Can you think of a more perfect time of the year than Spring to pack and fly to Italy?
Italy is full of destinations on the well-trodden path, but it still keeps many stunning locations closely guarded secret treasures from mass tourism.
As expert of the Italian territory, here at Gate-away.com we have put together our own list of the 5 best-kept hidden gems around Italy, from north to south, that you should know about. They are perfect Spring destinations whether you’re thinking of moving to Italy permanently or just for a short break.
1. A Little Venice: Chioggia
We assume you love Venice, isn’t that right? Who doesn’t? But if you are looking for a less crowded and more affordable destination, then you will adore Chioggia, just 50 km from Venice. This is a picturesque fishing town in the southern part of the Lagoon rising on a series of islands linked by bridges.
Its magnetic charm is due to its elegant pastel painted palazzi, its characteristic small shops and cafés overlooking the canal crossed by small bridges and dotted with colourful little boats.
You don’t only find art, history and a magical atmosphere at the lagoon, but you can also enjoy a beautiful sandy beach in Sottomarina, its most recently built neighbourhood.
This could be your perfect Spring break. But living here could also be a good option as properties are more affordable than Venice and it is superbly located on the Adriatic sea, and well connected to other cities, such as Padua and Venice which are just a short drive away.
2. Like in a Painting: Dolceacqua
You probably aren’t familiar with Dolceacqua, but Monet was. The French painter dedicated four canvas to this small hamlet and defined its characteristic bridge as a “jewel of lightness”.
Dolceacqua is immersed in greenery and is divided into two parts. The original nucleus of the settlement is called “Terra” (earth) and guarded by the Doria castle. The other part dating back to the 19th century, is called “Borgo” (hamlet). They are linked by an impressive medieval bridge.
Bordering France and just a few kilometres from the Côte d’Azur, it is the perfect place to enjoy both the mountains and the sea while living in a quiet place. What is more, you can easily reach it from Nice international airport.
3. Medieval Getaway: Vallo di Nera
Happy Birthday to this Medieval castle-town in southern Umbria that turns 800 this year!And when you’re there, you can see yourself that time has literally stood still.
Romanesque churches and narrow streets, small treasures to be discovered and breathtaking panoramas over the surrounding mountains and villages dotting the Nera Valley make this small hamlet a perfect escape from the daily grind. However, it is also close to other splendid attractions that only Umbria can offer like Assisi, Spello and Spoleto just to name a few, and only an hour and a half drive from Rome.
Its stone built houses and alleys have all been finely and carefully restored by a team of expert architects and engineers that made them earthquake resistant. Recent facts undoubtedly prove it.
In Spring its silhouette perfectly combines with the surrounding green massifs and bathe in purple when the Judas trees bloom and paint the landscape with a unique colour which is a mixture of purple, lavender and pink.
If you’re looking for a quiet place steeped in history and close to many other cultural centres, this is absolutely perfect for you!
4. The Town of Travertine: Ascoli Piceno
Have you ever heard of the town hosting 100 towers? Unfortunately some have been destroyed during the years, but there are still some well preserved towers.
The beating heart of Ascoli Piceno, is represented by Piazza del Popolo, which is considered to be ‘the drawing room of Italy’. All around this wonderful porticoed main square is a tangle of streets and small alleys called ‘rue’ where you’ll find shops producing and selling ceramics and other typical products.
You won’t regret a visit to this ancient town that is just a few minutes drive from the coastline and the marvellous rolling hills of Le Marche with its characteristic ancient hamlets rising on top and overlooking the sea.
Can you think of a more lovely place to live?
5. A Window on the Tyrrhenian Sea: Maratea
Rising along the southern coastline in Basilicata, on a scenic road that from Sapri in Campania twists and turns till Praia a Mare in Calabria, is Maratea, the only access that the region has to the Tyrrhenian Sea.
It’s a place that is able to give you nature and breathtaking panoramas, excellent cuisine and a coast made of secret small coves and sandy beaches with crystal clear waters dominated by a huge statue reminiscent of the Rio’s Christ the Redeemer in Brasil. So if you are thinking about relocating with your entire family or alone, Maratea has something for everyone.
You should find out more about Basilicata and its hidden gems, don’t you think so?
So if you’d like to go somewhere different when planning your spring break or your move to Italy, no matter what corner of the ‘boot-shaped’ country you look at, there are plenty of overlooked spots just waiting to be explored. Make sure to add these Italian destinations to your bucket list!
Let us know what’s your favourite one!
