Get ready to explore five fascinating corners of Italy that few travelers ever see. Stroll through the ancient streets of Calcata in Lazio, perched dramatically on a tuff cliff. Bask in the coastal beauty of Vernazza in Cinque Terre, a seaside haven of color and charm. Venture to Pietracamela in Abruzzo, where mountain views and rugged landscapes promise real adventure. Then indulge your senses at the Wine Bank in Pollenzo, the ultimate destination for connoisseurs who appreciate Italian enology.
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Top 5 Hidden Gems in Italy:
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Calcata (Lazio)
Located in Lazio, this iconic village is mainly known for its unique artistic atmosphere and historic stone alleys. This experience takes you behind the scenes, offering access to areas most tourists never see. I’m talking about the Opera Bosco Museum of Art in Nature, an open-air contemporary art museum set amidst two hectares of lush forest in the Valle del Treja.
The village, sitting atop a large mound of volcanic tufo stone 450 feet up and surrounded by a verdant valley, is one of the most bewitching in Italy. Calcata is a little-known village just to the north of Rome. It’s quirky and fun and full of surprises.
The centerpiece of this hidden gem is its quaint piazza, where you can enjoy the ambiance and marvel at the picturesque surroundings. Calcata is more than just a destination—it’s an escape into Italy’s timeless artistry and natural beauty.
Local Dines: Savor authentic Lazio flavors at La Piazzetta Via San Giovanni 47, enjoy a curated selection of regional wines at NOSTRO enoteca, or choose Il Caraponzolo for fresh ingredients and creative Italian cuisine.
Best Places to Stay: La Casa sui Tetti – Calcata (9.4/10) and SopraBosco Calcata Art & Design Apartment (9.4/10) offer cozy, rustic-chic interior with modern aesthetics and Calcata’s medieval charm.
Vernazza , Cinque Terre – Liguria
Vernazza may be best known for its picturesque landscapes, but did you know that the village also offers a unique blend of luxury and authenticity? If you’re looking for unique things to do in Italy, I can totally vouch for this activity that’ll have you exploring the charming streets of Vernazza’s lovely old town.
One of Italy’s hidden gems, Vernazza captivates with its 14th-century Ligurian-Gothic church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia overlooking the harbor. Among the top things to do in Vernazza is unwinding on its two Vernazza beaches: a small triangular stretch by the piazza and a newer one formed after the 2011 flood. For culinary delights, Belforte offers exquisite Ligurian cuisine and breathtaking views, while hiking trails to Corniglia reward adventurers with stunning coastal panoramas.
Local Dines: Feast on fresh Ligurian dishes at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre, Sip cocktails with a sea view at Deck or the Port of Vernazza.
Best Places to Stay: Places like la terrazza (8.6/10) and Incanto (9,5/10) promise a stylish retreat, featuring panoramic views and authentic local charm.
Pietracamela (Abruzzo)
One of Italy’s hidden gems, Pietracamela offers a blend of scenic beauty and cultural richness in Abruzzo’s Teramo province. Nestled on the slopes of Corno Piccolo of the Gran Sasso massif, the village greets visitors with cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Among the best things to do in Pietracamela are exploring the historic center and indulging in local cuisine at cozy upscale restaurants.
For adventure seekers, Pietracamela provides ample opportunities for exploration. The hiking trails, such as the path to Corno Grande, offer stunning views of the sea and the rugged coastline, making it a perfect destination for those who love the outdoors.
Local Dines: Indulge in farm-to-table specialties at Agriturismo dei Prati, where seasonal produce and warm hospitality define every dish. Savor traditional local flavors at Ristorante Antica Locanda.
Best Places to Stay: Locanda Del Parco Hotel and Flamignano Relax e Nature take hospitality to new heights with refined suites and picturesque views of Abruzzo’s peaks.
Pollenzo and the Wine Bank
The Wine Bank in Pollenzo – or Banca del Vino – lies in the royal estate of Savoy near Bra, amidst the rolling hills of Piedmont. This is a great example of Italy’s hidden gem, as it remains lesser-known compared to more popular wine destinations like Barolo or Barbaresco. Highlights include meticulously curated cellars, interactive tastings, and exclusive labels that showcase the best of Italian enology.
But the biggest surprise is the fusion of history and innovation, with the University of Gastronomic Sciences adding a modern twist to centuries-old winemaking traditions. Equally impressive are the upscale accommodations and gourmet restaurants nearby, perfect for those seeking luxury and authenticity. For a truly indulgent moment, there is no better invitation than to enjoy the wine bank experience under Pollenzo’s historic arches, savoring a rare vintage in an ambiance that seamlessly merges past and present.
Local Dines: Delight in refined Piedmontese flavors at Ristorante Garden, enjoy a cozy stay and gourmet meals at Convino – Ristorante con Camere, or head to Farmhouse Ca’ del Re for a rustic escape.
Best Places to Stay: Loft Stadio Olimpico (9/10) and Casetta Santa Rita (9.5/10) both excel in modern comfort and top-rated amenities, creating a warm, welcoming retreat for travelers.
The village of Acqui Terme, with “La Bollente”
Acqui Terme – or the “City of Spa” – lies in the lush hills of Piedmont, close to the banks of the Bormida River. This is a great example of Italy’s hidden gem, as it remains lesser-known compared to popular hot-spots like Alba or Barolo. Highlights include La Bollente hot water thermal fountain at the city’s heart, flanked by scenic arcades and elegant architecture. But the biggest surprise is the fountain’s natural 165.2°F (74°C) waters, believed to hold therapeutic properties sought by visitors from around the globe.
Equally appealing are the refined thermal resorts, boutique stores, and gourmet restaurants—unmissable things to do in Acqui Terme for luxury seekers. The village resonates with a timeless charm, blending Roman heritage with modern sophistication, ensuring a memorable, off-the-beaten-path experience for discerning travelers.
Local Dines: Indulge in refined Italian flavors at OSTERIA 46 for contemporary culinary artistry. Then embrace a holiday vibe at Hakuna Matata, serving eclectic fusion dishes and tropical cocktails.
Best Places to Stay: Elegant Boutique Apartment alloggio Via Nizza (9.7/10) and Hotel Monteverde (9.3/10) both redefine upscale hospitality, offering chic interiors and top-tier amenities.
Basilicas in Ravenna
Frequent visitors to Italy often associate Emilia-Romagna with Bologna, Parma, and the coastal charm of Rimini. But you just have to head a little further east to find the Basilicas in Ravenna that many tourists overlook. Ravenna is Italy’s hidden gem, boasting eight UNESCO-listed sites where the mosaics at Ravenna shine with Byzantine splendor. The Basilica of San Vitale and the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo are must-sees, each revealing jaw-dropping imagery of Emperors and saints.
For those seeking luxury, the city’s boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants remain open year-round, offering refined cuisine and impeccable service. “It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Ravenna, especially for those intrigued by early Christian art and exquisite Italian craftsmanship.
Local Dines: Savor homegrown flavors at Trattoria La Rustica, discover timeless culinary secrets at Osteria Il Paiolo, or indulge in centuries-old recipes at Antica Trattoria Al Gallo 1909.
Best Places to Stay: Ai Giardini di San Vitale (9.2/10) and Chez Papa (9.4/10) both excel at blending modern comforts with timeless Italian charm.
