Recently, I was browsing Threads, a popular social media platform and came across a post asking, "What is the most overrated destination you have ever visited?" To my surprise, the person asking the question mentioned Italy! I couldn't believe what I was reading. Sure, like every country, Italy has areas that are more attractive than others, but calling the entire country overrated seems crazy to me!
I travel to Italy at least once a year and sometimes even three times in one year, I've explored from south to north, from the island of Lampedusa to Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Naples, Rome, Venice, Milan, Trentino and the Dolomites just to name a few popular areas. For example, we spent five days in Naples and another five days in Milan and our days were filled with all kind of activities. Yes, even in Milan, where some people say there's nothing to do!
Rabbit Beach Lampedusa
It's disappointing when people visit a place (for example Naples) without doing any research and then label it as ugly. I mean do you even consider yourself a traveller? True travellers find beauty and interesting things to do in every corner of the world.
Whenever we visit Italy, we prefer to drive so we can explore the smaller towns. For example, how many people have heard of Bagnoreggio, Todi or Bomarzo?
Bomarzo
Or maybe Eremo Le Celle, where St. Francis used to pray and live?
Eremo Le Celle
Another hidden gem is Rasiglia and it is one of the most beautiful villages in Umbria.
Rasiglia
Those who visited Naples, did you venture into the Cluster and Monastery of Santa Chiara and walked in the Rione Sanità area, where the great Totò once lived?
Cluster and Monastery of Santa Chiara
Rione Sanità, The house of Totò
Did you know about the underground tunnels in Naples, where cars from World War II are still stored?
Underground Naples
And then there's Procida, a small, colourful island that's absolutely incredible.
Procida Island
I could go on forever about all the beautiful places in Italy. Also, what about Calabria's coast, with places like Pizzo and Tropea, which are a dream.
Pizzo, Calabria
For me, the most beautiful place I visited in Italy is probably Castelmezzano, a place which does not pop on Instagram very often. When we arrived, my heart literally stopped at the breathtaking view. When we went inside the town, it was even more beautiful with no tourists, no big hotels, just locals enjoying their daily lives. I can still remember elderly men playing cards in the main square, looking at us like we were from another planet, probably because so few tourists visit.
Castelmezzano
Traveling requires research and I spend months planning my trips. I wouldn't change it for the world because I discover places I would never have known about otherwise. This is why I started sharing my itineraries—so my research doesn't go to waste. Although I only started sharing them recently and don't have all my itineraries online, feel free to browse my social media and ask me anything. Most of my old trip photos are on my personal Facebook account, hence i am sharing the link if you're interested in browsing my albums.
One last tip: step out of your comfort zone. Do a lot of research, watch YouTube videos, read blogs, browse social media and buy Lonely Planet books (they're my starting point for every big trip). When you travel, get lost, talk to locals, drive away from the main cities, travel in the low season to avoid crowds, stay in small towns and see places lit up at night. After years of traveling, I've learned that every place in the world is beautiful—it just needs to be discovered.
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