10 Hidden Gems in Italy You Need to Visit

Italy is famous for Rome, Venice, and Florence—but the country's true magic lies in the places most tourists never see. After years of traveling through Italy and saving countless places in Dream Trip, here are my top 10 hidden gems that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

1. Matera, Basilicata

Carved into limestone cliffs, Matera's ancient cave dwellings (sassi) are unlike anything else in Europe. Once considered "the shame of Italy" due to poverty, it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was European Capital of Culture in 2019. The best time to visit is at sunset when the stones glow golden.

Pro tip: Stay in a cave hotel for an unforgettable experience. Save this spot in Dream Trip and let our AI suggest the perfect amount of time to spend here.

2. Procida, Campania

While everyone flocks to Capri and Ischia, tiny Procida remains blissfully untouristed. This colorful fishing island was the setting for the film "Il Postino" and offers authentic Italian island life without the crowds. The pastel-painted houses of Marina Corricella are Instagram gold.

3. Civita di Bagnoregio

Known as "the dying city," this ancient hilltop village is accessible only by footbridge and seems frozen in time. Only about 10 people live here year-round. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the day-trippers.

4. Tropea, Calabria

Calabria is Italy's best-kept secret, and Tropea is its crown jewel. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and the famous red onions (yes, really—they're sweet enough to eat raw). The Santa Maria dell'Isola monastery perched on a rock is spectacular.

5. Orvieto, Umbria

This clifftop town in Umbria has one of Italy's most stunning cathedrals and an underground city carved from volcanic rock. Don't miss the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a Renaissance-era well with two spiral staircases that never intersect.

6. Alberobello, Puglia

The trulli of Alberobello—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs—look like something from a fairytale. Walk through the Rione Monti district in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Many trulli are now Airbnbs, making for a unique stay.

7. Varenna, Lake Como

Skip the tourist trap of Bellagio and head to charming Varenna instead. This fishing village on Lake Como has the same stunning views, better restaurants, and a fraction of the crowds. The gardens of Villa Monastero are not to be missed.

8. San Gimignano, Tuscany

Yes, it's on the tourist trail, but visit in the off-season or stay overnight after the day-trippers leave. This medieval Manhattan, famous for its 14 surviving towers, transforms into a magical place after dark.

9. Burano, Venice

While technically part of Venice, most visitors skip this rainbow-colored island in the lagoon. Each house is painted a different brilliant color, and the island is famous for lace-making. The seafood restaurants here are better and cheaper than in Venice proper.

10. Ravello, Amalfi Coast

Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello offers the views without the coastal chaos. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone have been called the most beautiful in the world. Wagner composed part of Parsifal here, inspired by the views.

Planning Your Italian Adventure

Ready to explore these hidden gems? Here's how Dream Trip can help:

1. Save all these places directly from this article to your Dream Trip collection

2. Let AI create your route based on which gems interest you most

3. Plan with friends and vote on which places make the final cut

4. Get realistic timing so you're not rushing between destinations

The best trips happen when you go beyond the guidebook. Save these spots and start planning your authentic Italian adventure!