Italy has no shortage of famous summer hotspots, but many of its most rewarding places fly well under the radar. While cities like Rome and Venice steal the spotlight, there are towns, villages, and coastal corners that offer just as much charm, but without the overwhelming crowds. These lesser-known destinations give you the culture, scenery, and food Italy is loved for, but with room to breathe.
Here’s a list of 15 underrated summer destinations across Italy that are absolutely worth your time.
Tropea
Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea in Calabria, Tropea blends dramatic cliffside views with soft beaches and a surprisingly low tourist footprint. Its old town feels frozen in time, with narrow alleys, faded buildings, and balconies bursting with flowers.
The local red onions are so sweet that they’re famous across Italy, and they somehow find their way into nearly every dish. Summer brings warm weather but rarely overwhelming crowds—something that’s hard to find on the Italian coast.
Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno sits in the Marche region, often overshadowed by Tuscany, yet it offers similar beauty at half the price. The city’s travertine-paved piazzas shine in the summer sun, especially Piazza del Popolo—one of the prettiest town squares in the country.
Locals sip espresso under shaded arcades while the surrounding mountains offer a quiet backdrop. It’s a good place to slow down, eat well, and avoid selfie-stick mayhem.
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Ponza
Part of the Pontine Islands, Ponza is the kind of destination Italians keep to themselves. The island’s harbor looks like a painting, dotted with pastel houses and small fishing boats bobbing in the calm water.
There are no big resorts, no cruise ships—just natural beauty and salty air. Rent a small boat and spend the day exploring hidden coves that feel like private slices of paradise.
Cividale del Friuli
Tucked away near the Slovenian border, Cividale del Friuli blends Italian culture with Alpine influence. The town sits beside the Natisone River, where medieval bridges stretch across emerald-green water.
Ancient churches and quiet streets make it feel more like Austria than Rome, but the local prosciutto and wine say otherwise. It’s especially lovely in summer, when festivals light up the main square with music and regional food.
Sperlonga
Between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga clings to a seaside hill with whitewashed buildings and long sandy beaches. While nearby spots get swamped in summer, Sperlonga stays laid-back.
The coastline here curves gently, forming natural swimming pools that are perfect for families or anyone who prefers floating to wave-jumping. Gelato shops and beach cafés dot the promenade, adding to the casual, sun-soaked vibe.
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Pitigliano
Carved directly into volcanic rock, Pitigliano rises like a fairytale fortress in southern Tuscany. The views are jaw-dropping, especially at sunset when the stone glows golden against the valley below.
Inside, the town is a maze of tight streets and quiet courtyards where cats nap in the shade. It’s also home to a historic Jewish community and a distinct wine called Bianco di Pitigliano—worth tasting straight from the cellar.
Camogli
While Cinque Terre grabs all the headlines, Camogli—just up the coast—is equally stunning and much calmer. This colorful fishing village is situated along a pebbled beach, backed by lush green hills.
The boardwalk is lined with seafood spots and old-timey hotels, and in summer, it hums with a quiet charm. You can hike nearby trails or take a quick ferry to San Fruttuoso, home to an underwater statue of Christ.
Civita di Bagnoregio
Known as the ‘dying town’ for its precarious cliffside position, Civita di Bagnoregio is anything but lifeless in summer. It’s only accessible by footbridge, adding a sense of mystery and reward to the journey.
Once inside, it feels like stepping back centuries—no cars, no noise, just stone paths and panoramic views. The town practically floats above the valley, especially when morning fog lingers below the cliffs.
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Procida
Tiny and colorful, Procida has somehow dodged the limelight despite its cinematic beauty. The fishing harbor of Marina Corricella, with its candy-colored buildings and hanging laundry, looks almost too perfect.
Unlike neighboring Capri or Ischia, Procida has no glitz—just locals going about their day and visitors soaking in the sea breeze. It was Italy’s Capital of Culture recently, but even that didn’t spoil its low-key charm.
Vasto
Located on the Abruzzo coast, Vasto combines historic elegance with relaxed beach vibes. The town’s medieval center sits above the sea, with sweeping views and well-preserved architecture.
Down below, sandy beaches stretch for miles without the usual crush of sun umbrellas. It’s the kind of place where you can explore a castle in the morning and be knee-deep in warm waves by afternoon.
Noto
Baroque architecture doesn’t get more dramatic than in Noto, yet it remains surprisingly overlooked. Located in southeastern Sicily, this town shines—literally—thanks to the honey-colored limestone that reflects the sunlight.
The wide streets and decorative facades feel almost theatrical, especially during the flower-filled Infiorata festival in May. By July, it’s hot, but the pace is slow and the granita is always cold.
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Lerici
Another Ligurian gem, Lerici, gives you the scenery of the Italian Riviera without the sticker shock. Overlooking the Gulf of Poets, it has a medieval castle, pebble beaches, and waterfront restaurants that serve seafood straight from the net.
Byron and Shelley once hung out here, but today it’s more about paddleboarding and lazy swims. The town has just the right mix of beauty and normalcy.
Castelluccio di Norcia
High in the Apennine Mountains, Castelluccio di Norcia is famous for its summer wildflower blooms. From late June through July, the surrounding plains explode in red, blue, and yellow—making it one of Italy’s most surreal sights.
The town itself is tiny and quiet, but the views stretch for miles in every direction. It’s a cool-weather escape from the baking heat of the lowlands.
Brisighella
Set in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, Brisighella is built around three dramatic peaks, each topped with a fortress, a tower, or a shrine. The streets wind beneath arched walkways and pastel facades, leading to local trattorias that serve some of the region’s best olive oil.
It’s close enough to Bologna for a day trip, but it deserves at least a weekend. Summer evenings here feel especially timeless, with cicadas humming and lamplight spilling into the alleys.
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Scilla
On the toe of Italy’s boot, Scilla combines myth, seafood, and seaside beauty in one unforgettable spot. The beach is backed by colorful houses clinging to the cliff, while the old fishing district of Chianalea juts into the sea like a stone finger.
Local lore ties the area to the sea monster Scylla from Homer’s Odyssey, but these days, the only thing lurking in the water is the occasional swordfish. It’s a bold, dramatic setting—and strangely peaceful.
Where the Crowds Aren’t
Italy’s quieter corners often deliver the most memorable experiences—partly because they still feel real. These 15 places skip the chaos and offer something steadier, whether it’s a sleepy fishing harbor or a town balanced on a cliff.
In summer, that kind of space feels like a luxury on its own. Exploring beyond the usual stops not only keeps things fresh—it keeps Italy surprising.
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