13 Unmissable Hidden Gems in Northern Italy Off the Tourist Trail

Map of secret places in northern Italy

Domodossola - Italy's lesser-known city of art and religion

Domodossola, in the Piedmont region, is a great place to visit for a hidden gem in Northern Italy. We stayed for a few days on our way from Locarno to Zermatt, Switzerland. We decided to travel via Domodossola because there is a scenic train from Locarno to Domodossola, where we lived at the time.

Best things to see and do in Domodossola

The city is great to visit on the weekend, as there is a local market on Saturdays where you can buy treats. This market is based in Piazza del Mercato, where there are also some lovely little cafes, restaurants, and boutiques to rummage through. The city has architectural highlights like the Palazzo San Francesco art museum. 

Another highlight is climbing the steps to the Sacred Mount Calvary of the Domodossola church. This is located an easy 20 minutes from the central train station. I work out often, so I found the steps easy to climb.

On clear days, you will be in for a treat, as you can experience a fantastic view of the surrounding area and mountains. Many little chapels are on the way, dating back to the 17th century.

Where to eat and stay in Domodossola

For a bite to eat, we recommend dining at Ristorante Vikingo. They have excellent aperitifs and freshly made pizzas if you are hungry.

For dessert, head to Gelateria Amarena for freshly made ice cream to make your taste buds happy. I had a strawberry-vanilla cup of ice cream, delizioso! 

Our stay in Domodossola was at the La Palma Hotel. This was perfect since we travelled by car and needed local on-site parking. From the hotel, we could walk into Domodossola to explore on foot. The overall experience was lovely, with welcoming staff.

Trento - a medieval UNESCO World Heritage site

South of the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy and a hop, skip and jump from Italy's more well-known landmark - Lake Garda, you will find Trento, which is in the district of Trentino. Trento's old-world charm makes this a must for an Italian hidden gem list. 

Before Trento became part of Italy in 1918, it was part of Austria and Austria-Hungary (or the Austro-Hungarian Empire). Trento is famous for its beautiful landscape and delicious cuisine. 

Heading to Trento to explore the region of Trentino brought me here; from the Dolomites to Lake Garda, this region of Italy has it all. It is a hidden gem to most tourists outside of Italy. It was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2009. 

Best things to see and do in Trento

I would highly recommend visiting the Castello del Buonconsiglio.

This castle is one of the Trentino region's most important castles. Although it hosts many exhibitions today, it was once the residence of Princes, Bishops, and Cardinals.

You can't visit Trento without visiting its most recognised cathedral, the stunning Cattedrale di San Vigilio. The unique Tridentine Diocesan Museum, attached to the cathedral, houses fantastic artwork, tapestries, and wooden sculptures. It also explains the rich history and culture of this beautiful town.

Visit Distilleria Francesco in Santa Massenza. It is worth going out of your way to visit (and taste) this grappa distillery in the Trentino region by the beautiful Lake Santa Massenza. 

Where to eat and stay in Trento

For something a little different, eat at Birreria Pedavena. You can choose from various delicious pizzas and pivot from your usual choice of wines and aperitifs to a nice cold beer and some great authentic food.

For a lovely stay in the centre of Trento, book Hotel America.

Sen Jan di Fassa - the best-kept secret in the Dolomites

Being a small town in a valley in the Dolomites, Sen Jan di Fassa is a hidden gem often overlooked by travellers to Northern Italy. As it's not a well-known destination, most people only know about it if they are a camping or RV family like us.

Travelling through the Dolomites' windy roads, the journey to Sen Jan di Fassa is worth the drive from the main highway. It's certainly only a road to drive on at night if you are familiar with mountain driving, but the beautiful scenery draws you in during the day. When you finally get to the town, it's incredible to see the jagged peaks of the Dolomites.

Best things to do and see in Sen Jan di Fassa

Sen Jan di Fassa is quite charming. The locals are very welcoming and create an atmosphere reflecting their peaceful lifestyle.

We walked through the town and stopped at a beautiful old cemetery and a small church worth visiting. Tall stone walls surround the cemetery, and the gravestones and plaques on the walls are fascinating to read. It's a very peaceful place in this lesser-known Italian town.

Sen Jan di Fassa is a good starting point for taking the gondola up the mountain in summer or winter. The mountain journey rewarded us with a breathtaking vantage point from the top.

Not too far away, about 10 minutes by car, there are also great hiking opportunities, including a waterfall. We did a relatively straightforward hike that almost anyone can do.

Where to eat and stay in Sen Jen di Fassa

In town, we stopped at Pizzeria Le Giare, which hits just the right spot for pizza when you're hungry.

As campers, we always seek to find beautiful places to camp during the summer, and the Camping Vidor Family and Wellness Centre was one of the best sites we have visited. It is what initially put this remote spot on the map for us.

The campsite is a great place to stay, made for tent campers and RVS. They have hotel rooms available for anyone who wants to avoid roughing it overnight. The centre has excellent amenities, including a two-storey double slide waterpark and kid pools, saunas, an indoor kids club, a games room, and much more.

We camped for a week, which was one of our best Italian experiences. I highly recommend staying here as it's a hidden gem in northern Italy.

Comacchio - the underrated little Venice in Emilia Romagna

Are you looking for an off-the-tourist-trail location in Italy? If you are, I can recommend Comacchio!

It's easy to understand why they call it Little Venice. Water channels spread over a large part of the city, and colourful houses resemble those on the island of Burano. There are very few people around, and the vibe is surreal.

I visited Comacchio in early spring on one of those dreary days for which the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy is known. It was foggy, with mist and soft rain that wrapped everything in a mystical cloak. Although cold and grey, this scene is part of Comacchio's charm.

Given these meteorological conditions, it may not have been wise to choose a river cruise, yet I decided to go ahead with it despite the weather. 

The cruise was idyllic, and although the shapes were less visible, I could still see many birds fishing on the riverside. And they were not the only ones fishing; I saw many local fishermen with large nets.

After two hours, the cruise ended, and I headed back to the city centre to explore more of Comacchio. 

Where to eat and stay in Comacchio

I decided to eat lunch at Antica Trattoria la Barcaccia. I love to taste local food when travelling, so I went with eel; the taste was strong but good!

With lunch over, I continued to explore Comacchio. I lost myself in the empty alleys until I ended at Ponte Pallotta, where three bridges converge. 

My time in this hidden gem in Northern Italy had ended. As I left to continue my journey to another incredible village in Emilia Romagna, I was pleased to have stumbled upon this beautiful place off the tourist trail.

Villa Cavour is reasonably priced if you want to stay overnight in Comacchio.

Chioggia - the untouristy beach town near Venice

Chioggia, Italy, is a stunning hidden gem just outside Venice.

Since I moved to the Veneto region, it's been on my list of Italian cities to visit since it's part of the city of Venice's public water transportation network.

Once part of the Republic of Venice and the site of the Battle of Chioggia in 1380, the small city is now known for its beautiful canals, quaint streets, and delicious seafood.

On a random Saturday in June, I decided today was the day to visit this lovely little city near Venice. I couldn't believe it when I arrived, by chance, that we were there at the start of its annual Palio della Marciliana festival!

Best things to do and see in Chioggia

Every year, during the festival, the city harks back to its Medieval roots with a crossbow competition, and locals showcase ancient trades such as net-making, coin-casting, and weaving.

I wandered the stalls and watched as these modern-day residents performed age-old arts with the finesse of their ancestors.

After exploring Chioggia's historic centre, we decided to head to the city's coastline and one of the best beaches around Venice. 

The beaches are clean and well-maintained, so you can relax and enjoy the sun without worrying about overcrowding or pollution.

It's an easy walk from the city centre to the city's coastline; it took about 20 minutes to cross the bridge from Chioggia over the Isola dell'Unione to the Sottomarina.

My favourite beach in Sottomarina is Astoria Beach, which is free to enter. After spending a few hours soaking up the sun on the Adriatic Sea, we walked back across the bridge to take the bus from Chioggia's train station back home. 

Of course, with gelato from L'Oasi del Gelato! No beach day in Italy is complete without it, especially with a 20-minute walk ahead. 

Where to stay in Chioggia

Since the town is relatively small, you won't find any large hotel chains or resorts in the historic centre, so booking a room in one of the smaller guesthouses or bed and breakfasts is best. 

Otherwise, you can stay at one of the hotels along the beach or take the Vaporetto back to stay in Venice.

Dozza - Bologna's hidden, painted town of murals

Dozza is a charming village near Bologna, off the usual tourist trail in northern Italy. Its colourful murals are on every street, making Dozza an open-air art museum. It is very reminiscent of Sheffield, the mural town in Tasmania. 

Since 1960, Dozza has hosted a biannual Festival of Painted Walls; however, its medieval streets shine with beautiful images throughout the year. More than one hundred paintings decorate almost every wall in the village. 

Dozza is pretty secluded, a 40-minute drive from Bologna. Hiding among the picturesque hills close to Imola, Dozza is simply enchanting, with spring flowers like wisteria adding to its beauty. 

After discovering it on social media, I was happy to visit Dozza with my Couchsurfing host.

Circular in shape and very small, Dozza didn't require much time to get around. Even so, it was a lovely place that filled me with joy. We had fun exploring and admiring the wall art at a slow and relaxed pace. 

Best things to see and do in Dozza

A lovely castle welcomed us at the entrance of Dozza. 13th-century Rocca Sforzesca dominates the charming town, and in its basement, you'll have a chance to discover a wine cellar with a rich collection of wines from the Emilia-Romagna region. 

The small church of Santa Maria Assunta was the highlight of our visit. Its tower and painted wall are so alluring, even from a distance.

Where to eat and stay in Dozza

There are only a few restaurants in Dozza, among which La Scuderia is just next to the castle. We enjoyed morning coffee there and later had focaccia in La Bottega. It was even more impressive to have our meal outside on our own, with the excellent views of Dozza. 

Not only did Dozza make our trip so alluring, but we also visited the nearby town of Castle San Pietro Terme. Don't miss Giardini degli Angeli, another hidden gem in northern Italy, especially lovely in spring.

Suppose one day in Dozza isn't enough for you. In that case, Locanda Dolcevita is a lovely small hotel in the centre of town, perfect for starting your road trip around the beautiful countryside of Emilia-Romagna.

Chiavenna - a food lover's hidden treasure in Lombardy

Chiavenna is a small medieval commune located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, close to the Swiss-Italian border. It is part of Italy's cittaslow movement, which is all about preserving a place's uniqueness, protecting cultural heritage, and improving quality of life.

Our reason for visiting Chiavenna was the Bresaola Festival. It's a fun annual autumn event that offers an opportunity to eat the famous air-dried meat for which this region is known.

Best things to see and do in Chiavenna

But aside from bresaola, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy around town!

We toured numerous crotti, natural caves fed by subterranean air currents at a constant temperature, making them ideal places to store cheese, meat and wine! These unique mountain cellars can be found in local restaurants and guesthouses. The best way to see one is to choose a restaurant with 'crotto' in its name.

Another activity we enjoyed in Chiavenna was exploring on foot and soaking in views from the bridges across the Mera River. This is where you can best admire the pastel-coloured buildings that hang over the river with the mountains rising in the background. 

We also visited the Parco Archeologico Botanico del Paradiso, a garden on two hills offering views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Chiavenna is one of the hidden gems of northern Italy, and truly worth the effort to get there.

Where to eat and stay in Chiavenna

If you want to try typical Chiavennasca cuisine, Ristorante Crotto Ombra is a great spot. I suggest going hungry and going all out with antipasti, primi, secondi and dolci! And yes, treat yourself to a bottle of wine while you're there.

If one day in Chiavenna isn't enough, book a night in an apartment at Piazza Giani, a historical building in the town centre.

Sesto Calende - charming lakeside views on Lake Maggiore

I chose to visit Sesto Calende while on a trip through Italy because I was visiting a friend who lived nearby with his family.

He suggested that we stay in Sesto Calende instead of the smaller village where he's from, because it's a bit more bustling and offers more to see. 

This charming town is on the side of Lake Maggiore, a beautiful lake with walking trails, boating, and even a plane that takes off and lands on the water. Even so, Sesto Calende remains off the tourist radar and is one of northern Italy's hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

My friend told me the area is known for manufacturing helicopter parts, which explains why there were so many posters and billboards about helicopters. 

The town is small but charming, with a few restaurants and bars. Very few people speak English, so we got by on Google Translate and our meagre attempts at speaking Italian. 

Without a doubt, the highlight of my visit was walking along Lake Maggiore. A path between the houses facing the lake offers breathtaking views in all directions. 

Where to eat and stay in Sesto Calende

For lunch, we tried Piazza Abba La Reclame Srl, a local pizza restaurant that served pasta and other traditional dishes.

The best thing I tried was the bread and cheese served alongside culatello, a type of sliced meat, although all the dishes were impressive. The restaurant has indoor seating, but I recommend grabbing a table outside and enjoying the fresh air. 

Looking for a place to stay in Sesto Calende? Appartamenti Ticino is reasonably priced, has excellent reviews and is close to the train station. Not forgetting mountain views!

Alba - Italy's lesser-known truffle capital

In the Piedmont region, just 70 miles from the French border, Alba is surrounded by wine country in northwest Italy.

This charming, lesser-known gem sits along the Tanaro River. The city's old town, with its small piazzas and stone-lined streets, is at its core. Many structures, including the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, date back to the 12th century.

We were first drawn to Alba, hoping to be lucky enough to experience the region's pride and joy. 

While most people dream of their perfect summer vacation to Italy, we specifically planned our trip so that we would arrive in Alba during the truffle season. 

These aromatic tubers are available for around three months each year (October to December), when the Alba Truffle Fair opens.

Best things to see and do in Alba

We went on a truffle hunt with a local forager and his highly trained dogs, and we even scored a few white truffles, which can sell for thousands of dollars per pound.

The Piedmont region is also famous for its wines, including Barolo, often called the king of wines. We visited a few wineries and were treated to an intimate tasting with views of the entire valley.

Where to eat and stay in Alba

Luckily, we planned and secured a reservation at the highly acclaimed Piazza Duomo - a Michelin three-star restaurant. The restaurant put on a show with an opulent tasting menu featuring white truffles, paired with Nebbiolo. 

Our visit to this culinary region of Italy was a potent reminder that there is so much more to see and taste in Italy when you explore a little deeper and get away from the tourist hotspots.

Alba was a fantastic surprise, more delicious and engaging than we could have imagined. There are plenty of delightful accommodations in Alba for an extended stay.

Recommended Alba Tours

Historic Town Highlights Walking Tour.

Langhe: Truffle Hunting Experience.

Alba History Walking Tour And Food Tasting.

Tasting Of Seven Wines.

Avigliana - a hidden historic town close to Turin

After exploring Turin, our family decided to spend the rest of our Italian trip in a small town. We were travelling by train, so our options were limited.

A quick look at the local trains revealed Avigliana, a hidden gem in Northern Italy, just 30 minutes from Turin. Once we discovered that Avigliana had a medieval hilltop town, we decided that this was the location for us, and it didn't disappoint.

Avigliana's old town is a 20-minute uphill walk from the railway station. On arriving, we were rewarded with a fantastic view over the Susa Valley towards Turin.

The old town centres around a 12th-century cobblestone square, and we spent several hours wandering Avigliana's car-free narrow lanes.

Best things to see and do in Avigliana

We saw the 11th-century town walls, visited the 14th-century Church of St. John (one of many churches in Avigliana) and explored the 14th-century ruins of the Castello di Avigliana on top of Mount Pezzulano.

We loved Avigliana's architecture, which included the House of Porta Ferrata, the octagonal Torre dell'Orologio, and several centuries-old wells. Even in August, it was quiet and devoid of tourists.

It is a 30-minute walk to Avigliana Lakes. Lago Grande is the best lake for swimming; head to the public park on the right side of the lake for free entry. We found the water unbelievably warm.

Where to eat and stay in Avigliana

We stayed at a hostel, Casa Conte Rosso, in an old building on the central square. It was impeccably clean and had many original features. It offered small en-suite dorms and private rooms.

We popped into Caffetteria Del Vecchio Borgo each day for coffee (and for a late-night beer!), but the best restaurant we found was Ristorante San Michele.

The helpful owner recommended local specialities; their Agnolotti del Piemonte was outstanding. He also introduced our children to Chinotto, a drink made from the fruit juice of the myrtle-leaved orange tree. For the adults, he recommended Genepy liqueur infused with botanicals. It was the best meal we had during our entire trip to Italy.

Bassano del Grappa - a food lover's secret destination

Bassano del Grappa is a medieval town located in the Veneto region in the Vicenza province. It's a place I love going to when I'm back in Italy since my hometown, Castelfranco Veneto, is close by. It's a 25-minute drive or just 20 minutes by train.

The incredible views of the Alps from Ponte Vecchio make Bassano del Grappa one of Italy's best-kept secrets.

Ponte Vecchio is a bridge by Antonio Canova that overlooks the picturesque town centre, known for its narrow cobblestoned streets and relaxed atmosphere.

Best things to see and do in Bassano del Grappa

While here, exploring both piazzas, Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Libertà, is important. My favourite drink to try here is the signature cocktail at the Leone bar.

A must is also visiting the civic tower and the nearby Museo Civico di Bassano to learn more about the town's archaeological past and admire Canova's works.

The famous grappa distillate comes from here, too, so it is worth visiting the Poli Grappa Museum, which offers free admission to learn how grappa is produced. Then, at the end, join a grappa-tasting experience.

Bassano del Grappa is also famous for its ceramic production, which is well known throughout Italy and beyond. Stop by the small boutique stores or artisanal laboratories in the city centre to admire the creations.

Where to eat and stay in Bassano del Grappa

My favourite time to visit is around springtime, when eating the local white asparagus is common. It's a versatile ingredient used to prepare pasta and risotto dishes or as a side dish to accompany various main courses. The best place to taste the local cuisine is the Trattoria Bigoleria da Alice, beside the railway station.

To stay in Bassano del Grappa, try booking Hotel Victoria, a modern hotel 5 minutes from the historic centre.

Courmayeur - the secret alpine village in the Aosta Valley

The Italian alpine village of Courmayeur is nestled in the Aosta Valley, the smallest region in Northern Italy, on the border with France. The two countries are only accessible through the Mont Blanc tunnel or the rotating Skyway Monte Bianco cable car.

I stumbled upon the lesser-known Courmayeur by chance while driving to the famous French resort of Chamonix. Before arriving at this underrated destination, I hadn't even known its existence; it just happened to be the last village in Italy to stop at before entering the Mont Blanc tunnel into France.

Courmayeur is a beautiful hidden gem, surrounded by the Mont Blanc Massif, which towers over the town. Wooden chalets decorated with colourful flowers line the streets, and activity and adventure hubs remind you that Courmayeur becomes a ski resort in winter. The sun shone during our visit, and the town of Courmayeur looked beautiful in summer.

Courmayeur is on the 170 km-long Tour Du Mont Blanc hiking route, which spans Italy, France, and Switzerland. We spotted many hikers kitted out and heading for the mountains. We discovered many shorter hikes, including a stunning glacial lake hike, which we would have loved to do had we had the time.

Courmayeur has a good range of restaurants, but we opted for a cold beer and an ice cream while wandering around town.

Where to stay in Courmayeur

If you have booked a stay in Courmayeur, there are many great day trips from the town too. And, if, like us, you are on a European road trip, you are within driving distance of the beautiful cities of Annecy in France and Geneva in Switzerland.

Val Venosta Valley – the natural wonder of South Tyrol

I accidentally discovered the Val Venosta valley with my wife on a trip to a more well-known sight in the region, the bell tower in Lake Resia. We were driving through to Müstair, a neighbouring town in Switzerland. 

Val Venosta, known in German as Vinschgau, is one of Northern Italy's hidden gems in South Tyrol. Italy annexed the former Austrian region after WW1, so locals still speak a German dialect as well as Italian. 

The road at the Resia pass at the northern end is at a higher altitude. Our drive went downwards across the valley of lakes, passing small villages that seemed frozen in time. The views are stunning in spring, with snow-capped mountains and green fields filled with colourful spring flowers. 

Best things to do in the Val Venosta Valley

There are plenty of things to do in Val Venosta, and a history spanning two thousand years can be unearthed in places such as the town of Glurns and the village of Burgusio. Roman outposts along the Via Claudia Augusta formed a vital trade route leading northward across what is now Austria and Germany. 

The abbey of Monte Maria, a Benedictine monastery, has existed since Medieval times, and the Romanesque art of the crypt and church is unique in the Alps. 

The drive further up into the mountains takes you to a little travel gem, an unknown waterfall. A two-hour-long hike up the mountain trail will reward you with the scenic Schlinig waterfall.

Our favourite hangout was the ruins of the Castello di Montichiari. Straight out of a fairy tale, the ruins are located at the top of a tiny village, from which you can overlook the valley. 

Val Venosta is also known for growing some of the best apples in Europe. The Romans introduced the apple tradition, and the area is now internationally known for its Delicious, Kanzi, Golden, and Gala varieties.

Where to Eat and Stay in the Val Venosta Valley

Book a dinner at the Tschenglsburg, a former castle now a restaurant, to try every tasty bite Vinschgau has to offer. 

Stay at the Hotel Garberhof for a rustic-chic experience in the Val Venosta valley.

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