Famous places like Venice, Rome, Bibione and Tropea attract millions of tourists every year. So it can happen that the most beautiful places are crowded with people and that towel after towel is lined up on the Beach . If you're looking for less crowded places and want to discover the authentic Italy, it's better to travel to truly undiscovered destinations. The travel experts of the Holiday Pirates have their personal insider tips for a holiday in Italy away from the usual tourist destinations.

Picturesque alleys in Asolo

The small town of Asolo is located in the north of Italy in the hills of Treviso, which are known for first-class viticulture. The region's quality wines are pressed here in the classic Prosecco area. The picturesque hillside captivates travellers with its romantic alleys, fragrant gardens and magnificent mountain panorama. Not surprisingly, actors, heads of state and artists such as Ernest Hemingway and Caterina Cornaro have visited the town for inspiration and relaxation in the past. To this day, historic villas and magnificent country residences characterize the cityscape.

The ruins of the Rocca Castle tower high above the city and can be seen from afar. Squares such as Piazza Maggiore, with its impressive Renaissance fountain, Via Roberto Browning with its arcades and frescoed façades and the Palazzo della Ragione make this town a paradise for romantics.

Mystical atmosphere in the "Sacred Forest"

Around 100 kilometres north of Rome, the Sacro Bosco, the so-called Park of the Monsters, has a mystical atmosphere. Spread over two square kilometres, you can marvel at eerie grimaces, weathered figures of Greek myths and gods made of stone. But also the many inscriptions carved in stone allow only guesses about the eerie figures. Until today, a park of this kind is unique and therefore definitely worth a visit!

The charming little town of Vitorchiano is nearby, which makes the hearts of holidaymakers beat faster with its authentic charm. Those who want to experience more than just beaches are also in good hands a little further on, in Viterbo. With picturesque nature and many medieval sights, culture enthusiasts are in the right place here. Numerous palaces and the best preserved old town in central Italy are waiting to be discovered.

On the trail of the witches in Triora

The small "witch village" near the French border offers insights into dark times that send shivers down visitors' spines. Idyllically located in the Ligurian mountains, amidst greenery, everything here revolves around magic and the Middle Ages. Travellers walk in the footsteps of witches through coarsely paved, narrow alleys, dark corridors and along steep staircases. Legend has it that in the 16th century, the inhabitants of the village suffered from tremendously bad weather and a miserable harvest. They blamed witches for this and their persecution and long-lasting witch trials followed.

At the Museo Regionale Etnografico e della Stregoneria, holidaymakers learn plenty of stories from the Middle Ages. Special guided tours take visitors to the scenes of that time. Whether souvenirs in the form of small signs or statues - travelers are reminded everywhere of the dark past of the place.

Valli Cupe Nature Park

The Valli Cupe Nature Park is considered one of the most fascinating and impressive natural areas in Calabria. It is not for nothing that the naturalist John Bouquet calls this green spot "the best kept secret in Europe". The untouched area impresses with waterfalls, deep gorges, a canyon and unique flora and fauna. With a length of eight kilometres, this is the second largest canyon in Europe. Visitors will find more than 60 million years of history here and enjoy breathtaking views of the park. On hot days, rushing waterfalls invite you to take a refreshing dip in the clear water.

Effortlessly and unaccompanied, travellers reach the Campanaro waterfall, which falls from a height of 27 metres into a seemingly endless gorge. Abandoned places and lots of myths and legends about the lost city of Barbaro await holidaymakers in the Valli Cupe Nature Park.

Adventurous rafting in Laino Borgo

Laino Borgo, in the province of Cosenza, is a place full of history, culture and tradition. Travellers will find architectural and cultural treasures and numerous churches, such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna dello Spasimo. But Italy's smallest town also delights adventurers: rafting on the River Lao is a pure thrill - accompanied by experienced guides. Waterfalls and countless caves on both banks of the river make rafting a unique experience for all those looking for action.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there is a wide range of walking and hiking opportunities. Just a 30-minute drive away in the Pollino National Park is the Grotta del Romito, which translates as the Cave of the Hermit. The limestone rocks of the cave display impressive rock art in the form of carvings from the Palaeolithic era. A small museum and guided tours provide information about the Grotta del Romito.