Expat Travel & Culture Guide

Off the Beaten Path: Unique Things to Do in Italy in Summer

Discover Italy’s hidden summer gems—from Alpine valleys and ghost towns to sunken Roman cities and volcanic archipelagos.

Exploring Italy Beyond the Crowds

Italy’s summer charm extends far beyond its famous cities and popular tourist routes. For those in search of distinctive experiences, the country boasts a treasure trove of off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Understanding the best unique things to do in Italy in summer allows travelers and expats to enjoy natural splendor, deep-rooted history, and rich local culture far removed from peak tourist crowds.

📊 Key Guide Destinations

👉 1. The Alpine Aosta Valley
👉 2. The Ghost Town of Craco (Basilicata)
👉 3. Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast Hike)
👉 4. The Sunken City of Baia (Campania)
👉 5. Parco dei Mostri / Sacro Bosco (Lazio)
👉 6. Hiking in the Dolomites
👉 7. Grotta di Nettuno (Sardinia)
👉 8. The Volcanic Aeolian Islands
👉 9. Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley, nestled in the Italian Alps, offers a memorable mountain experience away from typical tourist hot spots. Learn more at Love VDA, the official tourism portal.

Aosta Old Town: Step back through history among remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including the ancient Arco d’Augusta, original Roman city walls, medieval towers, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Medieval Castles: Tour impressive fortresses across the valley, including Chateau St. Pierre, Chateau Sarriod de la Tour, and the iconic Fenis Castle.

Alpine Hiking: Discover trails in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, or take a short walk near Courmayeur to view the Italian side of Mont Blanc.

Cycling & Aerial Sports: Over 1,000 kilometers of trails accommodate mountain bikers (Pila and La Thuile feature summer downhill tracks), while hot air ballooning and paragliding offer soaring alpine views.

Discover the Ghost Town of Craco

Craco is an abandoned medieval hilltop village in Basilicata offering a fascinating glimpse into southern Italian history. Evacuated in the 1960s following severe landslides, it stands today as a preserved ghost town perched atop a 400-meter cliff overlooking badland rock formations (calanchi).

While restricted for independent wandering, official guided helmet tours allow visitors to safely explore the deserted cobblestone streets. Film enthusiasts will recognize Craco from major cinematic productions including The Passion of the Christ, King David, and James Bond’s Quantum of Solace.

Hike the Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast

Searching for active and unique things to do in Italy in summer along the coast? The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) offers an elevated hiking alternative to congested coastal highways. Connecting Bomerano to Nocelle, this moderately challenging cliffside trail delivers sweeping Mediterranean vistas, terraced vineyards, and dramatic views over Positano.

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Visit the Sunken City of Baia, Campania

Baia was an opulent Roman resort town situated along the Gulf of Naples that submerged due to local volcanic activity (bradyseism). Today, it forms one of the world’s few underwater archaeological parks. Visitors can inspect submerged Roman villas, original mosaic tile floors, and ancient statues via guided snorkeling tours, scuba dives, or glass-bottom boats. Learn more at Baia Sommersa.

Explore the Parco dei Mostri, Lazio

Located near Bomarzo in Lazio, the Parco dei Mostri (also known as the Sacro Bosco or Sacred Grove) is a Mannerist garden created in the 16th century by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini. The park contains enigmatic, oversized stone sculptures—including sphinxes, battle scenes, and the famous gaping “Mouth of Hell”—designed as an allegorical journey for the mind and soul.

Hike Through the Dolomites

The Dolomites present world-class alpine landscapes marked by sheer rock walls and jagged peaks. These alpine hiking trails are widely considered among the most scenic and unique things to do in Italy in summer. This UNESCO site is famous for Enrosadira—a natural lighting phenomenon during summer sunrises and sunsets that turns limestone cliffs shades of pink, orange, and violet. Plan routes at Dolomiti.it.

Go Spelunking in Sardinia’s Grotta di Nettuno

Situated near Alghero along the Capo Caccia cliff, Neptune’s Grotto (Grotte di Nettuno) is one of Sardinia’s most spectacular cave systems. Visitors access the grotto via excursion boats or by descending the 654 steps of the cliffside Escala del Cabirol staircase. Inside, guided paths cross enormous cavern chambers and skirt Lake Lamarmora, one of Europe’s largest saltwater cave lakes.

Discover the Volcanic Aeolian Islands

Located off northern Sicily, this UNESCO-protected volcanic chain provides island hopping, crater hikes, and clear Mediterranean swimming. Taking hydrofoil trips across this archipelago delivers unique things to do in Italy in summer far away from mainland crowds. Ferries depart regularly from Milazzo via Liberty Lines or Siremar.

🏝️ Lipari: The main island, featuring a historic castle, museum, and lively harbor front.
🌋 Vulcano: World-renowned for open-air mud baths and smoking sulfur fumaroles.
🍷 Salina: Celebrated for lush green slopes, caper farms, and sweet Malvasia wine.
🔥 Stromboli: An active volcano offering night boat tours to watch live eruptions.
🌊 Filicudi & Alicudi: Quiet, vehicle-free islands tailored for peaceful, traditional stays.
✨ Panarea: A picturesque island filled with whitewashed houses, boutiques, and clear coves.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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