Outskirts of Italy: 10 Places to Amaze You

A trip to Italy can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life if you have a clear plan for where to go! While most travelers tend to head straight for the most widely acclaimed sites and cities, there is great fun in visiting some less well-known places, as well! 

If you need some assistance planning your vacation, check out some of our award-winning tours to Italy, but for now, let’s check the top 10 outskirts to amaze you! 

1. Dozza

While Bologna is a very popular and loved tourist city, drive a bit further south and get to know the beautiful town of Dozza! 

In this medieval village, art is not a form of expression but a way of life. Check out the beautiful inside landscaping, colored frescos, street art, and an open-air museum. Dozza is heaven for any art lover and has the friendliest people! 

2. Burano

What was once a fishing village is now one of the most surprising and exciting little villages in Italy!

Located in the Veneto region, Burano makes for a great day trip from Venice and will entice you with its cute, colorful houses. While colors are not an unknown thing in Italy, they are often too urbanized. However, Burano wears the colors just like they were painted years ago by the fishermen. Every house here is in a different shade! 

3. Arcetri

This little historical town you can reach from Burano by opting to travel from Venice to Florence by train is a true gem. 

Apart from the scenic landscape of hilly surroundings, Arcetri is also full of historical buildings and sites. This actually includes Villa Il Gioiello, a house where Galileo Galilei lived after abjuring. It is the very same villa in which he completed his house arrest and eventually died. Visit Villa Il Gioiello and many others! 

4. Cannobio

Undoubtedly winning in terms of location, Cannobio is settled near Lake Maggiore, quite close to Switzerland. This alone should be a good enough reason to come! 

While Cannobio is not really fit for more extended stays, you can easily make it a day trip and enjoy all it has to offer. Of course, the scenery is very Italian and very picturesque, but there are sites to visit as well! For example, see the 18th-century Collegiate Church of Saint Vittore and the 13th-century Palazzo Parasi – a medieval historical building of great significance! 

5. Bellagio

Funnily enough, the name is used quite often and quite popularly by the media, yet the town itself is often overlooked! One of the most enchanting places in Northern Italy, Bellagio must end up on your itinerary.

While people tend to visit Lombardy with the sole purpose of exploring Milan, Bellagio is a gorgeous, underrated neighbor! Known as the jewel of Lake Como, it ranks high as one of the most beautiful landscape-having towns in Northern Italy. 

Enjoy the picture-perfect greenery and, of course, the various boutiques and little stores of fashion and accessories! 

6. Mezzocorona

Let’s continue with our trip to the outskirts of Italy with Mezzocorona! 

The town is best known for its special surroundings and wine. The whole village is dwarfed by the immense mountains and hills, but somehow, it only gives you a sense of safety and relaxation. Roam the lovely narrow streets and make conversations! The villagers are extremely helpful and friendly! 

However, make sure you have the time for a wine tasting. The locals say that Mezzocorona is Italy’s top-winning wine cellar! 

7. Ravello

While crowds after crowds glide to the Amalfi Coast, let’s stay right here in the gorgeous town of Ravello. With its beautiful surroundings and luxurious vibe, Ravello is one of the top most iconic villages in Italy! 

Enjoy the panoramas of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the lavish cities nearby, but do not forget to look on the inside, as well! 

Ravello has two stunning villas, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrione, both adorned with Roman ruins and the best views of the small cityscape. Enjoy the perfect contrast between now and then! 

8. Portofino

According to the wise words of Andrea Bocelli, I found my love in Portofino! So, whether you are looking for love or not, keep your heart open to these stunning sites in Portofino. And, yes, you will fall in love! 

Known as the perfect fishing village on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is quite luxurious and posh but full of history, as well. For example, see the beautiful Brown Castle, a former military fortress that somehow coincides perfectly with Portofino’s aesthetic. 

9. Manarola

When travelers go to Cinque Terre, they usually keep their journey to its five villages and do not look further. While it is entirely understandable because of its beauty, this is precisely how you overlook such amazing places as Manarola!

Located in the very heart of Cinque Terre, Manarola is everything you would imagine when thinking of the picture-perfect Italian village. When people come across it, it makes for beautiful photoshoots and inspiration.  

We suggest hiking and hitting the vineyards! Manarola is very small, but it has its highlights, which make up for its size beautifully. 

10. Panzano

Last but not least – let’s head to Tuscany. Well, some parts of it may have already been on your itinerary, but Panzano is an absolute must! 

With lovely family restaurants, friendly folk, delicious wine, and, most importantly, thermal hot springs, Panzano is one of those small gems that are seemingly unnoticeable but very valuable and close to your heart.

Stay near nature for the most quintessential of experiences – the hilltop village offers you scenic escape and the most gorgeous panoramas! 

Time to pack a bag! Keep your planner filled and well-thought-out; this way, you can explore most of what you set out. While in the villages, remember to let yourself get a little lost and spontaneous – these memories make for the best stories! Arrivederci, and good luck!