Italy may be regarded as a must-stop on anyone’s itinerary when travelling in Europe for Rome, Milan, Venice or perhaps Lake Como or Lake Garda. However, venture away from the usual tourist trail, and a wealth of charming culture, delightful cuisine and stunning natural beauty awaits you.
Some of the country’s less well-known towns and cities can offer a true glimpse into the life of the Italian people, and perhaps a more authentic experience of their culture.
Siracusa
Situated on the coast of Sicily, Siracusa is truly one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Charming piazzas, an absorbing history and the inviting blue sea will have you recommending Siracusa to anyone travelling in Europe for years to come.
A beacon of Sicily’s beauty, the opportunities for exploring in Siracusa are endless. Wander the city’s medieval streets, drink in the relaxed atmosphere and marvel at the area’s remarkable architecture.
Camogli
Regarded as one of Italy’s hidden gems, Camogli is surrounded by more well-known towns and cities which have disguised its presence over the years. Vibrant and colourful buildings adorn the coastline, whilst a number of highly regarded hotels, including the Cenobio Dei Dogi, offer a perfect base to explore Camogli’s independent bakeries, laid back environment and intriguing heritage.
Ragusa
The Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla (old and new town respectively) create a wonderful pairing in this charming city in southern Italy. Distinctive grey-stone buildings, attractive piazzas and pockets of natural beauty all combine to create an alluring city which few find it easy to leave behind.
There’s a chance to sample some of the finest Italian cuisine, with a number of the country’s most highly rated restaurants based in Ragusa – an ideal destination for the food lover!
Parma
If you’re heading to Italy for its culinary attractions, then look no further than Parma. From Bolognese sauce to Parma ham and parmesan cheese, the city is the birthplace of a number of household foods. For those seeking authentic Italian cuisine, Parma is not to be missed whilst travelling in Europe.
There’s more to the city than the food too, with the Parma Cathedral, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata and the Palazzo della Pilotta all on offer for the architectural enthusiast.
How To Get There
Plenty of UK airlines offer cheap flights into Italy from across the country, especially when booking well in advance of your departure date. Flight times vary depending on your destination and departure airport, though journeys from the UK to Italy are usually under three hours!
Travelling in Europe can be made even easier by pre-booking a shuttle transfer from the airport direct to your accommodation. A private shuttle transfer is not only a cost effective way to reach your final destination, but also an extremely convenient one, taking you from door to door quickly and without any hassle.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re planning a holiday to go travelling in Europe, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport of your choice swiftly and safely.
This article is copyright free.