15 Magical Secrets Spots And Hidden Gems In Italy (2024)

Looking to uncover hidden gems in Italy on your next trip?

From its dramatic coastlines to the rolling hills of Tuscany to epic mountain ranges, Italy is known for its beauty.

When planning trips to Italy most people make sure to include the cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome.

We recommend you also include some Italy hidden gems to your itinerary.

Knowing exactly where to find secret spots in Italy off the beaten path can be daunting but that is why we are here to help!

We have traveled to many of these secret places in Italy and are here to let you in on these magical spots.

Each location has been chosen because they represent some of the best Italy has to offer. Many of these spots are a quick day trip from more well-known locations that may already be on your itinerary.

For this reason, we recommend you rent a car, and don’t forget to read our guide on how to avoid mistakes when renting a car in Italy.

Without further ado, here are the top magical secret spots and hidden gems in Italy!

San Galgano Abbey

Our first hidden gem in Italy is San Galgano Abbey. A quick day trip from Siena, this Gothic-style monastery and church were the first of their kind in Tuscany.

Known today as the church with no roof and the sword in the stone church, it is a magical secret spot that won’t disappoint.

Built in 1180, this lesser-known place in Italy has a fascinating history.

It was here that the knight Galgano Guidotti decided to give up his noble life. He ceremonially plunged his sword into a stone, which can still be seen today, and lived the life of a hermit.

Today the church stands with no roof and is a whimsical backdrop for casual photos and even weddings.

If more of Tuscany is on your wishlist, check out our Ultimate Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary which includes some of our favorite places and more hidden gems in Italy.

Chapel of Our Lady of Vitaleta

It would be an understatement to say this might be the most photographed chapel in all of Tuscany. That doesn’t mean it isn’t still a hidden gem in Italy.

Tour buses will often take you here, but many people still don’t know about this gorgeous spot for photography. It is totally worth the visit!

Definitely off the beaten path, legend says the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherdess in this field. The chapel was built in 1533 and was redesigned in the 1800s by Giuseppe Partini.

This quaint chapel is found in the Provence of Siena on the road between San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza.

Follow signs to the parking and from there it is about a 10-15 minute walk. You will recognize it immediately as the sweet chapel flanked by cypress trees.

We also love this place because it’s a magic secret spot for getting Instagram-worthy photos.

You have to add this location to your list of things to do in Tuscany!

Saturnia Hot Springs

Saturnia is an ancient, small town in Maremma. The blue water is truly amazing and what is better than relaxing in hot springs?

It has been said that Greek historians in 60 BC recognized this area as inhabited by pre-classical Greeks.

Then the Etruscans came and finally the Romans. Through it all, the hot springs have been known to have healing powers due to the high content of sulfur in the water.

Today people enjoy these hot springs to cure a variety of ailments or just to relax and enjoy nature’s healing powers.

This is a hidden gem in Italy because it isn’t quite built up as a resort but there are some fairly new wellness spas in the area.

You can visit the waterfalls or the springs but will have to change in the car. We also recommend bringing your own snacks or planning on eating in the town.

If you want to explore more hot springs in the area take a look at our guide to the best natural hot springs in Tuscany.

Passo Gardena

Located in the Western Dolomites, the Passo Gardena or Gardena Pass is one of the hidden spots in Italy that shouldn’t be missed.

Make sure to check the lift schedules when visiting Italy In May! Some may be closed due to snow. We have had to reschedule a May trip due to this before!

This beautiful area is considered one of the most scenic drives in the Dolomites. These are mountain roads but the effort to drive the pass is well worth it once you see the majestic mountain peaks rising toward the sky.

We think this is a fantastic spot to see the sunset in the Dolomites. In winter, there is skiing, while in summer, there are gorgeous fields of green.

The Passo Gardena and the Dolomites are just one secret spot in Northern Italy.

If you think Northern Italy will be the focus of your trip make sure to check out our Ultimate Northern Italy Itinerary.

Cima Cadin

While you are in the Dolomites make sure to add Cima Cadin to your must-see list of hidden gems in Italy.

While much of the Dolomites have become Instagram-famous, Cima Cadin is still relatively unspoiled.

The glory of this spot is seeing the dramatic spires that make up the range. This is truly one of the best Dolomites hiking trails with a HUGE payoff!

No matter your ability, there are some great ways to see Cima Cadin.

By car, head to Rifugio Auronzo where there is a private road that takes you to one of the mountain huts that is a stopping point for hikers.

This road has an entrance fee of around $30. From there it is about a 30-minute walk to one of the best lookout points to see Cima Cadin

If you’d like to do a day hike and see other viewpoints then we suggest taking the circuit around Tre Cime.

The hike isn’t too difficult and offers some amazing views of the Dolomites, Cima Cadin, and off-the-beaten-path natural beauty.

For more information about this hike check out this guide to a must do day hike in the Italian Dolomites.

Scaligero Castle

Located on Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, Scaligero Castle is the perfect stop before or after your adventure in the Dolomites.

Scaligero Castle is one of the best hidden places in Italy because it is the best-preserved castle in the country from medieval times.

Built in the 13th century and taken over by the Republic of Venice in 1405 this castle was also originally a Roman fortress.

This is an epic spot for photos and just a super cool thing to see. It isn’t every day you see a castle going in the water like this.

Walk through the drawbridge and climb to the top of the castle to see the series of bridges that make up the fortified harbor and moat.

You will also have some amazing views of the town of Sirmione. The experience is like walking back in time and you can imagine life long ago.

While Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy it is less famous than Lake Como and off the beaten path.

You can find some really great hotel deals too. Stay at the Hotel Arena where you can relax on their rooftop terrace and take in the views of Lake Garda while you enjoy one of the best hidden gems in Italy!

Santuario Madonna Della Corona

While still in the Lake Garda region you can continue to explore the breathtaking Italian mountains. Add the Santuario Madonna della Corona to your list of the best non-touristy places in Italy.

Hanging midway down a cliffside on Mount Baldo, this chapel was once a place of quiet contemplation. The church itself was built in 1530 and then restored in the 1970s.

You can get to the church on foot by taking the original stone steps from the town of Brentino. This way is a little more difficult but a fun option to experience a bit of history.

This is the perfect place to take some really cool and unique photos and not many people take the time to seek out this unique Italian hidden gem.

A slightly easier way to reach the church is by using the modern paved road which follows bronze statues that make up the stations of the cross.

Inside the sanctuary of the church is the Scala Santa which is a reproduction of the stairs that Jesus walked the day he was crucified.

Bogliasco

If seeing the Italian coastline is more your idea of a vacation we have a few lesser-known places in Italy you will want to check out.

The first is the town of Bogliasco. Located south of Geona on the western coast of Italy, Bogliasco is one of the best undiscovered Italian coastal towns.

We love this town and try to visit as often as we can when we come to Italy. It has such a relaxed atmosphere and so much beauty.

You will find a town with a central piazza and walkways above the sea where you can look down on the small port with fishing boats.

We recommend staying at the Hotel Villa Bonera which is located in a 15th-century building in Geona’s Nervi neighborhood.

The town of Bogliasco is one of the best hidden gems in Italy because it can serve as a home base for visiting the more well-known Genoa and Portofino.

Keep in mind that September in Italy is basically the last month for warmer water in the country!

Nessun Dorma

Cinque Terre is a collection of five colorful, seaside villages that are far from the best-kept secrets in Italy. However, there are some secret areas in them if you know where to look!

One of the villages is called Manarola, and it is the location of our next hidden gem in Italy.

This town is known for its fishing and winemaking. The famous wine from the region is called Sciacchetra and is a must-try while visiting.

Nessum Dorma is a casual outdoor restaurant where you can look out to the pastel houses of Manarola and the fishing boats tied up below

When visiting Nessun Dorma don’t expect to order pizza or pasta. Instead, be ready for traditional local cuisines such as bruschetta, antipasti, and pesto!

We recommend getting their signature antipasto platter which includes meats, cheeses, anchovies, fruit, and olives. Eat the best foods in Italy while sharing a bottle of wine, gazing out at the sea, and people-watching.

Nessun Dorma isn’t only one of the unique places to visit in Italy for its atmosphere but also because it offers both a pesto experience and wine tasting experience.

Expect to pick your own basil, make pesto in the traditional way, and enjoy lunch and wine tasting.

This dining experience is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre!

Scola Tower

Originally built by the Republic of Geona in the 16th or 17th centuries, the Scola Tower is a hidden gem that won’t disappoint.

It has quite an interesting history that goes beyond the question of when it was built.

During the Napoleonic Wars, this defensive site was the center of a naval engagement between the French and British. On January 23, 1800, the British Navy damaged the tower resulting in it being neglected for many years.

By 1915, the Italian government had scheduled the tower to be demolished. Fortunately for us, it was decided instead to preserve its history and restore it for visitors to enjoy.

The easiest way to see this hidden gem in Italy is to stay in La Spezia, which also happens to be a great town to stay in when visiting Cinque Terre.

Scola Tower is located in the Gulf of Poets just beyond the northeastern tip of Palmaria in Portovenere. It is easily reachable by boat tour or by hiring a private boat.

It is a great addition to your tour of the Italian coast.

We just think that it is so pretty and unique. If you are in this area, it should be on your list for sure!

Grotta Palazzese Cave Restaurant

If you are planning on traveling to the south, our next secret spot in Italy is definitely worth making reservations for.

Known as the cave restaurant, Grotta Palazzes is not a tourist trap. Instead, it is one of the best undiscovered places in Italy!

It is a terrace restaurant inside a natural cave in Puglia and the town of Polignano A Mare.

People have been coming here since the 1700s to enjoy this exclusive spot. The restaurant is open for the season from March to November.

With two seating times for dinner, make this stop truly special by dressing up for a romantic meal of traditional Apulian cuisine.

You will have the choice of two tasting menus that are encouraged by the restaurant, but there is also an a la carte menu with certain restrictions.

Don’t let that discourage you though! The tasting menus are well worth the expense. Expect to find each tasting menu to have 4 to 6 courses that offer delightful treats such as lobster, scallops, pork, pasta, and of course dessert!

While definitely pricy, the Grotta Palazzese is a magical experience for a romantic night out.

Don’t expect to stroll in for dinner though, advanced reservations are required. There isn’t a strict dress code but shorts and sandals are restricted for men.

Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa

Tucked into the Piccole Dolomiti mountains in the Potenza Province of Southern Italy, Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are two beautiful twin villages.

You will simply fall head-over-heels for the amazing views, architecture, and food these villages offer.

If you are feeling daring, the best way to travel between the two villages is by a zipline called the Flight of the Angel.

From 3,600 feet in the air, you will zoom down the line for about a mile reaching speeds of up to 70 miles an hour!

If you have had too much relaxation on your Italian vacation, this is a sure way to get your heart pumping!

If you want to do something a little more chill, you can explore each town’s castle ruins or walk through the pretty old towns.

Stelvio Pass

If you want more thrills, the Stelvio Pass is one of the best hidden gems in Northern Italy.

Located near the Swiss border in the Alps, this epic mountain pass is known as one of the best driving roads in the world.

Rent a car, or better yet a motorcycle, and get ready for some amazing views of Stelvio National Park.

Hopefully, you are not prone to car sickness because the 48 hairpin turns can leave you dizzy! This is also one of the highest paved roads in the Alps at an elevation of 9045 feet above sea level.

If you want a fun and beautiful place for a drive, add this 29-mile road to your list of cool things to do inItaly!

Alberobello

Looking for a fairytale village away from tourist crowds? Head south to the darling town of Alberobello in the Puglia region.

You will adore the white and grey, cone-shaped Trulli houses this region is known for.

The unique buildings date back to the 14th century when they were built to be easily taken down to avoid paying property taxes.

Stroll the picturesque streets and pop into cute shops as you admire this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The area is becoming a little more popular, so make sure to stop by soon while it remains under the radar.

You will agree this is one of the best small towns in Italy!

Canale di Tenno

Just north of Lake Garda in the lake district, Canale di Tenno is a medieval village dating back to the 13th century.

You will feel as if you have stepped into a storybook as you walk the cobblestone streets with flowers in the windows and mountain views.

This is one of the best non-touristy places in Italy even though it is only a couple of hours from Milan and Lake Como.

After getting lost among the stone buildings and finding the best viewpoints, you should head to Lake Tenno.

On a sunny day, this little lake is a gorgeous turquoise color and is a great place for a swim.

Surrounded by trees and mountains, you couldn’t ask for a more peaceful place off the beaten path in Italy.

Scopello

If you find yourself in Sicily, escape to Scopello on the northwest side of the island.

With a population under 100, this village has a history of tuna fishing. Today, the sea views, dramatic coastline, and pristine beaches draw in the locals.

It is one of the hidden gems to visit in Italy as a tourist! Make sure to eat at some of the restaurants serving local delicacies.

If you want a gorgeous, sandy beach for a day of relaxation, head to the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve.

This natural haven has an unspoiled coastline with hiking trails, pretty coves, and water so clear it is perfect for snorkeling.

There are many other nearby beaches to check out too. Back in town, take time to explore the piazza with its cafes and shops.

Make sure to check out our list of the Best Beaches In Italy to find out more epic places to visit!

We hope these magical secret spots and hidden gems in Italy get you excited about your trip.

If even one of these locations makes it onto your itinerary then you will be sure to enjoy some off-the-beaten-path locations.

We believe it is important to take the time to explore some lesser-known locations to truly discover all that Italy has to offer!

Next, check out our guide to planning the best 7 days in Italy!