Love more authentic destinations? Enjoy exploring hidden gems and unspoiled natural wonders? Like getting a little bit off the beaten path and making your budget stretch just that bit further? Well, if you’ve been considering a vacation in Italy and this is the case, then there are some wonderful destinations that are unsung heroes.
Of course, it is not that these locations are utterly unknown. You may have friends or family who have visited them before, you may have heard of them but you are unlikely to have heard as much about them as some of the country’s more popular destinations. And while this all may be true, it does not mean that they have less to offer. Perhaps there won’t be quite the same concentration of famous sights to tick off a bucket list but there will be plenty of other amazing things to see, do, and experience. So, read on and find out why we recommend a holiday in Italy in these particular spots...
1. Calabria
We recently wrote all about why Calabria is a must for those who love to be by the sea. This southern region of Italy has a long, rugged coastline dotted by romantic bays, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. It also boasts some of the most exceptionally beautiful beaches in both Italy and the world. While it is certainly not empty, it does have some coastal destinations that are delighted to receive more visitors and where you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to reserve a good spot on the beach, unlike some of Italy’s more well-known seaside areas. Inland, too, you’ll find plenty to like, including a wealth of incredible unspoiled landscapes that are perfect for hikes and adventures and some utterly picturesque hilltop towns. Book a villa in Calabria and you can dive right into this stunning part of the country... without having to compete with other tourists for the views.
2. Abruzzo
Where the north and south collide, the lesser-populated Abruzzo is another area of Italy where unspoiled natural beauty and endless adventure abounds. For those who want to steer clear of manufactured tourist attractions and crowds, it’s an ideal option but book a vacation rental in Abruzzo and you’ll also get to enjoy impossibly romantic crumbling old towns, towering peaks just waiting to be conquered, pretty seaside towns for lazy coastal escapes, a regional cuisine of strong flavours and exclusive and exquisite wines, and some great ski resorts. Delve into the wild side of Italy and eat well while doing it!
3. Le Marche
Some of this region’s cities or towns have become well-known for certain tourist attractions, like Urbino with its rich artistic heritage and pretty Renaissance looks, but the region, overall, is lesser-known compared to some of its neighbours. Yet, it does offer much of the same appealing scenery and charming attractions as those same neighbours and other more famous tourist areas – rolling green hills like those that famously make up Tuscany’s lush countryside, pretty seaside towns that are just as welcoming as those along the Cinque-Terre or Amalfi Coast, impossibly beautiful skylines and lovely medieval towns like Urbino and Macerata, and more. With a cuisine rooted in peasant traditions that tastes just like Grandma’s cooking and an emerging wine industry, you’ll also eat well too so there are plenty of great reasons to book a holiday rental in Le Marche.
