Unseen Gems: 7 Italian cities you need to visit with ITA Airways
When you think of Italy, your mind likely wanders to Rome’s ancient roads, Venice’s romantic canals, or Milan’s fashion-forward streets. But beyond these iconic stops lies a quieter, richer side of Italy—forgotten cities filled with handmade pasta, centuries-old porticos, and the kind of authenticity that most travelers miss. ITA Airways, the national airline and successor to Alitalia, makes discovering these hidden gems easier than ever. From the moment you board, you’re immersed in Italian elegance—regional cuisine, fine wine, cozy cabins, and the warm, genuine hospitality Italy is known for. Their modern, low-emission fleet supports a more sustainable journey, while their wide network of regional routes connects you to lesser-known destinations with ease. And with Volare, ITA’s free loyalty program, you’ll enjoy perks like priority check-in, extra baggage, early deals, and mileage rewards that make every trip smoother and more rewarding.
Beyond the Usual: Explore Italy
1️⃣ Bologna: The City of Food Where Each Bite is Meaningful
Bologna is (La Grassa) ("The Fat One"), the food capital of Italy. Strolling through the medieval porticos that seem to go on forever, munching your way through marketplaces, and having a true tagliatelle al ragù (the Bolognese sauce) at the place it was born. Climb the Asinelli Tower for some of the best city views, or sit for a shot of espresso in Piazza Maggiore and watch the world go by.
✨ Don't Miss: A stop at the Quadrilatero Market for fresh mortadella, cheeses, and homemade pasta to take home.
2️⃣ Turin: Royalties, Chocolates & Café Culture
Turin (Torino) has a rich royal history and is still a bit of a hidden kingdom of beautiful informal cafés, broad boulevards, and majestic pizzas. Stroll around the historic centre and stop by the eye-opening Egyptian Museum (one of the top three in the world!). and enjoy a bicerin (a sweet bomb-like mix of chocolate, espresso, and cream) or espresso at one of the many historic cafes.
✨ Local Tip: Visit one of the timeless cafes; Caffè Al Bicerin has existed since 1763 and is nice for a genuine chocolate drinking experience.
3️⃣ Lecce: Baroque Wonder in the Sunniest part of the Heel of Italy!
Nestled up in the heel of the boot of Italy, Lecce will astound you with the golden-stone colour of the limestone that is used for baroque architecture, making the narrow, cobbled streets so lovely to wander about. Calling Lecce the 'Florence of the South' is no folly, as the quality of an open-air museum of churches, palazzos, and Roman ruins leaves your possibilities of visual enjoyment virtually endless.
Hidden Discoveries— Don't miss the underground Roman Amphitheatre right in the Piazza Sant'Oronzo—it's simply stunning, and such a surprise to find it under the square!
4️⃣ Trieste: Where Italy meets the Adriatic
Positioned in the northeasternmost corner, northeast of Italy, Trieste appears more Central European than Italian. This is because of several hundred years under the Austro-Hungarian rule. Large coffee shops, Habsburg palaces, and a cortege walkway make it arrestingly different from any other harbour city. Have your coffee at the major Caffè San Marco, visit the Miramare Castle overlooking the Adriatic, and taste some original white wine with fresh seafood.
✨ Must-See Sights: Take the old Opicina Tram over from the Karst Plateau to enjoy stirring views of the Gulf of Trieste.
5️⃣ Bergamo: Old-World Charm above the Concrete Jungle
Milan's field brings one close to Bergamo, a gem 50 km down that many tend to skip. The walled Città Alta (Upper Town) stands elevated on a hill, paradoxically stepping back in time, with gravelled roads with private yards and amazing sights of the Lombardy countryside. Take the funicular up to the city, stroll past the exquisite Piazza Vecchia, and enjoy a slow lunch of polenta taragna with the original rubbish.
✨Trip Tip: Walk the Venetian Walls just before sunset to capture noble views while the megacity is covered in golden light.
6️⃣ Perugia: Sweet Treats & Timeless Roadways
Located in the centre of Umbria is Perugia, a spirited university megacity with an excellent mix of art, history, and chocolate. There, you can check out medieval roadways, visit the National Gallery of Umbria, and treat yourself to a Baci Perugina chocolate bar as well—they are made there! The city lines the top of a hill, with pronounced views of green dunes with olive groves and castles.
✨ Don’t miss: Try to time your visit during the Eurochocolate Festival in October; the entire megacity will feel like a chocolate nut’s dream.
7️⃣ Cagliari: Sardinia’s Hidden Gateway to Paradise
Want to enjoy sun-soaked strands without the hordes of other people? Visit Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. This unlauded coastal city is a mix of old and new, ranging from an ancient hilltop castle quarter to its array of facades, midday mobility, and turquoise waters that just catch your eye from the metropolis.
✨Pro Tip: Go to Poetto Beach by day. The locals say that’s the best way to start your day with soft beach sand, gentle waves, and a fresh confection from a nearby cafeteria.
Fly Smart & Save with Kayipro
Ready to plan your Italian escape? Whether you’re off to Bologna’s trattorias or Sardinia’s retired strands, ITA Airways makes it simple to see the stylish side of Italy with comfort and style. And before you book, don’t forget to check Kayipro for vindicated ITA Airways coupons so you can save a little redundancy for further gelato when you land.
