Italy is home to some of the most popular destinations in the world, from Rome’s historical marvels and the towering cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the glistening waters of Lake Como.But with natural beauty and awe-inspiring architecture and comes flocks of tourists. In this week’s episode of TravelSmart, the Independent’s Travel team shares their advice on the best spots off the tourist trail so you can plan an Italy holiday away from the crowds.Assistant Travel Editor Emilee Tombs reveals underrated Tuscan gems like the coastal region of Maremma, as well as the charming hilltop towns of Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano, while Global Travel Editor Annabel Grossman shares her favourite spots in the breathtaking Dolomites. And they delve into how you can find a slice of tranquility in popular tourist destinations like Florence and Sardinia – you just need to know where to look.Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
00:00You've seen the usual Italian spots, Rome, Venice and Florence, but we're here to show you the less explored side.
00:11Three destinations that show the country in a different way.
00:21What if your next Italian getaway didn't involve elbowing your way through crowds?
00:26Think picturesque peaceful beaches, mountain adventure and rustic Italian towns full of culture.
00:32These are the places Italians love and that travellers often overlook.
00:36We've found three destinations that have all the beauty of Italy without the chaos.
00:41And you never know, they might be your next favourite destination.
00:46My top tip if you're visiting Tuscany is to head for the coast to the Maremma region.
00:51Here you'll find family friendly campsites, beautiful beaches without a serried sunbed in sight and some of the finest wines in all of Tuscany.
01:00Drive an hour south of Pisa and you'll reach the pretty hilltop town of Bulgari, which has a fascinating wine history.
01:06In the 1940s, winemakers started experimenting by growing French grapes here.
01:11And today, these wines are known as some of the best in the world, the Super Tuscans.
01:15You can taste them in the restaurants or take one of the many wine tours where you can sip a lovely glass as you gaze across the vines and sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea.
01:25Close to the border of Lazio, you'll find the trio of medieval hilltop towns, particularly Arno, Serrano and Savannah.
01:31Here, a visit is like stepping back in time.
01:34And nearby, the thermal hot springs, where locals love to bathe at the weekends.
01:38But in the weekdays, it's quiet. It's also free apart from parking.
01:42My top tip? After you visit, make sure you take a shower because the sulphur does leave a bit of an eggy smell.
01:48I think, for me, the best part of the Maremma region is that it has this beautiful stretch of untouched coastline.
01:55And my favourite beach is Cala Violina.
01:57It takes about a 20-minute hike through the forest and there are no facilities, so make sure to pack your own provisions.
02:03But the views and the fact that you're pretty much alone on this beach make it more than worthwhile.
02:08For me, the absolute best destination in Italy is the Dolomites.
02:15These beautiful, jagged mountains are wonderful year round.
02:19Most people associate them with skiing and the snow sports there are absolutely wonderful.
02:24But there's some really great adventures to be found out of season.
02:28For me, it's the hiking and particularly the trail running that makes this area stand out.
02:32On the flip side, the Dolomites are also increasingly being known for wellness.
02:36There are a number of incredible spas with beautiful views over the mountain.
02:41One of the standout features of the Dolomites is that it has a very unique culture.
02:45And this is largely down to the ancient myths, legends and traditions of the Ladin communities,
02:51who have been in the mountains for centuries.
02:53You'll notice this in the cuisine.
02:55When you're in the Dolomites, you'll often find yourself eating dumplings or gravioli stuffed with spinach.
03:01And there's also a very distinctive and very delicious barley soup.
03:04So when traveling in the Dolomites, make sure you look out for these Ladin restaurants and mountain lodges.
03:10There is so much to do in the Dolomites.
03:12Last time I was there, I went horse riding up in the mountains through the snow.
03:16And you can also go snowshoeing.
03:18One of the really unique features about the Dolomites is that there actually aren't any chain hotels.
03:24So wherever you stay is likely to be family run and have been around for quite a while.
03:29Whether that's a luxury hotel, a rustic mountain lodge or even a city centre apartment.
03:34Now this can mean that it's a little bit more expensive than other places where you might ski or stay in the mountains.
03:40But what it does do is bring a real authenticity of experience.
03:44It's not going to be like anywhere else you skied.
03:47When you think of a European beach break, Italy might not spring to mind first.
03:52I have heard that Sardinia makes an excellent coastal getaway with white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.
04:00Now many people think of Sardinia as the sort of place the ultra wealthy go on holiday.
04:04But if you go to the south or the west of the island to towns like Chia, you can have a surprisingly affordable break.
04:10And one of the best ways to explore the coastline is to rent a boat.
04:13You don't need a skipper, you can just charter your own.
04:16And they seat up to six and just pull into these little coves, pack a picnic and that's a perfect day trip.
04:21I really love the idea of being able to just jump off your boat and snorkel whenever you want.
04:25Sardinia is really well known for seafood and also lamb. It's home to three million sheep.
04:31They make their own Pecorino Romano cheese there, which is world famous.
04:35And the most important thing I've heard about food and drink is that you should finish every meal with a shot of Merto,
04:40which is a little bit bitter, a little bit sweet and the perfect way to end any meal.
04:47So Emily, is there anywhere that we haven't mentioned that you'd recommend people visit if they want a more authentic Italian experience?
04:54Yes, I would say that Puglia is still an underrated gem.
04:57Somewhere I haven't been yet and desperate to visit.
05:00Absolutely gorgeous, like lovely food, quaint little agriturismos where you can stay for not very much money
05:06and also get your evening meal and beautiful historic cities like Lecce.
05:11So those are our tips for an Italian holiday a little away from the typical tourist trail.
05:16If we've given you inspiration for your next Italian getaway, you can find more destination inspiration,
05:21travel tips and advice at independent.co.uk slash travel.
05:26And for more Travel Smart episodes, head to Independent TV.
Be the first to comment