5 PLACES IN ITALY YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD OF (BUT NEED TO VISIT)

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Italy is home to some of the most diverse and stunning natural landscapes, renowned cuisine, and remarkable history in the world. There is SO much to uncover… including these 5 cities that you may not have heard of but, without question, need to visit!

Bari: Think you can only get white-washed walls and sparkling blue waters in Greece? Think again! Italy’s Apulia region offers just that… With a fraction of the tourists you’ll find cruising around Greece. Lying at the spur of Italy’s boot, the town of Bari lies on the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea and serves as a key port for a number of ferries and cruise ships. Home to a large university, and thus a heavy student population, Bari is lively, charming, and known for its delectable cuisine. It often gets overlooked for neighboring towns like Lecce, but trust us, Bari is a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered.

Castellana Grotte: When you think of Italy, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? The food? The wine? The famous ruins? Certainly not a series of stunning natural caves that extend more than two miles in length, right? Ours, either. The Castellana Grotte caves are largely a “locals only” secret located in the province of Bari. The impressive system of stalactites, stalagmites and crystallized mineral deposits has begun attracting travelers to the area, and for good reason!

Lake Garda: We’re sure you’ve heard of Lake Como (thanks, George Clooney), but did you know that Italy’s lake region is actually comprised of six lakes? Amongst those, Lake Garda is not only the largest, but also one of the most diverse, offering something for every type of traveler – from water sports to wine tasting. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with several small islands, Lake Garda is equally as picturesque as its neighbors and is easily accessible, sitting between Milan and Venice. It is a popular destination for travelers from across the globe thanks to its stunning landscape, bright flowers and charming, red-roofed towns surrounding the lake.

Monterosso: Unlike four other villages that comprise Cinque Terre, Monterosso is a low-lying town with direct beach access, making it the perfect vacation spot! The beach is lined with vacationers lounging under brightly colored umbrellas and the town is bustling with travelers enjoying the region’s famed white wines and locals looking to escape the city for a few days.

San Gimignano: San Gimignano gives you the Tuscany that you have been dreaming of… Rolling vineyards, sunflower fields and a charming and well-preserved red-roofed village. Things here seem to move a little slower… Days are leisurely, meals take longer and life is enjoyed a bit more, proving that life really is better under the Tuscan sun.