Off-the-beaten path Italy? It's not a myth

Scrolling through social media, you might think that there's very little of Italy left to 'discover', but that's simply not the case. And while the country is home to some of the world's most visited cities and destinations – Rome, Venice, Tuscany, we're looking at you – there is much to uncover if you head off the well-photographed path. In this week's episode of Travel Smart, we showcase three destinations that offer beautiful, wild beaches, mountain adventures and hilltop towns full of Italian charm and culture, and which, crucially, aren't in the headlines for being overtourism hotspots. 

When it comes to beaches, Europe has a wealth of sandy stretches, and, if given the choice, we'd wager that most British holidaymakers would opt for Greece over Italy when considering a beach break. But Sardinia – the second largest island in the Mediterranean – is gatekeeping quite a few of the continent's best.

In the Dolomites, you'll find a unique indigenous cuisine and a total lack of any chain hotels, making this Alpine region unlike any other. While just a couple of hours south of Pisa, in Tuscany's coastal Maremma region, you'll find wild beaches, hilltop towns, natural hot springs and some of the region's finest wines.

This is Italy, but not, perhaps, as you've seen it on your daily scroll.

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Adriatic escape

Grado is a beautiful Italian town on the edge of a lagoon at the top of the Adriatic – boasting rooftop pools, pretty churches and many excellent restaurants. A short bike ride away: the Unesco-listed basilica of Aquileia.

Southern star

Just north of the fine southern city of Reggio di Calabria, the pretty town of Scilla is draped over an outcrop that  soars above the Mediterranean. The eastern tip of Sicily is almost within touching distance.

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WATCH

Italian escape

The travel desk reveals the three destinations at the top of our list for escaping the tourist hordes in Italy.

SPOTLIGHT

This for that

Swap Tuscany for this foodie, crowd-free alternative with cultural cities and an attractive coastline.

This unsung region of northern Italy is often suggested as an alternative to Tuscany; more authentic and without the crowds. It's an absolute winner for a short, sharp immersion into Italian culture and a road trip over small distances.

ELLIE SEYMOUR

Travel writer

INSPIRATION 

La Dolce Vita

Think the Amalfi Coast is well and truly 'done'? Adrianne Webster disagrees.

DISCOVER

The best beds

You don't need a big budget to holiday in Sicily, as our guide to the best budget hotels on the island can attest.

TRAVELSMART WEEKLY

Watch now: Embrace your wanderlust with The Independent's expert travel series

Avoid Amalfi's notorious traffic and crowds by exploring by bike

Uncovering a family legend in the heart of the Dolomites

The peaceful Italian mountain town just one hour from Venice

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