Little-known historical carnivals of Italy, beyond Venice and Viareggio
Wooden masks, devils and tree-men: five historical Italian carnivals far from Venice and Viareggio, to experience in the villages between January and March.
Destination calendar
Month by month, the least crowded destinations to visit. Choose when you travel and we'll tell you where to go.
January — 93 destinations
How to get to Bari: complete transport guide
How to reach Bari by plane, train, car and bus. Karol Wojtyla airport, Central Station, Adriatic motorways and local transport to the old town.
How to get to Naples: train, plane, car and bus
Complete guide to reaching Naples by train, plane, car and bus. All connections, travel times and tips for getting around the city.
Where to Go in January in Italy: Art Cities and Villages Out of Season
Where to go in January in Italy: art cities, frescoed crypts, snow-covered villages and the mild South. Out-of-season destinations with fewer queues and lower prices.
Where to Go in Italy in January: Winter Destinations Far from the Crowds
January is Italy's quietest travel month. Deserted borghi, rock-bottom prices and an atmosphere the rest of the year simply cannot offer.
Where to stay in Bari: neighborhoods, accommodations and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Bari: best neighborhoods, accommodation types, budget tips and ideal areas for every type of traveler.
Where to stay in Naples: areas, accommodation and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Naples: best neighbourhoods, accommodation types, budget tips and suggestions for every type of traveller.
Where to Eat in Bari: A Guide to Barese Cuisine from Focaccia to Orecchiette and Raw Fish
Discover where to eat in Bari: focaccia barese, orecchiette with cime di rapa, raw fish, and harbor markets. A guide to neighborhoods, trattorias, and Apulian street food.
Where to Eat in Belluno: A Guide to the Flavors of the Dolomites
Discover where to eat in Belluno: casunziei, pastin, Piave cheese, polenta, and mountain osterias at the foot of the Belluno Dolomites.
Where to eat in Naples: a guide to the authentic flavours of the Parthenopean city
From the alleys of the Quartieri Spagnoli to the fry shops of Spaccanapoli: where to eat well in Naples on a budget, among pizzas, fried treats and historic trattorias.
Instead of the Uffizi: the art of Florence and Tuscany far from the queues
Endless queues at the Uffizi? Museums, cloisters and frescoes of Florence and Tuscany where you can take in art at your leisure, often for free.
Winter Without Skis: The Italy You Enjoy on Foot, Not on the Slopes
Winter mountains aren't only about ski runs and lifts. Snowshoeing, frost-covered borghi, warm thermal baths: alternatives for those who love the cold, ski-free.
February — 114 destinations
Little-known historical carnivals of Italy, beyond Venice and Viareggio
Wooden masks, devils and tree-men: five historical Italian carnivals far from Venice and Viareggio, to experience in the villages between January and March.
How to get to Bari: complete transport guide
How to reach Bari by plane, train, car and bus. Karol Wojtyla airport, Central Station, Adriatic motorways and local transport to the old town.
How to get to Naples: train, plane, car and bus
Complete guide to reaching Naples by train, plane, car and bus. All connections, travel times and tips for getting around the city.
Where to stay in Bari: neighborhoods, accommodations and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Bari: best neighborhoods, accommodation types, budget tips and ideal areas for every type of traveler.
Where to stay in Naples: areas, accommodation and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Naples: best neighbourhoods, accommodation types, budget tips and suggestions for every type of traveller.
Where to Eat in Bari: A Guide to Barese Cuisine from Focaccia to Orecchiette and Raw Fish
Discover where to eat in Bari: focaccia barese, orecchiette with cime di rapa, raw fish, and harbor markets. A guide to neighborhoods, trattorias, and Apulian street food.
Where to Eat in Belluno: A Guide to the Flavors of the Dolomites
Discover where to eat in Belluno: casunziei, pastin, Piave cheese, polenta, and mountain osterias at the foot of the Belluno Dolomites.
Where to eat in Naples: a guide to the authentic flavours of the Parthenopean city
From the alleys of the Quartieri Spagnoli to the fry shops of Spaccanapoli: where to eat well in Naples on a budget, among pizzas, fried treats and historic trattorias.
Where to eat in Sanremo: sardenaira, brandacujun and Riviera dining
Guide to the flavours of Sanremo: sardenaira, brandacujun, Ligurian rabbit and the best restaurants, trattorias and markets between la Pigna, the port and the Riviera seafront.
Instead of the Uffizi: the art of Florence and Tuscany far from the queues
Endless queues at the Uffizi? Museums, cloisters and frescoes of Florence and Tuscany where you can take in art at your leisure, often for free.
Winter Without Skis: The Italy You Enjoy on Foot, Not on the Slopes
Winter mountains aren't only about ski runs and lifts. Snowshoeing, frost-covered borghi, warm thermal baths: alternatives for those who love the cold, ski-free.
Authentic Italian food festivals: the village feasts far from mass tourism
Italy's authentic sagre and the village feasts still alive in the small towns: what they celebrate, when to go and which traditions to look for.
March — 313 destinations
The Euganean Hills Loop, between Spas and Abbeys
A few kilometres from Padua, the Euganean Hills are volcanic cones covered with vineyards, hermitages and Benedictine abbeys rising from the Veneto plain. Those rushing towards Venice ignore them entirely, and in spring and autumn they remain a silent world of trails, spa villages and wineries.
The Corno alle Scale Loop
On the roof of the Bolognese Apennines, above Lizzano in Belvedere, Corno alle Scale offers glacial lakes, bilberry heaths and rugged ridges. Outside the ski season it is a silent mountain, far from the great tourist flows.
The Comacchio Lagoons and Lower Ferrara Loop
In the Po Delta near Ferrara, the embankments wind among brackish lagoons and old salt pans where thousands of flamingos pause on their migrations. Birdwatching by bicycle in the seasons when the plain lies deserted and silent.
Cammino delle Terre Mutate: from Fabriano to L'Aquila
The Cammino delle Terre Mutate runs for roughly 250 kilometres across the earthquake-scarred lands of the central Apennines, from Fabriano to L'Aquila, through Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Abruzzo. A slow, solidarity-driven journey among the villages struck by the quakes, far from any tourist route.
A Walk in the Alta Murgia Among Jazzi and Dolines
In the Alta Murgia National Park, between the provinces of Bari and Barletta, you walk through a silent Mediterranean steppe, among isolated farmsteads and the unmistakable silhouette of Castel del Monte. A harsh landscape that stays off every tourist circuit.
Little-known historical carnivals of Italy, beyond Venice and Viareggio
Wooden masks, devils and tree-men: five historical Italian carnivals far from Venice and Viareggio, to experience in the villages between January and March.
Sulcis cycling route among mines and lagoons
In the Sulcis-Iglesiente, at the far south-west of Sardinia, quiet roads link the abandoned mining heritage to the wetlands teeming with flamingos. A raw, little-known corner of the island, rideable for much of the year and almost always crowd-free.
The Val di Noto Cycle Route towards Pantalica
In south-eastern Sicily, between Siracusa and Ragusa, secondary roads cut through a countryside of dry-stone walls all the way to the rock-cut necropolis of Pantalica. A rural Baroque landscape rideable even in winter, far from the crowded beaches and the mass tours.
How to get to Agrigento: complete transport guide
Practical guide to reaching Agrigento in Sicily: Palermo and Catania airports, trains, buses, car and transfers. All connections to the Valley of the Temples.
How to get to Bari: complete transport guide
How to reach Bari by plane, train, car and bus. Karol Wojtyla airport, Central Station, Adriatic motorways and local transport to the old town.
How to get to Florence: complete transport guide
All the ways to reach Florence: plane, train, car and bus. Airports, stations, highways and local transport from arrival point to the city centre.
How to get to Milan: complete transport guide
How to reach Milan by plane, train, car and bus. Malpensa, Linate and Orio al Serio airports, stations, motorways and local transport to the centre.
April — 1145 destinations
The most beautiful abbeys in Italy to visit, region by region
Italy's most beautiful abbeys region by region: Romanesque cloisters, Lombard altars and monasteries by the sea, with the precise reason to go.
Agriturismi and Hostels Off-Season: Sleep Well, Spend Wisely
Outside peak weeks, Italy offers wonderful places to stay at accessible prices. How to find them, what to expect, and when to book.
Instead of Barcelona: Spanish Mediterranean cities without the crowds or chaos
Valencia, Tarragona, Siurana and other spots along the Spanish Mediterranean to choose instead of Barcelona: same light, fewer queues.
The albergo diffuso and scattered hospitality: what it is and why it brings villages back to life
What the albergo diffuso is, how it was born in Friuli after the 1976 earthquake, and why it keeps Italy's villages alive: a practical guide.
The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri in the Beigua Backcountry
On the watershed ridge of the Beigua Geopark, between the Savona and Genoa hinterland, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri offers a double view over sea and Alps. Just a few kilometres from the crowded coast, these trails stay almost deserted.
The Val Malenco High Route
In the province of Sondrio, Val Malenco offers the glaciers of the Bernina, green serpentine rock and historic huts along the Val Malenco High Route. A valley that has stayed off to the side compared to the Engadine and the Stelvio, where you can still walk in peace.
An alternative to Matera: 7 cities of stone and sassi in the South to discover
Looking for an alternative to Matera? Here are rock-cut villages, badlands and tufa houses across Basilicata and Apulia, without the crowds of the Sassi.
An alternative to Prague and touristy Central Europe: 13 fairy-tale, quiet places
Looking for an alternative to Prague and the most beaten paths of Central Europe? 13 fairy-tale, peaceful places across Bohemia, Vienna, Budapest and Romania.
Alternatives to Venice: cities and villages on the water, far from the crowds
Looking for an alternative to Venice? 10 cities and villages on the water across Veneto, Friuli and Emilia, where canals, lagoons and deltas remain livable.
The Euganean Hills Loop, between Spas and Abbeys
A few kilometres from Padua, the Euganean Hills are volcanic cones covered with vineyards, hermitages and Benedictine abbeys rising from the Veneto plain. Those rushing towards Venice ignore them entirely, and in spring and autumn they remain a silent world of trails, spa villages and wineries.
The Corno alle Scale Loop
On the roof of the Bolognese Apennines, above Lizzano in Belvedere, Corno alle Scale offers glacial lakes, bilberry heaths and rugged ridges. Outside the ski season it is a silent mountain, far from the great tourist flows.
Loop around Lake Bolsena and the Tuscia
In inland Lazio, a short distance from Rome yet off the tourist flows, the Lake Bolsena loop crosses the Tuscia of Viterbo: volcanic roads among Etruscan villages and the largest crater lake in Europe, in a corner still quiet and slow.
May — 1430 destinations
The most beautiful abbeys in Italy to visit, region by region
Italy's most beautiful abbeys region by region: Romanesque cloisters, Lombard altars and monasteries by the sea, with the precise reason to go.
Abruzzo in 3 Days at a Slow Pace: The Gran Sasso Villages Away From the Crowds
A 3-day itinerary among the villages of the Gran Sasso and the Maiella: Rocca Calascio, Castelli, hermitages in the rock and Samnite temples, without the queues.
Agriturismi and Hostels Off-Season: Sleep Well, Spend Wisely
Outside peak weeks, Italy offers wonderful places to stay at accessible prices. How to find them, what to expect, and when to book.
Instead of Barcelona: Spanish Mediterranean cities without the crowds or chaos
Valencia, Tarragona, Siurana and other spots along the Spanish Mediterranean to choose instead of Barcelona: same light, fewer queues.
The albergo diffuso and scattered hospitality: what it is and why it brings villages back to life
What the albergo diffuso is, how it was born in Friuli after the 1976 earthquake, and why it keeps Italy's villages alive: a practical guide.
The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri in the Beigua Backcountry
On the watershed ridge of the Beigua Geopark, between the Savona and Genoa hinterland, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri offers a double view over sea and Alps. Just a few kilometres from the crowded coast, these trails stay almost deserted.
Alta Via dei Parchi: the Pietra di Bismantova
On the Reggio Apennines, the Pietra di Bismantova is an isolated monolith surrounded by woods and badlands. Though cited by Dante, it remains an off-the-beaten-track destination: reached from the villages of the Emilian hinterland, far from the tourist flows of the coast and the art cities.
The Val Malenco High Route
In the province of Sondrio, Val Malenco offers the glaciers of the Bernina, green serpentine rock and historic huts along the Val Malenco High Route. A valley that has stayed off to the side compared to the Engadine and the Stelvio, where you can still walk in peace.
An alternative to Matera: 7 cities of stone and sassi in the South to discover
Looking for an alternative to Matera? Here are rock-cut villages, badlands and tufa houses across Basilicata and Apulia, without the crowds of the Sassi.
An alternative to Neuschwanstein: 13 fairy-tale castles in Italy and Europe
Looking for an alternative to Neuschwanstein? Here are 13 fairy-tale castles and fortresses in Italy and Europe, without the queues of 6,000 visitors a day.
An alternative to Prague and touristy Central Europe: 13 fairy-tale, quiet places
Looking for an alternative to Prague and the most beaten paths of Central Europe? 13 fairy-tale, peaceful places across Bohemia, Vienna, Budapest and Romania.
Alternatives to Polignano a Mare: Apulia's villages and coves without the crush
Polignano a Mare is stunning but crowded: seaside villages, coves and stone towns of Apulia where you can swim and sightsee in peace.
June — 1307 destinations
The most beautiful abbeys in Italy to visit, region by region
Italy's most beautiful abbeys region by region: Romanesque cloisters, Lombard altars and monasteries by the sea, with the precise reason to go.
Abruzzo in 3 Days at a Slow Pace: The Gran Sasso Villages Away From the Crowds
A 3-day itinerary among the villages of the Gran Sasso and the Maiella: Rocca Calascio, Castelli, hermitages in the rock and Samnite temples, without the queues.
Agriturismi and Hostels Off-Season: Sleep Well, Spend Wisely
Outside peak weeks, Italy offers wonderful places to stay at accessible prices. How to find them, what to expect, and when to book.
Instead of Barcelona: Spanish Mediterranean cities without the crowds or chaos
Valencia, Tarragona, Siurana and other spots along the Spanish Mediterranean to choose instead of Barcelona: same light, fewer queues.
The albergo diffuso and scattered hospitality: what it is and why it brings villages back to life
What the albergo diffuso is, how it was born in Friuli after the 1976 earthquake, and why it keeps Italy's villages alive: a practical guide.
The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri in the Beigua Backcountry
On the watershed ridge of the Beigua Geopark, between the Savona and Genoa hinterland, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri offers a double view over sea and Alps. Just a few kilometres from the crowded coast, these trails stay almost deserted.
Alta Via dei Parchi: the Pietra di Bismantova
On the Reggio Apennines, the Pietra di Bismantova is an isolated monolith surrounded by woods and badlands. Though cited by Dante, it remains an off-the-beaten-track destination: reached from the villages of the Emilian hinterland, far from the tourist flows of the coast and the art cities.
The Granite High Route to Cima d'Asta
In south-eastern Trentino, the Cima d'Asta chain is the southernmost granite massif in the Alps: lakes, mountain huts and stern ridges at the heart of the Lagorai, the range that stayed wild while everyone heads for the nearby Dolomites.
The Val Malenco High Route
In the province of Sondrio, Val Malenco offers the glaciers of the Bernina, green serpentine rock and historic huts along the Val Malenco High Route. A valley that has stayed off to the side compared to the Engadine and the Stelvio, where you can still walk in peace.
An alternative to Matera: 7 cities of stone and sassi in the South to discover
Looking for an alternative to Matera? Here are rock-cut villages, badlands and tufa houses across Basilicata and Apulia, without the crowds of the Sassi.
An alternative to Neuschwanstein: 13 fairy-tale castles in Italy and Europe
Looking for an alternative to Neuschwanstein? Here are 13 fairy-tale castles and fortresses in Italy and Europe, without the queues of 6,000 visitors a day.
An alternative to Prague and touristy Central Europe: 13 fairy-tale, quiet places
Looking for an alternative to Prague and the most beaten paths of Central Europe? 13 fairy-tale, peaceful places across Bohemia, Vienna, Budapest and Romania.
July — 305 destinations
The Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Logar Valley
North of Ljubljana, a range with a Dolomite-like appearance remains in the shadow of the more famous Triglav. The Kamnik-Savinja Alps offer steep paths, mountain pastures and the spectacular U-shaped glacial Logar Valley, a corner of Slovenia still little travelled.
Alta Via 1 of the Aosta Valley, among the great glaciers
Alta Via number 1 runs along the left side of the Aosta Valley at the feet of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Grand Combin. It is a traverse of mountain huts and solitary alpine pastures that steers clear of the glamorous resorts on the valley floor and delivers the great glaciers without the crowds of the better-known destinations.
The Granite High Route to Cima d'Asta
In south-eastern Trentino, the Cima d'Asta chain is the southernmost granite massif in the Alps: lakes, mountain huts and stern ridges at the heart of the Lagorai, the range that stayed wild while everyone heads for the nearby Dolomites.
The Alta Via del Sale from Limone Piemonte to Monesi
On the border between Piedmont and Liguria, the Alta Via del Sale runs above 2,000 metres along an ancient military gravel road between Italy and France. Open only in the short summer window and with limited entry, it remains one of the wildest and most silent high-altitude routes in the Alps.
Alta Via of the Friulian Dolomites (AV6)
In the province of Pordenone, High Route number 6 crosses the Friulian Dolomites, the wildest and most rugged of the entire Dolomite range, with no ski lifts at all. The huts are few and far apart, and encounters on the trails rarer still: it is the realm of solitude in the high mountains.
An alternative to Neuschwanstein: 13 fairy-tale castles in Italy and Europe
Looking for an alternative to Neuschwanstein? Here are 13 fairy-tale castles and fortresses in Italy and Europe, without the queues of 6,000 visitors a day.
The Monti della Laga loop, among waterfalls and forests
The Monti della Laga, on the border between Lazio, Abruzzo and Marche within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, are the only sandstone and marl mountains of the central Apennines: for this reason they hold water and fill with streams, waterfalls and beech forests. They stay deserted because everyone rushes to the nearby Gran Sasso or the Sibillini.
The Monti Simbruini loop, among beech woods and high plateaus
A loop in the Monti Simbruini Park, an hour from Rome: high-altitude grasslands, beech woods, the springs of the Aniene and ancient Benedictine monasteries. A green, silent mountain range, very close to the capital yet far from the crowds, where you walk across plateaus that feel like another world.
The Cimonega Loop in the Vette Feltrine
In the Belluno Dolomites National Park, the Cimonega group is an isolated corner of the Vette Feltrine, watched over by the Feltre-Bodo bivouac. It is one of the few places in the Dolomites where solitude is truly guaranteed, far from the great tourist flows.
The Monviso Loop, around the Stone King
Between the Po Valley and the Varaita Valley, in the Cottian Alps of the Cuneo area, a multi-day circuit around the pyramid of Monviso, crossing over into France. High-altitude trails and refuges light years away from the beach and city tourism of summer.
The Sauris Loop, Between the Lake and the Tabià
Sauris (Zahre) is a German-speaking linguistic island in the Carnic Alps, in the province of Udine, reachable only through a narrow gorge: getting there takes time, and that is exactly what keeps it far from the crowds. A loop among a turquoise lake, alpine huts and ham, in the heart of one of Friuli's most secluded valleys.
Little-Known Seaside and Lakeside Villages in Italy
Little-known seaside villages in Italy and quiet lakeside towns: 11 destinations with harbours, calm waters and historic centres to discover without the crowds.
August — 195 destinations
The Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Logar Valley
North of Ljubljana, a range with a Dolomite-like appearance remains in the shadow of the more famous Triglav. The Kamnik-Savinja Alps offer steep paths, mountain pastures and the spectacular U-shaped glacial Logar Valley, a corner of Slovenia still little travelled.
Alta Via 1 of the Aosta Valley, among the great glaciers
Alta Via number 1 runs along the left side of the Aosta Valley at the feet of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Grand Combin. It is a traverse of mountain huts and solitary alpine pastures that steers clear of the glamorous resorts on the valley floor and delivers the great glaciers without the crowds of the better-known destinations.
Alta Via of the Friulian Dolomites (AV6)
In the province of Pordenone, High Route number 6 crosses the Friulian Dolomites, the wildest and most rugged of the entire Dolomite range, with no ski lifts at all. The huts are few and far apart, and encounters on the trails rarer still: it is the realm of solitude in the high mountains.
The Cimonega Loop in the Vette Feltrine
In the Belluno Dolomites National Park, the Cimonega group is an isolated corner of the Vette Feltrine, watched over by the Feltre-Bodo bivouac. It is one of the few places in the Dolomites where solitude is truly guaranteed, far from the great tourist flows.
The Monviso Loop, around the Stone King
Between the Po Valley and the Varaita Valley, in the Cottian Alps of the Cuneo area, a multi-day circuit around the pyramid of Monviso, crossing over into France. High-altitude trails and refuges light years away from the beach and city tourism of summer.
How to get to Bari: complete transport guide
How to reach Bari by plane, train, car and bus. Karol Wojtyla airport, Central Station, Adriatic motorways and local transport to the old town.
How to get to Castelluccio di Norcia: car, bus and tips for the plateau
Guide on how to get to Castelluccio di Norcia: access roads, limited public transport, parking and seasonal tips to reach the plateau.
What to see in Castelluccio di Norcia in 2 days: plateau, blooms and trails
Guide on what to see in Castelluccio di Norcia in 2 days: the Pian Grande, lentil bloom, Sibillini trails and the rebuilt village.
Where to stay in Bari: neighborhoods, accommodations and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Bari: best neighborhoods, accommodation types, budget tips and ideal areas for every type of traveler.
Where to Eat in Bari: A Guide to Barese Cuisine from Focaccia to Orecchiette and Raw Fish
Discover where to eat in Bari: focaccia barese, orecchiette with cime di rapa, raw fish, and harbor markets. A guide to neighborhoods, trattorias, and Apulian street food.
Where to Eat in Belluno: A Guide to the Flavors of the Dolomites
Discover where to eat in Belluno: casunziei, pastin, Piave cheese, polenta, and mountain osterias at the foot of the Belluno Dolomites.
Where to eat in Castelluccio di Norcia: lentils, truffle and Umbrian flavours
Guide on where to eat in Castelluccio di Norcia: IGP lentils, black truffle, strangozzi, traditional norcineria and the few restaurants on the plateau.
September — 1450 destinations
The most beautiful abbeys in Italy to visit, region by region
Italy's most beautiful abbeys region by region: Romanesque cloisters, Lombard altars and monasteries by the sea, with the precise reason to go.
Abruzzo in 3 Days at a Slow Pace: The Gran Sasso Villages Away From the Crowds
A 3-day itinerary among the villages of the Gran Sasso and the Maiella: Rocca Calascio, Castelli, hermitages in the rock and Samnite temples, without the queues.
Agriturismi and Hostels Off-Season: Sleep Well, Spend Wisely
Outside peak weeks, Italy offers wonderful places to stay at accessible prices. How to find them, what to expect, and when to book.
Instead of Barcelona: Spanish Mediterranean cities without the crowds or chaos
Valencia, Tarragona, Siurana and other spots along the Spanish Mediterranean to choose instead of Barcelona: same light, fewer queues.
The albergo diffuso and scattered hospitality: what it is and why it brings villages back to life
What the albergo diffuso is, how it was born in Friuli after the 1976 earthquake, and why it keeps Italy's villages alive: a practical guide.
The Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Logar Valley
North of Ljubljana, a range with a Dolomite-like appearance remains in the shadow of the more famous Triglav. The Kamnik-Savinja Alps offer steep paths, mountain pastures and the spectacular U-shaped glacial Logar Valley, a corner of Slovenia still little travelled.
The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri in the Beigua Backcountry
On the watershed ridge of the Beigua Geopark, between the Savona and Genoa hinterland, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri offers a double view over sea and Alps. Just a few kilometres from the crowded coast, these trails stay almost deserted.
The Granite High Route to Cima d'Asta
In south-eastern Trentino, the Cima d'Asta chain is the southernmost granite massif in the Alps: lakes, mountain huts and stern ridges at the heart of the Lagorai, the range that stayed wild while everyone heads for the nearby Dolomites.
The Alta Via del Sale from Limone Piemonte to Monesi
On the border between Piedmont and Liguria, the Alta Via del Sale runs above 2,000 metres along an ancient military gravel road between Italy and France. Open only in the short summer window and with limited entry, it remains one of the wildest and most silent high-altitude routes in the Alps.
The Val Malenco High Route
In the province of Sondrio, Val Malenco offers the glaciers of the Bernina, green serpentine rock and historic huts along the Val Malenco High Route. A valley that has stayed off to the side compared to the Engadine and the Stelvio, where you can still walk in peace.
Alta Via of the Friulian Dolomites (AV6)
In the province of Pordenone, High Route number 6 crosses the Friulian Dolomites, the wildest and most rugged of the entire Dolomite range, with no ski lifts at all. The huts are few and far apart, and encounters on the trails rarer still: it is the realm of solitude in the high mountains.
An alternative to Matera: 7 cities of stone and sassi in the South to discover
Looking for an alternative to Matera? Here are rock-cut villages, badlands and tufa houses across Basilicata and Apulia, without the crowds of the Sassi.
October — 1353 destinations
The most beautiful abbeys in Italy to visit, region by region
Italy's most beautiful abbeys region by region: Romanesque cloisters, Lombard altars and monasteries by the sea, with the precise reason to go.
Abruzzo in 3 Days at a Slow Pace: The Gran Sasso Villages Away From the Crowds
A 3-day itinerary among the villages of the Gran Sasso and the Maiella: Rocca Calascio, Castelli, hermitages in the rock and Samnite temples, without the queues.
Agriturismi and Hostels Off-Season: Sleep Well, Spend Wisely
Outside peak weeks, Italy offers wonderful places to stay at accessible prices. How to find them, what to expect, and when to book.
Instead of Barcelona: Spanish Mediterranean cities without the crowds or chaos
Valencia, Tarragona, Siurana and other spots along the Spanish Mediterranean to choose instead of Barcelona: same light, fewer queues.
The albergo diffuso and scattered hospitality: what it is and why it brings villages back to life
What the albergo diffuso is, how it was born in Friuli after the 1976 earthquake, and why it keeps Italy's villages alive: a practical guide.
The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri in the Beigua Backcountry
On the watershed ridge of the Beigua Geopark, between the Savona and Genoa hinterland, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri offers a double view over sea and Alps. Just a few kilometres from the crowded coast, these trails stay almost deserted.
Alta Via dei Parchi: the Pietra di Bismantova
On the Reggio Apennines, the Pietra di Bismantova is an isolated monolith surrounded by woods and badlands. Though cited by Dante, it remains an off-the-beaten-track destination: reached from the villages of the Emilian hinterland, far from the tourist flows of the coast and the art cities.
The Val Malenco High Route
In the province of Sondrio, Val Malenco offers the glaciers of the Bernina, green serpentine rock and historic huts along the Val Malenco High Route. A valley that has stayed off to the side compared to the Engadine and the Stelvio, where you can still walk in peace.
An alternative to Matera: 7 cities of stone and sassi in the South to discover
Looking for an alternative to Matera? Here are rock-cut villages, badlands and tufa houses across Basilicata and Apulia, without the crowds of the Sassi.
An alternative to Neuschwanstein: 13 fairy-tale castles in Italy and Europe
Looking for an alternative to Neuschwanstein? Here are 13 fairy-tale castles and fortresses in Italy and Europe, without the queues of 6,000 visitors a day.
An alternative to Prague and touristy Central Europe: 13 fairy-tale, quiet places
Looking for an alternative to Prague and the most beaten paths of Central Europe? 13 fairy-tale, peaceful places across Bohemia, Vienna, Budapest and Romania.
Alternatives to Venice: cities and villages on the water, far from the crowds
Looking for an alternative to Venice? 10 cities and villages on the water across Veneto, Friuli and Emilia, where canals, lagoons and deltas remain livable.
November — 338 destinations
The Hermitage Loop in the Casentino Forests
In the Casentino Forests National Park, in the province of Arezzo, centuries-old beech and fir woods enfold the hermitages of Camaldoli and La Verna. One of the most pristine forests in Europe, well off the most-trodden Tuscan circuits.
The Corno alle Scale Loop
On the roof of the Bolognese Apennines, above Lizzano in Belvedere, Corno alle Scale offers glacial lakes, bilberry heaths and rugged ridges. Outside the ski season it is a silent mountain, far from the great tourist flows.
The Ancient Via Valeriana on the Brescia Shore of Lake Iseo
On the Brescia shore of Lake Iseo, the least fashionable of the Lombard lakes, the ancient Via Valeriana runs along the hillside among villages, country churches and olive groves. A historic route of Roman origin, perfect in the shoulder seasons, far from the crowds of the more famous lakes.
The Walk of the Silent Villages in the Umbrian Amerino
In the Amerino, the south-western corner of Umbria, the Walk of the Silent Villages crosses woods and near-deserted hamlets. Born precisely as an escape from noisy tourism, it is a loop designed for those seeking silence, slowness and village hospitality.
Cammino delle Terre Mutate: from Fabriano to L'Aquila
The Cammino delle Terre Mutate runs for roughly 250 kilometres across the earthquake-scarred lands of the central Apennines, from Fabriano to L'Aquila, through Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Abruzzo. A slow, solidarity-driven journey among the villages struck by the quakes, far from any tourist route.
A Walk in the Alta Murgia Among Jazzi and Dolines
In the Alta Murgia National Park, between the provinces of Bari and Barletta, you walk through a silent Mediterranean steppe, among isolated farmsteads and the unmistakable silhouette of Castel del Monte. A harsh landscape that stays off every tourist circuit.
Sulcis cycling route among mines and lagoons
In the Sulcis-Iglesiente, at the far south-west of Sardinia, quiet roads link the abandoned mining heritage to the wetlands teeming with flamingos. A raw, little-known corner of the island, rideable for much of the year and almost always crowd-free.
The Val di Noto Cycle Route towards Pantalica
In south-eastern Sicily, between Siracusa and Ragusa, secondary roads cut through a countryside of dry-stone walls all the way to the rock-cut necropolis of Pantalica. A rural Baroque landscape rideable even in winter, far from the crowded beaches and the mass tours.
How to get to Civita di Bagnoregio: car, bus and train from Tuscia and Rome
Guide on how to get to Civita di Bagnoregio: car from Rome and Orvieto, Cotral bus, train to Orvieto and parking in Bagnoregio for the footbridge.
How to get to Florence: complete transport guide
All the ways to reach Florence: plane, train, car and bus. Airports, stations, highways and local transport from arrival point to the city centre.
How to get to Milan: complete transport guide
How to reach Milan by plane, train, car and bus. Malpensa, Linate and Orio al Serio airports, stations, motorways and local transport to the centre.
How to get to Naples: train, plane, car and bus
Complete guide to reaching Naples by train, plane, car and bus. All connections, travel times and tips for getting around the city.
December — 103 destinations
How to get to Bari: complete transport guide
How to reach Bari by plane, train, car and bus. Karol Wojtyla airport, Central Station, Adriatic motorways and local transport to the old town.
Where to stay in Bari: neighborhoods, accommodations and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Bari: best neighborhoods, accommodation types, budget tips and ideal areas for every type of traveler.
Where to Eat in Bari: A Guide to Barese Cuisine from Focaccia to Orecchiette and Raw Fish
Discover where to eat in Bari: focaccia barese, orecchiette with cime di rapa, raw fish, and harbor markets. A guide to neighborhoods, trattorias, and Apulian street food.
Where to Eat in Belluno: A Guide to the Flavors of the Dolomites
Discover where to eat in Belluno: casunziei, pastin, Piave cheese, polenta, and mountain osterias at the foot of the Belluno Dolomites.
Where to eat in Bolzano: canederli, speck and Tyrolean flavours
Guide to the flavours of Bolzano: canederli, Alto Adige speck IGP, apple strudel and the best Stuben, restaurants and markets among medieval arcades and urban vineyards.
Italy's Trans-Siberian: a heritage train between Sulmona and Roccaraso
Italy's Trans-Siberian is a scenic railway that climbs to almost Alpine altitudes between Sulmona, the Altopiani Maggiori and Roccaraso, in Abruzzo. Saved from closure and travelled by heritage trains, it crosses high plateaus and Apennine villages in a slow, spectacular journey far from the more beaten tourist destinations.
Little-known Christmas markets in Italy: Trentino, Friuli and Piedmont far from the crowds
Little-known Christmas markets in Italy: Alpine villages of Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli and Piedmont without the queues of Bolzano and Govone.
Winter Without Skis: The Italy You Enjoy on Foot, Not on the Slopes
Winter mountains aren't only about ski runs and lifts. Snowshoeing, frost-covered borghi, warm thermal baths: alternatives for those who love the cold, ski-free.
Christmas in the Borghi: An Authentic Alternative to the Crowded Christmas Markets
Forget Bolzano's markets and commercial light displays. The most genuine Italian Christmas lives in the borghi where it's still celebrated with simplicity.
The Immacolata long weekend: villages and Christmas markets away from the crush
Where to go for the Immacolata long weekend: Alpine villages and intimate Christmas markets, far from the queues of Bolzano and the Brenner.
Living nativity scenes and Christmas traditions in Italy's villages
Living nativity scenes and Christmas markets in Italy's villages: Gangi, Sutera, Bard, Sauris and others to experience in December and January.
Little-known historical re-enactments and village feasts: 8 towns where Italy tells its own story
Eight little-known historical re-enactments and village feasts in Italy's small towns: real dates, genuine rites and where to experience them without the crush.