Unseen Gems: 7 Italian cities you need to visit with ITA Airways

When you think of Italy, the typical obvious thoughts are of the ancient roads of Rome, the serene paths of Venice, and the fashion districts of Milan. But outside of these unexplainable adventures is a land of forgotten cities, cities where you will discover homemade dishes, centuries-old porticos, original selections, and a slower pace of life that tourists overlook. With ITA Airways, Italy's national airline, discovering these places is easier than it has ever been, not to mention we are flying in ultimate Italian comfort in the sky!

ITA Airways

ITA Airlines is the successor to Alitalia as the national carrier and is the public airline of Italy, as it is tasked with continuing the historic destination of Alitalia, with a new viability model for the airline, which has a new focus on hospitality. But, and this will surprise you more, factored into ITA Airlines is Italian elegance, with fantastic warmth and kindness to a high degree, whether you travel for work or leisure.

What’s special about ITA Airways?

So, if you are talking flights to Italy, why choose ITA Airways? Here are the reasons:

• A true Italian experience: ITA Airways is a part of Italy. Therefore, when travelling to Italy, you will get the local feel, from the wine and espresso to regional specialities, long before you touch down. 
• Newer and greener fleet: ITA is focused on sustainability. They have a newer fleet that produces lower emissions than older aircraft, and that shows a commitment to environmental responsibility. 
• Flexible routes: Local flights with regionally based airlines offer access to otherwise secret towns that major carriers do not tend to fly to. 
• Welcoming hospitality: The reputation of Italians for hospitality is easily recognised in the friendly and accommodating staff, the intimate cabin, and the little gestures that invite you to feel at home.

Volare Perk  

If you’re planning to hop between multiple Italian metropolises, joining ITA Airways’ loyalty program is a no-brainer. You can earn miles on every domestic and transnational flight, and those miles add up if you love exploring retired corners of Italy. Volare members enjoy exclusive benefits like priority check-in, redundant baggage allowance, and early access to special flight deals. Redeem your long hauls for seat upgrades, redundant legroom, or indeed free breakouts for your coming adventure. Signing up is quick and free, and a little perk like this can make your trip smoother and more satisfying every time you fly with ITA Airways. 

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.

Getting there: ITA Airways has multiple direct flights to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport from major connection hubs like Rome and Milan. Once you arrive in Bologna, you will be about 20 minutes by taxi to the city centre, or you can take the Aerobus.

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.

Turin is the birthplace of the famous chocolate makers and is the historic home of the original Fiat factory, which is now a rooftop racetrack at a quirky hotel.

Local Tip: Visit one of the timeless cafes; Caffè Al Bicerin has existed since 1763 and is nice for a genuine chocolate drinking experience. 

How to get there: You can take ITA Airways as your direct flight from either Rome or Naples to Turin Airport and then take the train or machine—either way, you will be in the megacity centre in under thirty minutes.  

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.

With artisanal shops snuggled up in narrow alleys and pretty little squares to enjoy lunches of fresh seafood and to sit and gaze at life and the passing of time.

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!

How to Get There: ITA Airways flies into Brindisi Airport, the nearest major airport to Lecce. From Brindisi, it’s an easy 30–40 minute hack or train ride into the heart of Lecce. 

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.  

How to Get There: Fly to Trieste Airport with ITA Airways via Rome or Milan. The megacity centre is about 40 minutes by car or train from the field.   

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. 

How to Get There: Fly into either Milan Linate or Milan Malpensa on ITA Airways, and then take a direct bus or train to Bergamo. It’s around one hour from Milan by train. 

 


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.   

How to Get There: Fly into Rome with ITA Airways and connect to Perugia via a quick domestic flight or a scenic two-hour train ride. 

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. Once you tire of being in the megacity, hire a vehicle and cruise down Sardinia's shore to discover secret bays and white beach strands. 

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.  

Getting There: Book a direct flight on ITA Airways to Cagliari Elmas Airport from Rome or Milan. Cabs are available, but you'll find the metropolis centre only 15 minutes away. 

 


Travel Tip Box: Quick Italy Travel Tips 

• Always validate your train ticket before boarding to avoid forfeitures.  
• Regale time in Italy is later—plan for 8 or 9 PM if you want to eat like an original.  
• Bring comfortable shoes for exploring major places and cobblestone alleys. 
• Carry some cash—small cafés and shops may not accept cards.  

Extra Tips for Flying with ITA Airways 

• Check-In Early: ITA offers accessible online check-in to save time at the field.  
• Pack Smart: Keep carry-ons light for smoother boarding on domestic hops.  
• Join Volare: Their loyalty program is free and earn miles on short flights.  
• Try the Food: Don’t skip the in-flight menu—the Italian menu frequently features indigenous dishes worth tasting.  
• Book Smart: Keep an eye on seasonal promos for better fares. 

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.