Forget Milan: 6 places in Italy that are off the beaten tourist track

Tourism in Italy is a growing industry. The country was a holiday destination for 420 million visitors in 2017, smashing records by 4.4 per cent compared to the previous year. According to Istat figures, this is 5.3 per cent above the European average.

Rome remains the most popular destination, attracting almost 27 million of these visitors, or 6.4 per cent of the total, followed by Venice and Milan (both 2.8 per cent) and Florence (2.4 per cent).

If you are going to be one of those visiting Bel Paese – the Beautiful Country – you might want to avoid the 2 to 6 per cent in the major cities, but where to start? Here are our recommendations for beautiful, less-populated parts of Italy.

1. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast south of Rome refers to the stretch of coastline in Salerno province. The popular tourist destination was listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997. There are many scenic drives in the area with panoramic views of some of Italy’s most beautiful coastal waters. Whether you go from Amalfi to Vietri sul Mare, or to Sorrento, you can revel in the blue skies, emerald waters, warm breezes and a sense of a bygone era. Alternatively, you can sail the gentle Mediterranean waves aboard a gozzo, an Italian wooden boat, to the private beaches around the town of Conca dei Marini to spend a blissful afternoon.

2. Portofino

This seaside village is renowned for the glitzy celebrities who visit its shores. It is also famous for its colourfully painted buildings that line the coast, and it is common to see luxurious yachts dotting the water. You will find trails surrounding the historic fishing village that wind among olive and pine trees, as well as small coves. West of the town is an ancient Benedictine monastery, Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, which houses displays of art and artefacts from a bygone era. Romantics should visit Belmond Hotel Splendido, where Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor on one of the terraces.

3. Montalcino, Tuscany

Tuscany is such a vast region it is hard to pinpoint where to stay. Montalcino is a wine region drenched in history as well as luxury. One of the highlights is the Unesco listed Val d’Orcia Natural Park, the slopes and cultivated hillsides have been the subjects of artworks as far back as the Renaissance. The region produces Brunello di Montalcino, which is one of Italy’s most expensive wines. Hike and cycle your way around the area which contains Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, a luxury hotel that is home to the Osteria La Canonica trattoria restaurant where tired visitors can enjoy authentic Tuscan fare.

4. Cinque Terre

Another Unesco site, five villages – Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola – and the coastline, make up the Cinque Terre. The area is known for its rustic surrounds. With gorgeous terraces, rugged cliffs and beautiful vistas from its hiking trails, this is ideal for those who want to take things slowly. Seafood dominates the menus at the restaurants around the five villages. What better way to decompress than taking a leisurely walk, drinking in some breathtaking views and ending the day with some great Italian fare?

5. Turin

Touted as a hidden gem, Turin was the seat of the Savoy kingdom, when it was common to see kings and queens strolling along the arched walkways from the Piazza Castello. This northern city is renowned for its coffee and chocolate, especially the moreish gianduiotto, a mixture of hazelnut and chocolate said to have originated in Turin in 1865 due to a need to reduce the chocolate because of the heavy taxes imposed on the population. The highest structure in town is the Mole Antonelliana, known as “La Mole”. Visitors are advised to trek up one of the nearby hills to take in the structure against the backdrop of the town.

6. Bologna

America’s famous baloney is said to trace its origins to this town, the birthplace of mortadella ham. Bologna is a town for foodies where it is common to find delicious ham and pickle platters, home-made pasta and fantastic wines. The medieval structures here are mostly untouched such as the Casa Isolani arcade in Strada Maggiore, made of wood. Still in the mood for food? FICO Eataly World, the world’s largest food park, is just 20 minutes away. Spend the day tasting, eating and learning everything about Italian food.

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