Everyone knows Rome, Venice, and Florence, but Italy’s got a whole other side that feels straight out of a storybook.
If you’re looking to spend time in places that are like real-life fairytales (and that just so happen to be less crowded with tourists), these lesser-known spots are charming, beautiful, and totally worth visiting. They might be a bit harder to get to, but they’re a journey worth making.
1. Alberobello, Puglia
Alberobello looks like it came out of a fairytale, with whitewashed cone-roofed houses called trulli stacked along winding stone streets. It doesn’t feel real at first—just charming and oddly peaceful. You won’t find skyscrapers or city noise here, just a slow, warm pace that makes it hard to leave.
It’s the kind of place where locals chat outside cafés and life feels unhurried. You can stroll the cobblestone lanes, explore trulli turned into shops and little B&Bs, and watch the sunset with a glass of local wine. It’s photogenic, but even more so, it’s heart-soothing.
2. Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio
Perched on a cliff and connected by a footbridge, this medieval hill town is often called “the dying city,” but don’t let that scare you off. It’s hauntingly beautiful, quiet, and surrounded by dramatic valleys and golden hills. Getting there feels like walking into a secret world.
Because it’s only accessible on foot, it stays wonderfully peaceful. The views alone are worth the trek, but the real magic is in how untouched it feels. Stone houses, flower boxes, old-world charm—it’s the kind of spot that makes you forget time exists.
3. Orta San Giulio, Piedmont
Set along Lake Orta, this town often gets overlooked in favour of Como, but it’s arguably more romantic. The pastel buildings reflect off the calm water, and the island of San Giulio sits just offshore, adding to the cinematic feel. It’s quieter and more intimate than the big lakes.
You can take a boat to the island, wander the peaceful streets, or just sit by the lake and enjoy the stillness. It’s perfect for people who want the beauty of northern Italy without the bustle. Everything about it feels gentle, slow, and entirely magical.
4. Tropea, Calabria
Tropea has dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and golden sand beaches, but somehow, it’s still a bit of a hidden gem. The historic town sits above the sea, with ancient buildings and narrow alleyways that spill into seaside views. It’s breathtaking in a way that feels completely relaxed.
It’s also known for its sweet red onions and incredible seafood, so foodies will be in heaven. You can spend the day at the beach, explore cliffside churches, and end with a sunset that lights the whole town in gold. It’s postcard-perfect, but still down-to-earth.
5. Matera, Basilicata
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and it looks like a biblical painting come to life. The ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock (called Sassi) give the city a layered, dreamlike vibe. It’s unlike anywhere else in Italy, or the world.
Walking through the stone streets at night, with warm lights glowing from the caves, is a surreal experience. Matera has become more well-known in recent years, but it still feels rooted in history. It’s not just beautiful—it feels sacred and powerful in its silence.
6. Bosa, Sardinia
This colourful riverside town is a cheerful surprise. With rainbow-painted houses climbing up a hillside and a quiet river running through, Bosa feels like it belongs in a children’s storybook. It’s far removed from Sardinia’s beach resorts, but just as captivating in its own way.
It’s ideal for slow mornings, fresh seafood lunches, and casual wanders through candy-coloured streets. There’s also a medieval castle overlooking it all if you’re in the mood to climb. Bosa may not be flashy, but it’s full of soul, and you won’t want to leave.
7. Castelluccio, Umbria
High in the Apennine Mountains, Castelluccio is a tiny village surrounded by rolling hills and wide-open plains. What makes it special is the flowering season, when the fields explode in brilliant reds, blues, and yellows. It’s an actual rainbow painted across the land.
Even outside flower season, the remote, windswept landscape makes you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. There’s not much commercial tourism here, which is part of the charm. It’s raw, quiet, and humbling, and absolutely stunning.
8. Sulmona, Abruzzo
Sulmona is famous for its confetti—colourful sugared almonds that look more like delicate flowers than candy. But beyond that sweet claim to fame, it’s a lovely old town with piazzas, Roman ruins, and mountain views that make every corner feel cinematic.
It’s a great base for exploring Abruzzo’s nature while still soaking in Italian town life. You’ll find fewer tourists here, more local rhythms, and a sense of space to breathe. It’s one of those places that feels like a real discovery, not just another pin on the map.
9. Noto, Sicily
Noto is a baroque beauty with honey-coloured buildings and grand staircases that seem to glow at golden hour. It’s elegant without being overdone, historic without being dusty. Everything feels thoughtfully preserved, but still alive and loved by the people who live there.
The town is especially romantic at sunset, when the stone facades turn soft and pinkish. It’s perfect for slow strolls, gelato breaks, and catching glimpses of Sicilian life that don’t feel staged for tourists. It’s graceful, golden, and totally unforgettable.
10. Chioggia, Veneto
If Venice feels too crowded or pricey, Chioggia is the charming little sister you didn’t know you needed. It has canals, boats, seafood, and pastel buildings, but with way fewer tourists and a more lived-in feel. It’s still a working fishing town, and that shows in the best way.
It’s also close enough to Venice for a day trip, but honestly, it deserves its own spotlight. You can wander the markets, eat the freshest fish straight from the sea, and enjoy the calm pace. It’s everything magical about Venice, just more relaxed and real.
