Italy has a knack for hiding its best cards. Beyond Rome, Florence and Venice, there are incredible places in Italy that feel lifted straight out of a historical novel: alpine lakes that once turned red, Moorish revival castles, lava-carved gorges and abandoned hilltop towns. If you’re after unusual places to visit in Italy, these eight are well worth a closer look.
Lake Tovel, Trentino Alto Adige
Set in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park at 1,178 metres above sea level, Lake Tovel sits beneath the Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the strangest places to visit in Northern Italy, it was once called the “Red Lake” due to a seasonal algae bloom that tinted the water crimson. Today it’s known for its clear emerald tones and sharp mountain backdrop.
It’s a favourite for hiking and photography, particularly in late summer and autumn when the forests begin to turn. The circular lakeside path is manageable, but the surrounding trails climb quickly, so decent footwear is essential.
Casina Vanvitelliana, Campania
On Lake Fusaro in Bacoli, the 18th-century Casina Vanvitelliana looks as though it’s floating. Designed in 1782 by Carlo Vanvitelli as a Bourbon hunting lodge, the octagonal structure is linked to shore by a wooden walkway and reflected neatly in the water.
Mozart stayed here, and it remains one of the most distinctive landmarks in the Phlegraean Fields, just outside Naples. It’s an easy addition to a day exploring Campania’s volcanic coastline and archaeological sites.
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Sammezzano Castle, Tuscany
Hidden in the hills of Reggello, near Florence, Sammezzano Castle is one of the most striking examples of Orientalist architecture in Europe. Its 300-plus rooms are decorated in intricate Moorish style, with polychrome stucco, domes and geometric mosaics that feel closer to Andalusia than Tuscany.
The Peacock Hall is the most photographed space, a riot of colour and pattern. The castle has been closed for long periods and is expected to reopen, so access can be limited, but even the surrounding historic park is worth the detour.
Monster Park of Bomarzo, Lazio
The Monster Park of Bomarzo, also called the Sacred Wood, is one of the most curious Renaissance gardens in Italy. Commissioned in the 16th century by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, it breaks with classical harmony in favour of giant stone monsters, mythological figures and optical tricks.
Highlights include the Leaning House and the enormous Ogre with an open mouth you can walk into. It’s less about symmetry and more about symbolism and surprise, which makes it stand apart from other historic gardens in Lazio.
Craco, Basilicata
Perched above the Lucanian countryside, Craco is one of the most atmospheric ghost towns in Italy. Abandoned in the 1960s after landslides, it can now be visited on guided tours only, which adds to the sense of stepping into a preserved film set.
Its empty stone houses and crumbling churches have appeared in several international productions, including The Passion of the Christ. For anyone drawn to magical places in Italy with a slightly eerie edge, this hilltop village near Matera leaves a lasting impression.
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Alcantara Gorges, Sicily
Between Catania and Messina, the Alcantara Gorges cut sharply through basalt rock formed by ancient eruptions of Mount Etna. The canyon walls rise up to 50 metres high and display striking hexagonal columns shaped by cooling lava.
Visitors can wade through the chilly river at the base or follow elevated paths for a broader view of the formations. In high summer, it’s one of the most refreshing natural attractions in Sicily.
Valley of the Moon, Sardinia
At Capo Testa near Santa Teresa Gallura, the Valley of the Moon feels almost extraterrestrial. Wind-sculpted granite boulders form smooth curves and arches above small coves and bright turquoise water.
In the 1970s, it became associated with alternative communities, and that slightly bohemian atmosphere lingers. It’s popular for coastal walks and sunset views across the Strait of Bonifacio towards Corsica.
Rocchetta Mattei, Emilia-Romagna
Tucked into the Bolognese Apennines, Rocchetta Mattei is a 19th-century castle commissioned by Count Cesare Mattei. Its architecture mixes medieval references with Moorish and Art Nouveau details, creating a theatrical complex of towers, courtyards and richly decorated halls.
After major restoration, it has reopened to the public and is now one of the most unusual historic sites in northern Italy. It’s an easy day trip from Bologna, especially if you’re keen on eccentric architecture and lesser-known Italian landmarks.
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