Italy is world-famous for its incredible historic sites and cities like ancient Rome with the Colosseum and Vatican, and romantic Venice with its iconic canals and gondola rides. But if you go beyond the super popular tourist hotspots, you\'ll discover amazing hidden gem destinations that most visitors completely miss out on. These off-the-beaten-path spots offer a taste of Italy\'s authentic local culture and traditions away from the crowds. Let me give you the inside scoop on some truly unique under-the-radar places.
Down in the southern region of Basilicata, the mind-blowing city of Matera looks like nowhere else on Earth. Instead of regular modern buildings, entire neighbourhoods dating back thousands of years are made up of ancient dwellings literally carved straight into the rocky hillsides and cliffs. Called the Sassi, these prehistoric cave-house districts feel like a moon landscape and earned Matera the nickname "The City of Stones." As you wander the dark, narrow, maze-like alleyways and stairways tunnelled into the rock, you\'ll be transported back in time to the prehistoric age. Be sure to check out the amazingly preserved ancient cave churches decorated with frescoes too.
Over in the Puglia region, you\'ll find the utterly charming little town of Alberobello. This place looks like it\'s straight out of the magical fairy tale world of Hobbits and Smurfs. Alberobello is world-famous for its iconic cone-shaped whitewashed trulli houses that line the peaceful streets. The round, limestone dwellings with their grey conical roofs create a whimsical, storybook atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Wandering the historical trulli district with its jumble of domes and winding stone lanes feels like you stumbled into another era. And you can even go inside one of the rare two-story trulli homes to glimpse what traditional trulli living was like for Apulian families.
If you need a break from crowded tourist traps like Capri, escape to the idyllic island of Procida just off the coast near Naples. With its colorful pastel-hued houses, quaint fishing villages, and pristine sandy beaches, Procida is a relaxing seaside paradise away from the chaos. Rent a bicycle and spend a laid-back day lazily pedaling along quiet roads and coastal paths at your own leisurely pace. You\'ll get unbeatable views of the vibrant painted houses and boats gently bobbing in tranquil coves. Procida has a genuine old-world Mediterranean island atmosphere that feels world\'s away from the hustle of big cities.
Up in the Lazio region north of Rome, you\'ll find one of Italy\'s most precariously situated and atmospheric historic villages - Civita di Bagnoregio, nicknamed "The Dying Town." This crumbling medieval gem sits perched atop a rapidly disintegrating plateau of rock and earth that appears like it could crumble into the valley at any moment. To reach Civita, you must cross a long pedestrian bridge as it\'s completely vehicle-free. Strolling the silent maze of ancient golden-hued stone lanes and alleys flanked by centuries-old brick buildings and churches feels like turning back the clock to the 1400s. With few residents left, it\'s a unique glimpse at a town trapped in time.
Finally, for thrill-seekers and adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, the tiny mountain village of Castelmezzano tucked high in the dramatic craggy peaks of the Dolomites in Basilicata is a jaw-dropping destination. This picture-perfect place surrounded by sheer rocky cliffs and valleys offers a base for incredible adrenaline-pumping activities and adventures. For the ultimate rush, you can soar across sweeping gorges on exhilarating ziplines that criss-cross between dizzying heights. Or for a more grounded thrill, set out on an epic hike along hair-raising narrow paths like the famous Cammino dell\'Angelo or "Angel\'s Path" etched into the sides of sheer cliffs. No matter how you experience it, get ready for your heart to be pounding!
If you are a UAE resident, apply in advance for Schengen Italy visa from Dubai, and on your next trip to Italy make sure to get off the main tourist drag and discover these incredible hidden gem destinations waiting to be explored. From surreal ancient cave cities to fairy tale cone-roofed houses, idyllic seaside islands, precarious "dying" medieval villages, and extreme outdoor adventures - who knows what other mind-blowing sights and authentic local experiences you might stumble upon?