Undiscovered Italy: From Forest Retreats to Roman Silence

Italy’s quietest wonders often deliver its richest experiences. In Emilia-Romagna, the approach to Brisighella reveals steep cliffs and solitary towers that look painted into the hillside. The town seems to exist in its own gentle rhythm.
Medieval archways, cobbled lanes and an elevated pathway create endless corners to explore. Every turn offers new charm, whether it’s a shaded nook or a lookout over the hills.
Sicily’s Via dei Frati route gives travellers 54 miles of wild mountain walking, connecting Caltanissetta and Cefalù. With no crowds and no competition for viewpoints, it’s a rare chance to experience untouched Sicilian landscapes.
In Basilicata, Venosa remains a treasure trove of ancient history. Roman ruins, catacombs and a castle loom quietly over the town. Nearby hilltop castles in Melfi and Lagopesole and the palace at Pietragalla deepen the region’s medieval richness.
The eco-hotel hidden in the Apennines, the medieval artistry of Cividale, the canals of Chioggia, the rugged Ligurian peaks above Santo Stefano d’Aveto, the vineyards of Loazzolo and the haunting Roman ruins of Urbs Salvia all round out a journey through Italy untouched by mass tourism.