5 Hidden Gems Of Italy: Unusual Places To Visit, Walled Cities, Beaches

5 Hidden Gems of Italy: Unusual Places To Visit

Italy, is a land like no other. My love affair with you began at the tender age of 2 when I first visited you with my dear Parents. Their enchanting homeland has influenced me and decades later it still draws me in. My insatiable love for Abruzzo, Sicily and Sardinia sees me travel to Italy yearly. On each trip, I love experiencing both the familiar and discovering the unfamiliar. It is one of the few countries that does not change or lose its traditions. Where else can you find the most delicious plate of homemade pasta with a paired glass of vino. Or drive down a winding lane to find yourself in front of the mesmerising Mediterranean Sea. Find a Bar on the corner ready to serve you an espresso and delicious homemade cannoli. Create Memories not Things.

Whilst the traditional tourist route can taken, visiting Venice, Milan, Florence and Rome. Why not go beyond these and not lose yourself in the back roads of some of the lesser known hidden gems of Italy.

Here are the top 5 hidden gems of Italy, from North to South:

Let’s start at the top!

1. The Lake District, Northern Italy

Hidden gem number one. This picture-perfect area in northern Italy set against the foothills of the alps. With breathtaking scenery of sapphire blue lakes. Alpine towns, villas, castles and Roman ruins. It can explored in summer and winter. The five main lakes include:

· Lake Como, Italy’s most famous lake known for lavish villas and George Clooney. A visit to the romantic town of Bellagio is a must do.

· Lake Iseo, take a ferry to Monte Isola “Europe’s largest lake island”

· Lake Orta, popular with the locals and creatives with its lakeside village charm.

· Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake located between Venice and Milan.

· Lake Maggiore, home of the Borromeo Island access from Stresa.

Nature lovers can enjoy lush green scenery with a welcomed lack of crowds. Perfect for the active traveller. There is hiking, biking and kayaking activities to enjoy across this region of Italy.

The Lake District Lake Como Italy

2. Perugia, Umbria

Perugia, located in Umbria, is a medieval hilltop town. Umbrian is renowned for three things: chocolate, food and jazz (who knew?). The town celebrates 10 days of jazz each summer. Combined with culinary delights such as truffles, and chocolate are an indulgent delight. It is well worth a visit. With some historical Etruscan architecture, Renaissance frescoes and old town. Wander Piazza IV Novembre enjoying a gelato admiring its fountain. Take home a box of Perugina chocolates Baci (kisses) to please your sweet tooth.

Perugia Italy

3. Pescara, Abruzzo

Pescara, Italy is in the province of Abruzzo (where my Father is from) and holds a very special place in my heart. Perfectly situated on the Adriatic Sea it is best known for its beaches and summertime fun. Enjoy the eclectic cuisine drawing on mountain, pastoral and coastal flavours. A favourite restaurant lungo mare is Marechiaro da Bruno for local seafood served by the sea. Well worth exploring, it remains an area not on the tourist map (yet!).

Pescara, Abruzzo

4. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is my personal favourite hidden gem of Italy. It is one of the hottest new locations in the Mediterranean. Known for its pristine crystal-clear waters . This Italian island has 2000 kilometres of coastline to explore. Don’t miss the moon like interior landscape which has nuraghi. Bronze Age stone beehive-shaped ruins. Sardinia has traditions of its own and has a unique culture. Traditional dishes include: seafood fregola, spaghetti with sea urchin, and Su Porcheddu (spit-roast suckling pig). Sardinian bread is carasau (flat bread) enjoyed with local specialities. Sardinia is home to the largest varieties of grapes in Italy. Reknowned for Cannonau a local red “wine of longevity” which helps you live longer. A paradise for activities and experiences. Enjoy activities such as yachting, wellness spas, hiking, golf and cycling.

Sardinia is perfect for luxury summer travel or relaxing getaways, come back rejuvenated. Join us on an exclusive VIP Sardinia Luxury Sojourn.

Maddalena Archipelago Sardinia

5. Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean with a rich and colourful history. Known as the island of Art. See it travelling the Arab Norman route of Palermo to the Cathedrals of Cefalu’. Admire the Sicilian Baroque of Ragusa, what’s not to love. Sicily holds are dear memories for me and is my Mother’s place of birth. Her and my beloved Taormina, a summer chic hilltop town. Well worth a visit. Wander through the magical gardens. Explore the Teatro Greco. Admire spectacular sea views and sunsets. A visit to Isola Bella, known as The Pearl of the Ionian Sea is a must do. Holidaying in Taormina gives you a taste of the dolce vita.

Sicily is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday. With its serene beauty to behold, food and wine tasting experiences. Natural beauty with three active black volcanos, snow-capped mountain and glorious pebbled beaches. With such a varied history from Arabs to Normans. This island is a gourmet’s delight. enjoy food and wine-tasting tours, cooking classes and market visits. Must-try Sicilian dishes include: Arancini (deep-fried rice balls), Caponata, and Pesce crudo (raw red prawns). Pasta alla Norma, and Pasta con le sarde are favorites. Not to mention the world-famous deserts like: cannoli, lemon granita and cassata siciliana. A week in Sicily is simply not enough.

To experience any of these Travel Hidden Gems of Italy contact me, I’m here to help you tailor your next travel experience that is unique as you are, enquire here.

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