Wherever you choose to visit, Italy will not disappoint. Incredible natural beauty and arresting art and architecture can be found at every turn. And don't even get us started on the food. But if you're looking to avoid the crowds, Rome and Venice may not be the place for you. Instead, check out these lesser-known spots away from the traditional tourist trail.

DK Italy

View Book

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mysterious town of Alberobello in Puglia looks like something from the pages of a fairytale with strange white buildings crowding the narrow streets. These buildings, known as trulli, were made using prehistoric techniques and their origins are obscure, though the name is traditionally applied to ancient round tombs found in the Roman countryside. Keep an eye out for the mysterious symbols painted on the stone roof tiles.

Fancy a breath of fresh air? Located north of Lake Garda, the town of Arco is known as a “natural clinic” thanks to its clean air and mild climate. A 30 minute walk from the central piazza up a rocky outcrop brings you to one of the most beautiful castles in the Trentino region. From here you'll get panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Arco is also home to wonderful public gardens and an impressive arboretum.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, midway between the lakes Como and Garda, Bergamo is a city divided into two distinct parts. The ancient upper town, Cittá Alta, is a warren of cobbled streets and attractive medieval and Renaissance buildings. On the lower level is the more modern Cittá Bassa. One of the city's star attractions is the Galleria dell'Accademia Carrara, a renowned picture gallery with works by Venetian masters and local artists, as well as paintings from the rest of italy.

On the aptly named Golfo di Paradiso east of Genoa, elegant Bogliasco offers bags of small town charm and a few small beaches. Its brightly painted houses are arranged prettily around the mouth of the River Bogliasco, watched over by the imposing ruins of a castle and a 1,000-year-old defensive tower. There are a wealth of museums to visit here, as well as terraces on which to enjoy an aperativo.

Often overlooked for neighbouring Tuscany, Umbria is Italy's best kept secret. The locals here love getting out in the beautiful countryside, nicknamed "Italy's Green Heart," on the hunt for ingredients with which to whip up delicious treats. The isolated village of Castelluccio is known for its distinctively flavoured lentils, which are grown on the nearby plains and used in many local dishes, such as rustic hearty soups made with seasonal vegetables. In spring, the plains are carpeted in breathtaking flowers.

Looking to spend time in nature? With an enchanting landscape that encompasses rugged mountains, verdant pastures, craggy plateaus and ancient forest – not to mention a spectacular stretch of coastline along the ​​Golfo di Orosei, Sardinia’s Gennargentu National Park is a natural haven for walkers. There are 27 towns and villages here, but few tarmac roads give the area an isolated air.

Looking to slow down? Gerace in southern Italy is the place for you. Here, you’re as likely to meet a flock of sheep in an alley as a Fiat 500. Perched on a sandstone cliff, Gerace enjoys panoramic views which stretch all the way to the sea. The town is surrounded by mediaeval walls and home to a magnificent Duomo which dates back to the early 12th century.

The lovely heart-shaped Lago di Scanno was formed naturally by a landslide that blocked the river Tasso. Surrounded by Apennine peaks, the emerald waters are a peaceful spot for swimming. On the lake’s southern shore is the wonderfully well preserved town of Scanno. Here you’ll find oddly shaped courtyards, small churches and ancient mansions in whose windows women can be seen making lace or embroidering.

If you’re looking for a tranquil beach break amid unspoilt surroundings then the Maddalena Archipelago is for you. Made up of seven islands fringed by rugged coasts and lapped by sparkling turquoise seas, the Maddalena Archipelago has 300 beaches to choose from. The only town on the archipelago is La Maddalena which offers a wide variety of boat trips around the neighbouring islands.

Perched on top of a hill, this tangle of whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and arched alleyways is known as the Città Bianca (white city). Ostuni is home to some lovely palaces, churches, restaurants and a cathedral. At the foot of the citadel, Piazza della Libertà is the focus of modern life, its bars and cafés overlooked by a column with Ostuni’s patron, St Oronzo, at its pinnacle.

Where to go in September

Read on to discover the best destinations to visit this September...

Read now >>

8 underrated spots in France

France may be the most visited country on earth, but that doesn’t mean escaping the crowds is impossible...

Read now >>