20 Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Italy

Updated September 2026, 20 Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Italy was originally published in April 2020

Italy has no shortage of famous places to visit, from Rome and Florence to Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and the Cinque Terre. But if you’ve already done the big-name sights, or simply want to experience a quieter side of the country, there are plenty of places to go off the beaten path in Italy.

I’ve traveled extensively through Italy since my first visit in 2010, including spending months based in southern Lazio and traveling through Sicily, Calabria, Campania, Puglia, and Basilicata. Some of the places on this list are genuinely little visited by international travelers, while others have become more popular but still offer a very different experience from Italy’s major tourist destinations.

These are 20 off the beaten path destinations in Italy that I’ve visited and would recommend for travelers looking beyond the usual Italy itinerary. Expect medieval hill towns, rugged coastlines, tiny islands, ancient cities, mountain villages, and plenty of places where the pace of life is noticeably slower.

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20 Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Italy

Lampedusa, Pelagie Islands

One of Italy’s southernmost islands, Lampedusa sits in the Mediterranean between Sicily and Tunisia and feels worlds away from mainland Italy. It’s part of the Pelagie Islands, along with Linosa and the uninhabited Lampione. This tiny island is so far south that it technically sits in Africa as far as tectonic plates are concerned.

The island is best known for its spectacular beaches and clear turquoise water, particularly Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach). But my favorite way to experience Lampedusa was simply to rent a scooter and spend the day following the coastline, stopping whenever a promising beach or viewpoint appeared.

I spent my 32nd birthday on Lampedusa, cruising around the island on a scooter with the salty Mediterranean air in my face. I visited in the fall, when many of the island’s beaches were surprisingly quiet. If you’re looking for off the beaten path Italy with beaches, Lampedusa is hard to beat.

Where to Stay in Lampedusa

Lampedusa has accommodation ranging from simple apartments and B&Bs to hotels and resorts. I stayed at Apartment Cala Creta and had a good experience. For more options, compare current hotels and apartments in Lampedusa on Booking.com or Hotels.com.

Learn more about this hidden gem of an island in my Lampedusa Travel Guide

Palmarola & Ponza, Pontine Islands

If you want an Italian island experience without the crowds and prices of Capri, look toward the Pontine Islands.

Ponza is the largest and most developed island in the archipelago, with colorful houses, rocky coves, beaches, and a small harbor lined with restaurants and boats. From Ponza, you can take a boat trip to nearby Palmarola, a much quieter island known for its dramatic coastline and clear water.

The islands are reached by ferry from mainland ports including Formia, making them particularly convenient if you’re traveling between Rome and Naples. I think they’re one of the better options for travelers who want to add an island to an Italy itinerary without simply following the Capri crowd.

Where to Stay in Ponza

If you’re staying on Ponza, I previously stayed at Piccolo Hotel Luisa. Otherwise, compare current accommodation on Ponza before booking, particularly if you’re visiting during the busy summer months.

Sperlonga, Lazio

About halfway between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga is one of my favorite coastal towns in Lazio. The historic center sits above the Mediterranean, with whitewashed buildings, narrow lanes, blue shutters, and staircases leading down toward the beach.

Sperlonga is not exactly undiscovered. Italians have long known about it, and the town gets busy with domestic tourists during the summer. But compared with Italy’s better-known coastal destinations, it remains relatively under the radar among international travelers.

I spent quite a bit of time in Sperlonga while I was based in nearby Terracina, and it quickly became one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. Wander through the old town, walk along the beach, and stop for lunch before exploring the Villa of Tiberius and its archaeological museum.

For a quieter experience, visit in spring or fall when the summer crowds have thinned out.

Where to Stay in Sperlonga

On occasion, I’d spend a night over in Sperlonga and my favorite place to stay was at the Florenza Residence (Booking.com | Agoda.com).

Check out my guide to visiting Sperlonga

Massafra, Puglia

If you’re looking for off the beaten path places in Puglia, Massafra is an easy place to add to a southern Italy road trip.

Located between Bari and Taranto, Massafra is known for its ravines, rock churches, historic center, and medieval caves. It also makes a practical and considerably less expensive base for exploring the area around Matera and the Murgia.

When my friend Dan and I stayed here, we scored an absurdly good deal on a guesthouse. The real surprise came at dinner when we looked at the menu and realized just how inexpensive the food was compared with the prices we’d been seeing elsewhere in Italy.

Don’t just use Massafra as a place to sleep, though. Spend some time exploring the old town and its ravines before continuing through Puglia and Basilicata

Make sure and stop in to the Massafra Castle, the 16th century Mother Church, and the Monte Sant’Elia and Stornara Reserves before continuing on your southern Italy adventure.

Where to Stay in Massafra

We stayed at the Novecento B&B (Booking.com | Hotels.com) right in the heart of Massafra on our Southern Italy road trip and we 100% recommend it. The owners were very helpful, friendly, and kind.

Taking on Italy’s south? Check out my Southern Italy Road Trip Itinerary for ideas

Castelmezzano & Pietrapatosa, Basilicata

Of all the places I’ve visited in Italy, Castelmezzano and Pietrapatosa remain near the top of my list.

The two villages are tucked into the Lucanian Dolomites in Basilicata, surrounded by dramatic rocky peaks and deep valleys. Their stone houses seem to climb directly up the mountainsides, making this one of those places that looks almost unreal when you first arrive.

Basilicata gets far fewer international visitors than neighboring Puglia and Campania, and these villages are a perfect introduction to Italy off the beaten path. Spend a night rather than rushing through on a day trip, wander the narrow streets, and take in the mountain scenery.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the area is also known for the Volo dell’Angelo zipline, which connects Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa.

Where to Stay in Castelmezzano & Pietrapatosa

If you opt to spend the night in Castelmezzano (I definitely recommend it), stay at the Dimore del’Olmo.

Everything you need to know to visit in the Castelmezzano & Pietrapertosa Guide

Ragusa, Sicily

Ragusa is one of the best places in southeastern Sicily to experience the island’s distinctive Baroque architecture.

The city was devastated by the 1693 Val di Noto earthquake (along with cities in Sicily, Malta, and Calabria), after which Ragusa was rebuilt in two parts. Ragusa Superiore was constructed on higher ground, while the older city, Ragusa Ibla, was rebuilt around the original settlement.

Today, the two parts are connected into one sprawling city, with Ragusa Ibla tumbling down the hillside in a jumble of churches, stone buildings, staircases, and narrow streets.

Ragusa is part of the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s worth spending at least a full day exploring rather than simply stopping for a few photos.

Where to Stay in Ragusa

Shop Ragusa hotels, B&Bs, and villas on Booking.com and Hotels.com.

Alberobello, Puglia

Alberobello isn’t exactly a secret anymore, but its famous trulli are unusual enough that I still think it belongs on a list of alternative destinations in Italy, particularly if you’re exploring Puglia.

The town is home to one of the largest concentrations of trulli, traditional Apulian stone houses topped with distinctive conical roofs. The trulli of Alberobello are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are unlike almost anything else you’ll see in Italy.

I visited just after Halloween in 2018, when the old town was decorated with pumpkins and gourds, and found it much quieter than it is during the height of summer.

For the best experience, arrive early or stay overnight so you can explore the trulli districts before the biggest crowds arrive.

The Trulli of Alberobello and the Itria valley have an odd (theoretical) history. Some believe that the Trulli were constructed of dry stone in a conical fashion so that the families who were brought in to work the crops in the Itria Valley could quickly dismantle their very own Trullo when they got word the tax inspectors were coming to pay a visit. At that point in time, the area was known for its high taxation, and this way the families living here could avoid it, and as soon as the inspectors left, they could quickly and easily rebuild.

Where to Stay in Alberobello

If you want to stay in a Trullo without breaking your budget I’d recommend the Tipico Resort (Booking.com| Hotels.com), located right in the heart of Alberobello. If you’re looking to score big savings on accommodations, you may want to check out nearby Castellaneta, Martina Franca, or Massafra.

Visit the bizarre trulli of Alberobello

Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio

One of the most unusual villages in central Italy, Civita di Bagnoregio sits dramatically on a volcanic tufa hill surrounded by the eroded landscape of the Valle dei Calanchi.

The medieval village is connected to the modern town of Bagnoregio by a long pedestrian footbridge, meaning you have to leave your car behind and walk into Civita.

Its precarious position has earned it the nickname “the Dying City,” although the village itself remains very much alive as a tourist destination.

Civita di Bagnoregio is an easy addition to an off the beaten path Italy itinerary from Rome, although it is no longer particularly undiscovered. Go early in the day if you want to experience the narrow streets before the biggest crowds arrive.

Where to Stay in Bagnoregio

If you opt to stay in Bagnoregio and not just visit as a day trip from Rome, the Civita B&B comes highly recommended.

Short on time and headed to Rome? Check out my One Day In Rome Itinerary on the fly

Terracina, Lazio

If you’re looking for an Italian beach town where you can slow down rather than spend your entire trip fighting through crowds, Terracina is worth a look.

I spent several months based in Terracina while dealing with the paperwork for my Italian citizenship, so this is one destination on the list where I’ve experienced more than just a quick visit.

The town sits roughly halfway between Rome and Naples, with a long sandy beach on one side and the historic old town rising toward the hilltop Temple of Jupiter Anxur on the other.

Terracina was also an important stop along the ancient Via Appia, and remnants of the Roman road can still be seen around town.

Spend a day wandering the old center, swimming at the beach, exploring the Roman ruins, and eating plenty of local mozzarella di bufala. Better yet, stay for a few nights and use Terracina as a base for exploring Sperlonga, Itri, San Felice Circeo, and the surrounding Lazio coast.

Where to Stay in Terracina

I actually rented a long-term unit at Affittacamere Piazza Mazzini when I was based in Terracina. Owner Carmello is beyond helpful, and the building is located right on Via Della Vitoria and is only a 400 meter walk from the beach. You can also shop for other accommodations on Booking.com and Hotels.com.

Check out my insider’s guide to visiting Terracina

Caulonia, Calabria

If you want to get seriously off the beaten path in southern Italy, head to Caulonia in Calabria.

The medieval hilltop town sits roughly 10 kilometers inland from the Ionian coast and is a world away from the better-known tourist destinations of northern Italy. The area has much deeper roots, too: the ancient Greek settlement of Kaulon was founded nearby in the 7th century BC.

Caulonia is particularly meaningful to me because part of my own family history traces back here. My great-great-grandparents were born in Caulonia before later moving to Naples.

Where to Stay in Caulonia

I’d recommend the Castelvetere Hotel (Booking.com | Hotels.com) if you plan to stay the night in Caulonia.

Mount Circeo, Lazio

Rising dramatically from the coast south of Rome, Mount Circeo is one of the best places in Lazio to combine hiking with a beach trip.

The mountain forms part of the Circeo National Park and sits on a peninsula between San Felice Circeo and Sabaudia. From the surrounding coast, it looks as though the mountain rises straight out of the Mediterranean.

I spent months looking at Mount Circeo from Terracina before eventually hiking it, and the views from the trails make the effort worthwhile.

One of the best ways to experience the area is to hike across the mountain between San Felice Circeo and Sabaudia, although trail conditions and access should be checked before setting out.

Afterward, head down to the coast for a swim or spend the night in San Felice Circeo.

Where to Stay in San Felice Circeo

The Hotel Punta Rossa has a gorgeous property on the rugged coast of Mount Circeo (Booking.com | Hotels.com). You can also opt to stay in Sabaudia on the opposite side of Mount Circeo that has a golden beach stretching on and on backed by sand dunes.

Everything you need to know before hiking Mount Circeo

Procida, Flegrian Islands

Procida has become considerably more popular in recent years, but it remains a quieter alternative to Capri for travelers looking for a smaller Italian island experience.

The island is known for its pastel-colored fishing houses, narrow lanes, rugged coastline, and beaches. The colorful harbor of Marina Corricella is particularly photogenic, but I actually think the best part of Procida is simply wandering around without a strict itinerary.

August is the busiest period, particularly with Italian holidaymakers, so visit in spring, early summer, or fall if you want a more relaxed experience.

Procida works well as either a day trip from Naples or a place to spend a couple of nights.

Where to Stay in Procida

Shop hotels and B&Bs on Booking.com and Hotels.com.

Matera, Basilicata

Matera was named a Capital of Culture in 2019 and became a bit more well-known among travelers but still remains largely off most visitors’ itineraries. For many years it’s was only really known as the capital of Italy’s poorest region of Basilicata and was rarely visited by foreigners. After taking a road trip through Basilicata I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite regions in the entire country.

Matera is truly unique, being on the oldest inhabited cities in the world and the Sassi, Matera’s old city being comprised of an elaborate cave system.

Where to Stay in Matera

If you plan to stay in Matera I recommend the Stone Rooms (Booking.com | Agoda.com), located right in the Sassi with rooms carved right into the rock.

Plan your visit with my quick guide to Matera, Basilicata

Cefalu, Sicily

Cefalù is one of Sicily’s prettiest coastal towns, but it often gets overlooked by travelers who stick to Palermo, Taormina, and the island’s better-known attractions.

The historic center sits beneath La Rocca, a massive rocky outcrop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Spend some time wandering the old streets, then walk along the waterfront and climb La Rocca for views over Cefalù and the surrounding coastline.

Don’t miss the town’s Norman cathedral, either. Cefalù’s historic center is compact enough to explore on foot, making it an easy addition to a Sicily road trip.

Where to Stay in Cefalu

Cefalu has a number of accommodations options, but I recommend the Cefalu in Blu (Booking.com | Hotels.com)

Martina Franca, Puglia

Martina Franca was supposed to be a quick lunch stop on my 2018 road trip through southern Italy. Instead, we ended up spending most of the day wandering its maze of whitewashed streets.

Located in Puglia’s Valle d’Itria, Martina Franca is known for its Baroque architecture, ornate churches, narrow lanes, and whitewashed buildings.

What I remember most, though, is the atmosphere. We wandered into town, stopped for lunch, and ended up chatting with locals who were surprisingly eager to show us around.

If you’re exploring the trulli towns of Puglia, don’t just stop at Alberobello. Add Martina Franca to your itinerary and give yourself enough time to actually wander.

Where to Stay in Martina Franca

As I didn’t stay the night in Martina Franca, I don’t have any personal recs, but you can shop Martina Franca hotels and other accommodations on Booking.com or Hotels.com.

Looking for off the beaten path Italy road trip ideas? Check out my Southern Italian Road Trip post

Cilento Coast, Campania

If the Amalfi Coast sounds appealing but the crowds, prices, and traffic do not, look south to the Cilento Coast.

Stretching along Campania’s southern coastline, the Cilento region combines beaches, mountains, archaeological sites, small coastal towns, and the rugged landscapes of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park.

The scenery isn’t identical to Amalfi, and that’s exactly the point. You don’t get the endless wall of cliffside villas, but you do get a slower pace, fewer international tourists, excellent food, and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.

Base yourself in somewhere like Agropoli, Castellabate, or one of the smaller coastal towns, then explore the coast by car.

For travelers searching for quiet alternatives to the Amalfi Coast, Cilento should be high on the list.

Where to Stay Along the Cilento Coast

There are several villages and towns as you wind your way along the Cilento Coast. Check out deals in Agropoli, Salerno, and Castellabate.

Don’t want to veer too far off the beaten path? Check out my Amalfi Coast Guide to plan your trip

Arcomagno, Calabria

On Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast near San Nicola Arcella, Arcomagno is a small natural cove surrounded by rugged cliffs and sea caves.

The main attraction is the enormous natural rock arch that frames the turquoise water below. The coastline around it is far wilder than the polished resort towns you’ll find elsewhere in Italy.

You can reach the Arcomagno area from San Nicola Arcella, although access to the cove and swimming conditions can vary with weather and seasonal restrictions.

This is a good stop for a Calabria road trip, particularly if you’re already traveling between the region’s northern coast and towns farther south.

Where to Stay in San Nicola Arcella

The Arcomagno Village Hotel (Booking.com | Hotels.com) came highly recommended for those opting to stay in San Nicola Arcella.

Enna, Sicily

Most travelers exploring Sicily stick to the coast, but Enna offers a completely different perspective on the island.

Located almost in the center of Sicily, Enna sits dramatically on a mountaintop overlooking the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, the elevated position gives you expansive views across central Sicily.

The city is home to historic churches, castles, archaeological remains, and viewpoints overlooking the valleys below. Don’t miss out on Castello di Lombardia and Rocca di Cerere.

Enna is a particularly good stop for a Sicily road trip if you’ve already explored Palermo, Catania, Taormina, and the coast and want to see a side of Sicily that many visitors never reach.

Where to Stay in Enna

Shop Enna B&Bs and villas on Booking.com and Hotels.com.

Siracusa & Ortygia, Sicily

Syracuse and the island of Ortygia are among my favorite places in Sicily, partly because Sicily was my first overseas destination and I have family roots on the island.

Ortygia is the historic heart of Siracusa, connected to mainland Sicily by bridges and packed with ancient Greek, Roman, medieval, and Baroque history.

The city was one of the most important Greek settlements in the Mediterranean, and you can still see that history at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to the Greek Theatre and other ancient remains.

Then head into Ortygia to wander the narrow streets, visit the Cathedral of Syracuse, see the Temple of Apollo, and walk along the waterfront.

I ended up spending much longer in Siracusa and Ortygia than originally planned. That’s generally a good sign.

Where to Stay in Siracusa & Ortygia

I stayed at the LoL Hostel (Booking.com | Hotels.com) when I last visited Siracusa & Ortygia and can definitely recommend it for budget travelers.

Check out my Quick Travel Guide To Siracusa & Ortygia

Itri, Lazio

Just inland from Sperlonga, Gaeta, and the Lazio coast, Itri is a small historic town built around a medieval castle and the ancient route of the Via Appia.

I first started visiting Itri regularly while I was based in Terracina, usually making the trip to pick up olives and olive oil. The town is particularly associated with the Itrana olive, a local variety that is central to the area’s agricultural traditions.

Itri also has a much darker World War II history. The town suffered heavily during the German occupation, and speaking with older residents who remembered those events as children gave me a very different perspective on the place than simply reading about its historic buildings.

Scenes of the famed film La Ciociara, starring Sophia Loren when filmed here in Itri, so don’t be surprised if proud locals pull up a clip of the film on their phone and point out the locations in the city to you.

Itri is an easy addition to a Lazio road trip and pairs particularly well with nearby Sperlonga, Gaeta, and Terracina.

Where to Stay in Itri

As I always made day trips to Itri, I never spent the night, but the Il Fiore in una Stanza comes highly recommended.

Want to visit some of the iconic destinations in Northern Italy? Check out my two week classic Italy itinerary to help you start planning

Off the Beaten Path Italy: Where Should You Go?

Italy’s lesser-known destinations are spread across the country, but southern Italy is particularly rewarding if you want to get away from the major tourist routes.

Southern Italy: Basilicata, Calabria, Puglia, Sicily, and Campania have some of the strongest options on this list, including Matera, Castelmezzano, Caulonia, Massafra, and the Cilento Coast.

Central Italy: Lazio is particularly easy to explore from Rome, with destinations such as Sperlonga, Terracina, Itri, Mount Circeo, and Civita di Bagnoregio.

Italian islands: Lampedusa, Ponza, Palmarola, and Procida offer a completely different side of Italy, particularly outside the peak summer months.

Best Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Italy

Destination	Best For
Lampedusa	Beaches and rugged coastline
Ponza & Palmarola	A quieter island escape
Sperlonga	Beaches and a beautiful medieval old town
Massafra	An inexpensive base near Matera
Castelmezzano & Pietrapertosa	Mountain scenery
Ragusa	Sicilian Baroque architecture
Alberobello	Puglia’s famous trulli
Civita di Bagnoregio	A medieval hilltop village
Terracina	Beaches, Roman history, and local life
Caulonia	An especially local side of Calabria
Mount Circeo	Hiking and coastal scenery
Procida	Colorful island life
Matera	The extraordinary Sassi cave district
Cefalù	A Sicilian beach town and mountain hike
Martina Franca	Puglian Baroque architecture
Cilento Coast	An alternative to the Amalfi Coast
Arcomagno	Calabria’s dramatic coastline
Enna	Mountain scenery in central Sicily
Siracusa & Ortygia	Ancient history and Sicilian culture
Itri	Medieval history, Via Appia, and local food

Planning an Off the Beaten Path Italy Trip?

Italy is one of those countries where you don’t have to venture particularly far from the famous sights to find somewhere that feels completely different. A few hours on a regional train, a rental car down a smaller road, or a ferry to one of the country’s islands can take you from packed tourist centers to sleepy villages, mountain roads, and beaches where the only people around are Italian holidaymakers.

Some of the destinations on this list are no longer secrets, but that’s not really the point. If you’ve already seen the Colosseum, floated through Venice, or battled the summer crowds on the Amalfi Coast, there is still a huge amount of Italy left to explore.

And honestly, some of my best experiences in the country have happened in places I hadn’t heard of before I arrived.

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