9 of the most underrated Italian cities to visit

Everyone these days seems to be going to Puglia, and Bari serves as the region’s natural entry point. This bustling port town is a go-to for fresh markets, delectable street food and winding alleys where you can still find local women skillfully handmake orecchiette pasta. The best part? Compared to Italy’s popular cities, Bari is pretty budget-friendly, and it’s just a short drive to charming coastal towns like Polignano a Mare, Giovinazzo, and Monopoli. Marvel at the eleventh-century Basilica San Nicola, enjoy contemporary art exhibitions at the seafront Teatro Margherita, and soak in the lively atmosphere of its historic squares and waterfront promenade.

Bound by Renaissance-era walls, Lucca has all the charm of a Tuscan town while boasting enough art, culture and food to rival many a big city. Bike along its walls to orient yourself before heading downtown for a spritz or coffee in the oval-shaped Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, which sits atop an ancient amphitheatre. Or climb the 233 steps inside the Guinigi Tower: you’ll be rewarded with a shady rooftop garden and panoramic views of the city. Lucca is a hub for events and festivals, including the Lucca Summer Festival featuring popular Italian and international bands, Lucca Comics & Games, and plenty of religious celebrations throughout the year. And it’s only a 30-minute train from Pisa, if you absolutely must get that leaning tower shot.

Cefalù, a charming Sicilian coastal city at the foothills of the Madonie Mountains, is quickly becoming one of Italy's most sought-after beach destinations. Alongside Palermo, Sicily's capital, Cefalù is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its distinctive fusion of Arab and Norman architectural styles. Beyond sunbathing along Cefalùs sandy beach or hopping on a boat to explore the coastline, you should visit the city’s twelfth-century cathedral, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. You can also hike up the towering Rocca di Cefalù for 360-degree views of the city and its picturesque homes adorned with terracotta tiled roofs.

When you set foot in Bolzano, you may feel as if you’ve crossed the border into Germany. That’s because this elegant city is part of the autonomous region of South Tyrol in Trentino-Alto Adige, an area that has Italian, German and Ladin influences. German is actually the primary spoken language here! Bolzano is one of the gateways to the Italian Alps so it’s great for mountain views, cozy bistros serving local specialties like canederli (bread dumplings), goulash and polenta (cornmeal porridge) and cooler temperatures. Wander through the medieval streets of the historic centre before hopping into a cable car to be whisked up to Soprabolzano, a mountain town and region where you can hike, bike and soak up the fresh air.

The birthplace of tortellini, lasagne, and tagliatelle, the Emilia-Romagna region is often regarded as one of the cradles of Italian cuisine. Many travellers head to its capital Bologna, but trust us, Ferrara is just as good (maybe even better). This bike-friendly university city beckons visitors with its inviting trattorias, splendid Renaissance palaces, and winding medieval streets. The city’s historic center is dominated by the Este Castle: a fourteenth-century noble residence and fortress surrounded by a moat. Time your visit for New Year’s Day to experience a huge traditional celebration, where every family in the city comes out to the streets to eat, dance and watch the fireworks over the castle. Ferrara also has an important Jewish history which you can retrace at a fifteenth-century synagogue, cemetery and one of the largest Jewish museums in Europe.

Trieste, between the Adriatic Sea and nearby Slovenia and Austria, is a coastal city at a crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. An important trading centre for centuries, Trieste has cosmopolitan flair with a laidback coastal vibe. It’s only a two-hour train from Venice and feels worlds away from the crowds of the lagoon. While you’re here, don’t miss Miramare Castle, a majestic nineteenth-century seaside castle that offers a glimpse into the city's aristocratic past. Stroll along the elegant waterfront of Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of Europe's largest seaside squares, and savour Trieste’s renowned coffee culture at historic cafes like Caffè San Marco.

Calabria may be one of Italy's most under-appreciated regions, yet it is rich in cultural heritage, natural scenery and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Reggio Calabria, situated at the tip of the Italian peninsula, is one of its highlights. The city attracts visitors for its ‘Bronzi di Riace’, ancient Greek bronze statues discovered in the Ionian Sea – visit the National Archaeological Museum to dive into the region’s ancient history. My perfect evening? Dine on seaside specialties at a local trattoria, then join the locals for an evening stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade, which looks out onto Sicily.

An important maritime republic that dominated trade in the Mediterranean Sea for centuries, Genoa (also known as Genova) is a captivating contrast of grit and glamour. The northern gateway to the Italian Riviera, it is often overlooked by travellers who skip it in favour of Portofino or the Cinque Terre, but Italy’s sixth-largest city is worth a visit in its own right. The medieval center is home to vibrant local markets, colourful houses and majestic palazzi: these private residences open to the public twice a year during ‘Rolli Days’. Explore Genoa’s bustling port and don’t miss a visit to the Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in the world.

A history of poverty and social issues meant Matera was once regarded as the ‘shame’ of Italy, but this ancient cave city has since become one of Italy’s must-sees. The city has more than 3,000 ‘sassi’ (cave dwellings), many of which have been transformed into boutique hotels and atmospheric restaurants, while others house churches and chapels, and some still feature frescoes and intricate carvings. This almost otherworldly aesthetic has led to Matera becoming a popular set-jetting spot – the city features in the likes of James Bond: No Time To Die (2021), Wonder Woman (2017) and Ben-Hur (2016). Though Matera is technically part of the Basilicata region, many people take a road trip from Puglia as the city’s just a short drive away.