The capital of Umbria is a true embodiment of an Italian city, and it is definitely worth a visit.
Italy attracts tourists with its ancient monuments that have been preserved for thousands of years, its incredibly beautiful cities that look like open-air museums, and its delicious cuisine. Millions of travelers visit this country every year.
But traveling to Italy is not cheap, and major cities are often crowded with tourists. The Travel Off Path resource has named 5 destinations without crowds, where you can relax not for all the money in the world.
Udine
This is a small town in northeastern Italy, best known for its Piazza della Libertà. Most tourists ignore Udine, but they should not. The perfect historic center, cobblestone streets, and family-run trattorias where you can enjoy delicious food – all of this is about Udine.
It is impossible not to visit Udine Castle, which houses several art galleries, and the cathedral. Although it appears austere, it is indeed one of the most impressive churches in this corner of Italy.
But what about the money? Eating at an inexpensive local restaurant will cost around $17. A three-star hotel will cost $127 per night, but there are other alternatives. The average cost of a museum entrance ticket is $5.40.
Vicenza
Vicenza is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, but it is also extremely underrated. Its atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of Venice, except for the lack of canals. Vicenza’s museums are on par with those in Rome, and its gastronomic scene could rival Naples.
“Every tour of Vicenza begins in Piazza dei Signori, with its slender, tall Torre Bissara tower, about 82 meters high, and the Palladian arcaded basilica, a UNESCO-listed palace designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century,” the article says.
The authors recommend trying Veneto-style pasta and local wine at Osteria Il Cursore.
What are the prices in Vicenza? A meal at an affordable restaurant costs $14, a three-star hotel costs around $100 per night, and a museum ticket costs an average of $6.30.
Perugia
The capital of Umbria is a true embodiment of an Italian city. Here, you can see majestic walls, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old houses that have almost lost their charm over the years.
It is worth visiting the Priory Palace, which was built between 1293 and 1443 to house ten men chosen from the city’s main guilds to govern it. It somewhat resembles Hogwarts with its vaulted corridors, frescoed chapels, and carved window frames.
Nearby is the Fontana Maggiore, a 13th-century fountain with carved biblical scenes. Prices in Perugia are also quite affordable. A visit to an inexpensive local restaurant will cost around $17.50, a three-star hotel will cost between $110 and $140 per night, and the average price for a museum ticket is $5.40.
Lecce
Lecce is a city that has earned the nickname “Florence of the South” due to its collection of Renaissance and Baroque monuments. In the center, you can see the Basilica of Santa Croce, which features impressive sculptures and a rose-shaped stained-glass window.
The authors recommend that travelers try Lecce’s signature dish, pasticciotto, which is a delicate shortcrust pastry filled with warm custard.
What prices can we expect? Meals at an affordable restaurant will cost around $16, a three-star hotel will cost approximately $84-90 per night, and museum admission tickets will cost an average of $12.
Shikli
This city is located in the southern part of the Sicilian region of Val di Noto and is listed by UNESCO. There you can admire the winding medieval streets, luxurious churches and charming squares, but without crowds.
“A walk along Via Francesco Mormina Penna will take you past sumptuous palaces, Baroque chapels and cozy cafes. The street runs along a dry canal, which is filled only during heavy rains, and is the elegant center of the Old Town of Scicli, ” the resource writes.
It is also worth visiting the Palazzo Beneventano, which is considered one of the best Baroque buildings in Sicily. To see the golden-lit Sciri, it is worth taking a walk during sunset.
Prices in Shikli are also not too high: a meal at a local restaurant will cost $16-20, a night in a three-star hotel will cost $110, and the average cost of a museum entrance ticket is approximately $5.50-6.