Hidden Italy

Cilento often gets overlooked in favour of its northern neighbour, the Amalfi Coast – but if you’re looking for uncrowded sandy beaches, rolling countryside and clifftop walks, it’s perfect. Seaside towns tend to be laid-back and edged with wide beaches; go for a walk along the coast and it won’t be long before you stumble across a half-hidden cove to spend an afternoon on.

Puglia has the longest coastline of any region in Italy, with hundreds of kilometres of sandy beach to play with. Venture to the southern province of Salento for Caribbean-style white sands and turquoise waters, or north to the unspoilt coast of the Gargano National Park. Beaches aside, there are also fantastic little towns like Alberobello and Locorotondo to discover.

Right down in the far south (the ‘toe’ of the ‘boot’), Calabria is a popular pick with holidaying Italians for its pristine beaches and lively seaside towns. Stay in pretty clifftop Tropea and you’ll have the town’s sandy bay in arm’s reach – and the breathtaking beaches of the Capo Vaticano a short drive or boat ride away.

Parisian flair, world-famous chocolate and one of the best foodie scenes in the country – yet this northern city still manages to fly under most tourists’ radars.

Genoa is home to the biggest historic centre in all of Italy, plus it puts you in easy reach of Liguria’s colourful coastal towns.

Syracuse’s UNESCO-listed old town is a maze of picture-perfect lanes – and they lead to one of Italy’s most spectacular squares, Piazza del Duomo.

Spend a weekend exploring this compact city’s medieval buildings and sipping Aperol spritzes alongside students from one of the world’s oldest universities.

With the exception of Assisi, Umbria’s hilltop towns, rustic hamlets and rolling hills tend to be a lot quieter than Tuscany. Wine lovers should make a beeline for Montefalco to sample this hill town’s signature red, Sagrantino (which pairs very nicely with the region’s famous black truffles).

The hilltop city of Matera makes the perfect base for discovering the rugged beauty and rocky gorges of the Parco della Murgia Materana. After a day’s exploring, retreat to the city’s sassi – neighbourhoods of ancient cave houses that have been transformed into quirky restaurants and hotels.

The Piedmont countryside has some of the most beautiful landscapes and you’ll be greeted with medieval castles and terme spa resorts. The region is also well known for its white truffles, which are celebrated with the International White Truffle Festival every October.

This Bay of Naples beauty attracts far fewer visitors than neighbouring Capri – but why is anyone’s guess. Not only does Ischia have a beautifully sandy coastline, but it also boasts botanical gardens, picture-pretty towns and dozens of bubbling thermal springs and pools.

Floating just off Sicily’s northern coast are the Aeolian Islands. The largest, Lipari, offers a great mix of relaxation and adventure, with a pretty port town, volcanic beaches and coastal hiking trails. It’s perfectly positioned for exploring the nearby isles of Stromboli, Salina and Panarea, too.

If a hike up to a smoking volcano crater followed by a soak in natural hot springs appeals, take a look at Vulcano, another Aeolian Island. Spend a morning exploring the spectacular volcanic landscape, then head back down to the coast for a dip in a bubbling thermal spring or therapeutic mud bath.

Lake Iseo invites you to enjoy natural beauty where its peaceful charm remains crowd-free. With the majestic Alps providing the backdrop, explore the pretty lakeside towns and enjoy one of Italy’s best kept secrets.

Offering a peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Lake Orta remains one of the most untouched areas in Italy. Soak up the beauty for yourself and bask in lakeside bliss.

Spend a few days enjoying Bologna’s sights and sounds (as well as its delicious cuisine – don’t miss a plateful of tagliatelle al ragu), before driving into the Tuscan countryside to explore its wineries, market towns and medieval villages.

Discover a quieter side to the popular Neapolitan Riviera with this twin-centre itinerary. Explore chaotic, historic Naples, before taking the ferry across to Ischia, famous for its botanical gardens, sandy beaches and thermal spas.