Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world. Tourism is mainly concentrated in a few areas, so travelers often have to share their trip. However , a vacation away from the crowds in Italy is entirely possible. In this article, we've selected a few places that are off the beaten track, but nonetheless full of charm.
Pietragalla, a good alternative to Puglia's troglodyte villages
Puglia's troglodyte villages, such as Matera, famous for its rock houses known as Sassi, are true Italian must-sees. But their beauty hasn't escaped visitors. Fortunately, a vacation away from the crowds in Italy is still possible, as there is one troglodyte village that doesn't attract as many people: Pietragalla. The village is best known for its Parco dei Palmentia village of semi-buried houses, which completely under the tourist radar. Pietragalla makes an interesting dupe destination.
San Remo, the Italian Riviera
With its Mediterranean gardens, luxury hotels and Art Nouveau casino, there's no doubt we're on the Italian Riviera. Yet San Remo doesn't attract the crowds, overshadowed by other regional behemoths such as Cinque Terre and Genoa. Its beautiful beaches lined with Belle Époque buildings are far less crowded than other seaside resorts on the Ligurian coast. What's more, San Remo is a perfect destination for nature lovers, as it is known throughout Italy for its flowers, which it grows in greenhouses on the city's heights.
Modena, land of luxury cars
If Modena isn't packed with tourists, it's not because it lacks charm, but rather because it's in the shadow of two nearby giants: Bologna and Florence. Modena has a lot going for it, starting with its rich Italian gastronomic culture. After all, this is where Modena's famous PDO balsamic vinegar comes from. But that's not all: try tortellini or parmigiano Reggiano, both native to the region. What's more, the city boasts no less thanthree Unesco World Heritage buildings : its cathedral, the Torre Ghirlandina and the Piazza Grande. But the city is also famous for its beautiful cars. Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini were all born here!
Lake Orta rather than Lake Como
Lake Orta, northwest of Milan, is a good alternative to the mass tourism of Lake Como. The two lakes are only about 30 km apart, but Lake Orta goes completely unnoticed. Yet this pretty, picturesque lake surrounded by wooded mountains has more than one trick up its sleeve. As well as the island and its pretty buildings, which give photographers so much pleasure, the medieval village of Orta San Giulio is well worth a visit. The lake is much more natural and wild than its neighbors Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, and visitors are encouraged to take environmentally-friendly gestures.
Porto Santo Stefano, in the shadow of the Tuscan giants
Porto Santo Stefano is located on the Tuscan coast southwest of Florence, facing Corsica. This coastal village of 8,000 inhabitants has been forgotten in favor of the much more touristy towns of Tuscany, so you can enjoy a vacation away from the crowds in Italy. Its population does triple in summer, but that's still quite reasonable compared with other Italian seaside resorts. You'll also enjoy its marina and charming marina.
Procida, the island in the Bay of Naples
Procida is an excellent choice for a vacation away from the crowds in Italy. This island in the Bay of Naples receives far fewer tourists than its neighbors Ischia and Capri. Its colorful seaside houses will delight you, as will its Neapolitan cuisine. Procida is inhabited by medieval villages, perched abbeys and wild Mediterranean landscapes that you'll be invited to preserve by reducing your ecological footprint, all with a reasonable number of visitors even in summer.
Levanzo Island
Head for another island, this time not in the Bay of Naples, but rather one of Sicily's beauties. If you're looking for a vacation away from the crowds in Italy while discovering Sicily, Levanzo is an excellent option. One of the reasons it's so little visited is that it's quite small: just 5 km2! This makes it a particularly pleasant place to visit, especially as cars are not allowed. In fact, it's nicknamed the "car-free pocket island". The island retains a wealth of natural, unspoilt landscapes, in the heart of which you can indulge in some superb hiking, not least to its highest point, at 278 m altitude. The island also has a strong crafts culture, so you're sure to find some lovely souvenirs to bring back from Italy. You'll also love the beaches licked by turquoise waters, with far fewer tourists than on the mainland or in Sicily. In places, the coast hides another treasure: a few caves formed over thousands of years by the waves, one of which, Grotta del Genovese, is home to prehistoric remains.
