15 Underrated Italian Cities
Italy is a gorgeous and geographically diverse country. Yet, Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Cinque Terre account for the majority of all international visits to Italy.
If you are visiting for the first time, this makes sense. You only have so much time for your trip and you’ll want to pick three or four places from Italy’s “greatest hits.”
However, I always recommend people visit other cities and smaller areas to experience “true” Italy, particularly during subsequent visits.
In this post, I’m proposing 15 underrated Italian cities. These are all well worth visiting and in most cases, good options for relocation in their general area (if that’s your plan.)
15. Matera
Population: 60K
Region: Basilicata
Reason to visit: Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its ancient cave dwellings known as the Sassi di Matera are a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a stunning and truly unique sight.
Pros of living there:
Rich cultural heritage
Peaceful lifestyle
Relatively low cost of living
Delicious local food and wine
Good weather year-round
Cons of living there:
Less-developed infrastructure and services
Limited public transportation
Few jobs and economic opportunities
The closest beach is an hour's drive away
14. Lucca
Population: 90K
Region: Toscana
Reason to visit: Lucca is a Tuscan city encircled by a well-preserved wall from the Renaissance era. It’s a culturally vibrant city with plenty of charming cobblestone streets, medieval towers, churches, and piazze (squares). It's also the birthplace of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, and hosts several music festivals throughout the year.
Pros of living there:
Relaxed atmosphere with beautiful surroundings
Rich in history and culture
Close to Firenze and coastal towns like Viareggio
Cons of living there:
Crowded during peak tourist season
Somewhat limited job opportunities
Higher cost of living than smaller cities in Toscana
13. Udine
Population: 100K
Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Reason to visit: Udine has elegant Venetian architecture, charming piazzas like Piazza della Libertà, and a rich cultural heritage. The Udine Castle provides panoramic views and hosts museums with significant art collections.
Pros of living there:
High-quality of life
Excellent public services and infrastructure.
Vibrant cultural scene
Good local cuisine and world-class wines
Proximity to both mountains and the Adriatic Sea
Peaceful and safe environment
Cons of living there:
Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
Less dynamic economy compared to larger cities
Cold and wet winters
12. Pesaro
Population: 94K
Region: Marche
Reason to visit: Pesaro is a charming coastal city on the Adriatic Sea, with long promenades and sandy beaches. The city has a rich musical heritage being the birthplace of famous composer Gioacchino Rossini. The city center offers historic Renaissance architecture and charming streets, and it’s quite close to Urbino, another historically significant city.
Pros of living there:
High quality of life
Beautiful beaches
Rich cultural scene, especially in music and the arts
Friendly community
Good public services and infrastructure
Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities
Cons of living there:
Limited job and economic opportunities
Seasonal tourism can lead to crowded conditions
Public transportation options could be better
11. Bolzano
Population: 107K
Region: Trentino-Alto Adige
Reason to visit: Bolzano is a picturesque city in the heart of the Italian Alps, serving as a gateway to the stunning Dolomites. Known for its unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures, the city offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant markets. Bolzano has also the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home of the famous Ötzi the Iceman.
Pros of living there:
High quality of life
Excellent public services and infrastructure
Strong economy
Proximity to natural landscapes
Safe and clean
Strong sense of community and low crime rates
Cons of living there:
Relatively high cost of living
Knowledge of German is often necessary
Winters can be long and cold
10. Cagliari
Population: 154K
Region: Sardegna
Reason to visit: Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is a vibrant city that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, visitors might be surprised to also find ancient Roman ruins, such as the Amphitheatre of Cagliari. With its Mediterranean charm, delicious cuisine, and warm climate, Cagliari is a captivating destination for travelers.
Pros of living there:
Sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters
Sunny days throughout most of the year
Rich cultural heritage
Delicious local cuisine (especially seafood)
Relaxed lifestyle with friendly locals
Cons of living there:
Limited job opportunities
Relatively high cost of living
Island isolation
Inconvenient and expensive travel to the mainland
Relatively weak transportation infrastructure
9. Pescara
Population: 120K
Region: Abruzzo
Reason to visit: Pescara is a coastal city on the Adriatic Sea, renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and lively promenade. The city boasts a modern center with excellent shopping, dining, and nightlife options. Pescara serves as a gateway to the stunning natural landscapes of the Abruzzo region.
Pros of living there:
Coastal lifestyle
Mild Mediterranean climate
Affordable cost of living
International airport and railway connections
Active cultural scene
Cons of living there:
Limited job opportunities
Crowded during peak tourist season
Infrastructure not as developed as in major cities
8. Ravenna
Population: 159K
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Reason to visit: Ravenna is renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city offers a rich tapestry of history and art. Visitors can explore magnificent basilicas adorned with ancient mosaics, such as the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Ravenna's well-preserved monuments provide a unique glimpse into early Christian and Byzantine culture.
Pros of living there:
Rich cultural heritage with world-class mosaics
High-quality of life
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere
Good infrastructure and public services
Proximity to the Adriatic coast and natural parks
Delicious regional cuisine and wines
Cons of living there:
Limited job and economic opportunities outside of selected industries
Tourism influx can lead to overcrowding
Public transportation is not as extensive as Bologna
7. Perugia
Population: 166K
Region: Umbria
Reason to visit: Perugia is a historic city renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque hilltop views. It's home to the famous EuroChocolate Festival and the Umbria Jazz Festival, attracting visitors from around the world. As a university town, Perugia offers a lively atmosphere with numerous cafes, restaurants, and artistic events.
Pros of living there:
Rich cultural heritage
Vibrant community due to a large student population
Beautiful landscapes with scenic views
Close to Lago Trasimeno.
Many cultural events
Relatively affordable cost of living
Delicious local cuisine and wines (including truffles and olive oil)
Cons of living there:
Limited job opportunities outside of selected industries
Public transportation could be better
Tourist influx can lead to crowded streets during festival seasons
Hilly terrain might be challenging for some
Far from the sea (close to 2 hours away)
6. Trieste
Population: 204K
Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Reason to visit: Trieste is a unique port city that beautifully blends Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences. Known for its stunning architecture, including the grand Piazza Unità d'Italia overlooking the sea, and the majestic Miramare Castle perched on the Gulf of Trieste. The city is famous for its historic coffeehouses, literary heritage linked to writers like James Joyce, and vibrant cultural scene. Its coastal location offers scenic views and access to seaside activities.
Pros of living there:
High quality of life
Excellent public services and infrastructure
Cultural diversity
Rich intellectual and artistic scene
Strategic location near the borders of Slovenia and Croatia
Beautiful natural surroundings
Relatively affordable cost of living
Cons of living there:
Economic opportunities limited to few sectors
Known for the cold and strong Bora wind
Although well-connected, it is at the edge of Italy
5. Bari
Population: 320K
Region: Puglia
Reason to visit: Bari is a historic port city on the Adriatic Sea, renowned for its charming old town, Bari Vecchia, with narrow winding streets and ancient churches like the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. The city offers a vibrant atmosphere with seaside promenades, bustling markets, and a rich cultural scene. Bari serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of Puglia.
Pros of living there:
Rich cultural heritage
Vibrant local traditions and festivals
Good weather year-round
Delicious local cuisine (particularly seafood and orecchiette pasta)
Affordable cost of living
Strategic location for exploring the Puglia region
Cons of living there:
Limited economic and job opportunities
Poorer infrastructure and services than in the North
Traffic and parking can be challenging in the city center
Can get busy during peak season
4. Bologna
Population: 390K
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Reason to visit: Bologna is famous for its historical significance, rich culture, and culinary excellence. It is home to the oldest university in the Western world, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. The city boasts medieval architecture, including the iconic Due Torri (Two Towers), extensive portici (porticoes), and vibrant piazze like Piazza Maggiore. Bologna is a culinary capital, renowned for its traditional dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, and piadina.
Pros of living there:
Rich cultural heritage
Vibrant atmosphere due to a large student population
Some of Italy's best gastronomy
Central location with excellent connections to the rest of Italy
High-quality education and research institutions
Excellent public services and infrastructure
Cons of living there:
Inflated cost of living (particularly housing)
Traffic congestion and limited parking
Air pollution and noise levels
Crowded due to tourist influx and student population
3. Genova
Population: 580K
Region: Liguria
Reason to visit: Genova is a historic port city celebrated for its rich maritime heritage and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe, the Palazzi dei Rolli (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The city offers a blend of ancient charm and modern attractions, with museums, art galleries, and a vibrant waterfront.
Pros of living there:
Rich cultural and historical heritage
World-class Aquarium
Beautiful coastal location
Relatively mild climate
Excellent cuisine
Good transportation links
Proximity to Cinque Terre
Cons of living there:
Limited jobs and economic opportunities
Infrastructure issues
Relatively high cost of living
Stereotype of unfriendly locals
2. Palermo
Population: 650K
Region: Sicilia
Reason to visit: Palermo is a city rich in history and culture, offering a unique blend of Arab-Norman architecture, vibrant street markets, and stunning landmarks like the Palermo Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel. The city is known for its delicious street food, lively atmosphere, and proximity to beautiful beaches and natural reserves. Visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions, art, and music that make Palermo a captivating destination.
Pros of living there:
Rich cultural heritage
Vibrant community life with festivals, markets, and events
Delicious cuisine, renowned for street food
Warm Mediterranean climate
Affordable cost of living for its size
Cons of living there:
High unemployment rates and limited opportunities
Infrastructure and service issues
High crime rates with a strong Mafia presence
Traffic and parking challenges in the city center
1. Torino
Population: 870K
Region: Piemonte
Reason to visit: Torino, the first capital of Italy, is renowned for its elegant architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts grand boulevards, baroque buildings, and iconic landmarks like the Mole Antonelliana, which houses the National Cinema Museum. Torino is also famous for its automotive heritage with the FIAT headquarters, exquisite chocolate creations like Gianduiotto, and proximity to the stunning landscapes of the Alps and the Langhe wine region. Visitors can enjoy a blend of historical sites, museums, parks, and a thriving food and wine culture. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.
Pros of living there:
Rich cultural heritage
Stunning architecture
Vibrant arts and music scene
High-quality education and research institutions
Well-developed public transportation and infrastructure
Proximity to the Alps
Lower cost of living compared to Milan and Rome
Strong industrial, economic, and job opportunities
Cons of living there:
Air pollution and traffic congestion
Winters can be cold, snowy, and foggy
I hope you enjoyed this list. Are you considering visiting or relocating to any of these Italian cities?