Italy, a European country with a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “David” and Brunelleschi’s Duomo; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.
Italy is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, and it’s no wonder. However, not every Italian getaway needs to be in the hub of Florence or along the Amalfi Coast. Here, we take a look at some of the most beautiful—and under the radar—places in Italy to book your next vacation to.
Tom Marchant is the co-founder of luxury travel company and trip planner, Black Tomato, which delivers luxe experiences around the world via inspiring itineraries and access to the globe’s up-and-coming, remote destinations. Marchant’s finger on the pulse of travel trends and the world’s best in hotels, restaurants, destinations, and honeymoons is unique and incomparable–and he’s sharing his expertise and curated lists of where to visit, stay, eat and more with BAZAAR.com.
Tucked away behind the Chiesa Santa Maria della Salute, the cultural hub of Dorsoduro is a taste of the real Venice; that of the locals. The quiet streets lend themselves to an arty crowd, and bring a feeling of relaxed charm. Be sure to stop by the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection before bedding down at Ca Maria Adele.Varenna, Lake ComoEveryone always talks about Bellagio when it comes to Como, but that’s only because they haven’t been to Varenna. Overlooking the Lake’s most famous town, this quiet neighbor has an unpretentious charm with its old fishermen’s houses and picturesque waterfront.Locorotondo, PugliaRolling effortlessly off the tongue, you need only say ‘Locorotondo’ to feel the allure of this beautiful Apulian village. This is not a town of grand attractions or famous tales, but that’s what makes it so irresistible. Calm and quiet, lose yourself in the myriad of side streets of a town that time forgot.Camogli, LiguriaCamogli is the Riviera that the world forgot. You’ll find the same steep hillsides and pastel hued homes of the Cinque Terre, but what you won’t find are the crowds. Just sleepy enough to feel undiscovered but with enough local life and quaint trattorias to easily while away the days, this is a place to go before everyone else.Scilla, CalabriaCome for the Ancient Greek mythology, but stay for the local charm. The beaches here are well-known during the summer months, but less so are the tiny fishing villages of Chinalea and Scaro Allegio. It’s here that you’ll get a real sense for Scilla as boats bob in the harbor and fishermen tend to their nets while sharing a tale or two.Brera, MilanIn a city synonymous with slick design and effortless style, Brera typifies what it is to be Milano. A bohemian neighborhood of decades gone by, Brera now drips with sophistication. Pull up a chair at one of the al fresco spots on Piazza del Carmine and enjoy an aperitivo in what is easily one of Milan’s most attractive neighborhoods.Campo de’Fiori, Rome
BLACK TOMATO For a glimpse of Roman day-to-day life, it has to be the vibrancy of Campo de’Fiori. Drawn in by the inviting smell of fresh baked bread, sit here with an espresso doppio in hand and watch as locals peruse the daily farmers’ market, shopping for everything from local cheeses to plump and juicy fruits and the best cuts of meat. Keep an eye out for market stalwart, Franca, whose family has been selling some of the market’s freshest fruits and vegetables for over 150 years.
