Italy is, by far, one of the most popular destinations for anyone heading to Europe to experience their summer.
The country has it all: beaches, history, amazing food, great wine, and incredible culture. So where do you even start?
9Travel chatted with Nancy De Losa, co-founder of boutique cycling tour company A’qto Italian Cycling Tours, offering immersive experiences in Italy, to get her inside scoop on the country.
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Nancy says exploring lesser-known regions off the tourist trail can be a great way to get the most out of your holiday.
There are fewer crowds, making for a more relaxing trip – plus the prices are lower.
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She has shared a list of destination swaps that you can consider when planning your next trip to Italy, whether you want food, history, beaches, culture, or a mix of everything.
Instead of Rome, try Ponza
Most travellers fly in and out of Rome, but instead of staying in the capital, Nancy suggests heading to the island of Ponza – a three-hour train-and-ferry ride from Rome.
”You can swim in clear waters, explore grottos and sea caves by boat, a bit of diving or snorkelling, gentle nature walks, and even a touch of ancient history. Ponza’s story goes all the way back to the Phoenicians and Etruscans, even before Roman times, and there are some interesting ruins and mythology tied to the island.”
While Nancy says nothing could really ever be a replacement for Rome, “it’s a great alternative if you’re looking for something slower, coastal, and distinctly Italian to recharge before heading home or starting your trip.”
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Instead of Florence, try Arezzo
An hour by train from Florence, Arezzo is easy to reach and feels a world away in terms of pace. It’s a town that locals live and work in, not overly touristy, but still absolutely beautiful with its medieval streets, grand piazzas, and gorgeous hilltop views.
Time your visit with the first weekend of each month, when there’s a monthly antique fair. There are food stalls, musicians playing in the squares, and a real festive vibe that brings the town to life. It gets busy, but not in an overwhelming way.
“I’d say Arezzo is ideal for a couple of nights, just long enough to soak up the atmosphere, explore the shops and cafés, and feel like you’ve discovered a bit of Tuscany that many people miss,” Nancy advises.
Instead of Venice, try Chioggia
Venice is a bucket list spot for many, so it’s often crowded all year round. Meanwhile, Chioggia is a short ferry ride away and offers the same cobblestoned alleys and network of canals, minus the hordes of tourists.
”Chioggia is actually one of the main fishing ports in the region, and it’s where much of Venice’s seafood comes from,” says Nancy. “So unsurprisingly, the waterfront is lined with excellent seafood restaurants selling freshly caught fish, simple pastas and high-quality local wines, all enjoyed overlooking the water.”
Whether you go for an afternoon or a few nights, Nancy loves the slow pace of the town.
“Chioggia is not trying to compete with Venice, nothing could, but it has its own rhythm. There’s a beach where you can spend a few lazy afternoons, little boat tours if you want to explore the canals, and a relaxed, authentic vibe.”
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Instead of the Amalfi Coast, try the Cilento Coast
If you’re thinking about the Amalfi Coast but want something a little less crowded and more affordable, but still with incredible beauty and history, head a little further south to the Cilento Coast.
You’ll find gorgeous cliffside villages, but the landscapes are a bit less dramatic than Amalfi, so while it’s not as jaw-dropping in that sense, it also means far fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more relaxed vibe.
Some towns Nancy loves include:
Agropoli – A coastal town with some cliffside buildings, known more for its archaeological significance than for dramatic views.
Paestum – Home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in Italy. There’s also a beachside area with resorts nearby.
Palinuro – Absolutely stunning coastline, great for swimming, boat trips, snorkelling, and visiting beautiful grottoes and sea caves.
Santa Maria di Castellabate – Probably the most Amalfi-like of the bunch, with pastel buildings spilling down to the sea and a charming old town feel. Still much quieter and more accessible than Positano or Ravello.
Instead of Cinque Terre, head to Camogli, Liguria
Nestled along the Italian Riviera, this charming seaside town offers a tranquil, authentic experience with plenty to explore. Camogli is home to picturesque streets lined with colourful buildings, fantastic restaurants, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
What really sets Camogli apart, says Nancy, is its stunning natural surroundings. The town is surrounded by beautiful beaches that are only accessible by boat or on foot.
“One of the best hikes we did was the 10-kilometre trail to Portofino, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs along the way,” she says. “This walk takes you in and out of the hills and provides an entirely different perspective of the coast, making it feel like a secret gem far from the crowds. You can walk to Portofino, then take a boat back.”
Camogli also offers boat trips, snorkelling, and other water activities, all with the added benefit of far fewer tourists compared to Cinque Terre. Plus, it’s just a train ride away from Rome, Florence, and Milan.
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Best time to travel to Italy
Though many tourists head to Italy for their summer months, Nancy says the best time to visit is during the shoulder season.
Visit in months like April and May or late September and October to avoid crowds and also take advantage of lower prices. If you’re travelling in the off-season, car hire can cost as little as 5 Euros a day, she says.
It’s also not as hot, especially inland – perfect weather for doing a cycling tour.
Nancy says opting to travel by bus instead of train can be a great way to save money as it’s a lot cheaper. During the shoulder and off season, when the crowds have died down, you’re more likely to find last-minute bus tickets, too.
