In this article, we will reveal the 7 incredible hidden gems in Italy to visit in 2024. You just pack your bags and head straight there, until they remain undiscovered.

Alberobello

Italy is full of fairytale towns and villages, but Alberobello is perhaps one of the most unique ones. It’s located in Puglia and it’s known for the traditional trulli – funny-looking limestone houses with conical roofs. Travel back in time walking the crooked streets and admiring the distinctive houses. Don’t forget to stop by at the Church of Saint Anthony.

It’s also a must-visit place for foodies. Puglia boasts amazing cuisine, and Alberobello is no exception. Try the local orecchiette pasta, zampina, or bari focacia. The region is also known for fantastic wine and seafood.

Santuario Madonna Della Corona, Spiazzi

If you find yourself this summer in Verona, don’t forget to take a day trip to Santuario Madonna Della Corona. This picturesque sanctuary sits on the edge of a cliff near Monte Baldo and is a popular pilgrimage destination as well as a place to enjoy a bit of serenity in nature.

To get there, you can take a short walk from a tiny village called Spiazzi. It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes, and it’s relatively easy. It provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains, and you will also pass bronze sculptures by the Veronese architect Raffaele Bonente.

Once you reach the top, you can explore the inside of the sanctuary or just savor the tranquility of the place. There is also a little café with a terrace serving drinks and light food to refuel.

Tavolara Island, Sardinia

Set just off the northeast coast of Sardinia, this limestone massif island is a paradise for all beachgoers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts. 

As soon as you reach the island by ferry, you can settle down at its iconic Spalmatore di Terra Beach and then drift to the crystal-clear sea. On the other hand, those who prefer to be more active will appreciate the great hikes there. Just note that they’re not for everybody – all of them require a guide and good equipment, as most of them feature some sort of rappelling and ferratas.

Already falling in love with it? Sadly, you can’t sleep on Tavolara Island. However, as it’s not far from the main island, you can easily come again the next day.

Saturnia Hot Springs

Do you like to indulge in wellness and therapeutic procedures while on holiday? Then consider visiting Saturnia Hot Springs – natural hot springs in the idyllic Tuscan countryside that have been a favorite spot for relaxation for centuries.

Soaking in them offers various health benefits, including relaxation, improving circulation, and soothing muscle aches and pains – perfect if you did some hiking the day before. Above the springs, you will find a little town of Saturnia, which is also worth exploring as it’s home to remains of various ancient cultures.

Cima Cadin

Is hiking in the alpine scenery one of the items on your 2024 itinerary? The Dolomites are home to breathtaking hikes, one of which is the one to Cima Cadin – a forgotten but majestic peak with amazing vistas.

It’s quite easy to access through Via Ferrata Merlone which features a wide network of ladders (we wouldn’t recommend it for complete newbies, though). The hike starts at the refuge just below the summit and takes around 5-6 hours both ways. If you’re then continuing your journey, we recommend you stay for the night – it’s pretty cute.

Cala Goloritze, Sardinia

Sardinia is renowned for its stunning beaches, but this one seems to be out of the world and yet, it’s never too busy, as it’s protected. It’s only accessible by a hike or boats, which have to stay 200 meters from the shore so the beach won’t spoil.

A tall limestone pinnacle rises above the cove and provides a beautiful backdrop for relaxing in the sand or taking photos. You can also get your adrenaline pumping by climbing to the peak. On the other hand, the turquoise water is excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving – the marine life in Cala Goloritze is very rich.

Scola Tower

Set in the Gulf of Poets, Scola Tower is a fascinating fortress that was created to look after the neighboring Palmaria Island. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century and remained in use until 1800 when it was severely damaged by the British during the Napoleonic Wars. Then abandoned for years, it was planned to be demolished. Luckily, this gem was saved by Ubaldo Mazzini and eventually turned into an important historical sight.

Today, it’s a sought-after point of interest by both locals and tourists. And even though it can’t be visited, you can glimpse it from a distance or snap a dramatic pic when going to Palmaria Island by ferry.

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Before we go any further, we have to bring up the bad news – getting your Italian visa is not going to be easy and there will be several hoops to jump through. Not only will you need to show an annual income of at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in Italian healthcare, around €28,000, but you will also need to buy an international healthcare plan for the one year that the visa covers. In addition, you will need to prove that you have been a digital worker for at least six months previously and show that you have suitable accommodation for the entire year of your stay. 

Before any visa is granted, you will also need to prove that you have not been convicted of a crime within the last five years and go to a valid Italian consulate and submit a declaration signed by their employer. The final hurdle? In order to obtain your visa, the Italian taxation office will need to speak to their equivalent in your country to ensure that you are tax-compliant.

Bottom line: in order to eat delicious Italian food on a daily basis, you are going to have to work for it! The great news is that Italy’s digital nomad visa is renewable and you can also bring your family, provided that you can get an all clear from Italy’s police headquarters.

Other countries offering digital nomad visas in the Mediterranean region

Not sure if you’ll be able to clear all of the bureaucratic hurdles and make Italy your new home? Have no fear—there are a number of other options in Europe that may be less of a headache.

While Spain also requires a lot of documents, they will let you apply directly from Spain and do not require proof of 12 months of accommodation, though requirements around proof of employment and payment of home country social security payments can be burdensome.

Greece offers another option. While it requires a higher monthly income of €3,200 per month and proof of accommodation, insurance, and a declaration letter from your employer, it also offers a 50% tax reduction program that you can apply for when you stay in Greece for a minimum of two years.

Malta just might be the easiest, with an income requirement of only €2,700 per month, an exemption from personal taxation for the one-year of visa validity, and English being one of Malta’s official languages. However, you will still need to show proof of accommodation, insurance, and provide a letter from your employer. 

While there are now a number of countries in Europe for digital nomads to call home, if Italy has always been your dream, then you can now make it a reality! It might be best to just hire a lawyer to help you clear the bureaucratic hurdles! Trust us, that pasta is going to taste even better when you know you did your part to earn it! As the Italians say, In bocca al lupo – good luck!  

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The entry fee is intended to lessen crowds, promote longer stays, and enhance the standard of living for locals. 

When will admission to Venice be charged to visitors?

Visitors will now have to pay €5 to enter the city. 

Between April and mid-July, a total of 29 days—peak weekends and other days—will be subject to the fee.

During the peak hours of 8:30 am to 4 pm, there will be a day-tripper fee; however, visitors who come to Venice for dinner or a concert will not be required to pay.

For whom is a ticket to Venice mandatory?

The day-tripper tourist tax is not levied on locals, visitors who are Venetian natives, workers, students, or travelers who have made hotel or other lodging reservations.

How can I book my ticket for Venice?

Visitors can reserve their day in Venice as of January 16 on this platform. 

After paying €5, visitors will receive a QR code that must be scanned at seven different locations throughout the city, including the main train station, to gain entry.

When a visitor with a reservation enters their hotel, they also receive a QR code to display. But since a Venice lodging charge will already be included in their hotel bill, they are spared the cost.

How is Venice making tourism more sustainable?

Venice has been attempting to reconsider its relationship with tourists more sustainably since COVID-19 lockdowns destroyed its tourism industry.

The constant emigration of Venetians to the mainland has compelled the city to act. 

UNESCO and environmentalists’ pressure eventually forced the authorities to forbid large cruise ships from passing through the Giudecca canal.

Longer-staying visitors have been identified by Venice as essential to its survival, given that they typically spend more.

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“Although our starting points are far apart, our interests overlap perfectly: that what is happening in Gaza does not become a much wider conflict, a religious war, a clash of civilizations,” said Meloni.

“I have the impression that this was the real aim of the Hamas attack, not to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, but an attack that would create an unbridgeable gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis, meaning that the target is all of us, and we cannot fall into this trap, which would be very stupid.”

It is important to keep in mind that Italy is more than 4,166 kilometers (2588.632 miles) from Israel. This enormous distance insulates Italy from the direct consequences of the conflict.

U.S. Travel Advisory

According to the U.S. Department of State citizens should not travel to: 

• Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict

The United States government is unable to provide ongoing or urgent assistance to American citizens in Gaza. Rocket or mortar attacks and corresponding counterattacks by the Israeli military may occur on a regular basis. During periods of instability or armed conflict, border crossings between Gaza, Egypt, and Israel may be closed.

Reconsider Travel To:

• Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
• West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest

In the event that you choose to visit Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, you should:

• Check the Embassy‘s website for the most up-to-date travel advisories in these areas.
• Avoid participating in protests and crowded events.
• Maintain awareness of your surroundings and promptly inform local authorities about any suspicious occurrences or unattended items.
• Get acquainted with the nearest bomb shelter or a safe haven.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and improve your ability to receive emergency assistance.

Canada Travel Advisory

The Government of Canada recommends that its citizens AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL  to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing armed conflict in the region and the dangerous security situation.

West Bank – Avoid all travel

The following places are not covered by this advice. So you should not go there, even for essential purposes.

• Ramallah
• Jericho
• Bethlehem
• Highway 1
• Route 90
• Route 443 between Jerusalem and Modi’in

In addition, the Canadian government advises its nationals against visiting

• Border with Syria
• Border with Egypt
• Border with Lebanon

UK Travel Advisory

Unless absolutely required, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) strongly advises against traveling to Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories. Additionally, it advises against visiting the following places:  

• Gaza
• Regions within a 5-kilometer radius of the Lebanon border, officially designated as a closed military zone by the Israeli military, with no entry allowed.
• The Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
• Zones within 500 meters of the Syria border, often referred to as the ‘Alpha Line’.

Essential Travel Tips for Visitors to Italy

Italy is ranked at level 2: “Exercise Increased Caution”

• Petty crimes are prevalent. Exercise caution regarding pickpocketing and bag theft in tourist areas and on public transportation, especially at major train stations. Thieves often operate in groups while on trains. Be diligent in safeguarding your possessions.
• Incidents of bombings targeting political locations occur. Steer clear of protests and crowded gatherings. Stay informed through local news sources.
• Stay vigilant to the threat of terrorism. European cities, including transportation hubs and popular tourist destinations, have been targeted by terrorists. Take official warnings seriously.
• Italy is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Significant earthquakes can trigger landslides and avalanches. Forest fires are common from June to September. Keep an eye on the media and follow guidance provided by local authorities.

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