By: The Savour Italy TeamPosted on
Frescoed buildings and the Neptune Fountain in Piazza Duomo, Trento, Italy, with Torre Civica and locals enjoying the lively square under a clear blue sky.

Italy’s most iconic cities – Rome, Florence, Venice – have long captured travelers’ hearts. But as anyone who’s wandered off the beaten path knows, the true soul of Italy is often found in its smaller towns. These are the places where life slows down, where you can savour an aperitivo in a quiet piazza and where the beauty of the country reveals itself in the details. In Northern Italy, a region rich in natural beauty, history, and culture, there’s a wealth of lesser-known towns that offer a more peaceful, enriching experience. Here are a few of our favorites for travelers looking to step away from the crowds and into a slower, more authentic rhythm of Italian life.

 

Bergamo 

Just an hour from Milan, Bergamo feels like a world away. The city is split into two parts – Città Alta (Upper Town) and Città Bassa (Lower Town) – connected by a historic funicular. It’s the Upper Town that steals hearts, with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and stunning views of the Lombardy plains. Visit Piazza Vecchia, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, and explore the grand Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. For art lovers, visit the Accademia Carrara, a small but well curated art gallery that houses works by masters like Botticelli, Bellini, and Raphael. For panoramic views of the rooftops and surrounding countryside, climb to the top of the Campanone (Civic Tower) for a memorable experience. Finish you day with a scenic walk at sunset around the venetian walls that wrap around the old city.

Aerial view of Piazza Vecchia and medieval tower in Città Alta, Bergamo, Italy, with terracotta rooftops and the Alps in the background.
Panoramic view of Bergamo’s Upper Town rooftops framed by a stone arch, with rolling green hills and distant villas in the Lombardy countryside.
Renaissance facade of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo, Italy, with its ornate domes and spires overlooking the modern city below.
Historic stone gate and Venetian walls of Città Alta in Bergamo, Northern Italy, on a sunny autumn day with visitors strolling across the arched bridge.

 

Lecco 

While towns like Bellagio and Varenna on Lake Como attract the most attention, Lecco sits peacefully at the southeastern tip of the lake and offers a more laid-back beauty. Backed by dramatic mountains and right on the water, Lecco is ideal for outdoor lovers and those seeking a more local feel. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, explore the historic center, take a cable car up to Piani d’Erna for incredible panoramic views and mountain hikes or hop on the ferry and visit some of the other lovely little towns along Lake Como.

Two swans and ducks gliding on the still waters of Lake Como in Lecco, Italy, surrounded by moored sailboats and framed by misty mountain silhouettes.
Sailboats gently floating on Lake Como at Lecco with golden autumn trees, calm reflections, and dramatic mountains in the background at golden hour.
Scenic view of Lecco’s main square with colourful historic buildings, blooming flowerbeds, and the tall bell tower of the Basilica of San Nicolò against a mountain backdrop.
People dining and strolling through a sunlit piazza in Lecco, Northern Italy, with pastel buildings, a church tower, and mountain peaks in the background.

 

Malcesine 

Tucked along the northeastern shore of Lake Garda, Malcesine is a postcard-perfect town with a dramatic backdrop of mountains and crystal-clear lake waters. Its centerpiece is the Scaligero Castle, perched on a rocky cliff and offering breathtaking views. Wander the narrow streets lined with artisan shops and cafes or take the cable car up Monte Baldo for hiking trails and a bird’s-eye view of the lake. For those looking for a more active excursion, Malcesine boasts a dedicated lakeside cycle path stretching from Navene to Castelletto di Brenzone and the scenic route is perfect for a leisurely ride, with opportunities to stop at beaches and charming villages along the way.

Eclectic antique shop display in a narrow alleyway of Malcesine, Italy, with vintage signs, curiosities, and an arched stone walkway leading into the historic centre.
Charming streetside dining scene in Malcesine’s old town with rustic buildings, cobbled pavement, and a warm evening glow creating a relaxed Italian atmosphere.
Colourful lakefront buildings and docked boats in Malcesine, Italy, with mountains in the distance and restaurants lining the peaceful harbour at sunset.
Outdoor diners enjoying a summer meal under a large chestnut tree in a cobblestone square in Malcesine, Lake Garda, surrounded by pastel buildings and local shops.

 

Trento 

Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Dolomites, Trento is a city that blends Italian elegance with mountain charm and is the perfect gateway to mountain adventures, making it a great stop for nature lovers. It has a rich history as a crossroads of cultures, and its Renaissance-style Piazza Duomo is one of the most beautiful in northern Italy. Visit the Buonconsiglio Castle, explore the MUSE science museum, or simply enjoy an aperitivo at a sidewalk café while soaking in the alpine atmosphere. At sunset, ride the Funivia Trento-Sardagna cable car for amazing panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Ornate Renaissance-era frescoed buildings along a cobbled street in Trento, Northern Italy, with locals walking and dining under a clear blue sky.
Neptune Fountain in Piazza Duomo, Trento, surrounded by frescoed palaces and the medieval Torre Civica, with people relaxing in the vibrant town square.
Lively farmers’ market in Trento’s Piazza Duomo beside the Neptune Fountain and Torre Civica, with stalls, shoppers, and historic architecture in the background.
Colourful street view in Trento, Italy, with outdoor café tables, pastel buildings, and a view of Torre Civica rising at the end of the narrow walkway.

Bolzano

Bolzano sits at the meeting point of Italian and Germanic cultures, and the result is a town that feels both distinctly Italian and wonderfully alpine. Surrounded by vineyards and snow-capped peaks, Bolzano is a delight in every season. Explore the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic center filled with pastel buildings and vibrant markets and take a scenic ride on the Renon cable car to the plateau above Bolzano, offering panoramic views of the Dolomites.

People relaxing at the base of the Walther von der Vogelweide statue in Piazza Walther, Bolzano, Italy, surrounded by pastel buildings and a vibrant café culture under a deep blue sky.
Elegant arcaded street in Bolzano’s old town with painted facades, bicycles, and boutique shops, capturing the city’s blend of Italian and Austrian charm.
Charming pedestrian street in Bolzano with outdoor cafés, colourful window shutters, and crowds strolling under clear blue skies toward the Dolomites.
Bustling market scene in Bolzano’s historic centre with people shopping beneath striped awnings, surrounded by ornate buildings and alpine sunshine.

Bassano del Grappa

Famous for its wooden bridge (Ponte degli Alpini) designed by Palladio and its namesake spirit (grappa), Bassano del Grappa is a lovely riverside town that often flies under the radar. The Brenta River runs through the heart of the town, adding to its tranquil, storybook feel. Visit the Museo Civico for a dose of local art and history, sample artisanal grappa at one of the historic distilleries and if you are there on a Thursday, the town transforms into a bustling marketplace, stretching through all three piazzas.

Al fresco diners enjoying lunch beside the Duomo di Santa Maria in Bassano del Grappa, with the town’s medieval clock tower rising in the background.
Busy Thursday market in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, with locals browsing colourful textile and antique stalls beneath historic buildings and a medieval tower.
Iconic Ponte degli Alpini (Palladio’s wooden bridge) crossing the Brenta River in Bassano del Grappa, with reflections of pastel buildings in the calm water.
Flower market in full bloom along a cobbled street in Bassano del Grappa, framed by Renaissance architecture and shoppers enjoying the local stalls.

These towns may be quieter than their more famous neighbors, but that’s exactly what makes them special. They offer a different kind of travel experience—slower, more immersive, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re wandering a hilltop castle, sipp.ing wine by a lake, or discovering centuries of history on a quiet cobblestone street, these Northern Italian gems invite you to savour Italy at your own pace.

The true soul of Italy is found in its quiet piazzas, cobbled streets, and mountain-backed lakeshores – far from the crowds. 

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