5 Beautiful Towns in Italy You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Granted, Italy’s biggest cities are amongst the greatest and prettiest in the world. Who doesn’t want to visit Rome, Milan, or Naples? However, and fortunately, the country’s towns don’t get all of the attention they deserve.
That’s why we believe a proper tour around the country must include at least a couple of towns. These are loaded with art, history, and culture. Besides, spending time in an Italian town is magical. You get to experience the real Italy, far from the crowds.
The following are our 5 favorite towns in Italy. We love them so much, that we have spent several weeks in each in total delight. Even in peak season, we’ve been able to find peace and quiet. Trust us and discover the nicest most authentic side of Italy.
Bassano del Grappa
We discovered Bassano del Grappa over 10 years ago! We were exhausted after a week in overcrowded Venice and needed somewhere nearby to chill. We fell in love with the town and have been back several times.
Bassano del Grappa’s most famous landmark is the Ponte Vecchio. Andrea Palladio built the first bridge in the 16th Century. The Castello degli Ezzelini from the 10th Century is a step away. Bassano’s Cathedral is there too.
To experience the town, head to its squares. San Giovanni Church and the City Hall tower above Libertà Square. Climb to the top of the Civic Tower on Piazza Garibaldi for epic views of Bassano. For epic views of the mountains, go to Viale dei Martiri.
We always stay at the Le 33 Hotel, directly on the river, next to Porcinai Gardens. Book a room with a balcony for views of Ponte Vecchio. The rooms feature wooden floors and high ceilings. The best place to try Grappa is nearby. The 14th Century Palazzo delle Misture will take your breath away.
Comacchio
Comacchio is known in Italy as Little Venice. The town sits on 13 islets in a lagoon! You can walk for hours along its canals admiring the blue water and the historic architecture. Its epicenter is the 17th Century Trepponti Bridge.
The Museo Delta Antico is next. You have to see the immaculately preserved Roman ship from the 1st Century inside! From there, it’s a short walk to the 18th Century Cathedral. Walk till the edge of town to see the Santuario Santa Maria in Aula Regia from 956.
We love Comacchio because of its nature! Since its part of the Po Delta Regional Park, you can see tones of beautiful birds. We always rent bicycles and loop in awe around the Parco Archeologico and the Saline di Comacchio.
We stay in Corte Dei Ducati, a super comfy B&B in the heart of Comacchio. It’s a historic building with a lovely garden and impeccable service. Their quadruple rooms are perfect for families. The homemade breakfast is delicious.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Most tourist take the train from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure and dash for the bus to Portofino, ignoring this wonderful town. That’s why there are more locals than tourists, even in high season! We love it because of its vibe and incredible Libera beach.
Take a leisurely walk along the coast all the way to 16th Century Margherita Castle. Don’t rush and climb the hill to reach Villa Durazzo, a 17th Century mansion with splendid gardens. Saint Giacomo Church, is nearby.
To mingle with the locals, go to Via Cavour, behind Santa Margherita Church. All types of eateries and bars line this pedestrian street. Santa Margherita is a great place to set base and explore Cinque Terre, some 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Portofino.
Without a doubt the Imperiale Palace is the best hotel in Santa Margherita. The 19th Century grand villa hangs on a hill facing the sea. We love spending time in its private beach and swimming in the seawater pool. The hotel’s gardens are splendid.
Fermo
Fermo is our favorite town in Italy when we travel with friends and family. No other place in the country is so authentic and grand at the same time. We are talking about gorgeous architecture, jaw dropping views, splendid beaches, and warm locals.
The Old Town with its curvy cobbled streets crowns a hill with views over the valleys and the sea. Girfalco Park and the Cathedral are on the top. You have 5 churches to admire: Santa Caterina, Saint Dominic, Saint Pietro, Madonna del Pianto, and Filippo Neri.
Cefalonia Street is the town’s epicenter. It leads to the Piazza del Popolo, where the 12th Century Palazzo dei Priori is. The local market takes place on the Piazza every Saturday. The 1st Century BC Big Roman Cisterns lie beneath the Piazza.
We always stay at the Resort A Palazzo B&B, in the heart of the Old Town. It’s an authentic palace with big rooms and bathrooms. It has original frescoes, wooden floors, and high ceilings. The fully equipped rooms and apartments are perfect for friends and families.
Modica
Modica is the nicest town in Sicily. UNESCO included it, together with Catania, Ragusa, Noto, and four other cities, in its List of World Heritage Sites. Modica has an upper town, with its castle and rich churches, and a lower town, full of palaces and museums.
The Upper Town is on the slope of a hill. Walk about its curvy cobbled streets searching for viewpoints. The best one is Belvedere Pizzo. Visit Modica’s grandest temple, San Giorgio Cathedral. Go down to Modica Bassa, lower town. Grand baroque palaces and San Pietro Cathedral line Corso Umberto I.
There are simply too many palaces and churches to mention. Castello dei Conti up on a hill is our favorite place in Modica. We left the best for last: chocolate! You can try the best Italian chocolate in Antica Dolceria Bonajuto.
The Palazzo Il Cavaliere B&B De Charme is an authentic 18th Century Palace on Umberto I, in front of Saint Giorgio Cathedral. It has original frescoes and antique furniture. The homemade breakfast is spectacular. Every time we visit, we spend hours talking to its charming owner, Gianpietro.
