Italy's hidden gems: small towns draw travelers away from crowded cities

Travel guides highlight a set of picturesque Italian towns that offer an alternative to the crowds of Rome, Venice and Florence. The list includes Bellagio on Lake Como with its narrow lanes, floral balconies and waterfront promenade; Varenna, a quieter neighbour with a lakeside walk and historic castle; the colorful seaside port of Portofino; the medieval hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio accessed by a long footbridge; the UNESCO‑listed fortress town of Peschiera del Garda on Lake Garda; and the Alpine‑styled Malcesine beneath Monte Baldo.

Another feature spotlights Egna (Neumarkt) in South Tyrol, a bilingual town whose medieval street plan has changed little in eight centuries. Recognised by the "I Borghi più belli d’Italia" association, Egna boasts narrow alleys, arched facades, Romanesque and Gothic churches, and a daily‑life museum. Nearby attractions include the ruins of Kaldiff Castle, the warm waters of Lake Caldaro and the Rastenbachklamm gorge, making the region popular for agrotourism, hiking and water sports.