What are some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy?

Here are some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy with details on their locations, how to reach them, the best time to visit, attractions, and interesting facts:

1. Matera

Location: Basilicata region, Southern Italy

How to Reach:

By Air: Fly into Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, then take a bus or train to Matera (about 1.5 hours).

By Train: Direct trains from Bari to Matera.

By Car: About 1 hour from Bari by car.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October (pleasant weather and fewer tourists).

Attractions:

Sassi di Matera (ancient cave dwellings)

Matera Cathedral

Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

Palombaro Lungo (underground cistern)

Facts: Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, known for its unique cave dwellings and rock churches.

2. Alberobello

Location: Apulia (Puglia) region, Southern Italy

How to Reach:

By Air: Fly into Bari or Brindisi Airport, then take a train or bus.

By Train: Train from Bari to Alberobello.

By Car: About 1 hour from Bari by car.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October (mild weather and fewer crowds).

Attractions:

Trulli houses (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Trullo Sovrano (largest trullo)

Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola districts

Sant’Antonio Church

Facts: Alberobello is famous for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, which are unique to this region.

3. Orvieto

Location: Umbria region, Central Italy

How to Reach:

By Train: Direct trains from Rome (about 1 hour) and Florence (about 2 hours).

By Car: About 1.5 hours from Rome by car.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October (mild weather and fewer tourists).

Attractions:

Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo di Orvieto)

Orvieto Underground (network of caves)

Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick’s Well)

Palazzo del Popolo

Facts: Orvieto is perched on a volcanic tuff cliff and is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral and extensive underground tunnels.

4. Civita di Bagnoregio

Location: Lazio region, Central Italy

How to Reach:

By Train: Train to Orvieto, then a bus or taxi to Bagnoregio.

By Car: About 2 hours from Rome by car.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October (mild weather and fewer tourists).

Attractions:

The ancient town of Civita di Bagnoregio

Church of San Donato

Etruscan caves and Romanesque architecture

Panoramic views of the Tiber Valley

Facts: Known as “The Dying City,” Civita di Bagnoregio is slowly eroding and is accessible only by a pedestrian bridge.

5. Sperlonga

Location: Lazio region, Central Italy

How to Reach:

By Train: Train from Rome to Fondi-Sperlonga station, then a bus or taxi.

By Car: About 1.5 hours from Rome by car.

Best Time to Visit: May to September (beach season).

Attractions:

Sperlonga beaches

Villa of Tiberius (Roman emperor’s villa and museum)

Historic old town with narrow streets and whitewashed houses

Torre Truglia (historic watchtower)

Facts: Sperlonga is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and historic Roman ruins.

6. Ascoli Piceno

Location: Marche region, Central Italy

How to Reach:

By Train: Train from Rome or Bologna.

By Car: About 2.5 hours from Rome by car.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October (pleasant weather).

Attractions:

Piazza del Popolo (one of Italy’s most beautiful squares)

Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo

Cathedral of Sant’Emidio

Roman bridges and ruins

Facts: Ascoli Piceno is renowned for its medieval architecture and historic piazzas made from travertine marble.

7. Trieste

Location: Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Northeastern Italy

How to Reach:

By Air: Fly into Trieste Airport.

By Train: Direct trains from Venice and other major cities.

By Car: About 2 hours from Venice by car.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October (mild weather).

Attractions:

Piazza Unità d’Italia (Italy’s largest sea-facing square)

Miramare Castle

Roman Theatre of Trieste

Trieste Cathedral

Facts: Trieste is a unique city with a blend of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences, reflected in its architecture and culture.

8. Lecce

Location: Apulia (Puglia) region, Southern Italy

How to Reach:

By Air: Fly into Brindisi Airport, then take a train or bus.

By Train: Direct trains from Bari.

By Car: About 2 hours from Bari by car.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October (mild weather and fewer crowds).

Attractions:

Lecce Cathedral

Basilica di Santa Croce

Roman Amphitheatre

Piazza del Duomo

Facts: Lecce is often called the “Florence of the South” due to its rich Baroque architecture.

9. Ravenna

Location: Emilia-Romagna region, Northern Italy

How to Reach:

By Train: Direct trains from Bologna (about 1 hour).

By Car: About 1.5 hours from Bologna by car.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October (pleasant weather).

Attractions:

Basilica of San Vitale

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Dante’s Tomb

Facts: Ravenna is famous for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics.

10. Aosta

Location: Aosta Valley region, Northwestern Italy

How to Reach:

By Train: Direct trains from Turin (about 2 hours).

By Car: About 1.5 hours from Turin by car.

Best Time to Visit: December to March for skiing, June to September for hiking and sightseeing.

Attractions:

Roman Theatre

Aosta Cathedral

Arch of Augustus

Gran Paradiso National Park (nearby)

Facts: Aosta is known as the “Rome of the Alps” due to its numerous Roman ruins and alpine scenery.