These are the top places I traveled to in Italy that were not the typical tourist destinations. These are definitely good suggestions, but there are also plenty of other incredible destinations throughout the country.
- Mt. Etna, Sicilia
Europe’s tallest active volcano is nothing short of incredible. The bus ride up, which only costs €6 roundtrip from the nearby city of Catania, is enough to make the trip worth it. Fortunately, it gets even better at the top: open hiking, stunning views of Catania and the Ionian Sea, and the unique opportunity to explore volcanic wilderness. The bus leaves around 8 am from Piazza Pappa Giovanni XXIII. It stops in the central piazza of Nicolosi - a small town half-way up - where you can buy your lunch to avoid absurd prices at the top. I recommend getting off of the bus and walking up the street; first salumeria you see on the left-hand side…best panino I’ve ever had. You’ll arrive at Etna Sud at around 10 am, and you’ll have until 4:30 to explore. Don’t even think twice about making this trip!
- Camogli, Liguria
Camogli often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbors Santa Margherita and Portofino (just a 10 minute train ride away), but that does not make it any less of a must-see. This ocean-front town sprawls along a translucent Mediterranean, with a narrow beach and an elevated boardwalk running its entire length. Here you can take a swim, hang out on the beach, or eat focaccia di Recco, a typical baked good from the region (highly recommended). It’s location between Genova and Cinque Terre makes it a convenient stop when traveling by train. - Luino, Lago Maggiore,
Lombardia
Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como, two glacial lakes just north of Milan, are equally as beautiful. However, Lago di Como, home to George Clooney, draws a larger tourist crowd. This leaves Luino, on the shores of Lago Maggiore, as an excellent option for a more unique experience. The town has a long, scenic waterfront, plenty of restaurants, and is easily accessible by train. You can also take the ferry around the lake and explore a number of neighboring towns. If you go in the winter be prepared to wear warm clothes as the lake is in the foothills of the Alps.
- Parco Nazionale Gran
Paradiso
Gran Paradiso is a national park named after its highest peak, which sits at 4061 meters above sea-level. Its location on the French border just north of Turin makes it easily accessible. The park offers stunning views of the Italian Alps with snow-capped peaks year-round. There are plenty of hiking and outdoor activities in diverse ecosystems, each offering various difficulty levels. I visited the village of Cogne (pictured), on the north side of the park, nestled in a valley with a great view of Gran Paradiso Peak. It’s great for hiking in the warmer months, with beautiful stacked waterfalls and unique plant life, but it does offer skiing in the winter. If you cannot make it to Cogne, there are plenty of other towns nestled throughout the park. - Riserva di Capo
Gallo, Sicilia
This Italian Natural Reserve is indescribably beautiful. Hundred foot cliffs give way to unique flora, which then gives way to a crystal clear Mediterranean Sea. After hiking around the park you can take a dip, or head to the neighboring town of Mondello where you’ll find a white sandy beach and plenty of restaurants to grab a quick bite. It does cost 1 euro to walk into the park, but I can assure you it is a euro well spent.
