Located in Italy’s northeast corner just a few hours north of Venice, Italy’s Dolomites mountains are known for spectacular scenery and a distinct culture that seems more Swiss or German than Italian. When we work with self-described scenery junkies at Italy Beyond the Obvious, the Dolomites are one of the first places we recommend. In […]
Located in the central Italian region of Umbria, the small city of Perugia remains somewhat under the radar for many international travelers to Italy. We frequently send Italy Beyond the Obvious travelers to Perugia for history and culture, and because its a perfect city to explore on foot. Spend a day or so in Perugia […]
Italy’s museums and churches are full of incredible masterpieces: oil paintings, sculpture, centuries-old frescoes, and more. But mosaics, in particular, are a unique and durable art form steeped in history. Mosaics are made of colored stones or glass (often with a gold leaf sandwiched between two layers) therefore vibrant colors can last many centuries and resist […]
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the country’s most picture-perfect spots, but also gets extremely busy during high season. The iconic towns of Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello attract many thousands of visitors between the months of April and October, when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors might therefore assume that there are many fantastic […]
Given that Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula almost completely surrounded by water, it comes as no surprise that the country has many beautiful seaside villages. The five fishing villages below – in order from north to south – are a mix of famous and lesser-known towns. All of them offer beautiful scenery, a lovely atmosphere, […]
The beautiful countryside of Tuscany, Italy is a popular subject for glossy travel magazines, wall calendars, and coffee table photography books. When we start working with travelers at Italy Beyond the Obvious, we always ask how Italy won the jackpot for their dream trip. Quite often, the answer includes a desire to see the iconic […]
Located in Italy’s northwest corner, the small city of Genoa is a fantastic under-the-radar destination. Italy Beyond the Obvious travelers frequently tell us after a visit that Genoa is an undiscovered gem! Below, our seven top recommendations for the visitor who wants to connect with local culture. Explore the small streets and beautiful squares of […]
Italy has virtually every type of scenery one can imagine, from bucolic countrysides with rolling hills to majestic mountains to spectacular coastlines. The country preserves much of this beauty in its 25 national parks, which receive many millions of visitors every year. The stunning national parks featured below are Italy’s Top Four in terms of […]
Most people know that Italy is home to the famous automobile makers Ferrari and Lamborghini, but there are other reasons that the country is a fantastic destination for car enthusiasts of all types. The unique experiences below can be included in an Italy itinerary along with food, wine, history and culture. Or, they can be […]
The boot-shaped Italian peninsula is almost entirely surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, so it’s no surprise that the country has a lot of islands. Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, and Venice are probably the most well-known Italian islands, but there are many others worth visiting that don’t get as much press. Some are an ideal beach destination, […]
Hiking trails of every length and difficulty crisscross Italy, but we didn’t pick the walks below with backpackers in mind. We’re recommending these town-to- town hikes for active travelers who enjoy slow travel. Walk through medieval towns and fields of sunflowers, and enjoy countryside vistas, then arrive at a fantastic hotel and sleep on crisp […]
