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India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
From Venice To Villages: 7 Hidden Gems That Prove Italy Is Full Of Surprises
Italy is more than just Rome, Venice, and Florence. Beyond the famous cities and crowded landmarks lie lesser-known treasures that pulse with history, charm, and untouched beauty. These hidden gems whisper stories of old, offer quieter streets to wander, and invite travelers to experience Italy beyond the usual guidebooks. Italy's popular spots are stunning, no doubt. But sometimes the best moments come when you step off the beaten path and discover places that feel like they belong to you alone. This journey isn't about ticking boxes; it's about soaking in atmospheres where time slows down, and every corner holds a secret waiting to be uncovered. What makes Italy's hidden gems so special?It's the contrast. The well-trodden tourist hubs hum with crowds and bright lights, but these hidden gems thrive in stillness and authenticity. They are where Italy's soul breathes freely — cobblestone alleys lined with faded frescoes, family-run trattorias dishing out recipes passed down for generations, and landscapes that look like paintings come alive. If you think Italy is all about the Colosseum or gondola rides, it's time to dive deeper. These seven hidden gems offer stories that the crowds haven't yet claimed. They invite you to slow down and listen — to the wind rustling through olive groves, the chatter of locals in a quiet piazza, the splash of waves against a secret cove. 1. Matera : The City of Stones and Ancient Wonder Tucked away in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is a place like no other. Known for its ancient cave dwellings called 'Sassi,' this city feels frozen in time. Wander narrow alleys carved into limestone, and discover chapels painted with medieval frescoes inside caves. Matera's story is one of resilience — once forgotten, now a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its haunting beauty. It's best explored on foot with no fixed schedule. Watch the sunset paint golden hues on stone walls and let the city's quiet history soak into you. 2. Civita di Bagnoregio : The Dying Town on a Hill Perched precariously atop a hill in Lazio, Civita di Bagnoregio is a tiny village with a dramatic tale. Eroding cliffs threaten its existence, which is why it's called 'the dying town.' Crossing the narrow footbridge feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale. Its streets are quiet, its views breathtaking, and its pace unhurried. There are no cars here — only footsteps echoing through ancient stone lanes. This gem is perfect for those who want to escape noise and immerse themselves in history and nature. 3. Procida : Italy's Colorful Island Secret While Capri and Ischia draw crowds, Procida remains Italy's best-kept island secret in the Bay of Naples. With pastel-colored houses stacked by the sea and fishermen hauling their daily catch, this tiny island hums with authenticity. Narrow streets open to tiny beaches and bustling piazzas where locals gather. Procida's charm is in its simplicity — fresh seafood, vibrant colors, and slow afternoons watching fishing boats glide by. It's a peaceful alternative for island lovers who want to feel part of a community, not just a tourist. 4. Orvieto : The City Carved from Rock Rising dramatically from volcanic cliffs in Umbria, Orvieto looks like a fortress from a storybook. Its stunning cathedral dazzles with mosaics and intricate carvings. But beyond the grand façade, Orvieto's underground labyrinths hold ancient tunnels and wells carved deep into the rock. Wander its streets and discover artisan shops, cozy wine bars, and panoramic terraces with sweeping views of the countryside. Orvieto is where history and modern life blend effortlessly. 5. Sperlonga : A Coastal Jewel Away from Crowds This whitewashed village on the Tyrrhenian coast feels like a slice of paradise. Narrow streets wind toward sandy beaches framed by cliffs and crystal-clear water. Unlike Italy's crowded Amalfi Coast, Sperlonga offers space and quiet where you can hear the waves and smell the salt air. Its Roman villa ruins and sea caves add a touch of history to this sun-soaked haven. Visit for slow seaside days, fresh seafood, and sunsets that linger. 6. Castelmezzano : Nestled in the Dolomites Hidden deep in the southern Italian Dolomites, Castelmezzano is a mountain village straight from a postcard. Towering peaks surround it, and ancient stone houses cling to cliffs. It's an adventurer's dream with hiking trails, rock climbing, and even a zipline that swoops over the valley. But the village itself is quiet and welcoming — a place where you can watch stars spill over the mountains while sipping local wine. Nature and history combine here in perfect harmony. 7. Frasassi Caves : The Underground Spectacle For those who want something truly extraordinary, the Frasassi Caves in Marche are a wonder beneath the surface. This vast cave system features incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. It's not just a cave — it's a cathedral of stone sculpted over millions of years. Guided tours let you explore chambers that feel like another world, cool and silent. It's a hidden gem for lovers of geology, mystery, and nature's quiet grandeur. Why explore Italy's hidden gems? These places offer something different from the crowds and tourist traps. They invite you to slow down, notice small details, and experience Italy with all your senses. They are less about ticking famous boxes and more about connecting with stories, landscapes, and people who live rooted in their traditions. Visiting these gems helps support small communities and preserves unique cultures that might otherwise fade away. When you walk their quiet streets, you become part of their ongoing story — not just a passing tourist. Tips for discovering Italy's hidden gems Go slow and walk often. These places are best explored on foot where surprises await around every corner. Talk to locals. Ask for their favorite spots, recipes, and stories. This is where you find the real Italy. Stay overnight if you can. Morning light and quiet nights reveal another side of these towns. Travel outside peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons mean fewer crowds and better photos. Respect the places. These gems are fragile and precious — tread lightly and leave only footprints. Final Thought Italy is a country of endless discovery. Beyond the famous landmarks lie hidden gems where history, nature, and culture intertwine in unexpected ways. The magic is in wandering off the beaten path and letting these places tell their stories quietly, authentically. So next time you dream of Italy, don't just plan the usual. Seek the secret streets, the quiet villages, the untouched landscapes. Because Italy's true heart often beats strongest where few have stopped to listen. Explore the hidden gems — not just to see Italy, but to feel it.
Fox Sports
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Pedersen makes it 3 wins out of 5 at Giro d'Italia to extend his overall lead
Associated Press MATERA, Italy (AP) — Overall leader Mads Pedersen made it three wins out of five at this year's Giro d'Italia as he won a bunch sprint at the end of the fifth stage on Wednesday. Pedersen just managed to edge out Edoardo Zambanini in a finish that was so close the Lidl-Trek rider had to ask a teammate: 'Did I win? Are you sure?' Tom Pidcock was third at the end of the 151-kilometer (94-mile) route from Ceglie Messapica to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, which is renowned for its 'Sassi,' or ancient cave dwellings. The 29-year-old Pedersen also won two of the three opening stages in Albania to take the leader's pink jersey back to Italy. 'Now it's really incredible and to win in this jersey as well, it's insane and it's way more than I ever dreamt about," Pedersen said. 'What a Giro we have and what a team I have around me.' With the bonus seconds Pedersen picked up, the Danish cyclist extended his lead over pre-race favorite Primoz Roglic to 17 seconds, with Mathias Vacek another seven seconds back. With a kilometer to go, Pedersen appeared too far back but he managed to get up to the front before a late corner and then got a great lead out from Vacek. Pedersen then launched his final sprint early and just barely held off Zambanini, who almost managed to beat him after coming up along the barriers. 'I used a lot of energy to move back up on Vacek's wheel," Pedersen said. "I had to spend energy to come back to at least fight for the win. Then luckily I had enough for the last sprint. So that was a really tough one.' Prior to this year's race, Pedersen had only won one stage in the Giro, two years ago in Naples — where Thursday's sixth stage also ends. 'Every day we try to win as as much as possible and we try again tomorrow,' he said. The stage is the longest leg of the three-week race and has two categorized climbs on the 227-kilometer route from Potenza. The Giro ends in Rome on June 1. ___ AP sports: in this topic
San Francisco Chronicle
14-05-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Pedersen makes it 3 wins out of 5 at Giro d'Italia to extend his overall lead
MATERA, Italy (AP) — Overall leader Mads Pedersen made it three wins out of five at this year's Giro d'Italia as he won a bunch sprint at the end of the fifth stage on Wednesday. Pedersen just managed to edge out Edoardo Zambanini in a finish that was so close the Lidl-Trek rider had to ask a teammate: 'Did I win? Are you sure?' Tom Pidcock was third at the end of the 151-kilometer (94-mile) route from Ceglie Messapica to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, which is renowned for its 'Sassi,' or ancient cave dwellings. With the bonus seconds Pedersen picked up, the Danish cyclist extended his lead over pre-race favorite Primoz Roglic to 17 seconds, with Mathias Vacek another seven seconds back. With a kilometer to go, Pedersen appeared too far back but he managed to get up to the front before a late corner and then got a great lead out from Vacek. Pedersen then launched his final sprint early and just barely held off Zambanini, who almost managed to beat him after coming up along the barriers. Pedersen also won two of the three opening stages in Albania. Thursday's seventh stage is the longest leg of the three-week race and has two categorized climbs on the 227-kilometer route from Potenza to Naples.
Hamilton Spectator
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Pedersen makes it 3 wins out of 5 at Giro d'Italia to extend his overall lead
MATERA, Italy (AP) — Overall leader Mads Pedersen made it three wins out of five at this year's Giro d'Italia as he won a bunch sprint at the end of the fifth stage on Wednesday. Pedersen just managed to edge out Edoardo Zambanini in a finish that was so close the Lidl-Trek rider had to ask a teammate: 'Did I win? Are you sure?' Tom Pidcock was third at the end of the 151-kilometer (94-mile) route from Ceglie Messapica to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, which is renowned for its 'Sassi,' or ancient cave dwellings. With the bonus seconds Pedersen picked up, the Danish cyclist extended his lead over pre-race favorite Primoz Roglic to 17 seconds, with Mathias Vacek another seven seconds back. With a kilometer to go, Pedersen appeared too far back but he managed to get up to the front before a late corner and then got a great lead out from Vacek. Pedersen then launched his final sprint early and just barely held off Zambanini, who almost managed to beat him after coming up along the barriers. Pedersen also won two of the three opening stages in Albania. Thursday's seventh stage is the longest leg of the three-week race and has two categorized climbs on the 227-kilometer route from Potenza to Naples. The Giro ends in Rome on June 1. ___ AP sports:
Winnipeg Free Press
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Pedersen makes it 3 wins out of 5 at Giro d'Italia to extend his overall lead
MATERA, Italy (AP) — Overall leader Mads Pedersen made it three wins out of five at this year's Giro d'Italia as he won a bunch sprint at the end of the fifth stage on Wednesday. Pedersen just managed to edge out Edoardo Zambanini in a finish that was so close the Lidl-Trek rider had to ask a teammate: 'Did I win? Are you sure?' Tom Pidcock was third at the end of the 151-kilometer (94-mile) route from Ceglie Messapica to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, which is renowned for its 'Sassi,' or ancient cave dwellings. With the bonus seconds Pedersen picked up, the Danish cyclist extended his lead over pre-race favorite Primoz Roglic to 17 seconds, with Mathias Vacek another seven seconds back. With a kilometer to go, Pedersen appeared too far back but he managed to get up to the front before a late corner and then got a great lead out from Vacek. Pedersen then launched his final sprint early and just barely held off Zambanini, who almost managed to beat him after coming up along the barriers. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Pedersen also won two of the three opening stages in Albania. Thursday's seventh stage is the longest leg of the three-week race and has two categorized climbs on the 227-kilometer route from Potenza to Naples. The Giro ends in Rome on June 1. ___ AP sports:
