rom the ancient streets of Rome and the Venetian canals to the Alps and the Amalfi Coast, Italy is a country of spectacular contrasts. It delivers everything from art and architecture to glamorous beaches, sophisticated lake resorts, rural retreats and skiing and activity vacations. If you have already been to Italy, here are some of the lesser-known Italian towns and regions that are well worth exploring...
Wine, truffles, chocolate, hazelnuts...if you're not salivating yet, you soon will be. With its undulating countryside, mouth-watering cuisine and award-winning wines, Piedmont, tucked into the hills behind Turin, has long been a secret slice of heaven among gastronomes. The region is home to the world's white truffle capital, Alba, whose mushroom festival straddles a fortnight in October. Southern Piedmont is flush with castles and stately homes, among them the former residence of the Kings of Savoy, the Royal Palace in Turin.
Turin offers great city break potential. Its elegant center houses stunning baroque palaces, tree-lined boulevards, grand cafes, museums and art galleries. Following restoration, the Palazzo Madama (Lady Palace) has re-opened with over 70,000 works of art. A key 'sight' is the Holy Shroud in Turin's cathedral.
Every town or city in Umbria seems to breathe art from its ancient stone. Along with some notable Etruscan ruins, the 'green heart' of Italy is dotted with medieval hilltop towns and villages, while Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, Todi, Gubbio and Orvieto are home to world-renowned squares, monuments, cathedrals, castles and monasteries. Treasured works of art can be found all over. Lake Trasimeno, the impressive Marmore Waterfalls and acres of wild, rolling countryside - Umbria - is crossed by the Apennines - offer good potential for bird watching, trekking and mountain-biking. Umbria excels at agritourism, with rustic farmhouses scattered across idyllic landscapes, many of them attached to vineyards. Laced with vines, Umbria's countryside supports a prolific wine-growing sector including two DOCG wines and an impressive 11 DOC wines. Epicurean delights include prized oils and wines, while sprinkling of natural spas and springs set in magnificent landscapes adds another string to Umbria's bow. One of the best known is Terme di Fontecchio at Citta di Castello, once frequented by Pliny the Younger.
The Trasimeno Music Festival (late June), the acclaimed Umbria Jazz festivals in summer (Perugia) and winter (Orvieto), and the Todi Arte Festival (September) make good city break sell-ins. The Festival delle Nazione (August 25 to September 5) pays homage to Great Britain with its Midsummer Night's Dream concert directed by Henry Purcell. All of the concerts are held in churches around Citta di Castello.
The captivating Amalfi Coast is justifiably well-known, but equally dramatic is the national park and protected marine area of the Cinque Terre, five picture-perfect villages that cling to the mountains hugging the Ligurian coastline. The real joy of the Cinque Terre is walking along the centuries-old paths that join the villages, each step flanked by Mediterranean bush, olive orchards, vineyards and sensory treats - and the views. The most famous path, the Via dell'Amore (lovers' walk), connects Manarola with Riomaggiore and is hewn out of the steep cliffs. The first village on the approach from Genoa is Monterosso al Mare, with its large beach and promenade, followed by Vernazza, at the mouth of a river. Manarola and Riomaggiore cling spectacularly to the rock face, their pastel-hued houses piled impossibly against the cliff face. Corniglia, surrounded by vineyards, is the only village not on the sea. The Cinque Terre Card, supplied by the National Park, covers trains and electric coaches.
Topographically, Liguria has a little of everything - sea, lakes, mountains (with the odd ski piste) and rolling countryside. Plus great food, some stunning palazzos and impressive gardens. And don't bypass historical Genoa, the region's transport hub as it's also the birthplace of pesto and Christopher Columbus.
The second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia boasts some of Italy's most sought-after beaches. Leave the glitzy Costa Smeralda to the Gucci set and get off the beaten track. Beyond this millionaire's playground of yachts, designer shops and golf courses, you'll find cities like Alghero, which benefits from a strong Catalan influence, and mile upon mile of stunning beaches and bays washed by emerald waters. Among the first to woo independent holidaymakers were the attractive port towns of the Gallura region, but even Gallura's pretty beaches are being given a run for their money by up-and-coming finds like Cala Gonone, on the island's east coast. Overlooking the Gulf of Orosei, a 90-minute drive from Olbia airport, Cala Gonone has grown from a tiny fishing village into a buzzing summer resort town yet is still relatively unknown. The Cala Luna coast features 25 miles of craggy limestone cliffs, caves and secluded beaches, many of them accessible only by boat.
Orosei is known for its mussel beds and cozze alla marinara (sautéed mussels) is a popular starter.
Sun, sea and centuries of culture laid bare in castles, archeological sites and historical towns and cities, plus great food and wine, make Apulia (Puglia) a dream destination. The region offers scores of quieter and more affordable alternatives to some of Italy's more saturated destinations. Try substituting the baroque city Lecce for Florence; the whitewashed towns and inland pine forests of the Valle d'Itria for Tuscany; and the seaside towns of Monopoli, Ostuni or Galipoli for Sorrento. The Salento peninsula, south of Brindisi, is known as the 'heel of Italy' and offers miles of sandy beaches. There's no compromising on quality - the region offers some of Italy's most spectacular boutique accommodation.
Puglia's conical-roofed whitewashed trulli houses offer a unique experience, many having been converted into self-catering villas.
Floating off the toe of the Italian mainland, the island of Sicily is noticeably distinct from the rest of Italy. This is where Europe starts to take on a flavor of Greece. Go to Taormina, east of the island, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the largest active volcano in Europe, Mt. Etna. The volcano smoke from its snow-covered summit is framed by a blue sky, while far below the azure sea laps its shores of pristine sandy beaches. Visit Erice, located on the northern coast of the western part of the island. It is an ancient town balanced high in the mountains and overlooking the sea. You will see old stone streets, castle towers and ancient churches emit a sense on medieval times. The food identifies very much with its varied past; Couscous being an Arab dish is a specialty there. Or see Monreale, located 5 miles from Palermo, known for its outstanding Byzantine mosaic style cathedral that identifies also with its Arabic and Norman past. Nearby and up the road is the large Norman fortress, the Castellaccio, which protected the area from invaders.
WHAT ELSE? Must visits: The Norman Palace where both Norman and Arab cultures fused to produce the unique architecture, the Quattro Conti (the four corners), which is in the center of the old town, San Giovanni degli Eremiti (St. John of the Hermits), most known for the Arab-Norman structures. The colorful street market, Vucciria, which resembles a Kasbah featuring an astounding selection of foods. Mondello Beach, just outside the city, is full with great fish restaurants and atmosphere.
Italy is Magic