Rachel Pearson 
It is no secret that Italy is one of the best places to visit in Europe. The only problem with visiting a top destination country, is the tourists. This may sound strange, but sometimes tourists do not like to encounter other tourists. Unfortunately, When you visit a country like you are to run into many tourists. One way to avoid this issue is to take the road less traveled. With many top attractions throughout many people have no clue where to start looking for “secret” or “hidden” attractions. This list of places has you covered! There are many different places on this list that you may or may not have heard of. Take the plunge and check out some of the hidden attractions of Italy.
1.Castelli Romani, Rome
The Castelli Romani is an area of composed of 17 little town or villas. What makes this area special is that in each town there is a small mansion or castle to mark the presence of past nobility. The gorgeous countryside of the Castelli Romani is rarely visiting by tourists, which makes it a best kept secret. The Pope makes annually trips to Castelli Romani to indulge in a vacation away from the Vatican.
2. Ostia Antica, Rome
Almost everyone has heard of the city of Pompeii that was destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius, but they have no clue that Ostia Antica exists. This ancient Roman city was not destroyed by a natural disaster, but it away over time. There are five excavation sites to see at this ancient seaport city.
3. Giardino di Ninfa, Latina
Giardino di Ninfa (Garden of Ninfa) is one of Italy’s best kept secrets. This garden is showered with wild flowers, fruit trees, and other botanical species. This garden is over 260 acres and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Reggia di Caserta, Caserta
If you are traveling to Naples, you should take a day trip to the neighboring city of Caserta. The Reggia di Caserta (Royal Palace of Caserta) was once the home of the Royal family of Italy. Before the unification of , monarchs ruled the country and many of them lived at this palace. You can check out the throne room, bedrooms, and gorgeous garden.
5. Villa Biaggini Ivancich, Venice
During the beginning of the 20th century, this villa was frequented by many artists and writers, such as Ernest Hemingway. It was a shame that WW2 bombs ruined the beauty of this villa. However, it is still a beautiful site to see.
6. Procida, Naples
For anyone who has ever been to Naples, they have noticed ferries heading to the islands off the coast of Naples. You have most likely heard of the islands, Ischia and Capri but what about Procida? Procida is a gorgeous and small island that serves the freshest local seafood with an amazing view of the sea.
7. Brisighella, Emilia-Romagna
This beautiful city is only a few hours away from the tourist destination of Florence. If you are looking to experience a true Italian vacation, then this village will do the trick. This village is less than 2 miles long and has the most scenic views of the region.
8. Lucca, Tuscany
Coming in at number eight on the list of secret places in Italy, Lucca!
The city of Lucca is a quaint town that welcomes tourists with open arms but many tourists do not know this city exists. Lucca holds a gaming convention each year in October, which is a great way for tourists to kill two birds with one stone. You can enjoy the convention and then take a walking tour of the city in which Leonardo Da Vinci helped create.
9. Cinque Terre, Liguria
Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a beautiful coastline that is composed of five villages surrounded by cliff side hills. When the sun begins to set around Cinque Terre, the view is absolutely breathtaking. There are few ways of transportation to visit Cinque Terre, which makes it the best kept secret places in Italy from tourists.
10. Marechiaro (A fenestrella e maruchiar), Naples
Neapolitans often head to Marechiaro on a Saturday night for some delicious seafood dishes with a great view of the sea. Since this area is quite the secret among locals, few tourists have been spotted there.
You can also check out these awesome things to do while in Naples.
11. Cervinia, Valle d’Aosta
Cervinia has become increasingly popular among the tourist community. This small town is perfect for a vacation getaway to a ski resort.
12. Via Terraggio Garden, Milan
This garden was closed for over 70 years before reopening to the public in 2010. Since this garden has been closed for so many years, few tourists know that it exists making it one of the few secret places in Italy to visit. The gorgeous wildflowers and scenery of the garden transport you out of the chaos of Milan.
13. Chioggia, Venice
The small fishing town of Chioggia is located a short distance away from the busy city of Venice. If you are looking to embrace the Italian culture, then look no further in Chioggia. Not many people speak English in this small town, but that adds to the charm of this fishing village.
14. Belloluogo Tower, Lecce
The translation of this attraction is “Beautiful Place” and it is a true gem in The locals believe that the garden surrounding this tower is a true replica of the “Garden of Eden”.
15. Ducal Palace, Modena
Royalty have always been a fan of Italy’s culture and hospitality. The Ducal Palace was built in the Baroque era. As you walk through the palace, you can imagine the large balls and masquerade parties that have been attended by royal families.
16. Ponte del Diavolo, Tuscany
This scaffold is referred to local people the Fallen angel’s Bridge. The locals believe that this bridge harbors mystical energy and powers. It is worth taking a trip to city of Cividale del Fruili where the bridge is located.
17. Grotte di Castellana, Bari
The caves Of Castellana are spread out over a 2 mile. These gorgeous caves have a strong musky odor, but they are worth visiting. The caverns are accepted to be more than 90 million years of age!
