Discover these five off-the-beaten-path Italian destinations
Travel to Italy has skyrocketed in recent years, as tourists all over the world converge to experience Italian beauty, art, culture, and most importantly, food. While cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice have been beloved by tourists for centuries (and always will be!), new vacation destinations are uncovered each year by those that want to escape the crowds and experience the places with a preserved local flair.
Looking to travel somewhere in Italy that’s more off the beaten path? We’ve got you covered! It’s time to book your next trip to Italy and get ahead of the trends – these are the under-the-radar destinations we expect more travelers to discover in 2025.
Ischia
An idyllic paradise known for its sandy beaches and quaint fishing towns, the island of Ischia has been a Mediterranean escape for centuries. Just a one-hour ferry ride from Naples, Ischia has always been a favorite vacation spot among Italians, and although it certainly has begun to pop up on tourists’ radars, it is still relatively unknown, giving the island a local feel. Nicknamed “the green island” for its abundant vegetation, Ischia is beloved for its hot springs – these natural sources of thermal waters are rich in health-boosting minerals that can relieve muscle and joint pain, lower blood pressure, and benefit your skin.
Giada visited Ischia this summer and fell in love with its breathtaking beauty, rich history (visiting the Castello Aragonese is a must!), incredible seafood, and wellness experiences. Check out her favorite spots in this island paradise in Giada’s Guide to Ischia.
Perfect for: Rejuvenation and seaside relaxation amongst Italian locals
Umbria
Nestled between Lazio and Tuscany lies Umbria, a small landlocked region with a rich history and even richer culinary tradition. Although Umbria has received some recognition over the years – particularly by those pilgrimaging to see the homeplace of Saint Francis of Assisi – it is often outshined by Tuscany, its more illustrious neighbor to the north. Nicknamed “Italy’s green heart” after its fertile soil, Umbria is a gorgeous region teeming with rolling green hills, thick woodlands, and countless vineyards.
Medieval hilltop towns that dot the green landscape make you feel as though the entire region has been frozen in time. Orvieto, Assisi, and the region’s capital, Perugia, are some of the most beautiful of these towns, full of winding cobblestone streets, medieval towers, and stunning churches. The entire region is known for its excellent wines and decadent cuisine (wild boar, pork and truffles, to name a few). Whether your interests lie in history, art or you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, Umbria is a hidden gem worth visiting.
Perfect for: Medieval charm, rich cuisine, and the wine culture of Tuscany with half the crowds
Pantelleria
While Sicily’s popularity amongst tourists has increased over the years, there are still parts of it largely undiscovered. Slowly popping up on the travel radar is Pantelleria, a small island off the southwestern coast of Sicily. Known as the “Black Pearl of the Mediterranean” due to its volcanic craters, Pantelleria is full of rugged coastlines, rocky beaches and hot springs. Here, nature takes charge with its wild beauty, from lava-formed cliffs and clear blue waters to untamed vegetation.
The lack of overt tourism and commercial glamour adds to the laidback charm of the island. Visitors spend their days swimming in the crystal waters, admiring stunning views from the Pantelleria National Park, and unwinding at the thermal spas. Like all of Sicily, Pantelleria’s dynamic history can be seen in the melding of Mediterranean and North African influences on its architecture, culture and food. The combination of Pantelleria’s centuries-old irrigation system and nutrient-rich soil creates a variety of flavorfully complex exports like capers and passito (a sweet Italian wine), as well as the potent Mediterranean herbs used for our Giadzy seasoning blends.
Perfect for: Unplugging, relaxation, and connecting fully with nature
The Dolomites
The Dolomites mountain range, located in the northern Italian Alps, is slowly gaining popularity amongst mountain lovers and outdoor sport aficionados. This region boasts some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in all of Europe, with 10,000-foot limestone peaks rising above breathtakingly beautiful lakes and rolling green meadows. Picturesque towns are scattered between peaks, each outfitted with wooden chalets and delicious Austro-Italian cuisine like fondue, sausages, polenta, and local dumplings known as canederli.
And while you might associate the mountains most with a winter vacation, the Dolomites have so much to offer year-round. Skiers flock from all over Italy to hit the slopes in the wintertime, but come summer, the Dolomites are a hiker's dream with a wide variety of well-maintained trails to choose from and spectacular views anywhere you look. Chair lifts throughout the region are in use yearlong for both groups. For those who’d appreciate a truly immersive experience, the Dolomites also have an extensive network of mountain huts where backpackers can hike from hut to hut, staying the night in comfortable rooms and sampling the local cuisine.
Perfect for: Hikers, skiers, and those who love the great outdoors
Calabria
This sunny region in southeastern Italy is easy to identify as the “toe” of Italy’s boot – and it remains one of Italy’s few regions almost untouched by tourism. Although much of southern Italy was ignored by American tourists for years, Sicily and Puglia have grown exponentially in popularity as premier beach destinations. We foresee Calabria as the next to have its moment in the spotlight!
With 500 miles of beachy coastline, stunning mountains, and picturesque villages like Tropea and Scilla built into the cliffs above the sea, beach goers have begun seeking out Calabria’s shores to escape the crowds of destinations like the Amalfi Coast. Like much of southern Italy, Calabria is known for its warm hospitality and spicy, rustic cuisine–some may even know it as home to Giada’s favorite condiment, Calabrian Chili Paste. Once part of ancient Greece and the Byzantine Empire, Calabria has a rich and complex history and also boasts a variety of archaeological sites and ancient museums for history buffs.
Perfect for: Beach goers and ancient history lovers who want to escape the crowds and experience a slice of local Italian life
Looking for more Italian travel inspiration? Check out all of Giada’s travel guides to Italy here.
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