Escape the Crowds with These Underrated Italian Destinations
- International Property Alerts
- October 27, 2025
Italy’s timeless allure has captivated travelers for centuries, from the Grand Tour era to today’s Instagram-inspired wanderlust. Iconic destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, Siena, and the Amalfi Coast draw millions with their postcard-perfect landscapes, Renaissance art, historic streets, and coastal charm. Who hasn’t dreamed of marveling at Florence’s Uffizi, strolling Rome’s ancient forums, gliding through Venice’s canals, or soaking in the Amalfi Coast’s azure vistas? Yet, Italy’s popularity comes at a cost, overtourism. In 2024, Italy welcomed over 60 million international visitors, making it the second most-visited country after Spain, with projections for even more in 2026 due to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
Major cities face strained infrastructure, inflated prices, and frustrated locals who lament crowded streets and diminishing authenticity. Approximately 70% of tourists flock to the same handful of destinations, leaving lesser-known gems ripe for discovery. If you’re seeking Italy’s dolce vita without the crowds, here are five underrated destinations that deliver rich culture, stunning scenery, and authentic experiences at a fraction of the tourist density. For those considering a longer stay or investment, exploring international property options can also open doors to enjoying Italy beyond the typical tourist trail.
Instead of Rome, Explore Verona: The Little Rome
A Roman Legacy with Modern Charm
Verona, affectionately dubbed la piccola Roma (the little Rome), offers a compelling alternative to the Eternal City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona’s Roman roots date back to 49 BC under Julius Caesar. Its well-preserved monuments, including temples, arches, a hillside Roman theater, and the iconic Arena amphitheater, rival Rome’s grandeur on a more intimate scale. The Arena, built in the 1st century by Emperor Flavio Vespasiano, is one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, hosting summer operas and concerts. The archaeological museum atop the Arena displays ancient artifacts, while the Scavi Scaligeri underground site reveals a Roman road beneath the Arch of Gavi.
Art, Culture, and Romance
Verona’s medieval districts, ochre and pastel buildings, and riverfront vistas create a romantic ambiance. Piazza delle Erbe, reminiscent of Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori, buzzes with a daily produce market, cafés, and the Column of San Marco crowned by Venice’s winged lion. The 84-meter Torre Lamberti offers panoramic views via elevator or 368 steps. Art lovers will revel in the Duomo’s Titian masterpieces, the Basilica of San Zeno’s Mantegna altarpiece, and the Renaissance gardens of Giardini Giusti, home to one of Europe’s oldest labyrinths.
As la città dell’amore (the city of love), Verona is forever tied to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Visitors flock to La Casa di Giulietta’s iconic balcony, Palazzo Montecchi (Romeo’s supposed home), and Juliet’s tomb in the San Francesco al Corso crypt. With fewer crowds than Rome, Verona offers a vibrant food scene, cultural festivals, and walkable streets, blending ancient history with modern liveliness.
Instead of Venice, Discover Comacchio: The Mini Venice
A Serene Canal City
Venice’s 20 million annual visitors, 73% day-trippers, create overcrowded canals, packed vaporetti, and strained infrastructure, prompting entry fees and cruise ship restrictions. Just 2.5 hours south, Comacchio offers a tranquil alternative. Built on 13 islands in the Po Delta, this “mini Venice” features pastel-painted buildings, charming footbridges, and a relaxed pace. Once a powerful salt-trading hub under noble lords and Papal rule, Comacchio’s canals, like the Canale Pallotta with its iconic Trepponti bridge, offer scenic beauty without the tourist crush. Hidden gems like Comacchio highlight why Italy continues to be celebrated among the best countries to live in for those seeking culture, beauty, and a slower pace of life.
Authentic Experiences
Comacchio’s batane, flat-bottomed boats guided by a helmsman, provide canal tours from March to October for a free-will offering, a far cry from Venice’s pricey gondolas. Canalside trattorias serve fresh Adriatic seafood, with eel as a local specialty, prepared in dishes like polpette, risotto, or grilled. The Loggiato dei Cappuccini, a 142-arch portico, leads to the Santa Maria in Aula Regia sanctuary, while boat trips through the Po Delta Park showcase flamingos and lagoon ecosystems. Comacchio delivers Venice’s canal-side charm with authentic, crowd-free hospitality.
Instead of Florence, Visit Parma: Renaissance Elegance Without the Hype
A Cultural Gem in Emilia-Romagna
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, saw 12 million visitors in the first five months of 2024, overwhelming its historic center. Parma, in Emilia-Romagna, offers a refined alternative with Renaissance art, vibrant culture, and a slower pace. Nestled in the Po Valley, an hour by train from Milan, Modena, and Bologna, Parma is surrounded by Apennine foothills dotted with castles, vineyards, and producers of Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano cheese.
Art and Architecture
Parma’s cathedral boasts Correggio’s swirling cupola frescoes, while the adjacent baptistry dazzles with Byzantine art and pink marble. La Pilotta, a fortified palace, houses the National Gallery with works by Da Vinci, Tintoretto, and Parmigianino, plus the wooden Teatro Farnese, a performing arts gem. Churches like San Giovanni Evangelista and Chiesa della Steccata brim with masterpieces. The bohemian L’Oltratorrente district, akin to Florence’s Oltrarno, features the Parco Ducale’s serene paths and the frescoed Palazzo Ducale, open monthly.
Culinary and Cultural Delights
Parma’s Strada della Repubblica offers Italian-brand shopping and lively cafés on Piazza Garibaldi. Opera lovers can explore the Toscanini and Verdi legacies at Teatro Regio or the Opera Museum. Via Farini’s aperitivo scene pairs drinks with local stuzzichini, included in the price. Parma matches Florence’s cultural richness with fewer tourists and a welcoming vibe.
Instead of Siena, Wander Arezzo: Tuscany’s Quiet Star
A Tuscan Treasure
Arezzo, an hour from Siena, shares its Renaissance heritage and Medici history but draws far fewer visitors despite a larger population. Featured in Life is Beautiful, Arezzo’s Piazza Grande, with its sloped, trapezoid shape, echoes Siena’s Piazza del Campo. The city’s Palio, a medieval joust, swaps Siena’s horse race for lance-wielding pageantry. Cobbled streets lined with stone and stuccoed buildings exude Tuscan charm.
Art and Wine
Arezzo’s cathedral, with its stained-glass windows and frescoes by Donatello and Piero della Francesca, rivals Siena’s grandeur. Artworks by Vasari and Signorelli adorn churches and museums. Nestled in the Chianti wine region, Arezzo offers wine bars and nearby wineries. With fewer tourists, it’s perfect for savoring Tuscan cuisine and countryside views without Siena’s crowds.
Instead of the Amalfi Coast, Embrace the Cilento Coast: Nature and Serenity
A Coastal Haven
The Amalfi Coast’s stunning cliffs and towns are marred by heavy traffic and crowds from May to October. The Cilento Coast, a national park, offers pristine beaches, olive-clad hills, and quiet hamlets. Paestum’s Greek temples are among the best-preserved outside Greece, with sandy beaches nearby. Agropoli, a hilltop town with a medieval castle, boasts a vibrant marina and the scenic Trentova bay. Castellabate’s old town and seaside villages, Santa Maria, San Marco, and Ogliastro Marina, blend fishing-village charm with modern amenities.
Coastal Adventures
Further south, Acciaroli’s stone buildings and turquoise waters inspired Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. Pisciotta’s pebble beaches, Palinuro’s sea grottoes, and Marina di Camerota’s coves offer crowd-free swimming and exploration. Scario and Sapri, lesser-known gems, combine lively towns with accessible beaches. The Cilento Coast delivers Amalfi’s beauty with southern hospitality and natural splendor. And for those considering investing or even selling property in Italy, this region offers opportunities alongside its stunning lifestyle appeal.
Why Choose Italy’s Hidden Gems?
Verona, Comacchio, Parma, Arezzo, and the Cilento Coast offer Italy’s iconic art, history, cuisine, and scenery without the overwhelming crowds of Rome, Venice, Florence, Siena, or the Amalfi Coast. These destinations provide authentic experiences, from canal-side dining to Renaissance art, at a more relaxed pace and often lower cost, perfect for travelers seeking the true dolce vita. If you’re inspired to explore these Italian gems more deeply or even plan a move, feel free to contact us for personalized guidance.
FAQ: Exploring Italy’s Underrated Destinations
1. How do these destinations compare cost-wise to major tourist hubs?
These cities and regions are generally more affordable. For example, dining in Comacchio or Parma is cheaper than in Venice or Florence, with meals often under €20 ($22). Accommodation, like hotels in Verona or rentals in Cilento, is typically 20–30% less expensive than in Rome or the Amalfi Coast.
2. Is English widely spoken in these areas?
English is more common in Verona and Parma, especially in tourist-friendly spots like museums or restaurants. In Comacchio, Arezzo, and the Cilento Coast, English is less prevalent, so learning basic Italian phrases is helpful.
3. How accessible are these destinations?
All are well-connected. Verona and Parma are on major train lines, with Verona 1.5 hours from Milan and Parma an hour from Bologna. Comacchio is 2.5 hours by car or bus from Venice. Arezzo is an hour by train from Florence. Cilento’s Agropoli has a train station, but a car is ideal for exploring the coast.
4. Are these destinations suitable for families?
Yes! Verona’s piazzas and gardens, Comacchio’s canal tours, Parma’s parks, Arezzo’s open squares, and Cilento’s beaches offer family-friendly activities. Museums and festivals often have kid-oriented programs.
5. What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer is busier, especially in Cilento, but still far less crowded than major hubs.
6. Are there cultural events to enjoy?
Verona’s Arena hosts summer operas, Parma’s Teatro Regio features opera performances, Arezzo’s Palio joust occurs twice yearly, Comacchio has lagoon festivals, and Cilento towns host food and music events year-round.
7. How’s the food scene?
Each destination shines: Verona offers Veneto cuisine, Comacchio specializes in eel dishes, Parma is famous for prosciutto and Parmigiano, Arezzo serves Tuscan fare, and Cilento excels in seafood and southern Italian flavors.
8. Is public transport sufficient, or do I need a car?
Verona, Parma, and Arezzo are walkable with good train connections. Comacchio has limited public transport, so a car is useful. Cilento requires a car for full exploration, though Agropoli is train-accessible.
9. Are these destinations safe?
Yes, all are safe, with low crime rates typical of smaller Italian cities and towns. Standard precautions, like watching valuables in busy areas, suffice.
10. Can I visit these places as day trips from major cities?
Absolutely. Verona and Parma are easy day trips from Milan or Bologna, Arezzo from Florence, Comacchio from Venice, and Cilento’s Paestum or Agropoli from Naples.
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