10 Best Towns in Italy to Visit to Skip the Tourist Crowds
Italy’s most popular cities, like Rome, Venice, and Milan, are iconic. But with great fame comes exorbitant prices, curated experiences, and, of course, plenty of tourists. If you’re looking for a more authentic Italian escape, the secret lies beyond the obvious.
From hilltop villages to coastal escapes, Italy’s lesser-known towns offer the same history, food, and culture, minus the crowds. In most cases, they surpass their famous counterparts in charm, cuisine, and authenticity. Ready to explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations? Let’s dive in!
Quick Tips When Visiting Italy
- Travel in the shoulder seasons: April–May and September–October offer great weather, fewer crowds, and generally lower prices for accommodation and activities.
- Stay overnight: Day tripping means you’re stuck on the road and not exploring.
- Eat like a local: Seek eateries with no English menus; they tend to have lower prices.
- Explore early or late: Mornings and evenings are quieter and more laid-back.
- Go beyond the landmarks: Markets and neighborhood cafés offer a local vibe.
- Get an eSIM: Avoid long airport queues and get a WonderConnect eSIM before departure. You can then easily activate it upon arrival, for mobile internet without roaming costs.
- Download Google Translate: English isn’t commonly spoken in Italy’s lesser-visited towns. Use a translation app to understand the residents, menus, and signage.
- Get your train tickets online: Standing in line to buy tickets in person can be quite daunting; instead, use Trenitalia, Italo, Italiarail, or Trainline to buy tickets online.
10 Underrated Towns to Visit in Italy to Avoid the Crowds
The Colosseum, Venetian gondolas, and Pompeii are among the things Italy is known for, attracting massive crowds. But ticking off bucket list items does not guarantee a magical experience; consider visiting these underrated towns for a more authentic Italian trip.
1. Parma
Foodies assemble! This culinary destination is hiding genuine Italian experiences found nowhere else. Parma rivals Bologna as Italy’s foodie capital, offering one-of-a-kind visits to Parmigiano Reggiano (the cheese) producers and to prosciutto factories. The city’s Romanesque infrastructure and historic piazzas are perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace.
2. Orvieto
Set atop volcanic tufa cliffs, Orvieto offers stunning views of the Umbrian countryside, a Gothic cathedral with a fascinating mosaic façade, and a network of underground caves and tunnels. If you’re seeking a peaceful escape with old-world charm and crisp white wine, this is the place.
Orvieto is a stop worth adding to an Italian road trip. It has a walkable historic center, with tendril plants dotting its storefronts. Don’t miss the Pozzo di San Patrizio and its cool spiral staircase.
3. Bergamo
Looking for a town that combines medieval charm with easy access to modern life? Then you’ll love Bergamo. Characterized by ancient Venetian walls and a vibrant aperitivo culture, this city has plenty of things to offer. The funicular to Città Alta takes you to the town’s heart, where you can walk along charming narrow streets, surrounded by fortified walls, fortresses, and piazzas.
4. Matera
If you’re a history buff, head to Matera. Known as the “City of Caves”, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Sassi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cave dwellings. Matera’s golden-hued streets look like they were taken straight from the pages of history, with narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, stacked-stone houses, and ancient churches.
5. Lecce
Affectionately named the “Florence of the South”, Lecce calmly blends 17th-century Baroque architecture and crystal-clear azure beaches. Culture is dotted on every corner of this town. As you walk through the historic center, cathedrals, piazzas, quaint boutiques, and cafés stand out.
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the main squares. Lecce’s local markets serve must-try Apulian cuisine, and its artisanal workshops craft elaborate cartapesta (papier-mâché).
6. Mantua
Surrounded by three artificial lakes, Mantua is a town that boasts classic Renaissance art and architecture. The Ducal Palace is at the heart of Mantua’s historic expression with its grand halls and fresco-filled rooms. Among the town’s highlights are Basilica di Sant’Andrea and Te Palace.
Mantua also carries a rich history in theater, so you can add catching a show at Teatro Bibiena to your list. Visit Lago Superiore to discover the largest spread of lotus flowers outside of Asia.
7. Tropea
Picture this: gorgeous white-sand beaches bordered by steep, dramatic cliffs, that’s Tropea. Budget travelers will love this coastal town because, unlike the Amalfi Coast, Tropea is easy on the wallet. Don’t leave without kayaking its turquoise waters and tasting the Calabrian cuisine.
8. Bari
For an authentic slice of southern Italian life, Bari is hard to beat. Its old town, Bari Vecchia, is a maze of narrow streets where locals still make orecchiette pasta by hand outside their homes. Explore historic churches, enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor, and soak up the city’s vibrant energy. Join a local food tour or cooking class to experience Bari’s culinary traditions firsthand.
9. Civita di Bagnoregio
Perched atop a crumbling hill and accessible only by a pedestrian bridge, Civita di Bagnoregio feels like a real-life fairytale.
With its quiet alleys, stone houses, and sweeping valley views, this tiny village offers a peaceful escape from Italy’s busier destinations. Arrive early to experience its magic before day-trippers appear. Stay overnight to enjoy its silence after sunset.
10. Comacchio
Love the idea of Venice but not the crowds? Comacchio offers canals, charming bridges, and colorful buildings, minus the overtourism.
Located in the Po Delta, it’s also a gateway to nature, with nearby birdwatching and cycling routes. Be sure to try the town’s famous eel dishes for a true local experience. Rent a bike to explore the surrounding wetlands and hidden lagoons.
Is It Possible to Skip the Tourist Crowds in Italy?
Absolutely, but it requires a different approach to travel.
Instead of ticking off bucket-list landmarks, focus on immersive experiences. Choose smaller towns, travel during quieter seasons, and prioritize local culture over major attractions.
Italy’s true magic isn’t limited to its famous cities. It lives in its hidden corners in family-run trattorias, quiet piazzas, and communities where traditions are still part of everyday life.
By visiting places like Parma, Matera, or Tropea, you’re not just avoiding crowds; you’re discovering a more meaningful and memorable side of Italy.
And in many cases, these underrated towns end up being the highlight of the entire trip.