Out of Rome – and into the Borghese. Away from the hectic tourism of enchanted and hidden villages, where the houses are close to each other, the colorful facades shine romantically in the evening sun. Where food actually tastes like mom. In short: enjoy Italy slowly and authentically.
5 Hidden Gems in Italy
Neive, Piedmont – Medieval Romance in the Vineyard
The village is literally at the pinnacle of Piedmont’s rural beauty: atop the green hills between Langhe and Monferrato, the nearby picturesque houses are enthroned. The medieval town center offers a breathtaking view of the vineyards – the area world-renowned for Barbaresco red wine.
Tellaro, Liguria
In Tellaro’s crooked lane, a magical flower blooms that you usually only see in beautiful landscaped gardens. The colorful houses with their vintage facades set the stones under the sea. The poets Percy Bysshe Shelley, Virginia Woolf and George Byron found themselves inspired by the idyll of fishing villages of Etruscan origin and the enchanting landscape of the area – which is why the gulf on the east coast of Liguria was named Golfo dei Poeti, the gulf region. When it comes to food for poets, fish food and seafood are the first choice here. The sea around Terralo is rich in sardines, tuna, mackerel, swordfish and oysters. That’s right: the Miranda restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star. You can spend the night here in style. A fine souvenir is the region’s olive oil, made from Taggiasche olives.
Tremosine Sul Garda, Lobardy
Anyone who looks at Lake Garda from here experiences a blue miracle. Bellissimo! Above all, Tremosine is 414 meters above sea level on a plateau that slopes steeply to the western shore of the lake and belongs to the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano nature reserve. The municipality consists of 18 districts, of which only one – Campion – is located on the lake. The panoramic road that goes from the port through the canyon (which was also in the James Bond film “Quantum of Solace”) to the plateau is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
Torre de Palma
On a rocky promontory stands the “Borgo” in the distance – one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic coast. On its steep slopes, it is framed by a nature reserve. The village of 300 souls, founded by the Picenians in the sixth century BC, still retains its medieval appearance. Small historic houses have been carefully restored with terracotta flower pots beautifully placed in front of the door.
Sobna, Tuscany
“Citta del Tufo” is called Sovana, Tufa City. On top of this volcanic rock stands the site that was built by the Etruscans and is located in the Maremma, criss-crossed by forests, pastures and olive groves. Hardly a building was constructed after the 14th century. Fantastic condition, not just for (hobbyist) historians.
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