The Best Places to Go in Italy That Aren’t Rome or Milan

Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and Rome and Milan often find themselves at the top of that list, too.

However, what if you're looking for something lesser-known? Perhaps you have already been to Rome before, or you're just interested in traveling to somewhere that you've never heard of.

Here are 14 places in Italy that are a bit off the beaten path.

All that's left to do is book the tickets, secure your travel insurance, and pack your bags. Next stop: Italy.

Cefalù, Italy

Cefalù is an extremely cute seaside town on the northern coast of Sicily. With a mixture of golden, sandy beaches, old architecture, and a whole lot of history, it's a must-visit.

It's famous for quite a few things, and not only its beaches. Cefalù is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: its Norman Cathedral which is filled with incredible mosaic work.

Some of the things that travelers can do in Cefalù include wandering its cobblestone streets, popping in and out of little shops, and consuming an immeasurable amount of homemade gelato (the limit does not exist).

In the town, you can hike up Mount La Rocca, and at the top, you will get to enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The best time to visit Cefalù is from late spring to early fall for incredible weather.

Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello is in Puglia, Italy, and a stop there feels like a literal storybook immersion. That is thanks to the unique architecture found there.

The whitewashed conical-roof structures are called Trulli Houses, and there isn't really anything else like them in the world. They're so iconic that they have even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are a lot of things about Alberobello to look forward to, such as its Rione Monti district. This area of town is where you'll find hundreds of Trulli and the winding streets that connect them.

Just nearby, visitors can find ancient vineyards with Italian grapes and wines, and olive groves that make arguably some of the best olive-based products you'll ever experience.

Alberobello is located in southern Italy (in the "heel of the boot"), and visiting in Spring or Autumn will help you avoid the crowds, while still enjoying pretty pleasant weather.

Procida, Italy

Procida is the smallest island in the Bay of Naples, and the town itself looks kind of like peering into a kaleidoscope. One of the best things about Procida is just how beautiful it is, with pastel-colored buildings lining the waterfront; it's a pretty unique experience.

One of the best places to go on Procida is Marina Corricella, an old fishing village that offers fresh seafood and authentic trattorias.

The island's highest point, Terra Murata, is also a fun hike because you will be able to see an incredible view at the top.

Spring and early fall are good times to visit Procida, as the weather is warm and the island is less crowded than at the height of the summer months.

Vernazza, Italy

Vernazza, one of the five famous villages of Cinque Terre (in northern Italy) is on many people's bucket lists; they may not have known it by name before.

If you like the Amalfi Coast, you'll love the jaw-dropping cliffs, colorful buildings, an Instagrammable harbor, and incredible food... what's to dislike?

Vernazza has a beach, but it also has hiking trails and a medieval castle (Doria Castle).

Summer is the peak season, and Cinque Terre sees a lot of visitors, but late spring or early fall offer fair weather and fewer crowds.

Tropea, Italy

Tropea is famous for the fact that it is situated on a cliff. It's also known because it has some of the bluest waters around. Plus, it's in Southern Italy, which means warm weather: perfect for taking a dip.

Tropea's real crowning jewel, though, so to speak, is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola. This is a famous monastery that alone is worth the trip.

The town of Tropea has classic piazzas and restaurants with incredible Italian food. One of the region's famous dishes is sweet red onions and nduja, a spicy spreadable salami.

Visit in late spring or September to enjoy warm weather and avoid the summer crowds.

Assisi, Italy

If you're less beach and more history, Assisi is a lesser-known town you need to travel to. Assisi is a hilltop town in central Italy and is the birthplace of Saint Francis, making it both an incredibly historical and spiritual place.

One of the reasons travelers love it so much is because of its stone buildings and medieval streets.

There are a lot of significant landmarks to see, too, like the Basilica of St. Francis, the Rocca Maggiore Fortress, and the Santa Chiara Basilica.

The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the streets are a little quieter.

Polignano a Mare, Italy

Polignano a Mare is in Southern Italy and it is known for its whitewashed buildings and cliffs (are you beginning to sense a pattern?).

It's also the home to Lama Monachile, a famous pebble beach that has cliffs and surprisingly clear water.

The cliffs make cliff-diving a popular activity in the area, which might pique the interest of self-proclaimed thrill seekers.

Food lovers might also find Polignano a Mare alluring for its cliffside restaurants with local seafood.

Summer is the best time to visit if you're wanting to do beach activities, though spring and autumn offer a bit more quiet.

Castelmezzano, Italy

Located in the Dolomites, Castelmezzano is a lesser-known village with both Italian charm and rugged mountain peaks.

Like others on this list, Castelmezzano has narrow streets, ancient ruins, incredible views... pretty much everything you could ask for in a dream trip to Italy.

And that's before we even mentioned the food, like the local cavatelli pasta and Lucanian wines.

Visit in spring or early autumn for mild weather, perfect for hiking and exploring the surrounding areas.

Roccascalegna, Italy

When people describe it as "picturesque", even that is an understatement for Roccascalegna.

Located in central Italy, Roccascalegna is known for its clifftop castle, the Castello di Roccascalegna. It somehow defies gravity (or at least, it looks like it does), balancing on a spur that overlooks the entire village below.

One of the best things about visiting Roccascalegna is that you feel sort of like you went back in time. With its towers and dungeons, and local history and legends, there's something for everyone, which is nice.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit Roccascalegna because the castle is open and the countryside is in full bloom.

Matera, Italy

Matera, like a few others on the list, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike a few others, it isn't one building that has earned itself the title: it's the entire city.

It is famous for its Sassi, or ancient cave dwellings. These are centuries-old homes that have been carved into the limestone cliffs. Now, these ancient buildings are everything from boutique hotels to restaurants and shops.

The city doesn't even look real, it's so unique!

There are a lot of things to see in addition to the incredible city structure, like the Matera Cathedral and the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario (ok, that is another cave dwelling).

Autumn and spring are the best times to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Isola Bella, Italy

Near Taormina (Northern Italy), Isola Bella is a super tiny island paradise that is just barely connected to the mainland via a small strip of sand.

It's a nature reserve that, today, has lush vegetation, beautiful lake waters, and just an incredible experience through and through.

On the island, there is a museum, a pebble beach, and boat tours are available for those who want to see it up close and from afar.

The island is close to Taormina, which is also a good one to add to the list. There is an ancient Greek theater there!

Isola Bella truly shines in summer, but early fall also has warm waters and fewer tourists.

Siena, Italy

Another one for the medieval inclined, Siena is an incredible city with, you guessed it, UNESCO sites.

Its historic city center is famous, including the Piacca del Campo, which is in the heart of the city.

While the city is pretty enough to draw in tourists by itself, there are also incredible things to explore and see, like the Torre del Mangia. Siena Cathedral is a unique experience with impressive mosaics.

It's also in Tuscany, which means an impressive culinary history.

It's best to plan your trip for the spring or autumn for good weather and fewer crowds.

Chioggia, Italy

If you want a Venice-type experience, Chioggia is the clear winner. It's even sometimes referred to as "Little Venice."

Chioggia is an old fishing town in the north of the country and has canals lined with colorful buildings, a buzzing fish market, and cute streets for meandering.

Because it's a fishing village, there is always fresh seafood at the local restaurants, too, which is hard to beat.

Summer is great for beach visits, but spring and early autumn are ideal for exploring around town.

Bolzano, Italy

Balzano is in Northern Italy and is a mix of Italian and Austrian cultures, thanks to its location.

For Mountain-lovers, it's also the gateway to the Dolomites, which means nearby hiking trails, skiing, and other mountain activities.

One of the most famous parts of Bolzano is Ötzi the Iceman. The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is home to Ötzi, an incredibly well-preserved mummy that dates all the way back to 3,300 BCE.

It's also famous for its local shops and boutiques, little cafes, and cute architecture.

Bolzano is a year-round destination, with skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The best time to go depends on the types of activities that you're looking to do!