Italy Beyond the Expected

Contributed By Kayla Douglas

With Italy firmly holding its position as SmartFlyer’s most-booked destination, travelers’ appetite for experiences beyond the obvious only feels more pronounced with each passing year.

…quieter corners of the country where lingering lunches, sun-drenched landscapes, and a softer pace of life still prevail.

Increasingly, clients are looking to their SmartFlyer travel advisor to ask not just where to go in Italy, but how to engage with the country in a way that feels more intentional, immersive, and away from the crowds. While we’ll forever be fans of Italy’s perennial favorites, the reality is that peak summer season in the country’s most popular destinations equates to visitor numbers surging into the hundreds of thousands. And it’s in these moments where we look to lesser-considered spots—toward alpine wellness sanctuaries in the Dolomites, volcanic islands off the coast of Sicily, slower rail journeys through the Tuscan countryside, and quieter corners of the country where lingering lunches, sun-drenched landscapes, and a softer pace of life still prevail.

Coastal Bliss, Minus the Crowds 

The Tyrrhenian Coast is Calling

Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” some would argue that Maratea feels like Amalfi before the crowds arrived. At Santavenere, classic Italian glamour unfolds across lush gardens, private beaches, and sprawling sea-view terraces filled with antique charm. Days are spent boating past hidden caves and rocky inlets along Basilicata’s rugged coastline before returning for sunset aperitivo overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s all the romance of an Italian seaside escape—without the frenzy that now defines much of peak-summer Amalfi.

The Aeolian Island for Slow Summer Days

Scattered off the northern coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago where black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and sleepy fishing villages replace the polished energy of Italy’s more scene-driven summer destinations. Among them, the island of Salina remains blissfully low-key. At Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia, mornings begin with swims in volcanic coves while evenings revolve around aperitivo overlooking the island’s rolling Malvasia vineyards. It’s the kind of place where travelers come to disappear for a few days and inevitably leave plotting their return. 

Italy’s Softer Alternative to Capri

Long beloved by Italians themselves, Ischia offers a softer, slower alternative to Capri. At Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, volcanic thermal waters, pine forests, and dramatic cliffside views replace buzzy beach clubs and packed marinas. The rhythm here feels wonderfully old-school Italian summer. For something slightly more relaxed and quietly romantic, San Montano offers sweeping views across the Bay of Naples alongside natural thermal pools carved into the hillside. Here, days unfold between boat rides, leisurely spa afternoons, and long lunches overlooking the sea—proof that some of Italy’s best coastal escapes are still the ones operating at their own pace.

For the Design Enthusiast 

Intimate Retreats Worth Obsessing Over

Some of Italy’s most memorable stays aren’t the largest or most lavish, but the ones that feel deeply personal from the moment you arrive. Deep in the countryside outside Bologna, Elizabeth Country House offers just eleven rooms blending contemporary interiors with the slower rhythms of rural Italy. Days here are spent exploring nearby villages, indulging in Emilia-Romagna’s legendary culinary scene, and retreating back to a property that feels equal parts chic retreat and beautifully lived-in home. Meanwhile, on the shores of Lake Garda, Villa Feltrinelli has just twenty rooms in its historic setting framed by cypress trees and richly layered old-world interiors. Though entirely different in aesthetic, both satisfy the boutique hotel lovers’ appetite for a sense of place.

The Umbrian Estate Everyone Wishes They Knew About Sooner

Often overshadowed by Tuscany, Umbria is quietly emerging as a design-forward destination where restored castles, centuries-old palazzos, and deeply considered interiors feel woven into the landscape. The intimate Palazzo Petervs brings an intimate, contemporary perspective to the region through its moody, artfully restored interiors amidst the medieval streets of Orvieto. A stay at Reschio Estate—a restored 1,500-year-old estate—feels like stepping into an impossibly chic Italian fantasy. With candlelit wine cellars, horseback rides through the Umbrian countryside, saltwater pools, and lingering dinners that stretch late into the evening, here, it’s all about sinking into an Umbrian State of Mind.

To Get in Touch with Nature 

A Classic Alpine Escape in the Dolomites

For travelers craving a more traditional mountain retreat, Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa offers old-school Dolomites charm in the storybook village of Ortisei. Summer days are spent hiking dramatic alpine trails while winter revolves around the famed Dolomiti Superski circuit. Back at the hotel, Michelin-starred dining, cozy wood-paneled interiors, and an expansive spa create the environment that encourages travelers to fully settle into mountain living.

Tuscany Without the Tour Buses

Tucked within the Tuscan countryside, Castello di Vicarello offers a version of the region far removed from crowded wine tours and tourist-packed hill towns. A stay at this family-owned gem means days revolved around horseback riding, cooking classes, truffle hunting, and poolside afternoons overlooking vineyards and olive groves that glow golden by sunset. For a truly memorable experience, work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to arrange a day exploring the stunning Argentario coastline of Tuscany with a boat tour and lunch on Giglio Island.

For the One seeking Wellness (Reimagined)

Italy’s Most Transformative Wellness Retreat

Set just outside Rome, Palazzo Fiuggi has quickly become one of Europe’s most sought-after wellness destinations thanks to its combination of cutting-edge medical programming and grand-hotel elegance. Guests come for longevity treatments, therapeutic mineral waters, and highly personalized wellness journeys—but leave equally enamored by the property’s sweeping countryside views, frescoed interiors, and a deeply restorative pace of life. 

Wellness Above the Clouds

Italy’s next wave of luxury wellness isn’t unfolding on crowded coastlines, but high in the mountains. Perched above the clouds in South Tyrol, FORESTIS was designed entirely around its surrounding landscape: fresh mountain air, sunshine, spring water, and uninterrupted views of the Dolomites. Guests come here to fully slow down, whether through forest walks, spa rituals, or simply watching the light shift across the peaks. Don’t miss the Tree Circle Ceremony for ultimate rejuvenation, followed by an afternoon cycling through the ample saunas and cold plunges—our favorite is the one outside.

For the Slow Traveler: Italy by Rail and Sea

The Return of Golden-Age Rail Travel

La Dolce Vita Orient Express is reviving the glamour of train travel through its immersive regional routes, vintage-inspired interiors, and itineraries designed to encourage travelers to linger a little longer. Rather than rushing between cities, the experience reimagines Italy as it was meant to be enjoyed: slowly, beautifully, and preferably with a spritz in hand. In tandem with Belmond’s celebrated rail journeys through the Italian countryside, these itineraries invite travelers to embrace a slower rhythm of travel—one where long lunches, cinematic landscapes, and aperitivo hour are just as important as the destinations themselves. Rather than rushing between cities, the experience reimagines Italy as it was meant to be enjoyed: slowly, beautifully, and preferably with a spritz in hand.

Mediterranean Cruising, Reimagined

Set to debut in June 2026 as the world’s largest sailing yacht, the Orient Express Corinthian promises a far more intimate take on Mediterranean cruising. Guests will move between quieter Italian ports, hidden coves, and seaside villages while life onboard revolves around long lunches, sunset aperitivo, and nowhere to be in a hurry. In place of the scale and pace associated with larger ships, being aboard the Corinthian is about stopping in quieter ports, hidden coves, and seaside villages. Work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor for enhanced amenities onboard sailings through the Italian Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Sardinia.

The Yacht for The Curious

For travelers drawn to the romance of the Mediterranean but not the traditional cruise experience, House of Nine offers a more private, design-forward way to experience Italy by sea. Its carefully curated yacht itineraries prioritize understated luxury and immersive coastal exploration, allowing guests to hop between volcanic islands, sleepy harbors, and hidden beaches at a wonderfully unhurried pace. 

Aman’s Most Anticipated Arrival Yet

Looking ahead, few openings are generating more anticipation than Amangati, Aman’s forthcoming yacht set to sail through the Italian Riviera beginning in 2027. Known for redefining quiet luxury on land, Aman’s expansion into yachting signals a continued shift toward highly personalized, experience-driven travel—this time unfolding entirely at sea along one of Europe’s most cinematic coastlines.

Long-Term Stays, Italian Style

Source A Villa and Sink In

Rather than racing through multi-stop itineraries, many travelers are increasingly opting to settle into Italy for weeks—or even months—at a time. The appeal is obvious: slower mornings, neighborhood espresso bars, local markets, and the chance to experience Italy more like a resident than a visitor. In our opinion, the best way to do this is with a villa rental. The secret? Some of the best will never be listed online. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor is armed with partners across Italy who have relationships spanning the most desirable villas.

Living Like a Florentine

Set along the Arno River in the heart of Florence, Lungarno Apartments offer all the ease of a private residence paired with the polish of a luxury hotel stay. Travelers can settle into daily routines—morning cappuccinos, afternoons wandering artisan workshops, evenings spent cooking with market finds—while still feeling immersed in one of Italy’s most culturally rich cities.

Roman and Milanese Holidays, But Make Them Residential

For travelers splitting their time between Italy’s cultural and fashion capitals, Rocco Forte Houses in Rome and Milan deliver an elevated residential experience that feels worlds away from a traditional hotel stay. Stylish, spacious, and deeply connected to their surrounding neighborhoods, these apartment-style accommodations are ideal for travelers looking to fully settle into city life rather than simply scratch the surface. Similarly, the recently opened Casa J.K. Place, Roma acts as your exclusive Roman home with just twelve apartments offering complete privacy.

For the Traveler Who Still Believes in Shoulder Season

Italy’s Most Glamorous Ski Town Beckons for Summer

Long synonymous with alpine glamour, Cortina d’Ampezzo continues to evolve well beyond ski season alone. The forthcoming Le Graal Cortina, alongside the arrival of Ancora Cortina, signals a new era for the Dolomites as travelers increasingly embrace the region year-round—for summer hiking, wellness escapes, crisp mountain air, and slower moments far removed from the intensity of Italy’s coastal hotspots.

Justice for Venice in Off-Season

As Italy’s popularity continues to surge, seasoned travelers are increasingly rethinking not only where they travel—but when. Rather than centering trips exclusively around July and August, many are discovering the beauty of Italy during quieter moments throughout the year. In Venice, winter brings cinematic fog rolling through empty canals. Across southern Italy, spring and early autumn offer warm temperatures without the intensity of peak-season crowds. We love a stay at Il Palazzo Experimental, or the newly opened Airelles Palladio, Venice is sure to make for a soft landing, no matter the time of year.

Ready to plan your next trip to Italy? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor.