Italy draws millions of visitors each year, but most stick to the well-worn path through Rome, Florence, and Venice. While these cities certainly deserve their fame, Italy’s true magic often lies in its forgotten corners and hidden gems. These lesser-known destinations offer authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and the kind of memories that make group trips truly special.
Planning a group adventure means finding places that can accommodate everyone while delivering that ‘wow’ factor. Here is a list of 18 remarkable Italian destinations that most travelers never discover.
Matera
This ancient city in Basilicata feels like stepping into another world entirely. The ‘Sassi’ cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs have housed families for over 9,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
Your group can explore these fascinating stone homes, many now converted into boutique hotels and restaurants that serve traditional Lucanian cuisine.
Alberobello
The trulli houses of Alberobello look like something straight out of a fairy tale. These conical-roofed limestone buildings dot the Pugliese countryside, and the town center contains over 1,400 of them in a UNESCO-protected zone.
Groups can learn about the unique construction techniques and even stay overnight in a converted trullo for an unforgettable experience.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Tellaro
This tiny Ligurian fishing village clings to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia. Unlike its famous Cinque Terre neighbors, Tellaro remains refreshingly uncrowded and authentic.
The colorful houses cascade down to a small harbor where local fishermen still bring in their daily catch, and the village’s single restaurant serves some of the region’s best seafood.
Spello
Known as the ‘flower town’ of Umbria, Spello transforms into a living garden each spring and summer. Medieval stone buildings overflow with cascading blooms, creating photo opportunities around every corner.
The town hosts the famous Infiorata festival in June, when residents create intricate flower carpets along the ancient Roman streets.
Salina
The greenest of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands, Salina produces some of Italy’s finest capers and Malvasia wine. Twin volcanic peaks create a dramatic backdrop for hiking adventures, while pristine beaches offer relaxation after exploring.
Groups can visit traditional caper farms and enjoy wine tastings with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Ragusa Ibla
This baroque masterpiece in southeastern Sicily feels frozen in time. The old town, rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693, showcases some of Italy’s most stunning baroque architecture.
Narrow stone streets wind between honey-colored palaces and churches, leading to hidden piazzas where locals gather for evening conversations.
Modica
Sicily’s chocolate capital has been perfecting its craft since the Spanish brought cacao from the New World. This hillside town produces chocolate using ancient Aztec methods, creating a unique grainy texture and intense flavor.
Groups can tour chocolate factories, attend tasting sessions, and explore the town’s impressive baroque churches.
Tropea
Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is Calabria’s jewel. The medieval town center features narrow alleys lined with sandstone buildings, while beaches below offer crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.
The local red onions are so sweet they’re eaten like apples, and they feature in many regional dishes.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Polignano a Mare
This clifftop town in Puglia offers some of Italy’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Houses perch precariously on limestone cliffs above turquoise waters, creating a scene that rivals the Greek islands.
Groups can explore sea caves by boat, dine at restaurants with panoramic terraces, and swim in the famous Lama Monachile beach.
Ostuni
Known as the ‘White City’ for its gleaming limestone buildings, Ostuni rises like a mirage from the Puglian plains. The old town is a maze of whitewashed streets that provide natural cooling in the summer heat.
Surrounding olive groves produce some of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oil, which groups can sample during farm visits.
Civita di Bagnoregio
This ‘dying town’ sits on an eroding plateau connected to the mainland by a narrow pedestrian bridge. Founded by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago, Civita now has fewer than 20 permanent residents.
The dramatic setting and medieval architecture make it feel like a lost world, perfect for groups seeking truly unique experiences.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Volterra
This ancient Etruscan hilltop town in Tuscany offers stunning views across rolling countryside. Medieval walls encircle a center filled with Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces, and artisan workshops specializing in alabaster carving.
Groups can visit active archaeological sites and learn traditional crafts from local masters.
Bosa
Sardinia’s most picturesque town spreads along the Temo River, with colorful houses climbing hillsides toward a medieval castle. This former maritime republic maintains its authentic character, with locals still speaking Sardinian dialect.
Groups can cruise the river, visit traditional weaving workshops, and sample local Malvasia wine.
Castelsardo
This fortified medieval town crowns a rocky promontory on Sardinia’s northwest coast. Ancient walls protect a labyrinth of narrow streets leading to panoramic viewpoints over the sea.
The town is famous for its traditional basket weaving, and groups can watch artisans creating intricate designs using local reeds.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cefalù
While not entirely unknown, this Norman cathedral town on Sicily’s north coast remains far less crowded than Taormina. A massive rock formation looms over medieval streets that lead to one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches.
The cathedral, with its impressive mosaics, rivals anything found in Palermo or Monreale.
Varenna
This elegant lakeside village on Lake Como’s eastern shore offers stunning views without the crowds of Bellagio. Villa gardens cascade down to the water’s edge, while ancient churches contain remarkable frescoes.
Groups can take easy walks along lake paths or venture into nearby mountains for more challenging hikes.
Orta San Giulio
Arguably Italy’s most romantic small town, Orta sits on the shores of pristine Lake Orta in Piedmont. Cobblestone streets wind past Renaissance palaces to a central piazza overlooking the lake’s tiny island.
The peaceful atmosphere and stunning Alpine backdrop create perfect conditions for group relaxation and reflection.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Sulmona
This Abruzzo town produces Italy’s finest confetti (sugar-coated almonds) and maintains strong medieval traditions. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, Sulmona offers outdoor adventures alongside cultural attractions.
Groups can learn traditional confetti-making techniques, explore ancient aqueducts, and use the town as a base for hiking in nearby national parks.
Where Ancient Stories Meet Modern Adventures
These hidden corners of Italy prove that the country’s greatest treasures often lie beyond guidebook favorites. Each destination connects visitors to authentic traditions that have survived centuries of change, from Matera’s cave dwellings to Modica’s chocolate masters.
Group travelers willing to venture off the beaten path discover not just beautiful places, but living communities where ancient crafts and customs continue to thrive. The
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.