Discover Italy's insider tips: Five exciting travel pearls!

Discover Italy's insider tips: Five exciting travel pearls!

Although Tuscany remains a popular travel destination, other regions in Italy are becoming increasingly important. The latest reports highlight five exciting trend regions that offer travelers unique experiences off the beaten path. This is how Italy shows itself from a diverse side that combines culinary delights, natural beauty and cultural treasures.

One of these emerging regions isLe Marche, located between the Apennines and the Adriatic. It attracts with its hilly landscapes and medieval towns such as Urbino and Ascoli Piceno. With 180 kilometers of coastline, the region is ideal for holidaymakers looking for a combination of relaxation and exploration. Soft tourism in Le Marche focuses on family-run agriturismi and boutique hotels, while the regional cuisine scores with game dishes, truffles and Verdicchio wine.

Basilicata and its hidden treasures

TheBasilicatahas become better known with the nomination of Maratea as European Capital of Culture 2019. This region impresses with a mixture of rugged nature, abandoned villages and traditional cuisine. The possibilities for activities are diverse, as the Pollino National Park and the coastal towns are ideal for hiking. The food is more honest because the region is less touristy than neighboring Puglia.

Friuli-Venezia Giuliain the north-east of Italy connects different cultures. The cities of Trieste with its Central European flair, Udine with Venetian architecture and Cividale del Friuli, which has a Lombard history, are just some of the cultural highlights. The region is particularly popular with German-speaking audiences and visitors should try, among other things, polenta, San Daniele ham and excellent white wines.

Hidden treasures in the south of Italy

TheMoliseis considered a little-noticed region. Quiet villages and wide hilly landscapes invite you to slow down. Old crafts, such as bell foundry, are still present there. Molise is ideal for anyone looking for peace and nature away from the crowds.

At the bottom of the Italian boot liesCalabria, a region that has long been less touristy and is now characterized by its breathtaking coastlines and dense forests. The villages present a strong cultural identity and the cuisine is known for spicy specialties such as 'Nduja and Pecorino Crotonese. Well-known holiday areas include Tropea, also known as the “Pearl of the Coast of the Gods”, and Capo Vaticano.

But the south of Italy also has much more to offer. The entire south is known for its fertile soils that produce sweet fruits and the distinctive dolce vita. Cities like Palermo in Sicily, which was named Italian Capital of Culture in 2018, impress with their old town and important works of art. Catania, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, is home to central baroque squares and a lively atmosphere. In Messina, the cathedral's carillon attracts visitors every day.

In addition, Sicily with its Aeolian Islands, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of immense volcanic activity. This archipelago is a real insider tip for nature lovers. Golf enthusiasts will find the best conditions for their sport at the Donnafugata Golf Resort and Spa.

Overall, the emerging regions of Italy show that there is much more to discover than just the classic highlights of Tuscany. Culinary diversity, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultures are waiting to be explored by curious travelers. A visit to Le Marche, Basilicata, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Molise and Calabria promises unforgettable experiences.

For more information about Italian regions is Mercury an important point of contact while Viva Italy offers detailed insights into the sunny south.