Here we are, finally it is time to share the best off-the-beaten-track locations we suggest you to consider this summer 2018! Ready to book your next Italian vacation? You’ll find our picks divided not for location but for passions. Let’s start!
ART LOVERS
ERCOLANO – The sister of the way much crowded Pompei, an authentic Roman city that underwent a tragedy but for the same reason has survived until today.
ROVERETO, MART Museum – is the name you need to keep in mind. The address for all modern and contemporary art lovers.
PARCO DEI MOSTRI DI BOMARZO – A natural park that hides mythological animals, gods and monsters. A dreamlike walk into the woods.
VILLAGES
LA SCARZUOLA, UMBRIA – A private home, a huge theater scene that represents the ideal city, a surreal and symbolic path. An unique place for an extraordinary day trip.
CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO, LAZIO – Called La città che muore (the dying city) because it rises on a tuff hill subject to erosion and the city has been left by lots of inhabitants, it is no more considered dying as tourism has changed its fate.
SPELLO, UMBRIA – Famous for its flower composition during Corpus Domini, the village is itself a gem and is amongst the most beautiful Italian villages.
SOVANA- TOSCANA – A medieval town that finds its origins way back in time, as testified by the Etruscan necropolis that you may visit.
ROMANTIC
ISEO LAKE – The little brother of Lake Como, Maggiore and Garda and for this less crowded but still enjoyable. You can choose between the lake, the mountains, some outlet designer shopping or wine tasting in Franciacorta all less than a hour drive from Iseo.
A TREE HOUSE IN A LAVENDER FIELD, LA PIANTATA – A stay here during the lavender blooming is on my bucket list since forever. Two stunning tree houses that are a design masterpiece and an unrivaled landscape for the most romantic stay you may have.
SPORT LOVERS
VAL DI ZOLDO, HIKING – A not so crowded valley in the Dolomites for an active vacation. Lakes, paths, trekking, dinosaurs footprints, good local food in the places where some of the best ice cream makers are born.
ZIPLINING IN BOLZANO, POTENZA AND LAKE MAGGIORE – What’s better than an adrenaline-filled activity in some of the most stunning landscapes?
ADVENTURE PARKS – Acropark Rio Centa, Trento -Activo Park, Spoleto (Umbria),Parco Avventura Milo, Etna (Sicilia). That’s it. Bring your family and have fun!
RAFTING IN FIUME CORNO, UMBRIA – FIUME LAO, CALABRIA – FIUME SESIA, PIEMONTE – DORA BALTEA, VALLE D’AOSTA – For the most adventurous ones, a fast-paced experience in some amazing locations.
SEA LOVERS
A short premise: some of the following places has been recognized a Blue Flag, the international program that awards beaches, seas coasts for best quality, services, safety and environment high standards.
COSTA DELLE SIRENE – Between Vieri and Ravello, on the stunning Amalfi Coast. Hidden beaches and pristine blue sea.
CAPRAIA – 200 inhabitants, one port, one village for one of the most beautiful Italian Islands. Clear blue waters to be discovered by boat, inside the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
MARATEA – Blue flagged – Again, clear waters, a small village for a location that is not so well know.
ROCCELLA JONICA – Blue flagged – A beautiful white beach and a picturesque castle overlooking the horizon for a city that is believed to have been built on the site of the ancient Greeg settlement of Amphissa.
SPERLONGA – Blue flagged – A nice wide beach for a cliff village. Do not miss the Roman villa of Tiberius, a true masterpiece that witness the grandeur of ancient times.
NUMANA – Blue flagged – 50 shades of blue in Numana’s sea and white cliffs. Do not miss the beach called ” Due Sorelle”.
SPA LOVERS
VULCANO, SICILY – Free thermal baths near the island port for muds that heal your skin, breathing and bones.
BAGNO VIGNONI, TUSCANY – A wide Medieval thermal tanks in the middle of town in one of Tuscany best preserved Medieval villages. Take a tour around “Parco dei Mulini” to see the ruins of the ancient thermal baths.
TERME DI SATURNIA – This place seems straight out of a child book. Small waterfalls from white limestone basins protected by a white mill. These waters are well known for their therapeutic features.
BAGNI DI SAN FILIPPO – Another fairy water park known since Etruscan and Roman times. White limestone tanks surrounded by the woods and filled with warm, turquoise water.
FOODIES
WINES AT ELBA ISLAND – Aleatico is a sweet wine, probably the most popular from this wine region. A small island but a peculiar wine region to discover.
SULMONA FOR CONFETTI (sugared almonds) – Even Prince Harry & Megan chose these sweets for their wedding. Known for being the best of all, do not miss a tour of Pelino Museums to learn the history behind these sweet treats and how they are made.
FAMILIES
ITALIA IN MINIATURA, RIMINI – The miniatures park where you can have a tour of all Italians sightseeings and masterpieces at once.
CASA DEL CIOCCOLATO, PERUGIA – That’s chocolate house, baby! In the town that every year heads the chocolate festival. You know you’ll be in the right place!
GELATO MUSEUM CARPIGIANI, BOLOGNA – From chocolate to gelato, you only have to choose your favorite dessert.
GHOST STORIES AT AZZURRINA CASTLE, RIMINI – A breathtaking but scary ghost story that will give you chills down your spine.
GIARDINO DEI TAROCCHI, TUSCANY – A colorful artistic park that somehow reminds of Gaudì’s Park Guell. Following the artist’s will (Niki de Saint Phalle) there are no guided tours to leave visitors free to interpret the pieces themselves.
MUSEUM OF DOLLS AND TOYS AT ROCCA D’ANGERA, VARESE – I am scared by dolls (too many horror stories and movies!) but for those who likes them is a nice way to see history through some everyday objects such toys.
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