A ‘gorgeous medieval’ town in Tuscany and other readers’ tips across Italy
Tuscan town with Scottish vibes
Among the highlights of the Garfagnana region of northern Tuscany is the Serchio valley, which can be explored using the railway line from Lucca. Barga is the best town with a gorgeous medieval centre and interesting links to Scotland from immigration and emigration that began in the 19th century. Try the local speciality of chestnut flour pasta with local porcini from the forests.
James Hamer
City under the volcano, Sicily
A less popular base for a trip to Sicily but a city brimming with life, Catania is a foodie haven and great to explore the island from. The city, home to arancini (deep fried rice balls) and cannoli (fried dough tubes filled with ricotta cheese), has incredible food experiences like the gelato from Don Peppinu and sweet treats from Pasticceria Savia. The city is also within striking distance of Mount Etna, as well as beautiful coastal destinations such as Taormina and Syracuse.
George
Guardian Travel readers' tips
Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage
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Trulli beautiful town in Puglia
If you’re planning a trip to southern Italy, make sure to visit Locorotondo. The name, meaning “round place,” reflects the town’s circular layout, with narrow streets radiating from the centre. Known for its picturesque white-washed trulli houses and stunning views over the Valle d’Itria, it’s perfect for photos or just soaking in the scenery. The historic centre is full of charm, with flower-adorned balconies and cosy cafes serving local delicacies and wines. A peaceful, authentic spot, Locorotondo offers a true taste of southern Italy.
Gianmarco
A quieter side of the Dolomites
The Cadore region is a wonderful area for exploring the Dolomites, and one that still hasn’t become particularly busy with tourists yet. There are no ski slopes there, but there are some nice hikes. It’s mostly the breathtaking views and the old villages that will bring you back time and again. Base yourself in Valle di Cadore, close to the birthplace (Pieve di Cadore) of Renaissance painter Titian, for the best views. Stay at the wonderful Il Quadrifoglio B&B, dine in one of the lovely restaurants nearby, and wander the Dolomites at a slower pace.
Elena
Roman holiday, eastern Lazio
The Simbruini Hills of eastern Lazio have to be the best kept secret of Italy. An hour’s drive from Rome at the foothills of the Apennines. Town after vertiginous hill town each with its medieval and modern halves with red and white marked walks leading to Madonna sanctuaries and Roman aqueducts. Ludicrously good value Roman cuisine served everywhere strictly between the assiduously observed eating hours of 1-3pm and 8-11pm. Don’t expect to buy groceries outside these hours or converse in English at any point.
Liz Rossi
My happy place on Italy’s heel
Nardò is often overshadowed by its neighbours in Salento, the region that makes up the heel of the Italian boot. It features Lecce’s baroque architecture and Gallipoli’s vibrancy, but without such large crowds. The Piazza António Salandra is a great place for an aperitivo and a hub of social activity. The town holds a monthly flea market on the first Sunday of each month, which offers various vintage items. Nardò is the perfect spot to live out your southern Italian fantasies of lazy days consisting of eating local delicacies, culture and watching the world pass by.
Joel
Apennines from our door
The Sibillini national park is part of the Apennines in southern Marche. It offers wonderful hiking and mountain biking off the beaten track in a little known part of Italy. Beautiful small towns to use as a base are Sarnano and Amandola with great moderately priced restaurants. We stayed at the Hideaway near Amandola, great value and super comfortable with incredibly helpful hosts.
Marina
Lakeside evenings, Piedmont
During a trip to the Italian lakes a couple of years ago we detoured to Lake Viverone between Milan and Turin. This beautiful lake is much quieter and understated but perfect for water sports or a boat trip. The nearby Cellagrande winery is a hidden gem for regional foodie delights like risotto or just a simple gelato with stunning views down to the lake. And don’t forget to call in at Pasticceria Balia in the nearby town of Ivrea for a slice of torta and a coffee before watching the sun set over the lake.
Emma
Cycle to the daily catch, Abruzzo coast
The Costa dei Trabocchi is littered with old wooden fishing machines (trabocco) on stilts. Nowadays many are excellent fish restaurants, where you eat fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea. This stretch of coast in Abruzzo, east Italy, has wide sandy beaches and an excellent tarmac cycle path. Between Ortano and San Salvo you can enjoy the daily catch while you cycle along.
Monique Gadella
Winning tip: the best village on Lake Como
Related: When in Rome … go where the Romans go, not the tourist crowds
On the northern shores of Lake Como and surrounded by breathtaking mountains is the picturesque village of Colico. Offering a more authentic taste of Lombardy than its famous lakeside sisters, the village boasts fantastic beaches, a small harbour from which to explore Lake Como, and several trattorie serving northern Italy’s best kept secret, pizzoccheri – a comforting dish of buckwheat pasta, potatoes, cabbage, local cheeses and sage-infused butter. From Colico, you’re just a stone’s throw from the peaceful romanesque Piona Abbey and gardens, the spectacular ruins of Torri di Fontanedo and the wineries along the Valtellina producing the lesser known but fantastic inferno wines.
Sarah Frangos
