneling tourists into overcrowded attractions, Vexo curates experiences that align with your pace and passions.
Examples include:
- Agriturismo stays in Abruzzo with farm-to-table dinners
- Private walking tours with local historians
- Wine tastings in family-owned vineyards
- Artistic retreats in forgotten villages
Vexo also offers concierge services for logistics like transportation, language assistance, and wellness add-ons like yoga or massage.
Final Thoughts: The Soul of Italy Lies in Its Silence
Italy will always be dazzling—but its quieter corners hold a different kind of magic. In Hidden Italy, beauty isn’t choreographed; it’s lived. You don’t wait in line to see it. You stumble upon it—a sunset over olive groves, a church bell echoing through empty streets, a smile from a stranger sharing directions.
If you’re dreaming of Italy but dreading the crowds, consider going where the guidebooks haven’t caught up yet. Hidden Italy isn’t a compromise—it’s a revelation.
Let VexoItaly.com show you the Italy that still whispers. The one you’ll never forget.