4 less known gems in Italy


If you are searching for destinations in Italy that are the secret places tourists don't know about - this guide is for you.

You can explore; Gressoney, Turin, Lago d'Orta and Ravenna. 

Below you will also find information about travelling, where to purchase tickets for trains, buses and flights, how to get to these destinations specially. 

Start exploring

Written by Giulia Macchi

Italy is a country that beckons travellers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. 

While Rome, Florence, and Venice are undeniably captivating, many lesser-known treasures are waiting to be discovered by those who seek a more intimate and authentic Italian experience. 

Here's a guide to some off-the-beaten-path destinations that promise to captivate your senses without the crowds.

Turin: The most underestimated city in Italy?


Imagine walking around in a scene of stunning architecture, plenty of museums to visit, squares to relax, and being inside the greenest city you can find in Italy. 

On top of many restaurants, you will also find a lot of historic coffee bars.

 

 

Architecture: Turin is very famous for many buildings made in the Liberty style

Piazza San Carlo

This enchanting square, often referred to as the "Living Room of Turin," was a timeless gem that bore witness to centuries of stories.

Bordered by majestic twin churches, the Church of San Carlo Borromeo and the Church of Santa Cristina, Piazza San Carlo stood as a testament to Turin's rich cultural heritage.

The equestrian statue of Emmanuele Filiberto, the Duke of Savoy, proudly guarded the square, inviting visitors to step back in time and relive the glory of the past.

Venturing beyond Piazza San Carlo, one would discover the elegant avenues of Via Roma and Via Lagrange, adorned with high-end boutiques and shops.

Alberto Marchetti

He says: Io amo fare gelato - I love to make ice cream. And you can understand that when you taste his many types of ice creams. You will find his ice creams bars several places in the city. One of them are located very close to Piazza San Carlo. 

Foto: Alberto Marchetti gelateria

Pasticceria Stratta 1836

The shop in Piazza San Carlo is a real institution in Turin: when Stratta and Reina decided to leave the closed laboratories to have a sales space to the public, the equestrian monument of Emanuele had not yet been erected in Piazza San Carlo Filiberto, known as “'L Caval 'd Brons”.

Galleria San Federico

In the heart of Turin, very close to the square Piazza San Carlo,lies the Galleria San Federico – a small yet enchanting shopping arcade that beckons both locals and visitors alike.

This intimate gallery, adorned with elegant arches and a glass ceiling that bathes the space in natural light, creates a delightful ambience for a stroll.

Baratti & Milano

Turin is also known for chocolate of high quality.

Nestled in the heart of Turin, Baratti & Milano stands as a time-honoured haven for indulgence. With its gilded interiors and Belle Époque charm, this historic café has been a rendezvous for the city's intellectuals and connoisseurs since 1858.

Enjoy a cup of hot dense chocolate with whipped cream - in a living legacy of Italian elegance and culinary delight.

Food & wine

Either you search for rustics or elegant places to enjoy food and wine, Turin has something for everybody. There are several Michelin restaurants, or you can go for the urban nightlife in the San Salvario districts - very close to the centro storico. 

Get to and get around in Turin?

It depend where you come from.

From Paris, you can come by train in under 7 hours.

From Milan you can either take normal train with a journey of straight under 2 hours, or you can choose the high speed train Milan-Turin that bring you there in only 43 minutes. 

If you land in Rome, you might want to take a domestic flight directly to Turin with Ryanair. 

The city of Turin has a well established system of busses, tram and the metro takes you through the city effectively.Â