{"id":7556,"date":"2015-07-21T17:28:22","date_gmt":"2015-07-21T15:28:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=7556"},"modified":"2025-05-29T05:48:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T04:48:27","slug":"best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip","title":{"rendered":"The Best Attractions in Italy to Visit on Your Second Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We all love returning to Italy again and again for new experiences. If you&#8217;re making a return trip, and you&#8217;ve already seen the most <strong>f<\/strong><b>amous Italian attractions, <\/b>why not venture out a bit?\u00a0Already visited some of Italy&#8217;s top towns, like San Gimignano, and now you&#8217;re looking for something more? There are a some hidden gems nearby. Love the Cinque Terre, but want to try someplace new? We&#8217;ve got just the place for you. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Looking for <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some a<\/span>lternatives to Venice in Italy while on a longer stay there? There&#8217;s an unforgettable city just a day trip away. <strong>We even have a few Italian beaches that are off the beaten path<\/strong> and might just become your favorite spots in Italy. Read on for our <strong>list of the best attractions in Italy for your second (and third) trip. \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#If_you_like_the_small-town_Tuscan_charm_of_San_Gimignano_try_Colle_Val_dElsa\" >If you like the small-town Tuscan charm of San Gimignano, try Colle Val d\u2019Elsa<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Hidden_Tuscan_gem_Colle_Val_dElsa\" >Hidden Tuscan gem: Colle Val d\u2019Elsa<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#If_you_like_the_archaeology_of_Pompeii_try_Paestum\" >If you like the archaeology of Pompeii, try Paestum<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Best_off-the-beaten-path_archeological_site_Paestum\" >Best off-the-beaten-path archeological site: Paestum<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#If_you_like_visiting_the_towns_on_the_Amalfi_Coast_try_hiking_along_the_Amalfi_Coast\" >If you like visiting the towns on the Amalfi Coast, try hiking along the Amalfi Coast<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Unique_beach_vacations_in_Italy_hiking_the_Amalfi_Coast\" >Unique beach vacations in Italy: hiking the Amalfi Coast<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#If_youre_in_Venice_take_a_day_trip_to_Verona\" >If you&#8217;re in Venice, take a day trip to Verona<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Alternatives_to_Venice_in_Italy_Verona\" >Alternatives to Venice in Italy: Verona<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#If_you_like_visiting_Cinque_Terre_try_the_Golfo_Paradiso\" >If you like visiting Cinque Terre, try the Golfo Paradiso<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Best_secret_beach_vacation_in_Italy_the_Golfo_Paradiso\" >Best secret beach vacation in Italy: the Golfo Paradiso<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#If_you_like_the_beaches_of_Sicily_try_the_beaches_of_Puglia\" >If you like the beaches of Sicily, try the beaches of Puglia<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Best_beach_destination_in_Italy_Puglia\" >Best beach destination in Italy: Puglia<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#If_you_cant_get_enough_of_gelato_try_granita\" >If you can\u2019t get enough of gelato, try granita<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Best_refreshing_drink_for_an_Italian_summer_granita\" >Best refreshing drink for an Italian summer: granita<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_about_the_Best_Attractions_in_Italy\" >Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Attractions in Italy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#What_are_the_best_destinations_for_a_beach_vacation_in_Italy_beyond_the_Amalfi_Coast\" >What are the best destinations for a beach vacation in Italy beyond the Amalfi Coast?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Are_there_good_alternatives_to_Venice_in_Italy_for_a_second_visit\" >Are there good alternatives to Venice in Italy for a second visit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#Which_famous_Italian_attractions_are_less_crowded_but_worth_visiting\" >Which famous Italian attractions are less crowded but worth visiting?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#What_are_the_best_places_to_see_in_Italy_in_February\" >What are the best places to see in Italy in February?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-italy-second-trip\/#What_are_some_great_places_to_visit_in_Italy_for_beach_lovers\" >What are some great places to visit in Italy for beach lovers?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_like_the_small-town_Tuscan_charm_of_San_Gimignano_try_Colle_Val_dElsa\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you like the small-town Tuscan charm of San Gimignano, try Colle Val d\u2019Elsa<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23485\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23485\" class=\"wp-image-23485 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Colle-Val-dElsa.jpg\" alt=\"One of the best attractions in Italy is exploring the small villages such as Colle Val d\u2019Elsa.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Colle-Val-dElsa.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Colle-Val-dElsa-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23485\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Exploring the cobblestone streets of Colle Val d\u2019Elsa, you\u2019ll walk the same huge streets that locals walked centuries ago. Photo credit: Sorin Popovich<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hidden_Tuscan_gem_Colle_Val_dElsa\"><\/span>Hidden Tuscan gem: Colle Val d\u2019Elsa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Tuscan hill towns are one of the most picturesque attractions in Italy. If you love\u00a0the beauty and small-town charm of San Gimignano (we think it&#8217;s one of the\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/florence\/best-top-ten-towns-in-tuscany-day-trips-from-florence-italy\">best towns in Tuscany<\/a><\/strong>!) you should also check out Colle Val d\u2019Elsa, on the neighboring hill. This ancient city (said to have been founded in the 4<sup>th<\/sup> millennium BC!) still conserves the tranquility that is native to the hills of Tuscany. <strong>Located between Florence and Siena, the best way to reach this tiny town is still by car<\/strong>, leaving you free to come and go as you please.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Insider&#8217;s tip:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re looking for a one of the <strong>b<\/strong><b>est places to see in Italy in February, <\/b>the <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Colle Val d\u2019Elsa often gets snowfall in winter. This hill top town is simple gorgeous when its covered in snow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_like_the_archaeology_of_Pompeii_try_Paestum\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you like the archaeology of Pompeii, try Paestum<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_1572\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1572\" class=\"wp-image-1572 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/DSC_0263-scaled-e1748336949676.jpg\" alt=\"Famous Italian attractions include the Temple of Hera II at Paestum. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1572\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Temple of Hera II, or Neptune, at Paestum is one of the most overlooked attractions in Italy.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_off-the-beaten-path_archeological_site_Paestum\"><\/span>Best off-the-beaten-path archeological site: Paestum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Archaeological sites are some of the best attractions in Italy and <strong>Pompeii<\/strong> is still the queen of them all. If you haven&#8217;t seen it, start there then come back to this article. <strong>After Pompeii, the next stop on your list should be the nearby\u00a0Paestum<\/strong>, home to\u00a0some of the best-preserved <em>Greek<\/em> ruins in Italy. <strong>Just an hour south of Salerno<\/strong>, Paestum was founded by the Greeks in 600 B.C. Though later conquered by the Romans, they simply repurposed the beautiful architecture for their own Gods (who were also cribbed from the Greeks). <strong>Paestum has some of the only Greek ruins in Italy<\/strong>, with just a few other examples left over in Sicily. For more on the archeology site, including what to see and how to get there, read our article on Paestum, <em><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/campania\/the-best-ancient-greek-ruins-in-italys-mainland-paestum\"><strong>The Best Ancient Greek Ruins on Italy\u2019s Mainland<\/strong>.<\/a> <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_like_visiting_the_towns_on_the_Amalfi_Coast_try_hiking_along_the_Amalfi_Coast\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you like visiting the towns on the Amalfi Coast, try hiking along the Amalfi Coast<br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4620\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/The-Faraglioni-in-Capri-famous-seaside-rock-formations.-View-of-the-coastline-of-the-island-of-Capri-Amalfi-Coast-Italy.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4620\" class=\"wp-image-4620 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/The-Faraglioni-in-Capri-famous-seaside-rock-formations.-View-of-the-coastline-of-the-island-of-Capri-Amalfi-Coast-Italy.jpg\" alt=\"Famous Italian attractions include the Faraglioni rock formations in Capri along the Amalfi Coast. \" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/The-Faraglioni-in-Capri-famous-seaside-rock-formations.-View-of-the-coastline-of-the-island-of-Capri-Amalfi-Coast-Italy.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/The-Faraglioni-in-Capri-famous-seaside-rock-formations.-View-of-the-coastline-of-the-island-of-Capri-Amalfi-Coast-Italy-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4620\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The best way to see the Amalfi Coast? On a walk, of course!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unique_beach_vacations_in_Italy_hiking_the_Amalfi_Coast\"><\/span>Unique beach vacations in Italy: hiking the Amalfi Coast<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you are already familiar with the beautiful Amalfi Coast, the best way to dig a bit deeper \u00a0is by walking it. One of our favorite things to do outside of visiting Positano is\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/all-around-italy\/trekking-in-italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">walking the Path of Gods<\/a><\/strong> trail. It can be crowded in the high season but the views along it are absolutely worth it.\u00a0Though <strong>the trail runs approximately 25 miles between Amalfi and Sorrento<\/strong>, hikers can shorten the trek by hiking particular parts of it. Getting to and from a specific section is easy as most are served by local buses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_youre_in_Venice_take_a_day_trip_to_Verona\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you&#8217;re in Venice, take a day trip to Verona<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_15702\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15702\" class=\"wp-image-15702 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/verona-3153518_1920.jpg\" alt=\"Alternatives to Venice in Italy\u2014 the beautiful town of Verona is one of the best attractions in Italy.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15702\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">For anyone looking to visit an under-the-radar attraction in Italy, Verona offers a very romantic backdrop.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alternatives_to_Venice_in_Italy_Verona\"><\/span>Alternatives to Venice in Italy: Verona<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Verona is the second most famous city in the Veneto region after Venice and an immense Italian attraction in its own right. This<strong> gem of a city in Northern Italy <\/strong>has all the romance of the best Italian cities like Rome and Florence but much smaller crowds and a relaxed, off-the-radar vibe. Best of all it&#8217;s an easy day trip from Venice so you can check out this Italian attraction as part of a longer stay in the Lagoon.<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0Go in the\u00a0winter to\u00a0soak in\u00a0the festive Christmas atmosphere or swing by in the fall for amazing <strong>seasonal food.<\/strong> In the spring you can rent bikes and tour the city along with warm breezes\u00a0and in the summer you can enjoy the <strong>opera season in the city&#8217;s famous 12<sup>th<\/sup>-century Roman arena<\/strong>. This jaw dropping structure, which looks like a slightly smaller version of the Colosseum is one of Italy&#8217;s only open-air opera houses and is one of the most unique concert venues in the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_like_visiting_Cinque_Terre_try_the_Golfo_Paradiso\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you like visiting Cinque Terre, try the Golfo Paradiso<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4270\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Italian-Riviera-Camogli-promenade-.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4270\" class=\"wp-image-4270 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Italian-Riviera-Camogli-promenade-.jpg\" alt=\"On the Golfo Paradiso of the Italian Riviera, Camogli is definitely an under-the-radar Italian attraction. \" width=\"1000\" height=\"660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Italian-Riviera-Camogli-promenade-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Italian-Riviera-Camogli-promenade--768x507.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4270\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Camogli is one of the five towns on the Golfo Paradiso.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_secret_beach_vacation_in_Italy_the_Golfo_Paradiso\"><\/span>Best secret beach vacation in Italy: the Golfo Paradiso<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Also located in Liguria, <strong>the Golfo Paradiso is a part of the Italian Riviera<\/strong>, and a great alternative if you&#8217;ve already seen the Cinque Terre. Similar to Cinque Terre, <strong>the Golfo Paradiso is made up of five seaside towns<\/strong>: Bogliasco, Pieve Ligure, Sori, Recco, and Camogli. But you don\u2019t have to choose just one: rent a car or a Vespa and scoot from town to town on the SS1 highway &#8211; the drive itself is one of the more picturesque attractions in Italy. <strong>Just 7 miles from Genoa, the Golfo Paradiso is easy to get to<\/strong> and offers the same beautiful panoramas and easy lifestyle as the Cinque Terre.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_like_the_beaches_of_Sicily_try_the_beaches_of_Puglia\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you like the beaches of Sicily, try the beaches of Puglia<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23487\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23487\" class=\"wp-image-23487 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/44249799805_470ab27da8_k.jpg\" alt=\"Beach vacations Italy \u2013 Puglia beach with clear water. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/44249799805_470ab27da8_k.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/44249799805_470ab27da8_k-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23487\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Puglia beaches are similar to the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. Photo credit: corinne glaziou<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_beach_destination_in_Italy_Puglia\"><\/span>Best beach destination in Italy: Puglia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It&#8217;s true that Sicily has world-class beaches, incredible food, and great culture, but for those looking to stay on the mainland &#8211; which can be easier to get to, depending on where you&#8217;re flying from &#8211; nearby Puglia rivals Sicily in all three. So, i<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">f you\u2019re considering a <\/span><b>beach vacation in Italy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after seeing the classics, the unspoiled beaches of Puglia or Calabria are perfect second-trip destinations.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Located in the heel of the \u201cboot\u201d, Puglia is one of the most beloved vacation regions in Italy<\/strong> for Italians due to its rich history, deep culture, great food, and hundreds of beaches. <strong>Beach lovers should definitely check out the <em>Baia<\/em> <em>dei Turchi<\/em><\/strong>. Located in a protected nature reserve, <strong>it\u2019s also one of the cleanest beaches in Italy<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Another favorite is <em>Marina di Pescoluse<\/em> on the tip of the Salento Peninsula. <strong>Here you\u2019ll find a 5-mile stretch of sand fronting water so clear it&#8217;s called the &#8220;Maldives&#8221; by locals<\/strong>. What you won&#8217;t find is a lot of infrastructure for foreign tourists or people who speak perfect English. Although Puglia is becoming more popular with people from outside of Italy, it&#8217;s still off the main tourist path.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_cant_get_enough_of_gelato_try_granita\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you can\u2019t get enough of gelato, try granita<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23489\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23489\" class=\"wp-image-23489 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/granita.jpg\" alt=\"A large display of various colors of granita in Italy.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/granita.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/granita-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23489\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There are all different types of granita, but it\u2019s always sure to refresh you after a hot summer day! | Photo by Maurizio Costanzo<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_refreshing_drink_for_an_Italian_summer_granita\"><\/span>Best refreshing drink for an Italian summer: granita<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Italian gelato is one of the best summer treats the country has to offer, but there\u2019s another, perhaps more refreshing, summer sweet that Italians love \u2013 <em>granita<\/em>. <strong>Granita is basically what Americans call Italian ice<\/strong>, though it tends to have a courser texture. <strong>Made from sugar, water, and fresh juices or fruits<\/strong>, it\u2019s native to Sicily, but you can find it throughout Italy nowadays. Though the style and consistency vary from city to city, one thing&#8217;s for sure: Granita is light, refreshing, sweet, and truly one of the tastiest attractions in Italy!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_about_the_Best_Attractions_in_Italy\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Attractions in Italy<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_best_destinations_for_a_beach_vacation_in_Italy_beyond_the_Amalfi_Coast\"><\/span>What are the best destinations for a beach vacation in Italy beyond the Amalfi Coast?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Italy boasts many stunning beaches beyond the famous Amalfi Coast. Consider heading to Puglia for its turquoise waters and whitewashed towns, Calabria for unspoiled coastlines, or Sardinia\u2019s Costa Smeralda for picture-perfect coves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_good_alternatives_to_Venice_in_Italy_for_a_second_visit\"><\/span>Are there good alternatives to Venice in Italy for a second visit?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely! Charming canal towns like Chioggia, Treviso, and Comacchio offer a similar romantic vibe with fewer tourists. These alternatives to Venice in Italy are perfect for travelers seeking authentic local experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_famous_Italian_attractions_are_less_crowded_but_worth_visiting\"><\/span>Which famous Italian attractions are less crowded but worth visiting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a unique and less crowded experience, explore the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, the rolling hills of Val d\u2019Orcia, or the vibrant mosaics in Ravenna. These famous Italian attractions offer rich history and beauty without the crowds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_best_places_to_see_in_Italy_in_February\"><\/span>What are the best places to see in Italy in February?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">February is a fantastic time to visit Italy if you prefer off-season travel. Enjoy Carnevale celebrations in Viareggio, ski in the Dolomites, or explore the mild winter of Sicily for a quieter and more authentic experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_some_great_places_to_visit_in_Italy_for_beach_lovers\"><\/span>What are some great places to visit in Italy for beach lovers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beach lovers should not miss the Aeolian Islands, Ischia, and the beaches of Calabria and Sardinia. These places to visit in Italy offer crystal-clear waters, scenic landscapes, and a more relaxed atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re inspired to see some more under-the-radar attractions in Italy, check out our amazing walking tours of Italy. From our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/pompeii-tours\/pompeii-tours-from-rome\/\">Pompeii Tour with Archaeologist &amp; Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome<\/a> to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/venice-tours\/vip-st-marks-and-doges-palace-tour\/\">Exclusive Alone in St. Mark\u2019s &amp; Doge\u2019s Palace Tour<\/a>, our local guides will lead you to some of the country&#8217;s most fascinating landmarks, all while providing insight into their histories.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all love returning to Italy again and again for new experiences. If you&#8217;re making a return trip, and you&#8217;ve already seen the most famous Italian attractions, why not venture out a bit?\u00a0Already visited some of Italy&#8217;s top towns, like San Gimignano, and now you&#8217;re looking for something more? There are a some hidden gems [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":7755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[20,65,63],"ppma_author":[161],"class_list":["post-7556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-attractions","tag-act-like-a-local","tag-trip-planning"],"authors":[{"term_id":161,"user_id":40,"is_guest":0,"slug":"ginamussio","display_name":"Gina Mussio","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9497ce1b0417babd82886ad23b18998?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"Mussio","first_name":"Gina","job_title":"","description":"Gina is a Midwesterner living in Lombardy, Italy where she writes about Italian culture, travel and food. She is a bilingual primary school teacher by day, forever interested in developing cross-culture communication skills across languages. Gina loves touring Italy's beautiful and tiny borghi with her family and exploring Italy's culture through its culinary history."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7556"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7556"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23531,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7556\/revisions\/23531"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7556"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=7556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}