Off-the-Beaten-Path Towns to Visit in Italy

1 Taormina

The stunning resort town of Taormina, on the eastern coast of Sicily, is known for its spectacular views.

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2 Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure, with its lovely beaches, is a good alternative to the ultraexclusive nearby resort town of Portofino.

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3 Forte dei Marmi

Image Source: Flickr user David van der Mark

Located on the western side of Tuscany, Forte dei Marmi is a popular beach destination for Italians.

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4 Alghero

Image Source: Flickr user Alessandro Caproni

Alghero, a small city on the island of Sardinia, has a picture-perfect location on the Mediterranean Sea.

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5 Alba

Image Source: Flickr user Doyouwine

The hillside village of Alba, located in the northwestern region of Italy, is a favorite destination for truffle fans.

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6 Capri

Image Source: Flickr user Diana Robinson

The small island of Capri in Italy's Tyrrhenian Sea is a lovely destination for a few days or a day trip — even New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio couldn't resist Capri's charms.

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7 Syracuse

Image Source: Flickr user Roberto Faccenda

Syracuse — known as Siracusa to the locals — is a city in Sicily with a rich Greek history, a legacy most apparent on the small island of Ortygia.

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8 Parma

Image Source: Flickr user Pug Girl

Visiting the town of Parma in Central Italy is a must for anyone who considers themselves a cheese lover.

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9 Bologna

Image Source: Flickr user g.sighele

Bologna, home to a large university, is often called Italy's "Red City," a name that comes either from the color of its roofs or its political leanings.

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10 Palermo

Image Source: Flickr user Patrick Nouhailler

Palermo, the largest city on the island of Sicily, is a bustling destination with great food and vintage charm. Technically, Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy, so it functions independently, but it's still intrinsically connected to the country.

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11 Salsomaggiore Terme

Image Source: Flickr user Arend

Salsomaggiore Terme is a small spa town in Central Italy famed for its waters. The region's mountaintop views should be as widely known.

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12 Bernalda

Image Source: Flickr user Fiore Silvestro Barbato

The town of Bernalda, with its Norman-era Castle of Bernalda, proved so captivating to director Francis Ford Coppola that he established his Palazzo Margherita hotel there.

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13 Turin

Image Source: Flickr user Fulvio Spada

Turin, a prosperous city in Northern Italy that is home to numerous auto manufacturers like Fiat and Alfa Romeo, is an essential stop for car aficionados.

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14 Porto Ercole

Image Source: Flickr user Viaggio Routard

The small town of Porto Ercole, on Italy's western coast, is known for the iconic Hotel Il Pellicano.

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15 Lecce

Image Source: Flickr user freshcreator

The southern town of Lecce is known for its baroque architecture, earning the moniker "Florence of the south."

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