Discover Italy's insider tips: travel without crowds!

Discover Italy's insider tips: travel without crowds!

Italy, a country of timeless beauty, wants to lure travelers away from the overcrowded tourist spots. As part of the “99% of Italy” campaign, launched by the national tourism platform “Visit Italy”, there is an increased focus on lesser-known, authentic travel destinations. Every year Italy records over 100 million tourist arrivals, including millions from Germany. The initiative aims to encourage people to discover the country's hidden gems and thus avoid the crowds of tourists in hotspots such as Venice or Rome.

The insider tips presented include a number of unique places that offer a completely different view of Italy. For example, there is a picturesque village that can only be reached via a footbridge and the Dolomiti Lucane region, ideal for hikers and nature lovers. A car-free island in Lake Iseo, which promotes deceleration, is also part of the recommendations, as are charming villages with medieval watermills that are close to Lake Garda.

Secret travel destinations

Particularly noteworthy is Tropea, which impresses with its Caribbean-like water and historic old town. The town, perched on 60-meter-high tuff cliffs on the Tyrrhenian Sea, offers a four-kilometer-long beach known as Costa dei; another highlight of the Italian coast. The Pienza region, famous for its rolling hills and pretty villages, also presents itself as a postcard-like idyll.

Another impressive destination is Chioggia, often referred to as “Little Venice”. With around 50,000 residents, this town has retained its original charm and offers ancient architecture, fishing markets and wide beaches along the Adriatic. The Pontine Islands, remote off the west coast between Rome and Naples, are known for their unspoiled nature and hiking trails, making the perfect place for a peaceful retreat.

The cities of Syracuse and Matera are particularly interesting for those interested in culture. Syracuse, with its origins in the 8th century BC. BC, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to ancient sights such as the Temple of Apollo and numerous restaurants on the coastal promenade. Matera, on the other hand, Capital of Culture 2019, impresses with its unique cave dwellings (Sassi), which are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as a backdrop for the film “The Passion of the Christ”.

Cities and regions worth telling

Bergamo, just 50 kilometers from Milan, is known for its picturesque old town with the impressive Cattedrale di San Alessandro. The city wall, which dates back to 1588, offers wonderful views over the surrounding area. Not to be forgotten is the Riviera del Conero in the Marche, which has 16 charming towns and a 20 km long limestone coast. Here you can go on a culinary journey of discovery through small restaurants.

Rounding out the list of these destinations are Lucca, known as the “City of 99 Churches”, and Polignano a Mare, where cliff diving competitions attract numerous visitors. These diverse destinations are proof that Italy has much more to offer than the classic tourist trails.

With its “99% of Italy” campaign, Italy has created an exciting opportunity to discover the country in all its splendor and diversity and to enjoy authentic experiences away from mass tourism. For travelers looking for adventure off the beaten path, these insider tips are an excellent choice.

For more information, see the articles on T Online and Travel reporter.