Escape the Summer Crowds in Italy: 9 Alternatives

 

Italy is a dream destination for travelers from around the world, particularly during the summer months, when families flock to the cultural attractions of the cities, and days at the beach are punctuated by alfresco meals and gelato breaks. However, the peak season also brings with it sweltering heat, crowded streets, and long lines at iconic tourist spots.

 

There’s a better rule of thumb when seeking out the true essence of Italy. When possible, save the busy cities and hotspots for the off-season, and use the summer months to discover the ‘hidden-gem’ destinations that have all the quintessential Italian charm with far less crowds. We’re not saying you shouldn’t visit Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, but time and again we’ve seen that travelers love their experience of exploring these places in the spring or fall. Besides kinder temperatures, you’ll have a better chance of experiencing a more local feel than if you’re primarily bumping shoulders with tourists. Plus, Italy has so many unspoiled treasures to discover that really shine in the summertime!

 

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If you want the dreamiest summer vacation in Italy, check out these amazing alternatives to the more popular cities and regions. Don’t let your precious getaway be overrun with crowds, or try to pack in all the top city sights in the challenging heat. Instead, your summer adventure could be filled with the country’s natural beauty and gentle sea breezes, and infused with just the right amount of history and culture that will make your vacation unlike anyone else’s. Get ready to open your eyes to the widespread delights of Italy’s lesser-known towns and islands.

 

 

Instead of Florence:

 

A visit to Florence promises romance, Renaissance beauty and mouthwatering cuisine, but Italy has plenty of other gorgeous art cities that make a calmer summer alternative. Here are a few favorites…

 

Ravenna

 

The city of Ravenna is your answer to a beautiful medieval town of art, culture, food and also beaches. The breathtaking Byzantine mosaics Ravenna is most known for, a collection of eight monuments, have earned the old town UNESCO World Heritage status. As part of the Emilia-Romagna region (home to Italian gastronomic staples like Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano), you can bet that Ravenna has its own exceptional cuisine. Even more fitting for a summer destination, the city is mere miles away from the Adriatic Sea, with 22 miles of coastline and 9 beach towns to choose from.

 

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Must-see in Ravenna:
 

• Admire the magnificently vibrant mosaics of the Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, and the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in nearby Classe.
   
• Visit Dante’s Tomb, the final resting place of the ‘Supreme Poet’.
   
• Eat local dishes like piadina romagnola (flatbread that may be eaten with savory or sweet toppings), cappelletti al ragout (typical pasta with meat sauce), and spinach ravioli.
   
• Take a day trip to the regional park of the Po River Delta, a rich nature reserve with wetlands, wildlife and boat trips.

 

 

Lucca

 

Lucca is a charming walled city that checks off both pretty medieval architecture and delicious Tuscan cuisine. Surrounded by the green Tuscan hills, it has those striking red-tiled rooftops and a wonderful polychrome marble-dressed cathedral that took inspiration from the one in nearby Pisa. The city is smaller than Ravenna, but still a nice size for shopping, dining and events. Plus, it’s an easy train ride away from Florence itself, or Pisa’s ‘Square of Miracles’, or the seaside town of Viareggio for a nice beach day. If you fly into Pisa International Airport, you can take an easy train ride to Lucca, or drive 30 minutes by car.

 

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Must-see in Lucca:
 

• Take a promenade atop the wide, tree-lined city walls, a serene place to walk and bike.
   
• Climb the Torre Guinigi, a medieval tower topped with oak trees for views over the old town.
   
• Visit the birthplace of the opera composer Giacomo Puccini.
   
• Head to the nearby riviera, the Versilia, to get in some beach time at one of the resort towns like Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta or Camaiore. The train goes to Viareggio in just 20 minutes.

 

 

Lecce

 

Often called the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is a baroque masterpiece with stunning honey-toned architecture, lively piazzas and nightlife, and a vibrant food tradition from the surrounding Puglia region. Anchored by its very own ancient Roman amphitheatre, the old town is an unexpected beauty of golden limestone buildings and ornate churches like the Basilica di Santa Croce. Charming streets full of artisan shops and eateries create an enchanting atmosphere.

 

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What really sets Lecce apart for the summer traveler is its proximity to some spectacular beaches. Located near the bottom of Italy’s geographic ‘heel’ (Puglia), the city is a short drive from the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Beaches you’ve never heard of, like Porto Cesareo, Torre dell’Orso, and the ‘Maldives’ of Salento are truly unmatched among Italy’s shores.

 

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Must-see in Lecce:
 

• Explore the city’s stunning baroque buildings and churches, like the Basilica di Santa Croce.
   
• Admire the open-air Roman Amphitheater, which dates back to the 2^nd century AD.
   
• Try as many local flavors as you can, including Pugliese extra virgin olive oil, taralli crackers, orecchiette pasta, Primitivo wine, and pasticciotto cream pastries with espresso.
   
• Take day trips or overnights to the region’s fantastic beaches and picturesque villages such as Otranto, Galatina, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Monopoli and Alberobello.

 

 

Instead of Venice:

 

Venice is Italy’s famous northern canal city, but in summer the picturesque pedestrian streets are thronged with tourists. For a similar captivating atmosphere, but quieter, consider these hidden gems in the north …

 

Treviso

 

Treviso is a serene, canal-laced city that offers a delightfully untarnished alternative to Venice, and only 30 to 40 minutes away (by train or car). With its medieval walls, elegant piazzas, and Renaissance architecture, Treviso exudes old-world charm and is generally without crowds. The Buranelli Canal is a picture-perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, while the Piazza dei Signori buzzes with lively cafés and local boutiques. As the birthplace of tiramisu and another gateway to the Prosecco wine region, Treviso is a dream for food and wine fiends. Shaded streets and nearby countryside add up to a refreshing summer retreat, perfect for an authentic slice of Italy.

 

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Must-see in Treviso:
 

• Stroll along the Buranelli Canal, lined with colorful buildings and shaded walkways.
   
• Walk the low-slung medieval walls to get a nice overview of the town.
   
• Indulge in local specialties like tiramisu (invented here!) or risotto, often made with red radicchio from the province.
   
• Sip on world-class Prosecco from nearby vineyards. Or, take a day trip to the Prosecco Hills.
   
• Visit the Civic Museums of Santa Caterina to discover Renaissance art and frescoes in a beautifully restored medieval convent.

 

 

Udine

 

Another Venice stand-in (minus canals) is the small city of Udine, located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region quite close to the border with Slovenia. You could reach it from Venice in 1.5 hours by car or train. This refined yet relaxed city blends Venetian elegance with charming Austro-Hungarian influence. Udine’s graceful arcades, medieval castle, and lively piazzas make it quite picturesque, and its lack of worldwide notoriety naturally makes for a more authentic experience.

 

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Udine is another hidden paradise for food and wine lovers, known for Friulian wines, prosciutto di San Daniele, and hearty alpine cuisine. From here, visitors can easily explore the Collio wine region, the Adriatic coast, or even the nearby Dolomites for a brilliant summer alpine escape.

 

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Must-see in Udine:
 

• Discover the elegant Piazza Libertà, often called one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
   
• Get up to Udine’s castle hill for panoramic views of the region, and visit the Castle Museums, which include an art gallery holding masterpieces from artists like Caravaggio and Tiepolo.
   
• Tour the Collio wine region and taste its unique whites.
   
• Spend time in the great outdoors of the Udine province, with nature reserves like the Parco Naturale Dolomiti Friulane, a paradise for hiking.
   
• Visit Tarvisio for the cable car up to Monte Lussari and a dip in nearby alpine lakes (Fusine and Predil). Extend your stay to venture across the border to Slovenia’s natural wonders, including the Soca Valley and Triglav National Park.

 

 

Instead of Rome:

 

There’s no place like Rome, but summer isn’t the most ideal time to visit. If you want to spend languid days surrounded by plenty of history and culture, these two exciting alternatives are tempting in different ways …

 

Genoa

 

Genoa is an oft-overlooked northern Italian city, but once you dive into its narrow lanes it doesn’t take long to get drawn into the authentic culture and incredible cuisine. The beautifully-preserved medieval center, one of the largest in Europe, is a maze of medieval alleyways (caruggi) lined with fascinating, centuries-old shops, historic cafés, and lively markets. Genoa is known for its ornate palaces and grand piazzas, which tell the story of the port city’s rich past as a powerful maritime republic. Today, the Old Port area has been renovated and is home to a famous aquarium. Genoa is also a true gastronomic paradise, being the birthplace of pesto, focaccia, farinata and fresh seafood dishes.

 

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The summer heat shouldn’t reach such sweltering levels as Rome and the south, but when you need to cool down, coastal breezes are never far. Genoa is in the middle of two rivieras! Stretching south from Genoa to Portofino, you’ll have heard of the wonderful coastline and pastel-colored villages of the Riviera di Levante. But do you know the Riviera di Ponente? To the west of the Ligurian capital, it reaches all the way to the French border. Out of the way of Italy’s other famous destinations, this area remains largely under the radar (for international visitors) but is no less stunning. You can spend several days here to enjoy beaches, seaside resorts like Alassio, Sanremo and Bordighera (once a favorite of European aristocracy), mountain scenery and hilltop villages.
 

 

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Must-see in Genoa:
 

• Discover the historic palatial residences of Genoa, many of them collected along the elegant Via Garibaldi (formerly the Strada Nuova). Built in the 16^th to 17^th centuries, the Palazzi dei Rolli are now recognized together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   
• Explore the charming seaside district of Boccadasse, where colorful houses and waterfront seafood restaurants create a postcard-perfect setting reminiscent of the Cinque Terre.
   
• Visit Genoa’s historic shops, including centuries-old bakeries, spice merchants, and artisanal perfumeries.
   
• Head east to well-known Ligurian Riviera towns like Camogli, Portofino, Rapallo, or Santa Margherita Ligure for boat trips and beach days.
   
• Head west for an easy beach day in the town of Arenzano. Go even further into the unspoiled Riviera di Ponente for its mountain-framed beach resorts, cycling routes, and pretty medieval towns (Nori, Varigotti, Cervo, Dolceacqua, etc).

 

 

Orvieto

 

Perched atop a volcanic plateau in Umbria, Orvieto is a stunning medieval city rich in history, art, and panoramic countryside views. Its masterpiece, the Duomo di Orvieto, is one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals, adorned with intricate frescoes and a dazzling façade. Beneath the old town’s cobblestone alleyways and pottery shops lies a fascinating underground world of ancient tunnels and caves, once used by the Etruscans.

 

Orvieto is also known for its fine wines, particularly the crisp Orvieto Classico, best enjoyed at a terrace overlooking the rolling Umbrian hills. Thanks to its higher elevation, Orvieto stays cooler than Rome in summer, offering a relaxed yet culture-filled escape just 90 minutes from the capital.

 

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Must-see in Orvieto:
 

• Visit the spectacular Duomo with a stunning gold-and-mosaic façade and the famous San Brizio Chapel frescoes.
   
• Escape the heat among an ancient underground network of tunnels and caves, used for everything from medieval wells to WWII shelters.
   
• Go down into St. Patrick’s Well, a fascinating 16th-century structure with a double-helix staircase, designed to bring water up efficiently while keeping the descent cool and shaded.
   
• Savor local Umbrian wine and food, like truffle dishes, Umbricelli pasta, and wild boar.
   
• Rent a car for easy day trips into Umbria, Tuscany or Lazio (Todi, Bagnoregio, and Viterbo stand out).

 

 

Instead of the Amalfi Coast:

 

You might think the Amalfi Coast would be a dream in summer, but it’s actually known more for dramatic scenery than great beaches, and the winding roads can get backed up during the high season. For stunning coastal charm that will also be kinder on your wallet, take to one of these genuine seaside utopias …

 

Cilento Coast

 

The Cilento Coast (that’s chee-lento) is the Amalfi Coast without mass tourism. Expect less people, lower prices, and the same breathtaking beauty where rugged cliffs meet the Tyrrhenian Sea, yet with a more untamed and relaxed nature than its northern counterpart. If you don’t mind renting a car and you want to see a mor authentic side of Italy without too much development and nightlife, this is your place. If you want to party the night away, Cilento is not for you.
 

 

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This UNESCO-listed region is home to charming seaside villages like Santa Maria di Castellabate and Acciaroli, where Hemingway once found inspiration while observing the old-time fishermen and the sea. Cilento’s secluded coves are divine, lapped with clean, clear blue waters, and the vast national park has diverse territory for hiking. The area also holds historic treasures at the fascinating ruins of Paestum and Velia. Here, slow food is a way of life, and the Mediterranean diet is bold and fresh, with staples like seafood, cavatelli pasta, buffalo mozzarella, and local wines.

 

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Must-see on the Cilento Coast:
 

• Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological sites of Velia and Paestum, an ancient Greek city with well-preserved temples.
   
• Don’t miss Castellabate, named as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.
   
• Spend time in Palinuro, the main seaside resort of the area.
   
• Dig your toes into the sand at Agropoli, Marina di Ascea or Marina di Camerota, although all of the beaches are worth a stop.
   
• Take a boat trip along the coast of a protected marine area, the Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta, home to grottoes and coves of exceptional beauty.

 

 

Elba Island

 

Like the Cilento Coast, the island of Elba is no secret among Italian vacationers, but it doesn’t see the kind of tourism as the main Italian hotspots in the summertime. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Tyrhennian Sea, Elba is part of the Tuscan archipelago and can be reached by ferry from the mainland port of Piombino.

 

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If the name Elba sounds familiar, you might remember it from the history books as the place where Napoleon was exiled in 1814. Today the island boasts secluded coves, golden sandy beaches, and rugged hiking trails with panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy a laid-back island vibe, but at the same time, the island is big enough to provide plenty of variety for adventures. The island is famous for its snorkeling and diving spots. You’ll want to rent a car to explore charming seaside towns like Portoferraio and Capoliveri and take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

 

 

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Must-see on Elba Island:
 

• Visit the former residence of Napoleon in Portoferraio and see if you wouldn’t mind spending a year in exile.
   
• Try the ancient aleatico wine, produced by a unique process and loved by Napoleon.
   
• Relax on the varied, stunning beaches including Biodola, Cavoli, Padulella, Fetovaia and Capo Sant’Andrea
   
• Hike to the Monte Capanne, the highest peak on the island.
   
• Seek out the island’s charming hilltop towns, such as Capoliveri, Poggio and Marciana.
   
• Book a snorkeling excursion or a whale-watching expedition.
   
• Soothe your aching muscles with a soak in the thermal springs of San Giovanni.
   
• Take a day trip by ferry to Pinosa, an unspoiled island gem that remains so by restricting visitor numbers, so plan ahead.

 

A summer trip to Italy doesn’t have to mean battling crowds or baking in the heat. Whether you’re looking for idyllic piazzas or stunning beaches, Italy has plenty of alternatives to its most famous destinations. From the stately charms of Lecce and Lucca to the jaw-dropping natural beauty of the Cilento Coast and Elba Island, you can enjoy the best of Italy you never knew existed.

 

Just looking at all these dreamy options has us really excited to plan more unique trips to these extraordinary regions of Italy. With a custom itinerary, you can think out of the box to be as original as you want. We’re here when you’re ready to talk about your perfect Italian summer vacation.