ABRUZZO
Tirino River
“This navigable river culminates in three springs in the Tritana Valley. Via canoeing, swimming, or just sitting beside it, the Tirino puts you in contact with the surrounding landscape, and it’s regenerating to body and soul.” –Claudio Pierattelli, Florence-based Architect and Italy Segreta Contributor
Italics Festival (L’Aquila)
“Every year, Italics–a network of 70 of the most authoritative galleries in Italy–choose a special location across the boot for a festival; this year, it will be in L’Aquila from September 7th – 10th. It will be a wonderful chance to see the incredible Medieval city in relation to some of the best contemporary art.” –Giulia Grimaldi, Italy Segreta Contributor
BASILICATA
Matera
“Both for the cave hotels and vampire aesthetics, Matera had long been on my travel list. Dating back to 7000 B.C.E., the sassi (traditional stone dwellings) are carved into the relief of the hilltop town, marking the first known human settlement in the world. Today, they’ve been largely converted into local artists’ galleries, shops selling hand-carved wooden tools and schizzato ceramics, and romantic, dimly-lit wine bars under vaulted stone ceilings. The MUSMA, a sculpture museum set in a palatial ancient cave complex, integrates contemporary works into the setting. Bonus: sassi stay nice and cool, even in the summer heat.” –Sara Baron Goodman, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
Maratea
“Nestled between Campania to the north and Calabria to the south, but with a third fewer tourists than both, the coast of Basilicata might just be Italy’s best kept summer secret. Maratea–a town perched on a hill 400 m above the sea–is rightfully known as the ‘pearl of the Tyrrhenian.’ The area of the same name boasts over 32 km of jagged, picturesque coastline and at least 20 beaches that see far fewer crowds than the ones of nearby Puglia.” –Nancy Butler, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
CALABRIA
Parco Nazionale della Sila
“I eagerly anticipate my annual visit to Parco Nazionale della Sila near Ampollino Lake. It has been an essential summer retreat for me since birth, providing a revitalizing break from the chaos of everyday life. Summer nights here are spent starting at the starry night sky as I cozy up under a blanket.” –Adam Olivo, Italy Segreta Contributor
North Calabria
“When it’s hot and overbearing, I drive deep into the hinterland of Calabria on jagged roads–perfect if you love driving–to Monte Pollino, in the country’s largest national park, home to the oldest tree in Europe and the 17,000-year-old Romito’s Cave. In July, yellow super blooms cover the ground, especially near Papasidero. Be sure to also stop in Mormanno to see the exquisite Santa Maria Goretti church. When the beach is calling my name, I head down to Costa Degli Dei. I stop in Paola to see the religious shrine of San Francesco di Paola, Amantea for a picnic near the sea, and, finally, a late afternoon dip in Zambrone before cleaning up and heating to Tropea for dinner.” –John Vincent, Italy Segreta Contributor
Parco Nazionale della Sila
CAMPANIA
Cala di Monte di Luna – Marina di Camerota
“In the middle of Cilento, this lesser-known rocky cove has crystalline water and a small beachfront. When looked at from above, on the mountain of the same name, it is shaped like a crescent moon.” –Deborah D’Addetta, Naples-based Italy Segreta Contributor
Certosa di Padula
“On your summer road trip, make a stop at Certosa di Padula (the largest of the three Carthusian monasteries in Campania), a majestic complex and one of the most striking monuments of the Italian artistic heritage.” –Deborah D’Addetta, Naples-based Italy Segreta Contributor
Sant’Angelo (Ischia)
“The island feels like the Amalfi Coast did 40 years ago: clear water and tranquil beaches where Italian is actually the main language murmuring in the background. Visit the colorful fishing village of Sant’Angelo on a thin, sandy jut out accessed via a winding road through a rocky promontory. For lunch, head up the overlooking mountain to the picture-perfect Il Bracconiere for an antipasto platter washed down with a bottle of Casa d’Ambra from the adjacent vineyards.” –Genevieve Verdigel, London-based Italy Segreta Contributor
Bagni Teresa, Citara (Ischia)
“In the tiny area of Citara near Forio, this beach establishment is the coolest on the island: there’s funky lounge-style music on all day, Aperol Spritzes on tap, great people watching, and fabulous food at the restaurant–order the panini di pesce with tuna in agrodolce with provolone, escarole, and orange mayo. It’s one of the best spots on the island for sunsets too, best enjoyed on a Sunday at their buzzy aperitivo party.” –Clementina Calderini Jackson, Italy Segreta Contributor
Bagni Regina Giovanna
“Take the winding road south from Sorrento to the end of the headland and–just before the road turns sharply–you’ll come across a steep set of steps, hidden between a couple of pale terracotta-coloured houses. Head down through the foliage and you’ll be greeted by some Roman ruins, a sea-fed shaded pool in the rocks, and a cove called St Salazar’s, reachable by swimming or foot.” –Eleanor Sly, London-based Italy Segreta Contributor
Irpina
“I like to spend summer enjoying the extraordinary slowness of the southern villages, like Irpinia in the heart of Campania: strolling between the perched towns and vast fields of wheat, attending summer festivals, eating good food, and watching gli anziani (elderly) gather in the piazza, meet at the bar, or sit in front of their houses and wave to passersby. –Martina Panza, Como-based Italy Segreta Contributor
Spiaggia della Chiaia
“This black sand beach of sleepy Procida is a little walk out of the main town, but worth it for the secluded, quiet bay and views of pastel Marina di Corricella. Stay for an aperitivo at sunset at the small beach bar, as the sea and sky tinge pink and seemingly merge into one. –Eleanor Sly, London-based Italy Segreta Contributor
Costiera
“Go to the small, lesser-known yet stunning towns on the edges of the Amalfi Coast: Nerano to the north (try the spaghetti alla nerano at Tommaso Allo Scoglio) and Maiori, Minori and Atrani–Italy’s smallest town by surface–to the south.” –Marina Cacciapuoti, Italy Segreta Co-Founder
Minori
EMILIA ROMAGNA
Agriturismo Acetaia Sereni
“I will be spending most of my summer roasting somewhere between the terrace and the pool of this family-run farmhouse / balsamic vinegar production in the hills of Modena. Every now and then, a breeze from the vineyard will brush my hair back whilst I’m reading Italy Segreta’s QUOTIDIANNO and sipping on a balsamic vinegar co*cktail (trust me on this one).” –Lindsay Hillenbrand, Italy Segreta Travel Team
Ravenna
“After the tragic flooding earlier this year, Ravenna and its province have seen a serious hit to the tourism industry. But the seaside town, as ever, is not one to miss this summer, especially for its cool food spots and surprisingly contemporary art scene.” –Anna Hirschorn, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA
Udine
“Location, location, location–well off the normal tourist route, this charming town in northern Italy is perfect for a quiet weekend getaway, with clean architecture resembling that of Bologna and Venice and sweeping views of Friuli, Verona, and the snow-capped Alps. Don’t miss the bread and pastries at Mamm Bakery (which warrant a trip in and of themselves) and the intensely golden sunsets over the mountains from the top of Castle Hill in the city’s center.” –Nancy Butler, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
Collio and Carso
“On the border of Italy and Slovenia, Collio gets the best of both worlds: orange wine perfect for sipping on a warm summer day, lush rolling hills, sunsets over the blue-tinged Slovenian mountains, and a walkable, open border between the two countries. Farther south, Carso is the thin strip of land that looks like it should belong to Slovenia but doesn’t. The region boasts some of the country’s most stunning beaches: think large, olive tree-covered cliffs descending into crisp water. Plus, it’s relatively tourist-less.” –Genevieve Verdigel, London-based Italy Segreta Contributor
LAZIO
Anzio
“Best crudo and zuppa di pesce I’ve ever tasted is at Da Romolo, in the unassuming port town of Anzio: it’s perfect for a day trip from Rome or right before your ferry to Ponza” –Siena Hicks, Italy Segreta Contributor
Ponza
“Doesn’t get much better than weekends in June or September sleeping at Da Gennarino a Mare, and spending your days diving and eating tonno e pomodoro at Da Enzo Al Frontone.”- Marina Cacciapuoti, Italy Segreta Co-Founder
Santa Marinella
“Less than an hour’s train ride from the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome is one of my favorite beaches, tucked in a quaint seaside port town. The white umbrellas of the bagni, the incredible seafood restaurants (including L’Isola del Pescatore), and the gentle lapping of the clear water: it’s the quickest and best way to get my summertime fix away from the city.” –Nancy Butler, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
Rome
“Rome in August is idyllic, is as you never get to experience it all year around, quiet, tranquil and you get to truly know it. Love taking long walks along the Appia Antica and exploring new neighbourhoods, one of my recent find was La Cerotosa in Pigneto a fish “shack” which serves some of the best seafood I’ve ever had “- Betty Subrizi, Design at Italy Segreta
Isola Del Pescatore, Santa Marinella
LIGURIA
Portovenere
“This usually skipped peninsula between La Spezia and Cinque Terre can be considered the sixth (and I think the best) of the Cinque Terre. Only reachable by bus or car via winding roads, it’s a spot mostly frequented by locals and home to one of the most incredible churches you will ever see. You’ll also find the Grotta di Byron (Byron’s Grotto), a cove the poet frequented to find inspiration.”–Cesare Cacciapuoti, Italy Segreta Co-Founder
Gulf of Poets
“Liguria might just be my favorite region for summer, and the towns of Tellaro and Lerici in the Gulf of Poets are can’t misses. They’ve got the same style of colorful, picturesque houses you see farther up the coast in the more touristy spots like Cinque Terre and Portofino, but there’s a fraction of the crowds and a much more low-key attitude. A great day can be spent kayaking from one town to the other, stopping in hidden coves and little beaches on the way.” –Anna Hirschorn, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
Laigueglia
“Just past Savona lies this cute, compact beachside town with small piazzas, narrow streets filled with gelato shops and boutique stores, and pink houses lining the shore. It is one of the more traditionally peaceful Ligurian villages that has somehow managed to escape the effects of mass tourism. The beaches are free, there’s a long promenade to jog along, and there are plenty of restaurants serving fish and seafood fresh off the boat. –Gina Spinelli, Italy Segreta Contributor
Baia del Saraceno
“This beach on the Ligurian Riviera is a favorite: the crystal clear waters (cliché or not, it’s true) are calm and the perfect temperature, it feels a little more wild than elsewhere, and the soft sand is framed by rock formations cracking into caves and inlets. A 10-minute swim from the shore and you’ll see Varigotti‘s sunny-hued houses stacked along the sand, which is, along with neighboring Noli, an adorable, less-touristy town perfect for a midday seafood, focaccia, or gelato merenda. Just don’t touch the tiny blue floating things in the sea, intriguing as they may seem.” –Sara Baron Goodman, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
Sestri Levante
LOMBARDY
Lago di Garda
“Even though the lake has been taken over by my fellow Germans and does get quite crowded during summer days, there’s something special about a weekend getaway here. Stay at EALA (adult-only) on the western bank, cannonball into the natural freshwater from their dock, and unwind in proper dolce far niente style. However, if you prefer some action, an (e-)bike tour, kite or windsurfing, and/or strolls through the town of Limone sul Garda will do.” –Lindsay Hillenbrand, Italy Segreta Travel Team
MARCHE
Torre di Palme
“Overlooking the blue Adriatic, this splendid medieval village is characterized by stone houses, flowered balconies, and cobbled streets. Restaurant Lu Focaro is perfect for a romantic dinner with an unbeatable panorama.” –Claudio Pierattelli, Florence-based Architect and Italy Segreta Contributor
Clandestino Beach Restaurant
“A cerulean dream that takes shape in a stilt house on a wild beach: simple, yet cool, and definitively romantic in the evening with the sea imposing itself from every window. Perfect for an aperitivo or dinner overlooking the sea, courtesy of chef Moreno Cedroni.” –Claudio Pierattelli, Florence-based Architect and Italy Segreta Contributor
Conero National Park and Spiaggia Delle due Sorelle
“One of thousands of underrated Italian national parks, wild and pure, with (for the moment) mostly Italian tourism: a mountain overlooking the sea, a 6,000-hectare park which includes a stretch of high coast, and a wide, internal hilly area which welcomes over 200 species of birds and includes a wide variety of hiking paths. The Due Sorelle beach is an iconic symbol of the Conero Riviera, reachable by foot through the Passo del Lupo or by sea. –Claudio Pierattelli, Florence-based Architect and Italy Segreta Contributor
Fano
“Striped umbrellas; the resounding cackles of teenagers playing volleyball and table tennis; parents on bikes with their children sitting on the frame, feet dangling off the side; Roman ruins; colorful fishermen houses; craft shops and restaurants with simple, local flavors. A place where you can breathe an air of community, a vision reminiscent of the 70s when Italy lived by “mano d’opera” (craftsmanship) and not by tourism.”- Cesare Cacciapuoti, Co-Founder of Italy Segreta
Fano
MOLISE
Agnone
“Inside Italy’s smallest region, explore the ancient artistry of Agnone, a small hilltop village of disproportionate centrality to the history of Italy’s craftsmanship, particularly copper production. The town boasts numerous museums, workshops, and shops showcasing traditional copperware as well as beautiful sunsets over the red-roofs and neighboring mountains.” –Anna Hirschorn, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
PIEDMONT
Val Formazza
“Tucked right next to Switzerland in the far north of Piedmont, this area is best known for the beautiful Cascate del Toce, great cheese, amazing canyons (gli orridi), and stunning thermal baths. At the end of the valley, in Riale, is incredible restaurant Walser Schtuba.” –Giulia Grimaldi, Italy Segreta Contributor
Lake Orta
“This lake is nestled in the northeastern corner of Piedmont, next to Lake Maggiore, and is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. From magnificent cultural sites to blooming gardens, this little corner of paradise is a great choice for a non-coastal vacation.” –Nitika Choraria, Italy Segreta Contributor
PUGLIA
Tremiti Islands
“Part of a nature reserve, these islands are well-known, yet fortunately still unspoiled. The best way to discover them is to rent a small dinghy: cruise around the islands, dive into the emerald water, pull up to the shore, and climb to the top.” –Betty Subrizi, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
Baia di Vignanotica
“Along the Gargano coast on the road to Vieste, the sandy beach at Vignanotica, with its thick sand and white cliffs, is one of the most beautiful and underrated in Puglia.” –Deborah D’Addetta, Naples-based Italy Segreta Contributor
Trani
“This town north of Bari has the beauty and charm typical of Puglia, but without the crowds. It was built between the 11th and 13th century, and its quaint, medieval streets encircle around a majestic fishing harbor, where every morning you can find a lively fisherman. For lunch, head to Antichi Sapori in Montegrosso, arguably the region’s best restaurant.” –Marina Cacciapuoti, Italy Segreta Co-Founder
SARDINIA
Barbagia
“The wild, untamed heart of the island, in the mountainous province of Nuoro facing the coast, is filled with ancient traditions (like Mamuthones), incredible treks (Tiscali) and spectacular canyons (Valle di Lainattu, Gola di Gorropu). A half-hour drive and you reach the Costa di Baunei and Golfo di Orosei with coves of the whitest sand, turquoise-coloured seabeds, and bays protected by rocky backdrops. Must visits in the area include Orgosolo for political street art; Su Gologone Hotel to stay; Ristorante Ispinigoli to try local specialties such as sheep, culurgiones, seadas, pane frattau with eggs, and ravioli with grouper; and Il Rifugio for filindeu cooked in sheep broth, tuna ventresca, and local cured meats.” –Clio Morichini, Head of Travel Team at Italy Segreta
Asinara
“I’ll spend this summer exploring the wildness of this tiny, uninhabited island off the northwestern coast. Years ago, the island’s isolation made it an ideal place for a prison, which housed some of Italy’s most notorious criminals, including members of the mafia. It’s now a national park and marine preserve: a beautiful, deserted locale home to wild scents of myrtle and citrus, pristine sandy beaches and towering cliffs, and albino donkeys that leisurely roam the island.” –Annie Replogle, Italy Segreta Contributor
SICILY
Aeolian Islands
“My vacation this year will be spent sailing around the Aeolian Islands. My father will skipper, and my brother and I will help. Being on a boat is a special, meditative escape for me, away from the summer crowds, when I can fully relax and reflect, lulled by the sea.If not at sea, If not by sea, I like to stay on one of the most remote islands of the Aeolian, Filicudi at sleep at Casa G. ” –Alice Romano, Italy Segreta Travel Team
Le Calette (Cefalù)
“My 2023 surprise: tucked in a silent bay right before the scenic town of Cefalù, this family-run boutique hotel has direct sea access (gold!) and retains the essential beauty of a simple, nostalgic estate Italiana, but with all the comforts to please an international crowd.” ––Marina Cacciapuoti, Italy Segreta Co-Founder
Milo, the Music Village by Mount Etna
“Franco Battiato used to live here, Lucio Dalla had a house here, and, this August, DJs and artists from all over the world will be here from August 23rd to 27th for the Opera Festival: a boutique festival uniting different styles of music with wine tastings, sunrise performances, and sustainable opportunities among the island’s ancient locations.” –Giulia Grimaldi, Italy Segreta Contributor
Panarea (Aeolian Islands)
“Panarea, here I come! Blue seas, blue skies, and barefoot bliss on the car-free island. With golf buggies and boats as the only means of transportation, the days are dedicated to sailing, swimming, indulging in peaches, and guzzling granitas Da Alfredo in Salina. As evening descends, the open-air Raya bar welcomes with soft gray decor that seemingly merges with the hues of the sunsetting sea. co*cktail in hand, I’ll gaze out towards the active volcano of Stromboli, its mesmerizing spectacle of lava illuminating the night sky.” –Siena Hicks, Italy Segreta Contributor
Le Calette, Cefalù
TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE
Merano
“This city feels like it comes straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. Strangely, the weather and vegetation feel almost tropical because it’s in a plateau, yet look up and you’ll see the epic mountains all around. I love to stay at Katharina and Martin’s home/boutique hotel, Ottmangutt, with the best multi-course, view-boasting breakfast.” –Marina Cacciapuoti, Italy Segreta Co-Founder
South Tyrol
“Summer in the Dolomites means one thing: incredible hiking. The Val di Funes–dotted with incredible churches and sheep grazing in the lush meadows–is stunningly charming and easily navigable on foot. Tucked at the base of a mountain, Ortisei and Selva (we love to stay at what feels like a second home Hotel Tyrol)are two traditional alpine villages great for strolling through on a summer’s day and with optimal access to nearby trails.” –Adam Boniel, Florence-based Italy Segreta Contributor
TUSCANY
Porto Santo Stefano (Monte Argentario)
“Halfway between Florence and Rome, the colorful port town Porto Santo Stefano is a strategic spot for the seaside away from typical coastal crowds. The fabulous boutique Hotel Villa Domizia has a swimming pool, private sea access, and an on-site, fine-dining restaurant. Nearby activities include visiting Capalbio, a Medieval hilltop village with its defensive walls still intact; exploring the Giardino dei Tarocchi, a whimsical sculpture park; and relaxing in Saturnia’s natural hot springs.” –Martina Bartolozzi, Former Butcher, now Tuscany-based Food Journalist
Follonico (Val d’Orcia)
“I’ll be escaping the city to Follonico, an agriturismo folded into the vine-studded hills of Val d’Orcia and surrounded by organic farmland abundantly sprouting vegetables that feels more like a family home with an open-door policy. Go for a taste of the Tuscan countryside and stay for Fabio’s farm-to-fork breakfasts and communal dinners.” –Darcie Imbert, Italy Segreta Contributor
Isola di Elba
“Italy’s third-largest island will forever be one of my summertime favorites. You can hike, visit goat farms, swim at rocky beaches, swim at sandy beaches, eat a superlative cinque e cinque at conpanEpizza just off the ferry, all in the same day. A sunset swim at Pomonte really makes you feel what l’estate italiana is all about.” –Anna Hirschorn, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
Carrara (Michelangelo) Quarries
“If you are afraid of heights, this experience is not for you! Here, you will find yourself rapidly catapulted to an altitude of 1000m on a rigorous journey aboard a Land Rover Defender to one of the oldest workplaces in Tuscany: the Carrara Quarries. The wonders hidden within the mountain have actually left me speechless.” –Claudio Pierattelli, Florence-based Architect and Italy Segreta Contributor
Cortona
“When the thermometer approaches 40 degrees in Florence, there is only one thing to do: head for the hills. An easy train ride away is the hilltop town of Cortona, with commanding views over the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, a delightfully cooling breeze, and shaded pine and oak woodlands. Some Negroni sbagliati at Caffe Tuscher, once the daytrippers have left, perfectly round off a summer’s day.” –Genevieve Verdigel, Former Art Curator, now London-based Italy Segreta Contributor
San Miniato
“I have the biggest crush on this Tuscan village with that special small-town feel, incredible and innovative restaurants (hi, Maggese), and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Though its time to shine is white truffle season, it should not be missed in the summer: take a stroll through its streets, enjoy the view from the Tower of Federico II, drink a negroni with truffle gin at Ethan’s American Bar (and forgive its name), and a slice (or many) at Pizza del Popolo. Quintessential Toscana.” –Gina Spinelli, Italy Segreta Contributor
Spiaggia di Baratti
“On the Tuscan coastline, far from the maddening city crowds, Baratti’s beauty lies in its everyday charm: the water is pristine and the sandy shores are speckled with locals and multi-coloured umbrellas. The Al Polpo Marino kiosk serves the freshest octopus, artichokes, and beer. It’s non-negotiable to stay until sunset.” –Antonia Thomas, Senior Exquisite Experience Specialist at The Thinking Traveller and Italy Segreta Contributor
Giglio
“Quiet, simple, untouched. The island has a great port life, as well as incredible nature and bays. Order the spaghetti allo spruzzo di balena at the Arenella Beach Club and the antipasti at Da Maria in the old hilltop town (which also boasts incredible sunset views), and stay right in the port at La Guardia.” –Marina Cacciapuoti, Italy Segreta Co-Founder
Giglio
UMBRIA
Lago Trasimeno
“For those who prefer rural, outdoorsy escapes to packed beaches, Umbria is the absolute dream—and the Lago Trasimeno is the perfect place to cool off after a long day’s exploring. I always follow a dip here with dinner on the terrace at nearby Da Faliero e La Maria: a family-run, buffet-style, rustic restaurant legendary for its fried lake-fish. –Clementina Calderini Jackson, Italy Segreta Contributor
Chiesa di San Francesco (Assisi)
“It’s a place full of art, mystery, and religion, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000 and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world (it has kept the mortal remains of San Francis since 1230). Formed by two overlapping churches, the Basilica includes the stunning works of the most illustrious artists of the time, such as Giotto, Cimabue, and Simone Martini, together with the most complete collection of medieval stained glass in Italy.” –Claudio Pierattelli, Florence-based Architect and Italy Segreta Contributor
VALLE D’AOSTA
Aosta
“As someone for whom skiing the Alps is a little less bucket-list and a little more potential-near-death experience, I prefer to visit the mountains in the summer, when the sun heats up the wildflower-covered slopes. I love the town of Aosta: stop for a coffee at Fleurs Folie, walk along the river and through the ruins, and eat polenta and fondue for dinner. You can also take the ski lift from the center of Aosta to PILA and hike around; go for long drives up the windy peaks until you can barely see the towns below; and lounge for hours in the pools and hot tubs of the QC Terme in Pre Saint Didier underneath Monte Bianco.” –Nancy Butler, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
VENETO
Punta San Vigilio (Lago di Garda)
“This small neighbor on the Veronese side of Lake Garda is the perfect place to leave ‘the worries of the city’ outside, as a plaque set on a wall says. Punta San Vigilio is at once a restaurant, bar, marina, hotel, and beach park, reachable by both lake and land. This small peninsula is not to be missed, especially for a sunset lakeside spritz.” –Claudio Pierattelli, Florence-based Architect and Italy Segreta Contributor
Malcesine (Lago di Garda)
“Lago di Garda is a fantastic summertime alternative to the seaside! I would skip the southern end in favor of the northern side, where towns like Malcesine have fresh, clear waters and misty mountains that fringe the lake’s shores.” –Anna Hirschorn, Italy Segreta Editorial Team
Punta San Vigilio
