Traveling off the beaten track can be a wonderful way to experience Italy. For many Italophiles, this means getting off the tourist paths and soaking up the culture and history. You’ll also visit less crowded tourist sites, where queues tend to be shorter, and kissing is frowned upon. Regardless of where you go, you’ll be rewarded with great food and wine, art, history, and landscapes.
Marmore Waterfalls
You’ve probably heard about the Marmore Waterfalls and wondered about their location. If you’ve never been, this is a place that should be on your bucket list. There are six trails you can take to enjoy the falls. If you’re up for a little adventure, you can take part in rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning, or just a relaxing Riverwalk. To make the experience even better, you can check out the special nighttime lighting system with its beams of light.
Lake Bracciano
For an Italy Off The Beaten Track vacation, Lake Bracciano is a volcanic lake located in the Veneto region. The eighth largest lake in Italy, it is a popular getaway spot for both tourists and locals. A stunning medieval papal palace dominates the town of Bracciano, which was recently the site of a Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes wedding. Visiting this lakeside town is a must-do if you seek a tranquil and picturesque setting for your vacation.
The old town of Siracusa
Located in Sicily’s southeast corner, Siracusa is an ancient Greek city. Founded by Greek settlers around 734 BC, Siracusa grew to rival Athens in size and was home to the greatest Greek mathematician of all time, Archimedes. The city became part of the Roman Republic and later the Byzantine Empire and was once the capital of Sicily. However, the city’s capital was moved to Palermo after the Muslim conquest.
Cave settlements of Ginosa
The cave settlements of Ginosa, Italy, are well worth a visit, especially for those who enjoy exploring the history and art of the region. This quaint town was home to the Troglodyte civilization, which lived in the area until the 1950s. These homes were built using distinct techniques: a stone foundation with an open door facing south to allow sunlight to warm the interior. Today, these cave houses are part of the Troglodyte Village and are a must for any traveler to Italy.
Parma
There are many things to do in Parma, Italy. The city is rich in history and culture, and its opera audience is renowned for being demanding and knowledgeable. Parma’s current opera house, built between 1822 and 1829, replaced the city’s Ducal Theater. A beautiful 16th-century church, the Madonna Della Steccata, can be found adjacent to the opera house.
Trento
In addition to the traditional tourist attractions, Trento is also known for its alpine warfare history. Taking a hike through the valley and past quaint family-owned vineyards is a great way to get a different perspective of the town. Vino Santo, a sweet dessert wine, is pressed during Holy Week. Grappa is also widely available in the region. Here, you can sample both.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure, Italy Off The Beaten Track is definitely the place to go. With its centuries-old architecture and lush landscapes, it’s hard not to be captivated by this country. Whether you’re exploring the bustling cities or taking a rustic road trip, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Italy. So whether you’re looking for a new destination or some inspiration for your next trip, be sure to check out Italy off the beaten path!
