Italy Insider Tips
Hidden Treasures and Real Insider Tips
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What Might Surprise You about Italy?
Italy is a very diverse country due to its history and geographical characteristics. Not only does the local cuisine vary greatly, but the dialects and customs also differ from region to region. Good carbonara can only be found in Rome and there are at least 3 different ways to prepare pizza. In my opinion, the regional differences make the country all the more exciting!
Antonella Deuster
Travel Expert for Italy
Updated on 05/14/2025
Destinations Off the Beaten Track
Val di Noto
From beautiful baroque towns and charming fishing villages to breathtaking beaches and typical Sicilian delicacies, the Val di Noto has something for everyone. Embark on an unforgettable journey through time and discover prehistoric settlements, necropolises and Greek temples.
Marvel at the impressive baroque architecture of the Duomo di San Giorgio in Ragusa, the Palazzo Beneventano in Scicli or the cathedral in Noto. Relax at the Spiaggia di San Lorenzo. Or observe flamingos, herons and up to 200 other bird species on a cycling and hiking excursion in the enchanting Vendicari nature reserve.
Chioggia
South of Venice, the small fishing town of Chioggia invites you to enjoy a relaxing visit to the Venetian lagoon. Leave the hustle and bustle, hectic pace and mass tourism behind you and explore Little Venice at your own pace. Take in the colorful houses, the San Domenico and Lombardo canals, the countless bridges and the unique atmosphere of the city.
Visit the historic clock tower in the heart of Chioggia. Mingle with the locals at the local fish market. Or enjoy freshly caught fish and delicious seafood in one of the quaint restaurants right by the harbor.
Trieste & Udine
Not far from the border with Slovenia, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region delights with enchanting towns, beautiful nature and plenty of history. Follow the Via Mercatovecchio in Udine and watch the relaxed hustle and bustle in the beautiful Piazza San Giacomo.
Visit the former port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Trieste, to learn more about the exciting history of the region. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the shimmering turquoise Adriatic Sea from the Castello di San Giusto. And discover treasures such as the Tempio Maggiore, the Piazza Unità d'Italia or the Castello Miramare on your own.
Umbria
Often overshadowed by neighboring Tuscany, Umbria is a hidden gem in the heart of Italy—full of rolling hills, medieval towns, and rich culinary traditions. It’s a place to experience with all your senses, from bold wines and earthy truffles to fresh, local olive oil.
Visit the UNESCO-listed pilgrimage town of Assisi and its remarkable basilica, or climb the 236 steps of Torre del Moro for sweeping views over the hilltop city of Orvieto. Paddle across the serene waters of Lake Trasimeno by kayak, or hike to the dramatic Cascata delle Marmore near Terni—one of Europe’s tallest waterfalls at nearly 540 feet. However you choose to explore it, Umbria delivers unforgettable moments at every turn.
Lake Orta
If you're looking to experience northern Italy’s lake region in a more peaceful setting, don’t miss the charm of Lake Orta in Piedmont. This lesser-known gem offers tranquility, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences away from the crowds.
Wander through the quaint lakeside villages or set off on a scenic hike through the surrounding mountains. Take a stroll along the Lungolago di Omegna, or hop on a ferry to Isola San Giulio and circle the lake’s only island on a short, peaceful walk—just about 2,300 feet around. Visit the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte d'Orta, or head up to the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage site for panoramic views that stretch across the lake and beyond.
Antonella Deuster
Tourlane Travel Expert for Italy
I come from Germany, but part of my family lives in Sicily, in a small town at the foot of Mount Etna. That's where I've spent all my summers so far. During my studies, I lived in Rome for six months and explored the surrounding regions from there. I also lived in Milan for a while and was able to discover the northern regions, mountain landscapes and lakes of Italy on my own.
What I love about Italy is the different landscapes, the linguistic diversity and, of course, the food.
Typical Festivals
Italians love their sagras, traditional festivals at harvest time that are all about regional specialties. While the Sagra del Tartufo di Alba is celebrated in Piedmont, the Sagra della Polenta causes a stir in Lombardy.
Meanwhile, the Sagra delle Polpette di Avetrana is celebrated in Puglia, the Sagra del Peperoncino in Calabria and the Sagra del Pistacchio in Bronte. The various sagras offer a fantastic opportunity to experience Italian cuisine and culture up close.
Traditional Markets
Italy is known for its first-class cuisine. That's why it's worth visiting the colorful weekly markets. Marvel at the diverse range of products on offer at markets such as the Mercato Centrale in Turin.
Watch the market criers at Catania's traditional Mercato del Pesce. Try stigghiole (grilled lamb intestine skewers) or pane e panelle at the Vuccirìa in Palermo. Or buy fresh fruit and vegetables and vintage clothing at the Mercato Isola in Milan.
Local Cuisine
Almost every Italian city has at least one local specialty. So take the opportunity to let Italy literally melt in your mouth. Don't miss the trapezoidal nut nougat chocolate Gianduiotti or the Bicerin coffee in Turin, which is made with plenty of milk foam and chocolate.
But a mortadella panino in Bologna or a saffron risotto with ossobuco in Milan are also almost a culinary must on a trip to Italy. If you visit Sicily, you can't go past the popular cannoli and arancini.
Underground Italy
Explore Italy from a completely new perspective and discover the fascinating archaeological sites, catacombs and ancient sites of Italia Sotterranea.
Naples, in particular, is full of fascinating underground sites such as the Galleria Borbonica or the catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso. Alternatively, the underground Imperial Forums in Rome or the Paleochristian Porta D'Ossuna and the Qanat Labyrinth in Palermo are great places to explore. The air raid shelter from the Second World War in Turin is also well worth a visit.
Insider Tip: Venice
Mingle with the locals in Venice and explore the picturesque city on a Bacaro tour. You can enjoy typical Venetian wine (ombra) as well as traditional delicacies such as the popular cicheti in the quaint little taverns.
While most bacaros only have a bar or one or two small tables, the traditional taverns impress with their unmistakable flair and affordable prices. You can usually get a glass of wine for just €1-3.
Relaxed Train Journeys
If you mainly want to explore the larger cities in northern Italy, you can confidently do without a rental car. The Italian rail network and its regional and high-speed trains work perfectly here.
The Frecciarossa takes just one hour from Milan to Turin, for example. What's more, there is first-class Wi-Fi on board and seats are automatically allocated when you buy your ticket. In contrast, patience is required when traveling by train on the islands and in more rural regions in the south of the country.
