Forget the Crowds: My Favorite Underrated Italian Towns for Your Summer Escape

Ciao a tutti! Bettina here. You know, living here in Denver, I absolutely adore sharing the beauty and culture of my beloved Italy with everyone I meet. And while places like Rome and Milan are truly spectacular – please, don't misunderstand me, they are! – sometimes, scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, I see the same few famous spots over and over. It makes me think about all the other incredible places in Italy, the ones that maybe don't get as much fanfare, but hold so much of the real, authentic Italian charm.

Especially now, with summer vacation just around the corner, I want to encourage you to look beyond the usual suspects. While the big cities can get incredibly crowded under the summer sun, Italy is full of stunning, smaller towns where you can breathe a little easier, connect with the local culture on a deeper level, and truly feel like you've discovered a piece of hidden paradise.

For me, these smaller towns offer a chance to slow down, to savor the moments, and to experience the warmth of Italian hospitality away from the tourist crush. It's where you find the little trattoria serving recipes passed down through generations, the piazza where the evening passeggiata is a cherished ritual, and the landscapes that simply take your breath away without having to elbow through a crowd.

So, if you're dreaming of Italy this summer, let me share some of my personal favorite underrated towns that I believe you absolutely need to consider adding to your itinerary. Think of them as my little secrets, just for you!

Matera, Basilicata: Stepping Back in Time (Literally!)

Oh, Matera! This place is pure magic. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, and honestly, photos don't quite do it justice. Imagine an entire town built into caves – the "Sassi." It's one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, and walking through it feels like stepping onto a movie set, but it's all wonderfully real.

Why I love it for summer: Exploring the Sassi is an adventure. The stone is cool underfoot in the narrow alleys, offering a little respite from the summer heat. You can wander through the different Sassi districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, get lost in the maze of stairs and small squares, and visit the ancient cave churches carved right into the rock, like the beautiful Santa Maria de Idris. Don't miss going underground to see the incredible Palombaro Lungo cistern – an amazing feat of engineering. For the best views, especially as the summer evening light turns everything golden, hike across to the Murgia Materana Park. And please, promise me you'll try the local Matera bread – it's legendary! Staying in a cave hotel is a truly unique summer experience you won't forget.

Modica, Sicily: Baroque Grandeur and Sweet Temptations

Ah, my beloved Sicily! Modica is a gem in the Val di Noto, famous for its stunning Baroque architecture that feels so dramatic and beautiful. The town is spread across a valley, with buildings seemingly cascading down the hillsides.

Why I love it for summer: The Baroque churches, like the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio and the elegant Chiesa di San Pietro, are even more impressive under the bright Sicilian sun. Climbing the steps to the Duomo is a bit of a workout, but the views are absolutely worth it! And then there's the chocolate! Modica is famous for its unique chocolate, made using an ancient Aztec method. It's grainy and intensely flavored – perfect with an espresso, even in the summer heat. Pop into historic places like Antica Dolceria Bonajuto for a tasting. You can explore the ruins of the Castello dei Conti or find a panoramic spot like Pizzo Belvedere for stunning vistas. And if you crave the sea, the coast near Marina di Modica is just a short drive away for a refreshing summer dip. It's the perfect blend of culture and relaxation.

Pienza, Tuscany: The "Ideal City" with Ideal Flavors

Tuscany is more than just Florence and Siena, and Pienza is the perfect example. This little town in the Val d'Orcia is like a dream – it was designed in the Renaissance to be an "ideal city," and honestly, it feels pretty close! It's small, perfectly formed, and surrounded by that iconic Tuscan landscape.

Why I love it for summer: Pienza in the summer is postcard-perfect. The Piazza Pio II is a harmonious space, and the views from the town walls are simply breathtaking – rolling hills, cypress trees, golden fields. And the food! Pienza is famous for its Pecorino cheese. You must try it in all its forms – fresh, aged, with honey, with pear. It's a revelation. There are wonderful shops where you can sample and buy. Take a leisurely walk along the panoramic path outside the Duomo for those classic Val d'Orcia views. Visiting a local farm for a cheese-making demonstration or wine tasting is a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon, truly connecting with the land and its produce. It's a taste of the sweet life, la dolce vita, without the Tuscan crowds you find elsewhere.

Spoleto, Umbria: Where Art and History Meet the Hills

Spoleto is one of those places that just feels inherently Italian. It's a beautiful hilltop town in Umbria with layers of history, from Roman to medieval, and a vibrant cultural scene, especially in the summer.

Why I love it for summer: If you're an arts lover, visiting during the Festival of Two Worlds is a must! The town comes alive with performances and events – it's such an exciting time to be there. But even outside the festival, Spoleto is captivating. The Rocca Albornoziana fortress looms over the town and offers incredible views from its walls. Walking across the Ponte delle Torri, the medieval aqueduct, is an exhilarating experience. You can explore the Roman amphitheater and the fascinating Casa Romana. The Duomo in its piazza is stunning, and simply wandering the charming streets, finding hidden corners and lovely trattorias, is a joy. Spoleto offers a wonderful mix of history, culture, and the relaxed pace of Umbrian life, making it a fantastic summer escape.

Ascoli Piceno, Marche: The Travertine Jewel

Let me tell you about Ascoli Piceno. It's one of my absolute favorites, and it's a town that deserves so much more attention! Located in the Marche region, it's often skipped by tourists heading to Tuscany or Umbria, and that's a shame, but also part of its charm – fewer crowds for us! The town is built primarily from beautiful travertine stone, which gives it a unique, luminous quality.

Why I love it for summer: Ascoli Piceno's squares are simply magnificent, and in the summer, they are the heart of the town's social life, but without being overwhelmingly packed. Piazza del Popolo is one of the most elegant piazzas in Italy, perfect for sipping a coffee at the historic Caffè Meletti and watching the world go by. Piazza Arringo is equally grand. You can wander through the medieval center, admire the "hundred towers" that give the town its nickname, and stumble upon Roman ruins. And the food! You absolutely must try the olive all'ascolana – fried olives stuffed with meat. They are addictive! If you fancy a day by the sea, the Adriatic coast is nearby, offering a refreshing break. Ascoli Piceno is a town of refined beauty and delicious flavors, offering a truly authentic Marche experience this summer.

So, there you have it – five of my favorite underrated Italian towns that I hope will inspire your summer travel plans. They offer a chance to see Italy through a different lens, to experience the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture away from the busiest tourist spots.

Have you been to any of these towns? Or do you have your own favorite hidden Italian gem? I'd love to hear about them! Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook and tell me all about your discoveries!

Buon viaggio! Bettina