"Alternative” Italy! Where to go to escape the crowds

Since day one at ToursByLocals, one country more than any other has stood out as eternally popular among our travellers. Home to Michaelangelo, the Sistine Chapel, Chianti and tiramisu, Italy's allure never fades.

With such appeal, it’s not surprising that many parts of the country are now prone to overcrowding. We’ve all seen photos of the packed piazza around the Trevi Fountain in summer, the lines waiting to get into the Vatican, and people almost shoulder to shoulder in St Mark’s Square. Italy’s top attractions are best visited in low or shoulder season these days. But it’s a large, varied and beautiful country, with plenty of room for everyone - you just have to be more creative with your itinerary!

Today we suggest seven spots to visit in Italy where la dolce vita is in full swing, but the crowds aren’t.

Where to go to escape the crowds in Italy

Matera

You've never seen anything like Matera. Nicknamed the 'subterranean city' for its rock-hewn buildings, this small city in the Basilicata region of southern Italy will leave you speechless. The biggest draw is the 'Sassi,' a fascinating multi-level network of cavern houses, but the city is filled with surprises, so let a local guide design a Matera private tour to explore Italy's most surreal destination.

The Sassi was long considered a slum, the residents of its crumbling houses diseased and impoverished. But the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation sparked regeneration, and today restaurants and guest houses have moved in, capitalizing on the underground ambiance. Follow your guide to cavern dwellings you would have missed, gape at ancient Rupestrian churches, then dine in a troglodyte trattoria.

Umbria

Tuscany’s neighbour boasts lushly picturesque countryside, dotted with medieval towns perched atop hills. Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis, is renowned for its Basilica di San Francesco with magnificent frescoes by Giotto. Perugia, the regional capital, is an ancient city filled with Etruscan and Roman remains and hosts the annual chocolate festival. The region's landscapes are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring vineyards. And have we mentioned the food? You won’t leave this region with an empty belly. The locals love simple, seasonal and hearty dishes, along with delicacies like truffles and full-bodied wines.

Puglia

The southern region of Puglia (or Apulia) boasts a unique landscape characterized by its cone-shaped trulli houses in Alberobello, olive groves, and stunning coastline. Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," showcases intricate Baroque architecture in its churches and palaces. The town of Ostuni, with its whitewashed buildings and narrow alleys, offers a glimpse into traditional Puglian life. The coastal towns of Polignano a Mare and Otranto offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. This “heel of the boot” is where many Italians go to vacation, and they will welcome you too.

Emilia-Romagna

Known as Terra dei Castelli or "Land of Castles" Emilia Romagna is a fantastic region to discover both medieval architecture and high gastronomy. Bologna, the capital, is famous for its culinary offerings like tortellini, mortadella, and ragù alla bolognese. The city's medieval towers, including the iconic Two Towers, dominate the skyline. Nearby Modena boasts exquisite balsamic vinegar and the Ferrari Museum, while Parma is renowned for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. Ravenna, with its UNESCO-listed Byzantine mosaics, is a treasure trove of art and history, and an amazing place to delve into a piece of Italy’s artistic heritage.

Bologna

Looking for an Italian city without the crowds of Rome, Florence or Venice? Welcome to Bologna. Home to the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna's historic center is a maze of medieval streets, arcades, and grand squares. The Piazza Maggiore is the heart of the city, surrounded by the Basilica of San Petronio and the Neptune Fountain. Climbing the Asinelli Tower provides panoramic views. Bologna is heralded as Italy's culinary capital, no small feat in a nation renowned for its food. What better place to take a culinary tour and experience the "slow food" movement which has gained such momentum throughout Italy? Trattorias serving traditional dishes like tagliatelle al ragù and mortadella abound, perfect for the foodies among us (and really, isn’t everyone a foodie when they visit Italy?)

Sardinia

This great big, gorgeous Italian island beckons with its agreeable Mediterranean climate, rich history, vibrant culture and varied terrain, perfect for active travellers. And unlike similarly-sized Sicily, you won’t find throngs of tourists. Archeological remains show Sardinia has been inhabited since the Stone Age - no surprise, given the stunning scenery. Surround yourself with European millionaires at Porto Cervo, then head inland and surround yourself with millions of sheep.

Sardinia's past rulers left their mark, from the Phoencians to the Romans, the Vandals to the Habsburgs. Rewind the clock in Cagliari, with its medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, then head for Alghero and take in its Catalan influences. The Costa Smeralda is known for stunning beaches like Spiaggia Capriccioli and Porto Cervo. There’s no shortage of history, sunshine and dramatic coastline in Sardinia; you could easily spend an entire Italian vacation here.

The Dolomites

The Dolomites are renowned for their unique geological formations, characterized by jagged peaks, dramatic rock formations, and vertical walls that glow in shades of pink and orange during sunrise and sunset. This area is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering countless trails of varying difficulty levels in the summer months. Nestled within the Dolomites are charming Tyrolian alpine villages surrounded by flower-strewn meadows;. you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled upon Heidi’s home in the Swiss Alps! North Americans are relatively few and far between in this stunning part of Italy; you’ll hear lots of German, Italian and French being spoken everywhere you go.

To truly experience Italy like a local, let a private guide show you the hidden gems beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient towns, savour authentic cuisine, or escape the crowds, a local guide can create a custom itinerary tailored just for you.