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

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

If you are a trustworthy Travel Off Path reader, nevertheless, you understand 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 is the case with Sicily, which, consider it or not, remains to be largely unexplored, regardless of having featured closely within the media recently.

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:

More Americans Flocking To These Sicilian Hotspots Than Ever Before

#According to the latest figures revealed by ENIT, Italy’s National Tourism Agency, Sicily was visited by 2.9 million vacationers in 2025 to this point this summer season, a 2.4% development over the earlier excessive season.

The most important international markets proceed to be France, with a market share of 25%, and Germany, contributing with 20%, however the United Kingdom is coming sizzling on the heels of their European counterparts (15%), and Americans are proper behind them (10%).

When it involves Americans, the rise in guests is attributed to each Sicily’s rising reputation throughout the pond—we’ve got 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 an enormous island, although, so should you’re questioning the place they are going, these are the highest 3 most-visited spots and why:

Catania

• Percentage of foreigner guests: 30–35%
• Average expenditure per day: $98–110
• Average length of keep: 4-5 nights

With a international 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 individuals name dwelling, it’s wedged between the thunderous Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea.

Via Etnea is Catania’s most important 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.

(*3*)

If you are 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’Arena, one of many largest in Europe.

Looking for the closest seashore as a substitute? 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

• Percentage of international guests: 35–40%
• Average expenditure per day: $104–115
• Average length 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.

Similarly to Catania, its historic heart revolves round a monumental cathedral: combining not solely Baroque, but in addition 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.

Other must-sees in Palermo embody Palazzo dei Normanni, a Twelfth-century Norman palace, finest identified for its richly embellished Cappella Palatina, stated to rival the Sistine Chapel in magnificence.

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

For the film buffs on the market, Teatro Massimo isn’t solely the most important opera home in Italy, but in addition a location featured on The Godfather Part III, and must you ever want a seashore break, of the high-quality white-sand, turquoise-water form, Mondello Beach is a brief 20-minute drive from the middle.

Syracuse

• Percentage of international guests: 40%
• Average expenditure per day: $110–127
• Average length of keep: 4-5 nights

Leading the trio with a licensed 40% of international 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’s primarily often called the birthplace of Archimedes (yep, the Eureka! man), although guests are doubtless drawn to its picturesque Old Town, an island baptized Ortigia, linked to the mainland by way of 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, be sure you add A Putia Delle Cose Buone to your checklist.

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

Needless to say, it feels comparatively extra peaceable regardless of the rising reputation.

Heading to Italy this summer season and not sure what to anticipate, together with how a lot it’s best to tip at native eating places? Use our recently-launched Traveler Tools to get began.