Forget Rome: Tourists Are Flocking To These 3 Lesser-Known Destinations In Italy

Rome is the number one destination on the minds of almost all vacationers going to Italy, and might you actually blame them? It’s, in spite of everything, the house of the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican Metropolis, and numerous extra world-renowned landmarks.

If you happen to’re a trustworthy Journey Off Path reader, nonetheless, you already know by now Rome is merely the tip of the iceberg: Italy has a lot extra to supply, and should you’re trying past the obvious hotspots, you’ll find the odd hidden gem yet to be spoiled by mass tourism.

That’s the case with Sicily, which, imagine it or not, remains to be largely unexplored, regardless of having featured closely within the media currently.

Italy’s largest island, mendacity simply off the southwestern tip of the Italian boot, it is packed full of perfectly preserved Baroque towns and golden-sand seashores hugged by turquoise seas—and if we could add, it is also dwelling to 3 of the nation’s trendiest locations proper now:

Extra Individuals Flocking To These Sicilian Hotspots Than Ever Earlier than

#In accordance with the latest figures printed by ENIT, Italy’s Nationwide Tourism Company, Sicily was visited by 2.9 million vacationers in 2025 to date this summer season, a 2.4% development over the earlier excessive season.

The principle overseas markets proceed to be France, with a market share of 25%, and Germany, contributing with 20%, however the UK is coming sizzling on the heels of their European counterparts (15%), and Individuals are proper behind them (10%).

Relating to Individuals, the rise in guests is attributed to each Sicily’s rising reputation throughout the pond—now we have the White Lotus to thank for that—and the introduction of direct flights to the island, which have made it simpler for vacationers to get there from throughout the pond.

Sicily’s a giant island, although, so should you’re questioning the place they are going, these are the highest 3 most-visited spots and why:

Catania

• Proportion of foreigner guests: 30–35%
• Common expenditure per day: $98–110
• Common period of keep: 4-5 nights

With a overseas customer share of 30–35%, Catania is the third most extremely sought-after coastal getaway in Sicily: the island’s second-largest metropolis, and a metropolitan zone over one million folks name dwelling, it’s wedged between the thunderous Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea.

By way of Etnea is Catania’s major vein, and a busy thoroughfare lined with elegant buildings and upscale trattorie atop rooftops, and it leads straight to Piazza del Duomo, a pedestrianized sq. dominated by a Baroque cathedral.

If you happen to’re right here for the traditional tradition, do not miss out on Catania’s Roman Theater, courting again to the 2nd century AD, Castello Ursino, a moated citadel initially constructed on the coast, and now pushed inland, and the imposing Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Area, one of many largest in Europe.

On the lookout for the closest seashore as an alternative? La Playa di Catania extends for a whopping 11 miles alongside heat, azure seas, and it is simply south of the downtown zone, simply reachable by bus (simply look the closest AMTS cease and hop on line D).

Palermo

• Proportion of overseas guests: 35–40%
• Common expenditure per day: $104–115
• Common period of keep: 4-5 nights

The Sicilian capital, and one among Italy’s most vibrant cities, with a various cultural supply and a rising inhabitants already standing at over 1.2 million, Palermo is the second busiest tourism spot on the island this summer season.

Equally to Catania, its historic middle revolves round a monumental cathedral: combining not solely Baroque, but additionally Norman, Arab, and Gothic parts, a mirrored image of the melting pot that’s Sicily, it’s the place a number of medieval kings, and even Holy Roman Emperors, are interred.

Different must-sees in Palermo embrace Palazzo dei Normanni, a Twelfth-century Norman palace, greatest recognized for its richly adorned Cappella Palatina, stated to rival the Sistine Chapel in magnificence.

Whether or not you are right here for the medieval appeal, the Godfather filming spots, or the seashores, you will not be disenchanted, and the bustling Ballarò Market, the place you’ll be able to pattern totally different arancini, seafood fritters, and recent panini, and nonetheless not spend over $5.

For the film buffs on the market, Teatro Massimo will not be solely the biggest opera home in Italy, but additionally a location featured on The Godfather Half III, and do you have to ever want a seashore break, of the high-quality white-sand, turquoise-water form, Mondello Seashore is a brief 20-minute drive from the middle.

Syracuse

• Proportion of overseas guests: 40%
• Common expenditure per day: $110–127
• Common period of keep: 4-5 nights

Main the trio with a licensed 40% of overseas vacationers in short-term leases this summer season, Syracuse is Sicily’s, to not say Italy’s subsequent sizzling factor on the minute: it is considerably off-the-beaten-path, however not fairly should you’re an Italophile, meals is nice, and it simply oozes Old World charm.

It is primarily often called the birthplace of Archimedes (yep, the Eureka! man), although guests are seemingly drawn to its picturesque Outdated City, an island baptized Ortigia, related to the mainland through a string of bridges, and ringed by a scenic lungomare (or coastal stroll).

Ortigia is a maze of slim, cobbled alleys lined with previous stone townhouses, family-owned trattorie serving pasta alla norma at respectable costs, and ornate church portals—if you wish to completely wow your style buds, ensure you add A Putia Delle Cose Buone to your record.

On high of that, Syracuse is method smaller than Catania or Palermo, with a resident inhabitants of round 117,000, and not one of the hectic visitors of the latter two.

Evidently, it feels comparatively extra peaceable regardless of the rising reputation.

Heading to Italy this summer season and uncertain what to anticipate, together with how a lot you must tip at native eating places? Use our recently-launched Traveler Tools to get began.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead author at Journey Off Path, has over 60+ international locations beneath his belt (and at the moment weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative tales that can have you ever packing your baggage.