'I live in Italy. Here are the secret spots I recommend for your Euro summer.'

2024 was the year Europe sent a clear message—tourists weren't always welcome. We all saw clips of locals in Barcelona dousing tourists with water guns, and now even the iconic Trevi Fountain is on the verge of becoming a pay-to-see attraction.

Without diving too deep into the politics, it's easy to understand why. Earlier this year, my fiancé and I moved to Florence, drawn by its Renaissance charm and the artistic energy that has inspired so many. But the reality was far from the romantic vision we had in mind.

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We were constantly navigating through swarms of people. NYU has a campus there, and honestly, it often felt more like a college town than the Florence we dreamed about. We'd both been through the American college experience before, and we weren't eager to relive it.

So one late night, after a bottle of Chianti, we decided to pick a random spot on the map and ended up in Monopoli, a small fishing town in Puglia. It quickly felt like home. We'd start our mornings with a swim in the Adriatic, and in the afternoon, we'd buy fresh seafood straight from the boats. Our local butcher even helped us practice our Italian.

The truth is, there are plenty of places like Monopoli in Italy—equally charming, equally authentic, but often overlooked. If more travellers ventured two, three, or four hours beyond the big cities, they'd find a richer, more local experience.

So, here are the parts of Italy I wish more travellers would explore.

The hidden gems to visit in Italy.

Bari, for a base to explore Puglia.

Bari, the heart of Puglia, is the perfect jumping-off point for the region. From here, you can get a train to Polignano a Mare, the cliffside beach town all over Instagram, or head to Monopoli, a further 10 minutes south. A bit further down, you'll find Ostuni, the "white city," with streets that feel straight out of Santorini.

The streets of Bari, Italy. Image: Supplied.

That being said, Bari's old town is definitely worth a day or two of your time. On Strada delle Orecchiette (search Strada Arco Basso in Google Maps), you can meet the pasta nonnas who make orecchiette right on the street. Then, treat yourself to a Focaccia Barese at Panificio Fiore, a type of focaccia where boiled potatoes are folded into the dough.

The 'pasta nonnas' in Italy. Image: Supplied.

Tropea, for the best beaches in Italy.

The gods knew what they were doing when they chose Tropea as a beach paradise—or so the legend goes. The small town on Calabria's Coast of the Gods is home to sandy beaches and the iconic 'Calabrian Blue' waters, which I can only describe as a gorgeous greenish-blue, that sparkles in the sun. It's less touristy than the Amalfi Coast, mostly drawing German and Italian visitors, and it's much easier on the wallet.

Tropea Beach, Italy. Image: Supplied.

The old town, perched on a clifftop, is full of charm, with strings of chillis and the famous Tropea red onions hanging outside storefronts. But the showstopper here is the Santa Maria dell'Isola, a church roosted on its own sandstone island, surrounded by those amazing blue waters. Just be prepared for lots of stairs!

Lecce, for Florence vibes without the crowds.

Although Lecce doesn't share Florence's Renaissance fame, it's often called the "Florence of the South" for good reason. The whole city feels like an open-air museum where you can stroll in and out of grand churches, marvel at frescoed ceilings for free, and soak up the local vibe.

The streets of Leece, Italy. Image: Supplied.

Lecce is built from warm, golden stone that glows at sunset, making it perfect for photo ops. While you're there, try local treats like a pasticciotto, a custard-filled pastry, or a rustico Leccese, stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

For a quick day trip, hop on a short train ride to the nearby beach towns of Otranto or Gallipoli, where you can enjoy gin-clear waters and fresh seafood.

Locorotondo, for Italy's prettiest town.

Locorotondo is its own highlight—no need for museums or castles here. Named one of Italy's most beautiful villages ("Borghi più belli d'Italia"), this town is well worth a visit.

Locorotondo, Italy. Image: Supplied.

With its hilltop setting and vineyards all around, the town offers scenery at every turn, best enjoyed from Pavì Wine Bar as the sun sets. Don't miss the chance to try the local Bianco Locorotondo DOC, a sparkling white wine unique to this region.

Just below Pavì, clinging to the hill is Terra Chevive, where you can relax on a beanbag while enjoying a wine tasting among the vines—a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Bologna, for food and more food.

It baffles me when people say they're going to Italy for the food but then head to places like Positano or Venice—places where you really shouldn't eat. Instead, hop on a train from Rome to Bologna, and in just over two hours, you'll find yourself in one of Italy's true food capitals.

The streets of Bologna, Italy. Image: Supplied.

Bologna is a smorgasbord of mortadella paninos, tortellini in brodo, and the iconic green lasagna—all regional classics. The best place to experience it all is at Trattoria di Via Serra, a little off the tourist route, but well worth the work, if you can manage to secure a reservation. My hot tip, book weeks in advance. 

The food in Bologna, Italy. Image: Supplied.

When you're not eating, take in the burnt-orange buildings, visit Piazza Maggiore, and admire the iconic two towers, La Turrita.

Castellammare del Golfo, for a laid-back beach holiday.

Ever since White Lotus Season 2 dropped on HBO, Taormina has been swarming with tourists. If you're looking for a quieter experience, make your way to Castellammare del Golfo, a pretty port town wedged under a towering mountain. The view back at the town from the marina will make you reach for your camera.

Castellammare del Golfo, Italy. Image: Supplied.

At the marina, you can hop on a guided boat tour or rent your own to explore the beautiful Gulf of Castellammare. There are plenty of small coves and swimming spots along the coast. And if you'd rather stay on land, you can swim at Cala Petròlo, a sandy beach in the centre of town, or grab an Aperol spritz at the beach bar.

Livorno, for sunsets that will make you cry.

Did you know Tuscany has its own beaches? In fact, there are several, and Livorno has some fantastic stretches along the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas. Just a heads-up—Livorno is a port town, so you will see cruise ships, but most passengers head straight to Florence, leaving the town surprisingly quiet.

Livorno, Italy. Image: Supplied.

There's no shortage of things to do in town. Wander through the stalls at Mercato Central, Italy's largest indoor market, or head over to the New Fortress (Fortezza Nuova). You can also take in the canals lined with Renaissance and Baroque buildings and make sure to visit Terrazza Mascagni, a gorgeous black-and-white checkered piazza with stunning sea views. It's a popular sunset spot. I've seen many people get emotional watching the sunset there—I've teared up myself.

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Feature image: Supplied.