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Underrated places in Italy for your European summer

Have you been to any of them?

☀️ Sant’Angelo, Ischia - colorful and beachy with hot springs nearby

🏖️ Santa Margherita Ligure - near Portofino but less hectic

🍷Palermo, Sicily - historic city with trendy and vibrant nightlife (aka full of young cool people)

🥂 Franciacorta - where Milan locals go on weekends for great sparkling wine.

🌼 Borghetto sul Mincio - tiny village near Lake Garda that’s one of the prettiest in Italy.

⛪️ Noto, Sicily - stunning baroque architecture including beautiful churches

🌳 Bergamo - people often take budget flights here since it’s close to Milan, and miss the beautiful historic town.

#visititaly #europeansummer #italytravel

3/11 Edited to

During my recent summer trip to Italy, I decided to veer off the typical tourist path and explore some underrated towns that truly captured the authentic Italian spirit. Sant’Angelo on the island of Ischia offers a colorful beach town atmosphere reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast but far more laid-back. The hot springs nearby make it an ideal spot for relaxation after a day by the sea. Santa Margherita Ligure, just a stone's throw from the well-known Portofino, is a quieter alternative with charming beach clubs and a relaxed vibe. Staying here gave me easy access to explore the stunning Ligurian coast while avoiding the usual tourist rush. Palermo in Sicily was a surprising highlight. Its historic streets come alive at night with trendy bars and restaurants, especially in the La Kalsa district, drawing a younger, lively crowd. It’s a perfect mix of old-world architecture and modern nightlife. For wine lovers, Franciacorta is a must-visit. This sparkling wine region near Milan hosts beautiful vineyards and offers scenic boat rides on Lake Iseo. Locals flock here on weekends, which adds an authentic, convivial touch to the experience. Borghetto sul Mincio, a tiny village near Lake Garda, is breathtakingly picturesque — it felt like stepping into a storybook with its quaint streets and peaceful ambiance. Noto in Sicily impressed me with its stunning baroque architecture and excellent local restaurants, making it a cultural and culinary delight. Lastly, Bergamo, often overlooked by travelers flying through its airport, revealed a beautiful historic city with cobbled streets and incredible views. It’s well worth spending a day here to soak in its rich heritage. Exploring these underrated Italian spots offered me a diverse taste of Italy — from beachside calm to lively city nights and countryside charm. If you’re planning a European summer getaway, consider these hidden gems for a memorable and less crowded experience.

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