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The three trendiest destinations in Italy right now are not the places you might expect.
You won’t find Rome, Florence, or Venice on the list of the fastest-growing destinations in Italy.
Based on a recent study, there are three particular regions of Italy that are rising to the top for tourism in 2024.
Many of these regions are already popular among Italians but remain under the radar for Americans and other foreign tourists.
Below you’ll find out what the trendiest destinations in Italy are, plus tips for the best time to visit.
Overall, this year is expected to be a record-setting one for tourism in Italy, but the following destinations are predicted to see the most growth.
1. Sardinia
The destination in Italy that’s rising the fastest right now is Sardinia.
This large island in the Mediterranean has long been a popular summer escape for Italians, but it’s just beginning to be discovered by American travelers.
Sardinia is home to some of the top beaches in all of Europe, with Tuerreda Beach being named among the best. While it’s primarily a beach destination, there are other things to do in Sardinia, including hiking and discovering the island’s small towns and villages.
Basically, this is the perfect destination for beach bums and nature lovers!
Since Sardinia is a popular summer destination, I recommend avoiding it during the peak months of July and August. The best time to visit Sardinia for lower crowds is late September and even early October.
At this time of year, the sea is still warm enough to swim in after being heated during the long, hot summer, but the majority of the crowds have gone.
2. Puglia
Another trending destination in Italy right now is Puglia.
If you look at a map of the country, Puglia is the heel of the boot of Italy.
This southern region is less visited by foreign tourists mainly because it’s not as well connected by trains as the larger cities.
Renting a car is your best bet for exploring Puglia, but it’s worth it!
This underrated region has gorgeous beaches as well as beautiful historical towns like Alberollo, famous for its trulli, whitewashed stone houses with cone-shaped roofs.
Puglia is the number one vacation destination in Italy for Italians themselves, so it’s hardly a hidden gem — you just won’t find many American tourists there yet.
Much like Sardinia, I would recommend waiting until the fall to visit Puglia for far fewer crowds and milder weather since summer can be scorching. May is also a lovely time to visit.
3. Campania
Finally, Campania is another region in Italy that is expected to grow in popularity this year.
Campania is a region in southern Italy, and its largest city is Naples.
You’re probably already familiar with another famous destination in Campania: the Amalfi Coast.
This stunning stretch of coastline is a coveted destination among travelers, known for its beautiful cliffside villages, great beaches, and dramatic vistas.
Although the Amalfi Coast is gorgeous, it’s very expensive. I personally prefer the underrated island of Ischia, a one-hour ferry ride from Naples.
When is the best time to visit Campania?
It depends on where you’re going. Naples is a large city with over a million people, so it’s a year-round destination, along with nearby Pompeii, which is a popular day trip.
On the Amalfi Coast and islands like Ischia, Capri, and Procida, summer is peak season, and during the winter many hotels, restaurants, and shops close.
I recommend visiting in late May to beat the summer crowds or waiting until after they’ve dissipated and coming during mid to late September.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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