Lonely PlanetSep 28, 2026
8 Alternatives to Italy’s Most Popular Destinations
Treviso instead of Venice? Lerici instead of Cinque Terre? Explore these neighboring cities that take their own twist on Italy
20 things in this story
- Chiesa di San BartolomeoPlace of worshipFuses late Baroque and neoclassical styles.
- ChiafuraSightCave-dwelling complex occupied until the 1950s.
- A Rutta ri Ron CarmeloMuseumFormer cave dwelling turned museum.
- DonnalucataNeighborhoodBeach town near Scicli.
- SampieriNeighborhoodBeach town near Scicli, 10 minutes away.
- ModicaNeighborhoodNearby town known for its chocolate.
- Palazzo BeneventanoSight
- Elsewhere
- Piazza dei SignoriSightTreviso, ItalyDramatic piazza.
- Chiesa di San NicolòPlace of worshipTreviso, ItalyFrescoed and bomb-scarred Gothic church, first built 13th century.
- DuomoSightTreviso, ItalyImposing cathedral.
- Museo Collezione SalceMuseumTreviso, ItalyFascinating collection of advertising materials.
- Piazza dell’AnfiteatroSightLucca, ItalyRetained elliptical shape of Roman amphitheater.
- Cattedrale di San MartinoPlace of worshipLucca, ItalyBuilt between 13th-15th centuries, home to Volto Santo.
- Lago d’IseoSightIseo, ItalyLake with Alps backdrop, rich in outdoor opportunities.
- Monte IsolaNeighborhoodIseo, ItalyIsland rising out of Lago d’Iseo's center.
- FranciacortaNeighborhoodIseo, ItalyWine region producing prestigious sparkling wine.
- San TerenzoNeighborhoodLerici, ItalyVillage at Lerici's northern end with waterfront walk.
- San Giorgio castleSightLerici, ItalyLooks down on Lerici's main piazza and out to sea.
- La CalettaRestaurantLerici, ItalySmall cove fringed by pretty sands, beyond the castle.
- Museo Luigi BailoMuseumTreviso, Italy