10 Secretly Perfect Places in Northern Italy
Northern Italy is known for its great vineyards, beautiful countryside and historic villages…and these “secret” destinations are well worth discovering.
Italy is home to some very classic and sophisticated places that many travelers dream of visiting! There are towns and cities that tourists may never have heard of, but these places deserve great attention because they are home to famous things from northern Italy is known for its landscapes, chocolate spreads and racing cars. Therefore, here is a list of top ten secret places in northern Italy that tourists should consider visiting.
ten Saturnia Hot Springs
Saturnia hot springs are located in the spa town of Tuscany. It’s dubbed Italy’s best secret, but it’s grown in popularity and it’s not exactly a secret anymore. It has streams of sparkling blue water which are heated by the surrounding volcano in the area. The water current keeps the source at 37 degrees. A peaceful dip in one of the many spring pools would be ideal, especially if tourists visit at sunrise and sunset. Don’t worry, this place is free and open 24/7.
9 Gardena Pass
Passo Gardena translates to Garden Pass and it is a popular route with travelers and cyclists. From the name itself, it is a mountain pass that offers cyclists breathtaking views of the mountain ranges, including the magnificent Dolomite mountains. The pass also has historical purposes in its construction during World War I. In addition to the pass, there are accommodations that travelers can stay on and other stores for convenience. This may be one of the best descents of a traveler’s life!
8 Lake Orta
North of Milan, only a local Milanese would recognize this lake because, just as the elites are committed to Lake Como, a villa near Lake Orta is a status symbol. This lake showcases its vintage surroundings, starting with the alpine mountains that surround it and the buildings built in medieval times. Classic to sumptuous, the island of Orta offers various accommodations. Grand palaces on neighboring islands are rented by holidaymakers from Italy and other neighboring countries during the summer.
seven Treviso
Treviso is dubbed one of the Little Venices due to its canal system mirroring the city’s popular canals. This town is the definition of vintage due to its well-preserved buildings built in the 15th century. Tourists can take a walk in Piazza Dei Signori, where the Renaissance palace, Palazzo Protorio, stands. There are definitely more sites to visit in Treviso, including San Pietro Cathedral, the city walls and gates, and Villa Emo. Just like in Venice, you shouldn’t miss a stroll through the picturesque water canals.
6 Aosta Valley
Valle d’Aosta is where holidaymakers discover the natural beauty of Valle d’Aosta. This is the best secret destination for anyone looking for a secluded vacation but with splendid views of its ski mountains, hot springs for the winter season, vintage-style accommodations, and popular valley hikes. Valle d’Aosta offers world-class activities all year round. It offers the best skiing experience in all of Italy in winter and the best view of the mountain ranges through its hiking trails in summer.
5 Alba
Alba is a retro Instagram filter actually because of its beautiful brownish lands. This is where the sky meets the earth due to the thick fog hanging in the morning and evening. This town is also popular for its aromatic, garlicky flavor under its soil, Italy’s most popular white truffle product. Thus, in recent years and the growing white truffle industry, this city and its surroundings are home to the Michelin starred restaurants of Italy. Additionally, Alba is the birthplace of the world’s most popular chocolate and hazelnut spread, Nutella.
4 Trieste
Trieste is one of the most beautiful secret places in northern Italy. Known as the country’s forgotten city, it is now one of the largest coffee producers. Therefore, this city is full of cafes and houses, and caffeine is a scent that any tourist would naturally associate with it. Due to its cultural diversity, it is home to various cultural buildings built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. One of its hidden spots is Catello di Miramare, a palace built in 1855 that is brimming with history.
3 Modena
Racing cars and vinegar are two things one might associate with Modena. Despite being unpopular with tourists, it is widely known for its Bugatti racing cars. This is because Bugatti once had a factory in the city. However, the deserted factory never prevents tourists from getting a closer look at the city’s collection of Maserati cars owned by the Panini family. Modena is also home to the best Italian cuisines like tagliatelle stew and the best Frutti di Mare.
2 Chiuse
This cute little town has some of the country’s earliest art scenes dating back 100 years. Chiusa presents its medieval beauty with its Gothic churches, vintage accommodations and retro landscapes. The town flaunts its museum which houses valuable pieces of Loreto’s treasures, from paintings to ceramic works by Italian and Spanish artists from centuries ago. Chiusa is also home to some of the best cuisine ranging from Alpine to Mediterranean flavors in its classic to luxurious restaurants such as Turmmwirt, Gasthof Walter, Pizzahouse Torgglkeller and Ristorante Vital Jasmin nel Hotel Bischofhof.
1 Bergamo
Cities like Bergamo are places Italians like to keep to themselves. The streets of this small town are beautiful, like the vintage facades of the surrounding buildings and alleys. This city is an old town that features its classical basilica adorned with gold ceilings and fittings. Another sophisticated building is the Duomo di Bergamo, Capella Colleoni, and many others.
