Where to Visit in Italy Based on Places You Already Love

Tuscany is a golden region in Italy with limitless things to see and do. You can return to the rolling hills and vineyards, the quiet wine villages and Renaissance cities, staying on the same path to be completely happy.

But after having explored Tuscany’s famous art and architecture, from Michelangelo’s David to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Botticeli’s La Primavera to Siena’s Piazza del Campo, you can find the layers of history, the same gorgeous rolling hills, and the expected passion for local dishes steeped in tradition when visiting Umbria. The region shares alluring similarities to Tuscany, but without the imposing crowds.

Instead of emerald green vales, you may have golden hillsides. Instead of Florence and Bistecca Fiorentina, you have Perugia and its chocolate. Walk along a portion of Via di Francesco, a pilgrimage route that leads to Assisi, sample delicacies like wild boar in the region’s top food cities, and discover postcard-perfect medieval towns like Spoleto or Gubbio.

If Rome is the Eternal City, Sicily is the Timeless Island. After having already explored the best of Rome, you know how to explore the combination of ancient history, cuisine, and daily life intertwined with seemingly endless historic monuments.

Sicily, like Rome, has plentiful ancient ruins, but on the island, the ruins date back beyond the Roman Empire, touching on the history of Magna Grecia and demonstrating the importance of Sicily at the center of Mediterranean trade for millennia. Rome has the Roman Forum, Sicily has the Valley of the Temples. Rome has the Capitoline Museums, Sicily has the Regional Archaeological Museum. Rome has beaches like Lido di Ostia and Fregene, while Sicily has Cefalú and the Scala dei Turchi. With gilded mosaics in the Norman Palace and the Greek theater open to views of Mount Etna in the distance, it is easy to fall in love with Sicily’s variety.

Locals consider themselves Sicilian first. The minerals of two separate active volcanoes enhance the wine and every dish represents the soil and the sea. From cycling to the largest opera house in the country, searching for grand coastlines or Baroque architecture, visiting Sicily is finding the entirety of Italy in a microcosm.

The Amalfi Coast has the fame, celebrated the world over for its glamour, history, and charm. After having visited the small towns lining the shores and offering incredible views across the Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s hard to imagine anywhere in the world that will equal your experience, let alone another place in Italy.

However, Solento in the Puglia region won’t only meet your expectations, but surpass them. If Italy is often compared to the shape of a boot, Salento is part of the stiletto-heel peninsula. The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic wash against the coastline and splash at the bottom of white cliffs. Caves decorated with stalactites and stalagmites reveal extra layers of the natural beauty and the town of Otranto hides behind a perimeter of imposing 15th-century walls.

Farmhouses, olive groves, and herbaceous shrubs offer a glimpse of traditional life amidst breathtaking beaches and the dreamlike whitewashed walls of Italy’s Gallipoli, where you can bask in the treasured history and coastline without the typical crowds of the Amalfi villages.

The Italian Riviera is rivaled perhaps only in fame by the Amalfi Coast, but when looking for a place as beautiful and culturally unique, Sardinia surpasses those of the Riviera. During your first time in Italy, you may have strolled along the picturesque streets of Portofino or indulged in the herbaceous pesto of Genoa. Step beyond the veil of popularity to reach one of the best Italian islands and find the indelible charms of Sardinia.

Nestled in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sardinia shines with idyllic beaches fading into crystal-clear turquoise waters or rising into rugged cliffs for breathtaking landscapes. From the vibrant capital city of Cagliari to the ancient ruins of Nora, lose yourself in the maze-like streets known for Catalan influence or immerse yourself in the enticing flavors captured in grilled lobster and malloreddus, often referred to as Sardinian gnocchi.

Hiking limestone cliffs, trekking the Supramonte Mountains, or diving into the underwater wonders along the archipelago, Sardinia is a perfect mix of Caribbean-style beaches and Mediterranean cuisine, ancient traditions and alluring architecture with a heritage entirely its own.

Venice stands alone due to its romantic ambiance and grandiose architecture rising from the lagoon. If you enjoyed Venice’s exceptional sights, Ravenna may not at first seem like an alternative, but if Venice’s art, architecture, and culture captured your imagination, Ravenna promises to surprise you.

Its claim to fame lies in its exceptional collection of glittering Byzantine mosaics. The city is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the breathtaking Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, where you can step into a world of vibrant golds and shimmering blues found in centuries-old masterpieces. History rivals Venice's own, with Ravenna once standing as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Ostrogothic Kingdom. The sixth-century Archbishop's Chapel and the mighty walls of a medieval fortress offering panoramic views still stand proudly over the city.

The city exudes a more intimate ambiance, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with charming cafes, boutiques, and local artisan shops leading to leafy parks or along the rediscovered canals. Unhurried, but with a delightful fusion of traditional Emilian and Romagna cuisines, Ravenna is a compelling alternative, with lesser-known treasures to enjoy.

Travelers to Lecce often refer to the city in Puglia as the “Florence of the South”, where the narrow lanes unknowingly guide you to historic churches decorated with intricate artwork and fascinating architecture. Florence practically overflows with famous masterpieces, with works by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Brunelleschi, and Donatello. While Lecce is less famous, you can find delights in the compact Baroque design when wandering from PIazza Sant’Oronzo to the ancient Roman amphitheater.

The prosperous 17th-century remains on display in the city’s fascinating facades, found in the cathedral’s elegant entrances, the bell tower’s octagonal shape, and an endless collection of the lanes weaving between medieval hilltops and the Adriatic coastline. The past feels flamboyant and celebrated in daily life, with rustic recipes honoring humble ingredients like potatoes and carrots. Lecce has a history spanning more than 2,000 years and a population that embraces tradition, community, and local history, whether with food or in sharing the stories of past artists.

The five towns of the Cinque Terre share colorful tower homes climbing down coastal cliffs and stunning hiking trails opening to panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea. Matera is a surprising alternative to Cinque Terre, but after having wandered through the charming streets of Riomaggiore or lounged near the marina of Vernazza, the ancient allure and unique landscapes of Matera can reveal a different mystical charm.

The UNESCO World Heritage city is renowned for its cave dwellings and rich cultural heritage. Tucked away in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera will transport you back in time with its fascinating ancient cave dwellings, known as sassi. Explore the intricate network of narrow alleyways, cave churches, and stone houses, gaining insight into history and architectural beauty. Find the thriving arts scene in the numerous galleries and museums showcasing local and contemporary works. Explore the vast wilderness and rugged landscape of Murgia National Park and the deep ravine dotted with rock-cut churches and grottoes.

From savoring local wines to the rich flavors of celebrated sausages, finding a similar beauty to Cinque Terre in the way Matera’s historic architecture cascades down the hillside, or embracing the fascinating accommodations found inside millennia-old caves, Matera is an enchanting region of discovery.

Italy has no shortage of places to see and things to do, from exploring its top UNESCO sites to touring the impressive collection of ancient ruins. By focusing on your interests and travel style, whether looking for places to visit with family or eager to find romantic activities, these alternative destinations in Italy will unveil unforgettable gems.

Discover more inspiration for your second trip to Italy with our Italy tours or explore more ideas on when to visit and more with our Italy travel guide.