When you think of Italy, iconic spots like Rome, Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast come to mind. But beyond these lie areas you might not have heard of where authentic culture, nature, and traditional cuisine thrive. Here are five lesser-known regions to explore on your next trip: 1. Molise Italy’s second-smallest region still remains under the radar. Expect medieval villages, untouched mountain landscapes, and traditional trattorie where nonna still makes the pasta by hand. 2. Basilicata Home to the Lucanian Dolomites and one of the oldest cities in the world (Matera), Basilicata offers rugged beauty and delicious cuisine without the crowds 3. Friuli Venezia Giulia Nestled in Italy’s northeast, this borderland blends Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences. Think alpine lakes, hilltop castles, and refined wines like Friulano and Ribolla Gialla 4. Abruzzo Mountains meet the Adriatic in this naturalistic paradise. National parks, medieval villages, and hearty mountain cuisine make it perfect for slow travel 5. Le Marche Rolling hills, Renaissance towns, and an unspoiled coastline. Urbino and the Conero Riviera are must-sees Save this post for your next trip and let us know in the comments if you’ve been to any of these Italian regions 👇🏼