![\"Elba](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Elba-Island-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nI’ve lived in this beautiful country for many years now and I’d love to share my favourite hidden gems and lesser-known spots, perfect for discerning travellers seeking tranquility away from the tourist masses…<\/p>\n
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I’m a big fan of this under-the-radar gem! It’s a picturesque island, spanning around 86 square miles, that has remained untouched thanks to its vast protected natural areas, minimal development, and commitment to sustainable tourism, which preserves its scenic landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage! <\/p>\n Located in the Tuscany region, it lies in the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, about 6 miles off the western coast of the mainland. I think the scenery here is just dreamy with rugged mountains, lush Mediterranean greenery, and unspoilt beaches (a mix of both sandy and pebbly beaches), pastel-coloured villages, historic fortresses, and elegant villas! <\/p>\n My favourite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This is a romantic and very picturesque island! I love how it has preserved its laid-back charm by embracing wellness tourism centered around its natural thermal springs, rather than succumbing to mass tourism!<\/p>\n Part of the Phlegraean Islands, nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the western coast near the Gulf of Naples, this dreamy spot is a personal favorite of mine. It\u2019s a stunning mix of pebble and sandy beaches, rolling green hills, sparkling turquoise waters, and charming pastel-coloured houses dotted across quaint little villages, all crowned by the majestic Aragonese Castle standing proudly on its rocky perch!<\/p>\n I took a ferry from Naples and soaked in the famous thermal waters at Negombo<\/a> and Poseidon Gardens<\/a>, explored the historic Aragonese Castle, relaxed on the gorgeous beaches of Maronti and Sant’Angelo, hiked the trails up Mount Epomeo, discovered the charming towns of Forio and Ischia Ponte, and dined at waterfront trattorias.<\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This chic and elegant resort has, in my opinion, still managed to hold onto a wonderfully laid-back, low-key vibe! It remains charming by prioritising exclusive, low-density development and catering to high-end luxury tourism – attracting European jet-setters, yachters, and the opulence-seeking elite, rather than the typical tourist crowds.<\/p>\n Located in northern Tuscany, on the Versilia coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea in the central part of the country, I adore the dreamy mix of fine sand beaches, stylish beachfront villas, and charming streets lined with high-end boutiques, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Apuan Alps and fragrant pine forests.<\/p>\n I spent a week here soaking up the sun on golden sandy beaches, partying at chic beach clubs, strolling through the lively Piazza Marconi during its famous open-air market, browsing upscale boutiques and designer stores along the elegant streets, and indulging in delicious meals at fine waterfront restaurants.<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This romantic and old-world lake resort always wins my heart! I\u2019ve visited a few times now, and I\u2019m always charmed by its relaxed elegance and understated luxury. It remains wonderfully serene, tucked away in the stunning Alpine landscape, and is less well-known than its more famous lake resort rivals, Garda and Como<\/a>. I actually prefer it here because of the far fewer crowds! <\/p>\n Located in the northern part of Italy, it spans across the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy and even extends into Switzerland<\/a>, covering around 82 square miles. I love how the sparkling blue waters of the lake are framed by green mountains, pastel-coloured villages, grand lakeside villas, pretty blooming gardens, and a mix of sandy and pebbly beaches.<\/p>\n I come here to laze around on the peaceful beaches, explore the stunning Borromean Islands with their gorgeous palaces and botanical gardens, stroll through charming lakeside towns of Stresa and Verbania, take a scenic cable car up to Mount Mottarone and see jaw-dropping views, explore the gorgeous botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto,<\/a> enjoy scenic boat rides and dine on local food and wine at cosy waterfront cafes.<\/p>\n My favourite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This stunning coastal area always wows me! It remains wonderfully quiet thanks to its remote location, preserved natural beauty, and absence of large-scale tourism infrastructure, and I love how it has managed to retain its traditional charm.<\/p>\n I’m always captivated by its stunning blend of jagged cliffs, sparkling turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and charming whitewashed buildings nestled among lush Mediterranean vegetation. It’s no surprise that it’s often hailed as one of the best beaches in all of the south.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea in Calabria, in southern Italy, it stretches across 7 kilometers of stunning shoreline. When I visit, I love soaking up the sun, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, taking boat tours to discover hidden coves, dining in charming waterfront restaurants, and ending the day by watching breathtaking sunsets over the sea.<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This charming medieval town never fails to win me over! It remains wonderfully off-the-tourist radar thanks to its small size, commitment to preserving its medieval heritage, and dedication to authentic, low-key tourism rather than large-scale development – to me, it felt like a peaceful, timeless escape from the modern world!<\/span><\/p>\n Nestled along the Italian Riviera in Liguria, in the northern part of the country, the charming town is home to just 2,700 residents. I was absolutely captivated by the stunning turquoise waters, the mix of pebbly and sandy bays, the medieval stone walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic towers that frame the old town, along with the picturesque Ligurian houses crowned with terracotta roofs.<\/p>\n I stayed here for a peaceful short break, where I relaxed on the tranquil beaches, wandered through the medieval old town with its ancient towers and walls, hiked the breathtaking trails of Capo Noli, admired the charming San Paragorio Church, and indulged in freshly made linguine that perfectly captured the flavors of the region!<\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I’m always totally charmed by this timeless and breathtaking spot! It’s a small, secluded bay on the Italian Riviera that has retained its original charm, thanks to its remote location – accessible only by boat or a scenic hiking trail – and strict preservation efforts that have safeguarded its stunning historic abbey and unspoiled natural surroundings.<\/p>\n Located on the Italian Riviera in the Portofino Regional Park, between the towns of Camogli and Portofino in northwest Liguria, this charming hamlet features a tiny bay with turquoise waters, a pebble beach, lush green hills, and beautifully preserved historic architecture that transports you back in time.<\/p>\n When here, I explored the historic 10th-century abbey, swam in crystal-clear waters, went snorkelling to see the bronze underwater Christ of the Abyss statue, hiked the beautiful trails through the Portofino Regional Park<\/a>, and dined at the quaint waterside restaurants! <\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em> <\/p>\n I love this secluded small island located off-the-beaten-path! It has a laid-back atmosphere due to its small size, out the way location, and dedication to preserving its natural beauty.<\/p>\n Located off the western coast of Tuscany in the Tyrrhenian Sea, I absolutely adore its scenery, with turquoise waters, a mix of sandy and pebble beaches, rugged cliffs, hillsides dotted with charming stone buildings, picturesque fishing villages, and the medieval fortress of Giglio Castello perched majestically above it all.<\/p>\n I caught a ferry from Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany and spent a dreamy long weekend at the charming Hotel Castello Monticello<\/a> relaxing on the beaches, snorkelling in the clear waters which were teeming with marine life, exploring the charming port town of Giglio Porto with its colourful waterfront, hiked the picturesque trails, wandered the narrow cobblestone streets of the medieval village Giglio Castello, and drank delicious local Tuscan wines! <\/p>\n My favourite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought pretty coastal town was a very elegant and romantic beauty spot! It has preserved its unspoiled charm by harmoniously balancing historic elegance and natural beauty with a relaxed pace of life, steering clear of the over-commercialisation often seen in larger tourist resorts along the Italian Riviera.<\/p>\n Nestled along the Ligurian Coast in the region of Liguria, in the northern part of the country, it sits on the Italian Riviera (between Genoa and the famous Cinque Terre) and is home to nearly 30,000 residents. <\/p>\n I stayed here for a blissful week and relaxed and swam on the beaches (they were pebbly but some of the private resorts had made small sandy sections), explored the historic Castello sul Mare – a defensive fort – overlooking the harbour, took a scenic cable car ride to the stunning Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro which had panoramic views of the Gulf of Tigullio and strolled along the elegant Lungomare Vittorio Veneto promenade lined with cute cafes and shops. <\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I’m a big fan of this picturesque small seaside town! It\u2019s much quieter than the larger coastal resorts, having thankfully avoided overdevelopment thanks to its location on the edge of a protected nature reserve and a modest population of just 5,000 residents.<\/p>\n Located on the eastern Adriatic coast in the Marche region, near the Emilia-Romagna border and just a short drive from Rimini, this picturesque spot offers a stunning mix of golden sandy beaches, colourful seaside hotels, charming Italian piazzas, and a lush green backdrop of the San Bartolo Natural Park, dotted with pretty hillside villas.<\/p>\n On my trip, I relaxed on the pristine sandy beaches, swam in the gorgeous Adriatic waters, hiked the picturesque trails of San Bartolo Natural Park<\/a>, dined at waterfront restaurants, and explored the charming hilltop village of Gabicce Monte which was home to cosy trattorias, and scenic terraces.<\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this was a unique and picturesque volcanic island! It exudes a tranquil vibe, thanks to its remote location in the Aeolian Islands and its commitment to preserving its unspoiled natural landscapes, traditional culture, and historic charm.<\/p>\n I personally found the scenery here to be pure magic – rugged volcanic cliffs plunging into sparkling turquoise waters, a charming mix of pebble, rocky, and some sandy beaches, adorable whitewashed buildings with terracotta rooftops scattered across the hillside, cobblestone streets, and fascinating ancient ruins to explore.<\/p>\n Nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the northern coast of Sicily, it\u2019s the largest of the Aeolian Islands\u2014an archipelago of volcanic origin\u2014and is home to a population of around 12,000 people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I arrived by ferry from Milazzo port in Sicily based myself at the charming 4-star Hotel Mea – Aeolian Charme<\/a> and then explored the ancient Lipari Castle and its fascinating Aeolian Archaeological Museum.<\/p>\n I also strolled through the charming streets of Marina Corta, relaxed on the unique pumice-stone beach of Spiaggia Bianca, hiked scenic volcanic trails, and enjoyed delicious meals at traditional trattorias! <\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This sleepy but very pretty island offers a wonderfully authentic slice of life! I love how it has stayed quiet and unspoiled, thanks to its lack of large-scale tourism and its dedication to preserving traditional charm and a local way of life\u2014it even had the honor of being named the country’s Capital of Culture!<\/p>\n Located in the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, I adore the slow-paced vibe here, along with the stunning scenery\u2014sandy beaches, rocky coves, pastel-coloured buildings, the sparkling blue waters of the marina, and narrow cobblestone streets weaving through its charming villages.<\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This delightful slow-paced coastal town is known as \u201cthe beautiful city”! Home to around 20,000 residents, it\u2019s slightly off the beaten path, which has helped it largely avoid the overdevelopment common in other tourist destinations. As a result, it has preserved many of its traditional ways along with its stunning historic architecture, featuring striking Baroque, Medieval, and Renaissance styles.<\/p>\n Located on the Ionian coast of Puglia, in the southern Salento region, I found a stunning blend of beautiful sandy beaches, golden baroque buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic fortifications, all set against the sparkling Ionian Sea.<\/p>\n![\"Elba,Island,Italy\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Elba-Island-Italy.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n\n\n\nOn my trip, I snorkelled in the crystal-clear waters, hiked to Monte Capanne and the Fortress of Volterraio and saw breathtaking panoramic views, explored Napoleon\u2019s historic residences, enjoyed delicious meals in traditional Mediterranean restaurants, and wandered through the charming villages of Portoferraio and Marciana Marina, with their narrow cobblestone streets and lively squares where I spent ages people-watching!<\/div>\n\n
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2. Ischia, Gulf of Naples <\/h2>\n
![\"Ischia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Ischia-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Ischia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Ischia-Italy-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C650&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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3. Forte Dei Marmi, Tuscany<\/h2>\n
![\"Forte](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Forte-Dei-Marmi-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Forte](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Forte-Dei-Marmi-Italy.webp)
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4. Lake Maggiore, Lombardy and Piedmont <\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/A-photo-I-took-of-a-lakeside-villa-on-Lake-Maggiore.webp)
<\/picture>![\"This](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/This-is-one-of-my-photos-of-Lake-Maggiore-taken-in-summer.webp)
<\/picture>![\"I](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/I-captured-this-view-of-Lake-Maggiore-from-the-road-scaled.webp)
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5. Capo Vaticano, Calabria <\/h2>\n
![\"Capo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Capo-Vaticano-Calabria-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Capo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Capo-Vaticano-Calabria.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Capo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Capo-Vaticano.jpg?resize=1000%2C664&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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\n6. Noli, Liguria<\/h2>\n
![\"Noli,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Noli-Liguria-Italy-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Noli,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Noli-Liguria-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C669&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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7. San Fruttuoso, Italian Riviera
![\"San](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/San-Fruttuoso-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/San-Fruttuoso-Italy-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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8. Isola del Giglio, Tuscany<\/h2>\n
![\"Isola](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Isola-del-Giglio.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Isola](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Isola-del-Giglio-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C650&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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9. Rapallo, Italian Riviera<\/h2>\n
![\"Rapallo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rapallo-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Rapallo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Rapallo-Italy-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C716&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Rapallo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rapallo-Italy.webp)
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10. Gabicce Mare, Marche<\/h2>\n
![\"Gabicce](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Gabicce-Mare.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Gabicce](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Gabicce-Mare-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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11. Lipari, Sicily<\/h2>\n
![\"Lipari](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Lipari-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C617&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Lipari](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Lipari-Italy-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C650&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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12. Procida Island, Bay of Naples<\/h2>\n
![\"Procida](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Procida-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Procida](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Procida-Island-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nI took the ferry from Naples and stayed for a short break at the funky and chic 4-star CALEA Boutique Hotel<\/a>. I wandered the colourful streets of Marina Corricella, relaxed and swam on the beaches (my favourite was the sandy Chiaiolella Beach), explored the historic Terra Murata with its medieval abbey, enjoyed traditional dining and discovering hidden coves along the coastline! To me, it was pure bliss!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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13. Gallipoli, Puglia<\/h2>\n
![\"Gallipoli](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Gallipoli-Italy.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Gallipoli,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Gallipoli-Puglia.jpg?resize=1000%2C713&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nI went on a peaceful summer break here staying at the funky and trendy Biancodonda Greenblu Hotel & SPA<\/a> and it was divine! I discovered its impressive historic castle, relaxed on the beautiful beaches, visited the Sant\u2019Agata Cathedral which had an intricate fa\u00e7ade and gazed at breathtaking sunsets along the Ionian coastline! <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Scilla,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Scilla-Calabria.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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