Top Lesser-Known Cities to Visit in Italy

Italy is synonymous with cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, but true Italian magic often lies off the main tourist trail. While iconic landmarks and bustling piazzas have their place, the country is also home to lesser-known towns and cities that offer equally rich experiences.

In this guide, we spotlight the hidden gems of Italy, places where the rhythm is slower, the locals friendlier, and the authenticity unmatched. These cities may not top every itinerary, but they are the heartbeat of Italy’s soul. From Alpine art towns to Baroque islands in the south, these destinations are for those who want Italy without the clichés.

And with modern tools like eSIMs for Italy, it’s easier than ever to explore. With instant data activation and no roaming fees, you can confidently navigate, share, and immerse yourself in authentic Italian life.

What You’ll Find Ahead

The following cities have been carefully chosen for their unique appeal, regional character, and travel potential, whether you’re a slow traveler, a culture seeker, or someone looking for more than just Instagram shots. These are places where you can linger, experience local rhythm, and explore with confidence thanks to flexible travel tools like eSIM connectivity.

Let’s begin your discovery of Italy’s lesser-known urban gems.

Why Look Beyond Italy’s Most Famous Cities?

For many travelers, Italy is a bucket-list destination filled with postcard-perfect icons: Venice’s canals, Rome’s Colosseum, Florence’s Duomo. These cities have earned their fame and their foot traffic. But Italy’s true charm often lives quietly outside the limelight.

Beyond the big names, Italy is stitched together by a tapestry of smaller cities and towns where time slows down, crowds thin, and authenticity thrives. Whether you’re strolling along quiet medieval walls or sipping wine with locals on a sunlit piazza, these lesser-known destinations deliver the magic you came for without the tourist overload.

And thanks to modern digital tools like eSIMs, exploring these quieter corners has never been easier. With instant connectivity the moment you land, you can discover, navigate, and share your Italian adventure with ease, no physical SIM swap or surprise roaming bill.

1. Mantua (Mantova), Lombardy

An Artistic City Wrapped in Water

What Makes It Special

Mantua is a Renaissance masterpiece nestled between three artificial lakes in northern Italy. Once the seat of the powerful Gonzaga family, it’s filled with palaces, galleries, and a historic center that’s surprisingly calm for its cultural weight.

Top Experiences

• Palazzo Ducale – A massive palace complex showcasing Renaissance art and noble court life.
  
• Piazza delle Erbe – A scenic square with pastel facades, old-world shops, and vibrant markets.
  
• Teatro Bibiena – An ornate Baroque theater where Mozart performed at age 13.
  
• Cuisine – Local dishes include tortelli di zucca (pumpkin ravioli) and risotto alla pilota.
  

Why It’s Overlooked

Mantua is often bypassed for Verona or Milan, even though it offers world-class architecture and museums. That makes it ideal for travelers who value calm exploration over crowds.

Travel Smart Tip

Public transport is convenient, but coverage can be inconsistent. With an active eSIM, you’ll have constant access to navigation, translation, and bookings even in smaller towns like this.

2. Trani, Puglia

Sea Breezes, Stone Streets, and a Slow Pace

What Makes It Special

Trani is a luminous port city on the Adriatic Sea that blends Romanesque grandeur with coastal charm. It’s sophisticated but not showy, making it a favorite among Italians who want elegance without the fuss.

Top Experiences

• Trani Cathedral – A stunning church that rises dramatically from the sea.
  
• Harbor Promenade – Walk along the water, lined with yachts and seafood trattorias.
  
• Jewish Heritage – Trani was a major center of Jewish life in the Middle Ages.
  
• Castello Svevo – Built by Emperor Frederick II, it offers coastal views and military history.
  

Why It’s Overlooked

Located north of Bari, Trani doesn’t market itself aggressively. But its relaxed pace, architectural harmony, and absence of tourist chaos make it a rewarding stop.

Travel Smart Tip

Upload route maps and restaurant reviews while walking the promenade using your eSIM. No need to rely on patchy public Wi-Fi or look for cafés just to stay online.

3. Orvieto, Umbria

Where Medieval Majesty Meets Etruscan Mystery

What Makes It Special

Sitting high atop a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is a stunner from every angle. Its cathedral alone is worth the visit, but its underground Etruscan tunnels, views of the Umbrian countryside, and peaceful streets will keep you longer than expected.

Top Experiences

• Duomo di Orvieto – A Gothic facade with golden mosaics and a breathtaking chapel inside.
  
• Orvieto Underground – Tour a network of ancient tunnels beneath the city.
  
• Pozzo di San Patrizio – A double-helix well with a spiral staircase that’s an engineering marvel.
  
• Orvieto Classico Wine – Enjoy a glass while overlooking the Umbrian hills.
  

Why It’s Overlooked

Orvieto is just over an hour from Rome, yet many travelers miss it. It offers a relaxing stop for those seeking fewer crowds and more authenticity.

Travel Smart Tip

Most train travelers don’t stop here, so having an eSIM gives you flexibility to plan, book, and research on the go, even in a hilltop town.

4. Cuneo, Piedmont

Alpine Charm with a French Flair

What Makes It Special

Cuneo sits in northwest Italy, close to the French border. It has elegant arcades, crisp mountain air, and an authentic alpine-meets-Italian vibe. It’s perfect for slow travelers, cyclists, and nature lovers.

Top Experiences

• Piazza Galimberti – A grand square lined with Neoclassical buildings and weekly markets.
  
• Via Roma – Covered walkways filled with boutiques, bakeries, and bookstores.
  
• Occitan Valleys – Ideal for hiking and exploring cultural influences from France and Provence.
  
• Cuneesi al Rum – Iconic rum-filled chocolates you’ll want to take home.
  

Why It’s Overlooked

Despite being scenic and walkable, Cuneo rarely features in mainstream guidebooks. It’s a hidden win for food, festivals, and nearby mountains.

Travel Smart Tip

No roaming stress: with an eSIM, you can hike trails and explore valleys while staying connected across regional networks.

5. Tropea, Calabria

Clifftop Views and Crystal-Clear Water

What Makes It Special

Tropea is a postcard-perfect coastal town that delivers Caribbean-like beaches and dramatic cliff views without the Amalfi price tag. It’s a favorite for Italians in the know.

Top Experiences

• Santa Maria dell’Isola – A hilltop monastery framed by sea and sky.
  
• Beaches – Turquoise waters and powdery sand, some of the best in southern Italy.
  
• Old Town – Narrow lanes with balconies, gelato stands, and piazzas.
  
• Red Onions – Try Tropea’s famously sweet onions in pastas and panini.
  

Why It’s Overlooked

Far south in Calabria, Tropea doesn’t see the same level of international tourism. But for beach lovers, it’s pure gold.

Travel Smart Tip

The coastal signal may fluctuate an Italian eSIM ensures better coverage and less hassle, even while sunbathing below the cliffs.

6. Parma, Emilia-Romagna

Elegant Architecture and Italy’s Best Bites

What Makes It Special

Known for Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, this northern city has much more to offer: music, history, and refined ambiance.

Top Experiences

• Cathedral & Baptistery – Spectacular Romanesque artistry.
  
• Teatro Regio – Among Italy’s top opera venues.
  
• Museo Glauco Lombardi – Artifacts from the Napoleonic era.
  
• Culinary Tours – Cheese, ham, and wine tastings just outside the city.
  

Why It’s Overlooked

Bologna overshadows Parma in guidebooks, but Parma is quieter, more elegant, and just as cultured.

Travel Smart Tip

Whether you’re booking a tasting tour or hopping trains to nearby towns, an eSIM helps you stay connected without switching SIMs or worrying about data caps.

7. Ragusa, Sicily

A Baroque Maze Built on Two Hills

Why Visit Ragusa

Ragusa isn’t one city-it’s two. After a devastating 1693 earthquake, residents rebuilt on higher ground (Ragusa Superiore), while others remained in the historic valley (Ragusa Ibla). Today, the result is a dramatic city split across two stunning hilltops, layered in Baroque detail.

What to Explore

• Ragusa Ibla – The old quarter, full of winding alleys and stone staircases.
  
• Duomo di San Giorgio – A towering cathedral framed by palm trees.
  
• Giardino Ibleo – A peaceful garden with panoramic views and quiet pathways.
  
• Local Cuisine – Taste scacce (Sicilian flatbread) and chocolate from nearby Modica.
  

Why It’s Skipped

Often overshadowed by Catania, Taormina, or Palermo, Ragusa is still a local’s favorite. It’s ideal for travelers who want Sicily’s rich culture without chaotic crowds.

Digital Advantage

Sicily’s inland areas often suffer from signal gaps. With an eSIM for Italy, you can auto-switch between networks, ensuring you’re always connected even in older hilltop towns like this.

8. Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna

Where Renaissance Streets Meet Modern Calm

Why Visit Ferrara

A UNESCO-listed Renaissance city surrounded by walls and bisected by canals, Ferrara is one of Italy’s most bicycle-friendly cities. It blends noble history with modern charm and student energy, thanks to its large university presence.

What to Explore

• Castello Estense – A red-brick moated castle in the city center.
  
• Cathedral of Ferrara – Combining Gothic and Romanesque styles.
  
• Jewish Quarter – Home to one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities.
  
• Street Life – Explore by bike or foot and enjoy vibrant café culture.
  

Why It’s Skipped

Most visitors rush past Ferrara en route to Venice or Bologna. But its serenity, historic vibe, and welcoming locals make it a hidden highlight of the north.

Work-Friendly Connectivity

Digital nomads love Ferrara for its calm energy and reliable infrastructure. With your eSIM for Italy, you’ll never miss a video call or email, whether working from a piazza or a riverside bench.

9. Sulmona, Abruzzo

Italy’s Sweetest Mountain Town

Why Visit Sulmona

Nestled in a valley between the Apennines, Sulmona is known for its confetti (sugar-coated almonds) and scenic medieval lanes. It’s an ideal base for exploring central Italy’s natural parks and hill towns.

What to Explore

• Piazza Garibaldi – One of Italy’s widest squares, often filled with markets and festivals.
  
• Aqueduct of Sulmona – A medieval marvel that still towers over the square.
  
• Hermitage of Celestine V – A spiritual, cliffside site just a short drive away.
  
• Food Scene – Sample mountain cheeses, wild boar ragù, and locally made sweets.
  

Why It’s Skipped

Abruzzo is still one of Italy’s most under-visited regions, making Sulmona a gem for those who crave raw, rural charm with cultural depth.

Smart Travel Note

Abruzzo’s remote roads and lesser-used rail lines make connectivity unpredictable. Using an eSIM helps you maintain access to directions, bookings, and digital payments wherever you go.

10. Bassano del Grappa, Veneto

Wooden Bridges, Alpine Air, and Artisan Spirits

Why Visit Bassano

Just an hour from Venice, Bassano del Grappa offers an entirely different experience-one of wooden bridges, mountains, and handcrafted grappa (Italy’s fiery brandy). Its Alpine atmosphere feels miles away from the lagoon.

What to Explore

• Ponte Vecchio – A wooden bridge designed by Palladio.
  
• Museo della Grappa – Learn the history (and taste the product).
  
• Old Town Walks – Stone towers, porticos, and riverside views.
  
• Local Crafts – Ceramic and printmaking traditions thrive here.
  

Why It’s Skipped

Despite its beauty and accessibility, it’s often ignored for more famous Veneto spots. But it’s ideal for a day trip or quiet retreat.

Connection Tip

Whether uploading photos from the bridge or searching bus routes in the Dolomites, your eSIM for Italy keeps you flexible and functional.

11. Verbania, Piedmont

A Lakeside Gem Overlooking the Borromean Isles

Why Visit Verbania

Located on Lake Maggiore’s western shore, Verbania is a refined town known for gardens, lake views, and Belle Époque villas. It’s quieter than Como or Garda but just as scenic.

What to Explore

• Villa Taranto Gardens – An expansive botanical garden with over 20,000 species.
  
• Isola Madre – Visit this lush island filled with exotic birds and Renaissance buildings.
  
• Lungolago Walk – A peaceful waterfront lined with trees and benches.
  
• Art & Music Festivals – The town hosts refined cultural events, especially in summer.
  

Why It’s Skipped

Many lake lovers head straight to Lake Como, leaving Maggiore relatively quiet. That’s what makes Verbania so serene and elegant.

Travel Note

Verbania’s train and ferry schedules can be tricky. With an eSIM, you can check updates, book passes, and navigate ferries with real-time support.

12. Urbino, Marche

Italy’s Hilltop Cradle of the Renaissance

Why Visit Urbino

Birthplace of Raphael and home to one of Italy’s oldest universities, Urbino is a walled hilltop city with a Renaissance soul and a distinctly student-driven buzz.

What to Explore

• Palazzo Ducale – A Renaissance palace housing the National Gallery of the Marche.
  
• Casa di Raffaello – The modest home where the master painter was born.
  
• University of Urbino – Walk among scholars in one of Italy’s most vibrant academic towns.
  
• Panoramic Views – Every turn reveals golden fields and terracotta rooftops.
  

Why It’s Skipped

Located in central-eastern Italy, Urbino is far from major train lines, making it less accessible. But that remoteness preserves its integrity and silence.

Smart Travel Tip

Even if transport is limited, connectivity doesn’t have to be. With a quality eSIM, you can navigate rural routes, share updates, and manage travel changes without needing a local SIM card.

13. Ascoli Piceno, Marche

A Stone City Built from Travertine

Why Visit

Ascoli Piceno is one of Italy’s most architecturally uniform cities, built almost entirely from gleaming travertine stone. Its grand piazzas and quiet streets make it a dream for history lovers and photographers alike.

Highlights

• Piazza del Popolo – Known as “Italy’s living room,” this elegant square is perfect for coffee or an aperitivo.
  
• Caffè Meletti – Sip anise liqueur in a café that’s been around since 1907.
  
• Renaissance Churches – Every corner reveals sculpted facades and hidden frescoes.
  
• Olive all’Ascolana – Try the city’s iconic stuffed and fried olives.
  

14. Bosa, Sardinia

Colorful Houses and Quiet River Views

Why Visit

Bosa is a rainbow of color set against the wild backdrop of Sardinia’s western coast. With its pastel houses climbing a hillside and the Temo River winding through, it feels like a living watercolor.

Highlights

• Castello Malaspina – A medieval fortress with panoramic island views.
  
• Riverside Promenade – Stroll past fishermen’s boats and open-air cafés.
  
• Sardinian Wine – Try Malvasia di Bosa, a rare and aromatic white wine.
  
• Local Vibe – The town stays quiet even in peak season.
  

15. Pavia, Lombardy

A City of Courtyards and Cloisters

Why Visit

Just 40 minutes from Milan, Pavia is a city of student energy, Renaissance architecture, and underrated beauty. It’s a wonderful stop for anyone who wants to step into the intellectual heart of northern Italy.

Highlights

• Certosa di Pavia – A lavish Carthusian monastery just outside town.
  
• University of Pavia – One of the oldest universities in Europe.
  
• Covered Bridges – Photogenic structures spanning the Ticino River.
  
• Historic Bookshops and Cafés – Ideal for slow afternoons.

Travel Has Changed. Here’s Why Voye Global Matters

Staying connected is no longer optional. From finding a last-minute train to sharing photos instantly, travelers rely on connectivity every step of the way. That’s where Voye Global’s Italy eSIM comes in:

• Instant activation before or after landing
• Coverage across cities, towns, and rural areas
• Prepaid, transparent plans (no surprises)
• Switch networks digitally — no SIM swaps
• Multi-country flexibility for trips across Europe

Whether you’re strolling Verbania’s lakeside gardens, catching an opera in Parma, or hiking Abruzzo’s valleys, Voye keeps you connected.

16. Gaeta, Lazio

Ancient Fortresses, Hidden Beaches

Why Visit

Midway between Rome and Naples, Gaeta is often overlooked. Its combination of clean beaches, historical fortifications, and golden sunsets makes it one of Lazio’s best-kept secrets.

Highlights

• Montagna Spaccata – A split mountain with a sanctuary wedged between the cliffs.
  
• Serapo Beach – Sandy and serene, perfect for a quiet beach day.
  
• Gaeta Old Town – Winding alleys and seafood trattorias that rival any southern port.

Travel Has Changed. Here’s Why Voye Global Matters

Staying connected is no longer optional. From finding a last-minute train to checking Google Maps in a remote village, travelers depend on data access more than ever. But physical SIM cards are clunky, and international roaming fees can be steep.

Meet Voye Global: Your eSIM Companion for Italy

Voye Global is a trusted eSIM provider focused on making international travel easier, safer, and smarter. Whether you’re heading to iconic cities or venturing into rural Italy, our eSIM solutions offer seamless connectivity with no contracts, no physical SIMs, and no roaming surprises.

Why Choose Voye Global for Your Italy Trip

• Instant Activation – Buy and activate online before landing.
  
• Wide Coverage – Works across Italy-even in smaller towns and coastal regions.
  
• Prepaid Plans – Choose the data you need. No hidden fees.
  
• No SIM Swaps – Switch between networks without ejecting a card.
  
• Multi-City Freedom – Move between regions without losing connection.
  
• Support On the Go – Get help anytime, anywhere.
  

Whether you’re navigating Tropea’s cliffs or streaming music in Urbino, Voye keeps you connected.

eSIM Benefits for Travelers

Still deciding if you need an eSIM? Here’s what makes it essential:

• No Roaming Charges – Voye Global plans are prepaid and region-based, meaning no surprise bills.
  
• Activate Anytime, Anywhere – On a train? In a taxi? Activate within minutes without visiting a store.
  
• Stay Flexible – No need to rely on hotel Wi-Fi or buy local SIMs in every city.
  
• Secure Browsing – Always have access to secure networks when public Wi-Fi isn’t an option.
  
• Great for Remote Work – Work from a café in Parma or a vineyard in Verbania without connection issues.

Bringing It All Together: Italy Without the Crowds

Italy has more to offer than just the famous landmarks and packed piazzas. The cities we’ve explored across this guide, from Ragusa and Cuneo to Gaeta and Orvieto, invite you to experience Italy at a slower pace, with fewer distractions and more meaningful moments.

When you explore places like these, staying connected is key. Whether you’re checking train times in Ferrara, booking a tasting tour in Parma, or uploading photos from Sulmona, a reliable eSIM from Voye Global keeps everything running smoothly. No roaming surprises. No SIM swaps. Just easy, stress-free data everywhere your trip takes you.

With the right tools and a curious spirit, your Italian getaway can be simpler, more flexible, and a lot more memorable.

Travel Inspiration

While planning your hidden-city adventure, explore these guides for broader Italian journeys:

• Extend your trip south with 48 Hours in Pompeii.
• Craft a big itinerary with 2 Weeks Across Italy.
• Pair Verbania with Lake Como’s Design Festival 2025.
• Experience the capital in a different light with Rome’s September Mornings.
• Combine coastal elegance with Genoa’s International Boat Show 2025.
• Feel the adrenaline at Monza’s Italian Grand Prix.
• Balance hidden gems with classics like A Short Trip to Venice.

FAQs – Quick Answers About eSIMs and Voye Global

1. Will my Voye eSIM work in smaller towns?
   Yes, it covers Italy nationwide, including rural areas.
2. Can I install the eSIM before landing?
   Absolutely — install ahead and activate on arrival.
3. Is VOYE15 valid for Italy data plans?
   Yes, you can save instantly across all Italy plans.
4. Does the eSIM give me a number?
   No, it’s data-only, ideal for browsing, maps, and apps.
5. What if I run out of data mid-trip?
   Top up instantly through your Voye Global account.
6. How do I check device compatibility?
   Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, or view our supported list.