12 Places to Visit in Italy Outside Rome and Venice

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - When you think about visiting Italy, you probably picture the romantic canals of Venice and the ancient ruins of Rome. These cities are beautiful and popular with tourists from around the world. However, Italy has so much more to offer. There are many other stunning and exciting places to visit in Italy that will give you amazing experiences. From beautiful mountains and lakes to charming small towns and sunny islands, you can find wonderful places all across the country.

In this list, we will show you 12 amazing places to visit in Italy outside the capital city and Venice. These places are perfect if you are looking to explore the beauty of Italy outside the two famous destinations.

If you love history and arts, you should take your time to explore Florence. The capital city of Tuscany region is known for the birthplace of Renaissance. You can visit the beautiful Florence Cathedral and walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge. And don't miss out the Uffizi Gallery where you can find many beautiful artworks by famous Italian artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.

Located in northern Italy, Lake Como is surrounded by mountains and charming small towns with colorful houses. You can take a boat ride across the lake and visit beautiful towns like Bellagio and Varenna. There are many stunning villas with amazing gardens near the water, such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. The lakeside restaurants serve delicious food with peaceful views. This is a perfect place for a relaxing vacation away from busy tourist areas.

This beautiful coastal area has five small fishing villages that sit on cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. The villages are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each with bright painted houses and narrow streets. You can hike on the famous trails that connect the villages and enjoy amazing sea views. The beaches are small but lovely, and the local restaurants serve fresh seafood and the special pesto from this area. Don't miss out the beautiful sunset views from the villages.

Known as one of the most beautiful villages in southern Italy, Locorotondo has unique white houses with special cone-shaped roofs called trulli. The circular streets in the old town center are perfect for walking and taking photos. You can visit the beautiful Chiesa Madre church and enjoy the quiet atmosphere. The area around the town has many vineyards and olive groves where you can take tours. And don't forget to try the local white wine, which is famous across Italy.

If you love adventure, you should never miss out the Dolomites. These dramatic mountains in northern Italy are perfect for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The rock formations are unusual and beautiful, especially at sunset when they turn pink and orange. You can visit mountain lakes like Lago di Braies or take cable cars up to high viewpoints. There are also small mountain villages where you can stay and try delicious mountain food.

This busy city in southern Italy is full of energy and amazing history. You can explore the ancient underground tunnels called Napoli Sotterranea and see historic castles like Castel dell'Ovo near the sea. The National Archaeological Museum has incredible artifacts from the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. And don't miss out the authentic Neapolitan pizza, which was invented in this city. You can also easily visit Mount Vesuvius and the famous ruins of Pompeii from here.

Known as the fashion capital of Italy, Milan is a modern city with amazing art and architecture. You can visit the impressive Duomo di Milano, a huge Gothic cathedral with thousands of decorative details and a rooftop you can climb for city views. There is also the famous La Scala opera house where you can watch world-class performances. And don't miss out Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" painting at Santa Maria delle Grazie church. The city has excellent shopping streets like Via Montenapoleone and many great restaurants.

Famous as the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a romantic city in northern Italy. You can visit Juliet's House with the famous balcony and the statue of Juliet in the courtyard. There is also the Arena di Verona, a well-preserved Roman arena where opera concerts and shows happen during summer. You can walk through Piazza delle Erbe, a beautiful square with cafes and markets. The Ponte Pietra bridge crosses the river Adige and gives you nice views of the city.

This large island at the bottom of Italy offers incredible variety and rich history. You can see Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and take tours to explore the volcanic landscapes. There are beautiful beaches with clear blue water in places like Taormina and Cefalù. You can also visit the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, where ancient Greek temples still stand. The food here is amazing and includes special dishes like arancini and cannoli. Each town has its own character, from busy Palermo to elegant Taormina.

This small island near Naples is known for its luxury atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. You can take a boat tour to see the famous Blue Grotto, a magical sea cave with glowing bright blue water. There are also beautiful spots like the Gardens of Augustus with amazing views of the Faraglioni rocks in the sea. You can ride the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for the best views of the island and the Bay of Naples. The narrow streets in Capri town are full of fancy shops and good restaurants.

Home to one of the most famous landmarks in the world, Pisa is known for its Leaning Tower. The tower stands in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli together with the Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistry. You can climb the tower's 294 steps if you book tickets in advance. There is also a nice historic center along the Arno River with old university buildings and charming squares. The city has a young and lively atmosphere because of the many students who study here.

Located at the toe of Italy's boot shape, Calabria is a less crowded region with beautiful nature and authentic culture. There are long sandy beaches along the coast with warm, clean water perfect for swimming in places like Tropea and Capo Vaticano. You can visit small mountain villages in the Aspromonte and Sila national parks that keep old traditions alive. The local food is spicy and delicious, including dishes like 'nduja and fresh bergamot. There are also historic sites like ancient Greek ruins in Locri and medieval castles to explore.