Italy has so many amazing destinations. And not all of them are completely crowded during the summer.
Do you know about these six Italian destinations? Have you visited any of them?
Aeolian Islands
Sicily was our #2 Top Travel Trend for 2022. It’s going to be one of Europe’s most popular destinations this summer, perhaps in part because of the White Lotus series. Escaping the Sicilian crowds isn’t so difficult though.
Rising from azure waters just north of Sicily, the seven Aeolian islands are an outdoor holiday paradise.
Hike on volcanoes, uncover deserted beaches, kayak along rugged coastlines and find silent places to relax, far from other people.
While Sicily has some amazing five-star properties, the options are limited on the Aeolian Islands. Our best recommendation is to explore on a private yacht, so you can anchor in the archipelago’s stunning bays.
Umbria & Le Marche
Tuscany is glorious. And very popular. In general, Tuscany becomes less touristic the further you travel south, away from Florence and Pisa, towards Val d’Orcia. That’s where Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is located.
Umbria is the region that neighbours Tuscany to the south. It’s equally magical, a landscape of rolling hills, hilltop villages, restored villas and sunset colours lingering for hours.
Le Marche is even lesser known. Here, white cliffs jut above the Adriatic and Renaissance treasures hide on the lush hills.
These two regions are all about slow travel. Away from the tourist bustle you’ll find authenticity, tranquillity and an Italy from yesteryear.
Piedmont
Serene lakes. Elegant cities defined by grand piazzas, cute cafes and art. Jagged mountains for getting lost in nature. Traditional gastronomy that has influenced the world. World-famous wine areas.
It could be an introduction to Tuscany. It’s Piedmont, Italy’s forgotten northwest corner, home of Barolo, Barbaresco, Nutella, Lake Maggiore, and Italy’s first capital Turin.
Piedmont is one of Europe’s ultimate foodie destination, a brilliant place to ski, hike or cycle. Overall, it’s a chronically overlooked place to explore.
Travel in Piedmont is best done slowly, moving from city to vineyards, mountains to lakes, and everything in between.
Puglia
Puglia is taking major strides towards becoming Italy’s premier coastal destination. It’s astonishingly beautiful, the coastline rivals Amalfi, and the summer season continues until early November.
Beach holidays are combined with charming cities like Lecce and Bari, plus adventures across the Tuscan-like interior.
Until recently, Borgo Egnazia was the region’s only genuine five-star resort. Now there’s a swathe of small masserias, converted rural properties offering a very local experience. These include Rocco Forte’s Masseria Torre Maizza and Baglioni Masseria Muzza.
Four Seasons are opening a beachfront Puglia property, Mandarin Oriental are operating two private villas, and other major luxury brands are set to enter Puglia. Holiday in Puglia soon, before it changes too much.
Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna is quite a famous Italian region, although it remains mostly unchanged by tourism. Do you know that the Emilia-Romagna region is Italy’s premier food region?
Tagliatelle, tortellini, Parma ham, Parmigiano cheese, balsamic vinegar, Culatello salami: many of Italy’s most quintessential Italian foods are from Emilia-Romagna.
Situated on route between Florence and Venice or Milan, this is a region of medieval towns, cobblestone streets and remarkable food experiences.
Emilia-Romagna is also the home of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Just imagine the driving experiences you will find.
Dolomites
Of course you know the Dolomites? But did you consider the Dolomites as a summer destination?
Yes the skiing is great here. But the region really comes alive when the flowers bloom, when you drink Prosecco sundowners in Prosecco and discover the region’s pop-up summer spas and restaurants.
The Dolomites are a premier destination for an active holiday, close to home.
It’s almost unrivalled in Europe as a summer hiking or cycling destination, especially heli-hiking. Plus it’s full of stunning owner-operated properties, like Forestis and Lefay Resort.
Your Italian Holiday
Italy’s famous destinations are justifiably famous. Rome is incredible, so are Venice, Florence and Milan. But in mid-summer is difficult to find privacy. These less-known destinations are more laid-back and they still offer great places to stay.
We create holidays for discerning travellers who want to experience something new, in absolute comfort. We don’t have a holiday brochure. Everything is tailormade and takes time to create. So don’t choose us if you want a standard holiday in the most famous place? We are different.
