When it comes to Italy, the territory, the culture, the landscape are so diverse it’s hard to pick sides and decide where the best places are, whether you are looking for the yummiest pasta recipe or the most beautiful mountain or lake view.
Sure, there are those iconic destinations that are on everyone’s must-see list – Venice, Rome, Florence, Capri… just to name a few – and they are on that list for many good reasons, but there is so much more to Italy than just a handful of places that, if you ask any Italian what his or hers favorite ten locations are, chances are you will end up with thousands of suggestions.
So here are ten places to see next time you are in Italy: all different from one another, some more crowded than others, some better seen in the summer some in the winter, but all equally beautiful and interesting.
PAVIA. A stone’s throw away from busy, buzzing Milan, Pavia couldn’t feel more different from it: quiet, understated, endearingly pretty, it features cobble stone streets, plenty of medieval buildings for history buffs and a cuisine that is truly enjoyable. Walking in the historical downtown district is a great way to unwind and work up an appetite: indulge in a romantic dinner at Locanda del Carmine, right next to the gorgeous Gothic church of Santa Maria del Carmine, then head to Gelateria Cesare for the town’s best gelato or a zabaione, a local favorite.
CROTONE. Ancients Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Spaniards all left something behind in this colorful and interesting town in Calabria: perched overlooking the Ionic Sea, Crotone showcases natural wonders along side archeological sites. Baroque churches too add to the charm of this rustic, yet pretty town. Seafood and meat are equally tasty around here: for a taste of all that Crotone has to offer stop by Ristorante Ercole and enjoy some of the best pasta dishes around.
SIRMIONE. Take time to take it all in. Although small, Sirmione is so rich in ancient history you will need time to explore it and truly appreciate it. Located on the shore of Lake Garda, this small town oozes tons of charm: with its red roofs and its imposing fortress by the water, the impressive Rocca Scaligera, Sirmione is especially interesting to those who are passionate about ancient history: it is the birthplace of Roman writer Catullo and, to this day, it’s possible to visit the remains of his house at a truly charming archeological site surrounded by olive groves.
POLIGNANO A MARE. A rocky peninsula that stretches into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, hidden caves and white beaches: Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia’s most beautiful seaside towns. Birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno, Polignano offers the ideal combination of culture, gastronomy and pure rest and relaxation by the beach: here, of course, seafood is king and there is no better place than Osteria di Chichibio to take it all in. For an even more exclusive experience book a table at Grotta Palazzese, a cave that has been turned into one of the most spectacular restaurants in Italy.
ORTISEI. Surrounded by the breathtaking pink peaks of the Dolomites, Ortisei is the largest of the three quaint alpine villages of Val Gardena. Here you won’t find any buildings higher than three stories: what you will find is pristine nature, hundreds of miles of slopes to ski in the winter and just as many paths to hike or ride a mountain bike in the summer. Top all of this off with a decadent dinner at Restaurant Tubladel – the very best in town where the Italian tradition meets nearby Austrian cuisine, featuring game, venison and many other local favorites.
SAN VITO LO CAPO. Falling in love with one of Sicily’s most charming towns is easy: the road that takes you to San Vito Lo Capo runs in such a beautiful landscape one could easily stop more than ten times to capture the blue and green beauty of the sea and the rugged, sunburnt hills that surround it. Once you get there, this small beach town will win you over with its handmade ceramic stores, lively restaurant and bar scene and never ending series of festivals and events. For a truly unforgettable meal stop for either lunch or dinner at Ristorante ‘A Lampara, right on the beach, and try their amazingly fresh fish and the Spaghetti Zingaro, a true delight made with locally caught red snapper.
FRANCIACORTA. The name itself of this area on the boarder of Lombardy and Veneto is a synonym for great wines. Franciacorta indeed produces amazing bubbles, whites and reds, but has a lot to offer also to those who can’t resist the quiet charm of hilltop towns and a gorgeous countryside. The natural reserve of Torbiere del Sebino with its beautiful monastery of St. Peter is only one of the many highlights of this region: one of the others is, of course, eating and drinking local specialties: if you are a meat lover, stop by Locanda La Torre in Torbato and enjoy one of the best steaks of the country.
ALGHERO. There’s more to Sardinia than ritzy Costa Smeralda. Alghero, an ancient town on the shore of the Mediterranean, is downright peculiar as it is the only Catalan enclave in Italy. Here, besides gorgeous architecture and beaches, you will find that the culture, language and cuisine are more similar to those of Barcelona than to those of the rest of Italy. Stop by the Boqueria, the main market, and sit down for a lunch you won’t forget: for 15 euros you will be able to savor dishes that are a unique combination of Sardinian and Catalan, something you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
RAVENNA. Emilia Romagna is famous for its party beaches and its capital city, Bologna, but Ravenna, a charming inland town is also worth a visit. Have you ever looked at a mosaic and stared in awe at its perfection and beauty? Then you will absolutely love Ravenna, as it is famous for showcasing the most comprehensive and amazing collection of Byzantine mosaic art in Italy. A whopping eight early Christian monuments, built between the years 400 and 500, are enlisted as Unesco World Heritage Sites and will leave you speechless, especially the Mausoleum of Teodorico.
BORMIO. Sports, gastronomy and wellness, Bormio has it all. This charming mountain town in Valtellina is equally beautiful in the summer and in the winter. No matter the season, both the Terme di Bormio and the Bagni Vecchi are ideal to relax: their pools are filled with naturally warm spring water while their saunas and steam baths are carved inside the mountains. For a culinary delight, stop by La Rasiga and savor some locally produced cold cuts –especially the bresaola and the deer salami- and order some sciàtt, deep fried cheese balls that will make you yearn for more.
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