5 Lesser-Known, Utterly Beautiful Italian Vacation Destinations To Discover
Whether you’re in the mood for cinematic coastline, serene countryside, romantic lakes, stylish cities or soaring mountains, Italy is blessed with an unparalleled bounty of incredible vacation destinations. But look beyond the big names and you’ll find lesser-known but equally impressive places to explore. Here, KATIE BERRINGTON chooses five of Italy’s under-the-radar gems to inspire a vacation with a difference
Franciacorta
The low-key and laidback Italian answer to Champagne, Franciacorta in Lombardy lies in Alpine foothills encompassing Lake Iseo, glorious countryside and rolling vineyards – from which the region’s delectable sparkling wines (beloved by Italians) are made. The picturesque, mountainous landscape is scattered with ancient villages dotted with towers, castles, and villas, and isn’t far from Milan, Verona and Venice, as well as the more frequented Italian Lakes. Overlooking romantic and peaceful Lake Iseo is L’Albereta, a Relais & Châteaux property and an enchanting neo-Renaissance villa thoughtfully reimagined into an ivy-ensconced hotel, with four restaurants and a Chenot Spa. Here, there are sublime lakeside views and plenty of scenic spots around the grounds to sample a delicious, chilled glass of Franciacorta in the sunshine.
Umbria
While its neighbouring Tuscany takes the headlines, Umbria has retained a more under-the-radar allure. It is blessed with equally a magnificent background of undulating valleys and cyprus-lined groves and vineyards, those same pastel-hued sunsets, and world-renowned culinary delights. Perugia, the region’s largest city, is well worth a visit, particularly its teetering and towering old town with a far-reaching perspective across the Umbrian countryside. A new opening nestled in the heart of the region is Borgo dei Conti, a meticulously restored 19th-century villa and storied grounds which pay homage to its artistic roots (it was once the home of painter Rossi-Scotti), while immersing guests – from every room, restaurant and the expansive spa offering – in the lush surroundings of olive groves and forestland.
Piedmont
Bordering Lombardy and Liguria, Piedmont is a heavenly, hidden gem of northern Italy – comprising rippling hills, charming towns, castles, and UNESCO-listed wine country. It is also home to another of Italy’s less-discovered lakes, Lake Orta, which might not have the same status as Como, Garda, and nearby Maggiore, but is just as beguiling and all the more tranquil and slower-paced thanks to its low-key reputation. In the Monferrat area of southern Piedmont, Nordelaia is a stunningly converted 800-year-old farmhouse. It has just 12 characterful, individually designed rooms and suites, a hillside infinity pool, and two restaurants (overseen by Andrea Ribaldone, who has earned Michelin stars for two restaurants he previously helmed) and specializes in regional, seasonal cuisine), set amid a working winery and sprawling woodland.
The Aeolian islands
Sardinia, Capri, Ischia… Italy is far from short of idyllic islands a quick hop from its mainland. But while many flock to Sicily, far fewer know about the stunning archipelago of the Aeolian islands just off its coast. There’s tiny Panarea, rambling Lipari, wild Alicudi and Filicudi, and romantic, verdant Salina where lush countryside and charming villages are lined by pebble beaches beside the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. A boat trip around the archipelago – illuminated by Stromboli’s active volcano – makes for the most magical of sunsets, and tiny seaside trattorias serve up the freshest local catches. On Salina, the boutique hotel Principe di Salina has only 12 bedrooms and gleams against the island’s dramatic, volcanic landscape, particularly the slick of infinity pool, perfectly situated to marvel at the seemingly never-ending Aeolian vista.
Abruzzo
Glorious and green Abruzzo has flown a little unnoticed in central Italy, making it an unspoiled melting pot of charms – from its breadth of verdant hills and vineyards to well-preserved medieval architecture and traditional fishing villages beside the Adriatic Sea. The most enthralling place to stay in this relatively undeveloped region is Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, a hotel scattered across Santo Stefano di Sessanio, which is a tiny medieval hamlet clinging to the side of the Apennine mountains and maintaining its bygone magnetism. With an ethos of preserving local traditions and design, the rooms are rustically beautiful with uneven stone floors, wrought-iron beds and large fireplaces.