15 Off-the-Beaten-Path Italian Towns You Need to Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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