Italy for Return Travelers: 12 New Places to Explore

If you’ve already fallen in love with the magic of Italy, then the chances are you want to come back and discover something new.

But where should you go after visiting Italy’s most iconic and popular destinations? For first-timers, places like Rome, Florence, and Venice are unmissable, but Italy for return travelers looks a little different.

This guide is for travelers who want to go deeper and explore Italy off the beaten path. Discover unique locations and towns you may have never heard of, and soak up special and authentic Italian experiences. So, if you loved the classic destinations, these Italian hidden gems will be an equally amazing addition to your trip.

From Tuscan towns that share the Chianti region’s charm to coastal destinations as stunning as the Amalfi Coast, these are our 12 must-see places to visit in Italy as a return traveler beyond the usual.

If You Liked the Chianti Region in Tuscany

If you’ve had a chance to explore Tuscany and adore the Chianti Region, you’ll love these first two destinations. With everything from rolling vineyards to Renaissance-style architecture, both Arezzo and the Val d’Orcia offer that quintessential Tuscan charm.

1. Fall in love with Arezzo

Why we love it – Arezzo is one of those truly authentic smaller Italian cities that you’ll be thinking about for years to come. In Arezzo, you can imagine yourself living your best Italian life among the winding streets and medieval architecture with long lunches in the magnificent piazza.

Arezzo is just over 47 miles southeast of Florence. Start by exploring the historic center and visit the Fortezza Medicea or the Basílica de San Francesco with gorgeous frescoes by Piero della Francesca. The Piazza Grande in Arezzo hosts the monthly Arezzo Antiques Fair, where hundreds of exhibitors showcase and sell their antiques, prints, books, paintings, and more.

If you prefer admiring ancient art and architecture, you can even visit the Vasari House Museum or the Archaeological Museum and Amphitheatre.

Plus, it's well-connected, so if you want a day trip to Florence or surrounding towns like Cortona or Lucignano, simply take a quick train ride.

2. Val D’Orcia

Next is the Val d’Orcia, which embodies everything special about the Tuscan countryside and more. The valley stretches around 80 miles through Tuscany, boasting sweeping hills, winding roads, ancient villages, and hilltop towns. The combination of stunning views and sights makes it one of Italy’s most romantic destinations that you simply can’t miss out on.

If Chianti’s vineyards and wine-making drew you in, then Val d’Orcia is perfect for you. Explore places like Montalcino, Montepulciano, or Pienza, all of which produce different variations of iconic Italian wine, including the world-famous Brunello.

Of course, if wine culture isn’t a priority, there’s plenty more to see and do throughout the different towns in the Val d’Orcia. Pienza has the Piazza Pio II, the Pienza Cathedral, and some charming boutiques where you can get a few Tuscan gifts and souvenirs. It’s also a prominent Pecorino cheese producer, so a private cheese and wine tour wouldn’t hurt.

If You Loved Florence

Now, let’s look at a place that captures the same Renaissance beauty and magic of Florence. Lucca is a charming walled Tuscan city that’s refined, romantic, and an ideal stop if it’s your second time in Italy.

3. Lucca

If you love the art and elegance of Florence but are looking for a city that’s quieter and more relaxed, Lucca is an excellent next stop. Nestled in northern Tuscany, this walled city is graceful, walkable, and full of things to do.

Lucca’s most distinctive feature is its Renaissance-era walls, which are still perfectly intact and surround the city. You can walk or cycle the entire 2.5 miles of the walls, pausing to admire the sights from afar, or you can step closer and see each attraction up close.

The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is the bustling heart of the city, boasting numerous markets and people that give a glimpse into local life. Consider visiting the Duomo di San Martino, taking in the views from the Torre Guinigi, or admiring the breathtaking gardens of Palazzo Pfanner. 

Lucca is also a great place to taste some classic Tuscan food, including local delicacies like buccellato bread.

All that said, while much smaller than Florence, Lucca is more than enough to rival the beauty of the Renaissance City.

If You Liked the Cinque Terre

If those five villages in the Cinque Terre were up your alley, try heading farther down the Ligurian coast to discover these two less touristy gems that offer the same seaside charm. These are possibly among the most underrated places in Italy, so make sure to give them some love.

4. Camogli

First up is Camogli, a fishing town on the Ligurian coast, about 45 minutes by train from Genoa. Its tall, narrow buildings are painted in warm pastel tones and sit along the sea, so it definitely has the same picturesque feel as the Cinque Terre. The town is pretty quiet and sees relatively fewer tourists, so it’s great for a more calm retreat.

A walk through the old town leads you past shopfronts, seafood trattorias such as La Trattoria del Pesce, and bakeries selling everything from pastries to fresh-baked focaccia. The harborfront church, Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, overlooks the sea and marks the beginning of the scenic coastal path toward San Fruttuoso Abbey.

The area surrounding the abbey will become one of your favorite places ever. The building sits in a hidden cove on the waterfront, surrounded by natural beauty. With the bright blue ocean in front and the lush forests of Portofino Regional Park behind, this Camogli gem is just unbelievable.

5. Santa Margherita Ligure

A repeat visit to the Italian Riviera isn’t complete without a trip to Santa Margherita Ligure. It’s a slightly more polished alternative to Camogli. The colorful buildings and the waterfront promenades make you feel like you’re in the Cinque Terre, without the cliffs.

Stroll through the Villa Durazzo gardens, explore the baroque Chiesa di Santa Margherita, or take a ferry ride to Portofino, only about 15 minutes away. There are also plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling along the coast, and even some restaurants and beach clubs like Oasi al Mare, where you can have a drink or two.

Or, if you enjoy a slower pace, spend the day lounging around on Giò e Rino Beach. Either way, Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the most gorgeous destinations in Italy, if not the whole of Europe.

If You Liked the Amalfi Coast

Now, while the Cinque Terre has its coastal brilliance, there’s something even more special about Amalfi. If you enjoy the vibe of Amalfi, but dislike how busy it can get, try heading to Puglia, a.k.a. the heel of Italy’s boot. This southern region is adorned with crystal-clear coastlines, rich food culture, and iconic attractions you’ll be dying to see.

6. Monopoli

Monopoli is a lively small town along the coast, just south of Bari, which forms part of Puglia’s incredible towns. Unlike some other destinations along this stretch of coastline, Monopoli feels more lively, with fishing boats coming and going from the harbor and locals gathering along the waterfront.

Explore the whitewashed alleyways, churches like the gorgeous Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, and vibrant Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. Monopoli also has a medieval seafront castle called the Castello Carlo V that adds a touch of drama (and some fantastic photo opportunities).

If that wasn’t enough, you can spend hours discovering beaches and small coves, just a short walk from the center. Beaches like Cala Porta Vecchia and Spiaggia La Scaletta are just two of the most beautiful, but there are plenty more options nearby.

7. Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia’s most striking coastal towns. It’s built up to the edge of the limestone cliffs, with houses and balconies hanging over the sea. Polignano a Mare is one of the most visited places in Puglia, with beaches like Cala Porto tucked between cliffs, making it an ideal summer destination.

The town center is a maze of narrow lanes, buildings, and panoramic terraces with unforgettable views. You’ll find small piazzas filled with cafés, gelaterias, and boutiques that will keep you entertained all day. The main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, is the highlight, though, filled with charming narrow streets that lead to cafés, shops, and restaurants.

Polignano is also an excellent base for exploring the sea by boat, with idyllic caves and grottoes carved into nearby cliffs. Make sure to try a speedboat cruise or a boat trip to the caves to make the most of the scenery, and even spend some time swimming in the crystal waters.

8. Ostuni

Last up in this section is what they call the “White City.” As the name suggests, Ostuni is known for its dazzling and bright white buildings, which are quite a dramatic shift from Amalfi’s colorful ones.

It sits more inland but is still close enough to the ocean (around five miles away) to feel that cool breeze. This hilltop location offers sweeping views of olive trees in the countryside and, of course, the beautiful attractions within its fortified walls.

Start by exploring places like Piazza della Libertà, where you can grab a coffee or some gelato at small stores lining the piazza. The Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta is another landmark you must see, exuding quiet elegance without any over-the-top frills. Nevertheless, it’s still a highlight of Ostuni.

And at the end of the day, if you really want to go to the beach, just take a short day trip to nearby beaches like Torre Pozzella or Costa Merlata.

If You Liked Lake Como

We all know that Lake Como is one of the most picturesque vacation destinations in the entire world, and for good reason. So, if you’ve already been there on your first visit and want a similar experience, then Lake Garda is your go-to.

9. Lake Garda

There are few places as impressive as Italy’s lakes, and Garda is one of the best (and most popular, next to Como). It happens to be the largest lake, stretching across the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige, with each part offering a different experience.

In the south, Sirmione attracts visitors with Castello Scaligero and the ruins at the Grotte di Catullo, dating back to Roman times. It sits on a narrow peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides, making it a picture-perfect spot for strolling and relaxing by the lake.

Further north, the landscape shifts. Places like Riva del Garda and Torbole attract hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers thanks to the area’s scenery and hiking trails. Try taking a cable car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo for views of the lake and mountains, or go on a boat tour from Peschiera.

Whatever you decide, just know that Lake Garda has plenty of surprises.

If You Want Some Adventure

Have you ever been somewhere so spectacular that you lost track of time? Well, if you want that again, then Sicily is just the place. This is one of Italy’s most beautiful islands, with layers of history, jaw-dropping landscapes, and some of the boldest flavors in Italian cuisine.

10. Sicily

People don’t often visit Sicily on their first trip, since it’s not centrally located nor close to the country’s most popular attractions, like the Colosseum or Pompeii. But that’s what makes it perfect for repeat visitors.

Start with the most popular areas to see the main highlights. Catania, Taormina, Palermo, or Syracuse are stellar choices. You can hike sections of Mount Etna, take a cable car to enjoy the views up there, or delve into ancient history. The Ancient Theatre of Catania, Teatro Antico di Taormina, and the Valley of Temples are all incredible.

And honestly? You can’t set foot in Sicily without visiting the beaches. Spiaggia di San Vito Lo Capo and Scala dei Turchi definitely have some of the most breathtaking views.

Oh, and you can’t skip out on the food. Try traditional Sicilian foods, such as a flavorful pesto alla Trapanese or a sweet cannolo Siciliano. You can find these at local restaurants or even during a Sicilian cooking class.

If You Want to Explore Hilltop Towns

Along with brilliant coastlines and built-up cities, Italy is also famous for its hilltop villages. While Tuscany gets most of the attention in this category, Umbria’s towns are just as magical. Here are two magical hilltop towns that make a great trip for repeat visitors.

11. Orvieto

Orvieto is an Umbrian wonder, striking from the moment you see it rising above the plains. It feels like a special gem in the middle of rolling green hills. There’s truly nothing more amazing to see.

Orvieto is best known for its Gothic-style Orvieto Cathedral, one of the most impressive churches in Italy, with a striped marble facade and detailed mosaics. Or spend hours walking through the quiet streets, discovering new ceramic shops, wine bars, and restaurants.

For a more unique outing, discover the artifacts and exhibits in the Museo Claudio Faina or explore the hidden network of underground tunnels beneath the city. Entry tickets are available for individual caves such as  Pozzo della Cava, but you could always try a combined guided tour that includes multiple sites.

12. Assisi

Ending off strong, let’s take a trip to the wondrous Assisi. You’ll find it on the slopes of Monte Subasio, and it certainly stands out amongst the greenery on the side of the mountain. Like any destination, it’s packed with centuries of history, architecture and Renaissance artwork that will take your breath away, and much more.

Make sure to visit the Basilica di San Francesco first. This two-level church is decorated with intricate frescoes by Giotto and other early Renaissance masters, as well as an impressive bell tower to the side. Plus, the viewpoint from outside offers photo opportunities beyond measure.

Take a stroll down the Via San Francesco to do some shopping. There are a few souvenir shops selling anything from jewelry to ceramics and religious memorabilia. Other highlights include Piazza del Comune, the Temple of Minerva, and the Rocca Maggiore fortress (just to name a few).

If one thing’s for sure, it’s that Assisi isn’t a place for a quick, fast-paced trip. Every corner of the town needs to be carefully explored and appreciated.

Italy For Repeat Visitors – Wrapped Up

One of the greatest joys of Italy is returning and discovering how much more there is beyond the famous sights. With each visit, you peel back another layer, tasting new dishes, meeting more locals, and finding secret attractions that you may have overlooked the first time around.

That said, it doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Italy on a first, second, or third trip, or you’ve been here countless times; each destination is an unforgettable experience. And the truth is, these are just the start. There are so many other places to visit across the country, from northern to southern Italy, and everywhere in between.

So, which Italian wonder will you explore first?

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