10 hidden gems not to be missed in Italy this winter

Italy has long captivated travelers of every era with a rich, widespread heritage shaped by art, landscapes, and traditions. It is a country discovered through its great masterpieces, but also through everyday details—villages, town squares, and places where time seems to move at a slower pace.

In recent years, however, the heavy concentration of tourist flows has brought the issue of overtourism into sharper focus. This has sparked the need to look beyond the most well-trodden routes, choosing destinations that offer more authentic experiences, closely connected to the identity of the places and the communities that call them home.

In 2026, Visit Italy invites travelers to explore the 99% of Italy and its Luminous Destinations, rediscovering places that are especially rewarding to experience in winter. Below is a list of 10 must-see places in 2026, from more livable art cities like Orvieto and Arezzo, to charming villages such as Bobbio and Treia, and unexpected destinations where Italy reveals its most authentic side.

Visiting lesser-known destinations doesn’t mean giving up beauty—it means choosing it more consciously. This is the message behind 99% of Italy, which encourages reflection on overtourism and invites travelers to rediscover authentic Italy: villages, landscapes, and cities beyond the busiest routes, where travel once again becomes a true experience.

In 2026, this vision is further enriched by Luminous Destinations, a project that highlights places capable of inspiring a different way of traveling. Places where beauty is not overcrowded, but experienced in balance, with respect for local communities and the surrounding environment.

Below, we’ve selected 10 destinations to visit in Italy during winter 2026—authentic, lesser-known places that tell a different story of travel, far from the crowds and closer to the country’s true soul.

Rome has long drawn millions of visitors, yet just beyond the capital lies an ideal destination for those seeking places to visit in Italy during winter, far from the crowds. Tivoli, less than an hour away, is a city rich in history, art, and landscapes, where a slower, more authentic rhythm still prevails.

The symbol of Tivoli is Villa Adriana, the extraordinary archaeological complex commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Spanning more than 100 hectares, the site reflects the grandeur of the Roman Empire through temples, baths, gardens, and structures inspired by the emperor’s travels, including the evocative Canopus and the renowned Maritime Theater.

Alongside its Roman legacy, Tivoli is home to another UNESCO-recognized masterpiece: Villa d’Este. Built in the 16th century, it is famed for its Italian-style gardens, monumental fountains, and water features that turn Renaissance architecture into an immersive experience of nature, landscape, and harmony.

Strolling through the historic center also reveals the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Renaissance-era Rocca Pia, and the remains of the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor—testimonies to a layered and surprising city. In winter, Tivoli is a perfect choice for those who enjoy more livable art cities, ideal for a weekend devoted to culture and relaxation.

You don’t have to travel far to find landscapes that recall Ireland: Bobbio is one of the most captivating villages in northern Italy, set along the Trebbia River between the Apennines and the Po Valley. Rich in history, landscapes, and traditions, it’s an ideal choice for those looking for places to visit in Italy during winter, far from the crowds.

Bobbio’s history is closely tied to Saint Columbanus, the Irish monk who founded an important monastery here in 614. Today, the Abbey of San Colombano is the spiritual heart of the village, home to the saint’s crypt and museums that tell a story shaped by faith, culture, and European exchange.

A walk through the historic center reveals other must-see landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Malaspina-Dal Verme Castle, both reflections of Bobbio’s medieval soul. On November 23, the celebration dedicated to Saint Columbanus offers a special chance to experience the village through rituals, traditions, and an authentic atmosphere.

Among the most iconic sights is the Ponte Gobbo, steeped in legends and mystery, a symbol of the town and a striking crossing over the Trebbia. In winter, Bobbio becomes a perfect destination for lovers of nature, snow, and outdoor activities, offering winter sports or the quiet of the valley for a relaxing, authentic weekend.

The charm of castles and grand town squares is a defining feature of Italy, a land of villages and art cities rich in identity. In the south, one of the most evocative destinations is Conversano, an elegant town in the southern Murge area near Bari, ideal for those seeking places to visit in Italy during winter at an authentic pace.

The historic center is dominated by the majestic Acquaviva d’Aragona Castle, a fortified residence blending Renaissance and Baroque styles. Inside, the Paolo Finoglio Art Gallery displays renowned paintings inspired by Jerusalem Delivered, illustrating the connection between art, power, and territory.

The castle is also the heart of Novello Sotto il Castello, an autumn event celebrating local food and wine traditions in a lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience Conversano through flavors, music, and conviviality, even outside the peak season.

Wandering through narrow streets and squares, you’ll encounter the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Monastery of San Benedetto, and the evocative Galleria Vì, each revealing a layered and surprising town. Thanks to Apulia’s mild climate, winter is also ideal for a nature break at Lake Sassano, perfect for relaxation, birdwatching, and a rejuvenating weekend.

The Gulf of Naples may evoke summer imagery, but it can be just as surprising in winter. As the crowds thin out, the islands reveal a more intimate and authentic side. It’s the ideal time to discover places to visit in Italy during winter away from mass tourism, experiencing the landscape with calm and depth.

On the island of Capri, Anacapri stands out for its higher elevation and slower pace. Freed from summer overtourism, it becomes a perfect destination for those seeking nature, landscapes, and culture, with quiet alleyways, panoramic terraces, and restaurants where you can enjoy true Capri cuisine.

Winter is also the perfect season to explore the island’s scenery. From Mount Solaro, reachable via the chairlift operating year-round, sweeping views open over the sea and coastline. Hiking enthusiasts can follow the evocative Path of the Bourbon Forts, winding through Mediterranean scrub along the island’s western shore.

In the heart of Anacapri, a must-see stop is Villa San Michele, a fascinating house-museum open all year. With its archaeological finds, the famous Egyptian sphinx, and breathtaking views, the villa reveals the island’s most cultured and refined side, while also hosting events and artistic initiatives.

Anacapri in winter is the ideal choice for those who want more livable islands, authentic experiences, and a weekend of relaxation among sea, history, and silence.

The green heart of Italy, Umbria, a region much loved by travelers from all over the world as an ideal destination for a holiday dedicated to slowness, exploration and a renewed sense of harmony with nature. A land of woods, mountains, rivers and lakes, but also of exceptional landscapes characterized by cities rich in artistic, architectural and cultural treasures.

Orvieto is the perfect example, a true masterpiece built on the top of a cliff in the suggestive and relaxing landscape of the Apennines, a place where the passage of history has left numerous testimonies that today can be discovered by visiting this wonderful city.

The most iconic attraction of Orvieto is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the most beautiful and sumptuous Italian Gothic churches built between the Middle Age and the Renaissance, whose very high spires represent the most characteristic landscape element of the town. A place of pure art and beauty, which already brings together just in its facade the work of the most prestigious craftsmen of architecture, sculpture, painting and mosaic art of the time. A charm that even continues visiting the interior, finding yourself amazed and excited in the middle of the Chapel of San Brizio, a chamber richly decorated with the fresco cycle History of the Last Days or Judgment Day, considered a unique piece in the history of art for the originality of the theme and its representation.

Among so many places of religious worship to visit in Orvieto we also recommend the churches of Sant’Andrea, San Francesco and San Domenico, that are some of the oldest in the region. The city is also very rich in historic buildings, including Palazzo Soliano, Palazzo Papale, Palazzo del Popolo and Palazzo Faina, today mainly home to museums and institutions.

Orvieto also offers tourists many particularly suggestive and fascinating attractions, including the famous Well of St. Patrick, the Quarry’s Well, the underground city of the complex of the Caves of Hadrian and the Etruscan ruins of the Belvedere Temple.

There are many fairytale places in Italy, so so many, each wonderful in its own way and all worthy of being discovered by travelers eager for beauty and emotions. One of these places is Bard, an enchanting fortress village that, just like a precious jewel in a crown, is perfectly set in the fairytale landscape of the Aosta’s Alps.

This small and charming mountain hamlet is dominated by Fort Bard, a majestic fortress that for centuries has been the solemn guardian of this stretch of land crossed by the Dora Bàltea river, the scene of battles and destruction, but also - and above all - of reconstruction, both material and cultural.

Today the fortress village of Bard is indeed an important artistic and cultural point of reference in the Aosta Valley, hosting within its mighty walls the museum complex known as the Museum of the Alps, full of halls and exhibitions to learn about the history of the castle and the village and discover the secrets of the most iconic mountains in Italy.

The village of Bard is also a particularly lively center all year round, home to many popular and characteristic events of the local tradition with great tourist appeal.

Among these, the most outstanding ones are Marché au Fort, the largest fair-market of Aosta Valley food and wine products held in October, and the Lumières de Noël au Fort de Bard between December and January, a stunning and sparkling Christmas light show to return to childhood and get excited on the occasion of the most magical holidays of the year.

Perched on a hill between the Ionian Sea and the first ridges of the Pollino National Park, Oriolo is one of the most captivating villages in northern Calabria. In winter, it reveals its most intimate side, becoming one of the places to visit in Italy during winter for those seeking nature, silence, and authenticity.

The medieval historic center, with its narrow lanes, arches, and panoramic squares, is dominated by the Castle of Oriolo, the village’s landmark and a privileged viewpoint over landscapes stretching from the sea to the mountains. Walking its streets in winter means experiencing the town at a slower pace, surrounded by evocative views and a strong local identity.

Thanks to its location, Oriolo offers diverse experiences even in the colder months. On one side lies the sea, on the other trails, hills, and natural areas ideal for hiking, scenic walks, and moments of relaxation immersed in nature. The mild climate makes it easy to explore without the crowds of peak season.

In winter, Oriolo is perfect for travelers eager to discover a lesser-known Calabria, shaped by traditions, authentic villages, and unhurried rhythms. An ideal destination for a weekend away from mass tourism, where travel becomes a true encounter and a journey of discovery.

Traveling through Sardinia in winter means discovering a more intimate and soulful island, far from the summer spotlight. It’s here, among the inland villages, that culture, traditions, and a strong sense of identity come to the surface, making these places ideal places to visit in Italy during winter.

In the province of Sassari, Usini best captures this authentic dimension. A village to experience at a slower pace, wandering through narrow lanes, small squares, and modest churches such as the Church of Santa Maria Bambina, taking advantage of the mild climate that makes outdoor strolls enjoyable even in the colder months.

Among the initiatives that reflect the village’s identity, it’s worth mentioning Ajò a Ippuntare, an event dedicated to local traditions and products promoted by Salude & Trigu, which has brought Usini to life by celebrating the area’s culture and sense of community.

Usini also surprises visitors with its archaeological heritage. The surrounding area is home to important sites such as S’Elighe Entosu and S’Iscia ’e Sas Piras, featuring numerous domus de janas, as well as the sacred well S’Iscia ’e su Puttu and the giants’ tomb Sas Iscias, which trace an ancient history immersed in nature.

In winter, Usini is a perfect destination for those seeking traditions, authentic landscapes, and a weekend of relaxation away from the crowds.

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most iconic regions, renowned for its art, history, and landscapes that range from rolling vineyard-covered hills to villages and art cities. Yet beyond Florence and Pisa lies a more intimate and authentic Tuscany, ideal for those seeking places to visit in Italy during winter, far from overtourism.

In the heart of the Valdichiana, Arezzo is a city that surprises with its slower pace and remarkable cultural depth. Visiting Arezzo feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, amid refined architecture, scenic squares, and an elegant, timeless atmosphere.

At the center of the city lies Piazza Grande, one of Italy’s most striking squares, known for its sloping shape and the majestic Palazzo delle Logge. Overlooking the square are also the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici and the Pieve of Santa Maria Assunta, enduring symbols of Arezzo’s historical identity.

Piazza Grande also hosts the Giostra del Saracino and the renowned Antiques Fair, events that bring the city to life and celebrate its traditions. Climbing toward the upper part of town, you reach the Arezzo Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture, enriched with works by Vasari, Piero della Francesca, and stained-glass windows by Guillaume de Marcillat.

Other must-see landmarks include the Basilica of San Francesco, home to the fresco cycle The Legend of the True Cross, the Church of San Domenico, and the Vasari House Museum. In winter, Arezzo is an ideal art city for a weekend of culture, relaxation, and beauty without the crowds.

When it comes to hidden gems to discover and experience intensely with the emotion of traveling, Marche region is an unmissable destination in Italy. And among its most beautiful jewels Treia certainly stands out, an ancient village full of beauty in the province of Macerata less than an hour far from Recanati, birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi.

First a Roman colony, Treia nowadays is a charming village to explore slowly and with the desire to feel amazed, being fascinated by its walls and towers that stand out in this pretty hilly landscape, in particular the scenic Torre San Marco - what remains of the ancient Onglavina Castle.

A fundamental stop to absolutely visit in Treia is the iconic Piazza della Repubblica, the town lounge characterized by its peculiar aesthetic reminding of a horseshoe and a breathtaking viewpoint that offers an impressive panoramic view all the way to the sea. On the three sides of the square you can admire majestic 1700’s buildings, that are the Church of San Filippo Neri, the Town Hall and above all Accademia Georgica, a truly unique place that was a meeting point for scholars and intellectuals, today home to the municipal historical archive with a collection of about 14,000 ancient volumes.

Also not to be missed are Cathedral of SS. Annunziata, the Villas Valcerasa and Spada, the curious Museum of Pallone col Bracciale - a true place of worship dedicated to the most popular 1800’s Italian team sport - and the small, wonderful Teatro Condominiale in its neoclassical style.