Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. This means crowds and more crowds. While you don’t want to miss out on the top tourist attractions like the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more, there are some off the beaten path destinations in Italy where you can miss the crowds and get to know Italy at your own pace. Read on to learn about the best places to explore in Italy that are off the beaten path.

Castelmezzano

This village sits on the side of a mountain. It’s cute, quaint, and not so easy to get to. You can drive up there but some choose to take a zip line to the village. Either way, it’s worth the trip. In fact, it’s one of the highest villages in all of Italy and the houses sit perched on narrow ledges that drop into a gorge. While here, visit the ruins of the ancient city walls of Castrum Medianum, along with other attractions, such as the historic castle, abandoned mills, and more.

Basilicata

Known as the region of forests and mountains in Southern Italy, Basilicata has many cities to visit with a plethora of things to do. Visit the hillside caves that date back thousands of years. There are also one hundred and fifty rock-cut churches to visit. There are many small, charming villages to explore, as well as many lakes.

Trento

Located in the northern regions of Italy, Trento sits on the River Adige. It’s considered one of the richest cities in Italy and the people here enjoy a high standard of living. Trento has a long history with ancient Rome so you’ll see lots of historical structures left behind, such as the Duomo and the Castello del Buonocnsiglio. There are also many museums and galleries to visit, along with fine shopping. In the winter, there are plenty of opportunities to ski nearby.

Lombardia

Also located in Northern Italy, Lombardia is the Italian hub of finance and fashion. There are many high-end restaurants and shops. One of the most touristy things to do is visit the Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of “The Last Supper”. Lake Como is also a short distance away.

Valsugana

Known as Italy’s “Middle Earth”, Valsugana is a fertile plateau dotted with vineyards. In the distance, you will see snow peaked mountains all year round, as well as historic castles that look down from the hills above. Valsugana is full of beautiful rivers, lakes and streams that reflect the mountains and castles, making this a truly magical place.