While many travellers flock to places like Tuscany, Sicily and the Italian Riviera, for those looking for destinations off the tourist trail, there are plenty of stunning places to discover in Italy’s 20 regions.
Abruzzo
Situated on the Adriatic coastline, Abruzzo is home to stunning national parks and nature reserves where wildlife such as wolves, eagles and brown bears inhabit. For stunning green scenery the Gran Sasso National Park is a nature-lover’s dream. Foodies can indulge in a luxurious local delicacy in Campli, known as the ‘truffle town’. The architecture here is also quite special, and the ancient villages of the Aterno Valley are a must-visit.
Basilicata
The ancient cave dwellings in Sassi di Matera, one of the world’s oldest cities, are truly enchanting. Elsewhere in Basilicata you can soak up in thermal springs at Latronico and join revellers at the famous Festa Della Bruna in Matera.
Calabria
If you’re dreaming of white sandy beaches, then book a trip to Tropea in Calabria. This picturesque coastal destination sits along the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea and is famous for its vibrant parasols.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
The alpine foothills of Friuli Venezia Giulia are home to some of the best wineries in all of Italy, as well as breathtaking hiking trails through 13 nature reserves. If its a beach getaway you’re after, then resort of Ligniano Sabbiadoro is a hidden gem loved by locals.
Marche
Olive Ascolane, meat-filled fried olive, is the specialty dish in Marche, the region home to beautiful olive groves and vineyards. The medieval castle in Urbino is a stunning site, surrounded by charming cobbled streets and laneways.
Molise
Molise is one of the least discovered regions of Italy, but with its charming coastal towns, quirky festivals and beautiful mountain roads made from road tripping, its sure to become a new tourist hot spot.
Piedmont
Every spring the ‘Battle of the Oranges’ takes place in Ivrea, the largest food fight in all of Italy. If you prefer your food served on a plate, Alba is home of fantastic restaurants, providores and truffieres. Art-lovers can also marvel at the Castello di Rivoli collection.
Puglia
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alberobello in Puglia is a sight to behold, a small town of whitewashed ‘trulli’ stone huts with conical roofs. The Tremiti Islands have become a popular destination for scuba divers, with networks of shipwrecks and caves to be explored.
Trentino Alto Adige
Trentino Alto Adige is a region that’s fantastic to visit all year round, with beautiful hiking trails in the summer and world-class skiing in the winter in the Dolomites. The region is also home to over 300 castles and almost 300 lakes, including the photogenic Lago di Braies.
Umbria
Known as ‘the green heart of Italy’ Umbria is filled with bucolic country scenery all year round. In spring, wildflowers around Castellucio transform the landscape into a botanic wonderland, while the charming town of Spello, Todi and Gubbio are some of the most beautiful in Italy.
Aosta Valley
The snow-capped peaks of Matterhorn and Mont Blanc are the most famous of the Aosta Valley, drawing in avid skiers to the stunning slopes. Gran Paradiso National Park boasts wonderful hiking trails in the summer, while the region’s many fortresses, castles and cathedrals are architectural marvels.
