Top 10 Must See Off the Beaten Track Italy Destinations

1️⃣ Lago di Braies – South Tyrol (Alto Adige)

A crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by the Dolomites, perfect for sunrise photography, hiking, or renting a rowboat. Best visited in spring or early autumn to avoid crowds.

2️⃣ Friuli Collio Wine Region – Friuli Venezia Giulia

A lush, rolling countryside near the Slovenian border, famous for its world-class white wines, medieval villages, and gourmet food scene.

3️⃣ Civita di Bagnoregio – Lazio

Known as the “Dying City” due to erosion, this medieval hilltop town is only accessible by footbridge, offering breathtaking views and timeless charm.

4️⃣ Borgotaro – Emilia-Romagna

A quiet mountain town in the Apennines, known for its porcini mushroom festival, local markets, and authentic trattorias far from tourist routes.

5️⃣ Val d’Orcia Hidden Villages – Tuscany

While most visit Pienza or Montalcino, small villages like Monticchiello and San Quirico d’Orcia offer the same cinematic landscapes without the crowds.

6️⃣ Pitigliano – Tuscany (Maremma)

Nicknamed “Little Jerusalem,” this ancient tufa-stone village is perched dramatically on cliffs, with winding streets and incredible Etruscan history.

7️⃣ Ischia – Campania

Often overshadowed by Capri, Ischia boasts thermal springs, lush gardens, volcanic beaches, and charming fishing villages—ideal for a relaxing escape.

8️⃣ Maratea – Basilicata

Called the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” this seaside gem features cliffs, caves, hidden beaches, and a giant Christ statue rivaling Rio’s.

9️⃣ Tropea – Calabria

A stunning cliffside town with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and some of the best seafood in southern Italy.

🔟 Aeolian Islands – Sicily

A volcanic archipelago north of Sicily, where you can hike Stromboli at night, sail around Lipari, and soak in thermal mud baths on Vulcano.