The Most Strange and Unusual Tourist Destinations in Italy
The Most Strange and Unusual Tourist Destinations in Italy
Italy is one of the most beautiful and historic places in the world, with thousands of tourists flocking to its many great tourist destinations every year. Many come to see the many old monuments and buildings, while others want to experience its rich culture, history, and traditions. However, there are a few tourist destinations in Italy that might be strange or unusual to those who don’t live there. Here are the most strange and unusual tourist attractions you can find in Italy, whether you’re traveling there yourself or reading this from afar!
- Emilia Romagna: Bologna
This city is a classic stop for foodies. The best way to see Bologna? See it through your stomach! You’ll find some of Europe’s finest cuisines here, including lasagna, tortellini, ragù all’Emiliana (Bolognese sauce), mortadella (made with finely minced pork, garlic, pistachios and salt), Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and salami. If you can get past all that food?
1 ) Lazio: Monte Sant'Angelo
It's not just a legend. If you're lucky enough to have your visit coincide with Epiphany, travel to Sant'Angelo. The parish priest of Sant' Angelo hosts an enormous party on that day where freshly cooked pasta is offered free-of-charge as well as food, drinks, and entertainment. It truly is a sight to behold - thousands upon thousands of people converge on these grounds every year to celebrate their good fortune by eating pasta together! It doesn't get any stranger than that!
2 ) Campania: Pompei
While tourists are often drawn to historic sites like Pompeii, they can also enjoy plenty of fun activities surrounding food. Campania, a region on the mainland to the west of Naples, is home to over 30 varieties of pizza made with local ingredients. In fact, many locals travel to Campania for pizzeria tours where you’ll get a chance to see how your favorite dish is made from scratch! If you love food or history, it’s well worth a trip.
3 ) Abruzzo: Pescara
Aptly called a belly button, A Priori Kaleidoscope houses 60 kaleidoscopes along with two hemispherical observatories built within what looks like an alien spaceship. The perfect place to watch stars or enjoy a romantic moment with your partner!
4 ) Marche: Porto Recanati
Considered by many to be one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, Porto Recanati is a stunning coastal town on a rocky peninsula in Le Marche region. While its sandy beaches are among Italy’s best, what really makes Porto Recanati an interesting tourist destination is its trademark seawater pools carved into rocky cliffs. A popular spot for nudists, these pools are shallow enough for children to play around and cool down during hot summer days.
6 ) Puglia: Gallipoli
Gallipoli is an intriguing town, because it's full of beaches without tourists. The towns beach have not been touched by tourism yet, so if you want to escape from people for a day or two; head to Gallipoli.
7 ) Apulia : Lecce
The Basilica of Saint Mary, a 17th-century cathedral designed by architect Cosimo Fanzago. The most surprising feature of Lecce’s famous structure is its marble façade—completely covered with carved human skulls and bones. Similar to Egypt’s Deir el-Bahri Temple in design, it’s like something out of a horror movie.
8 ) Basilicata : Matera
The Sassi di Matera are ancient cave dwellings dug into tuff cliffs directly inside a prehistoric settlement. The Sassi have been inhabited by humans since Neolithic times. In fact, large settlements already existed there when Materan archaeologist Carlo Scaletti rediscovered them in 1975 after centuries of oblivion. By then, most of it had become so deeply buried that even its primitive cave paintings were no longer visible.
9 ) Calabria : Tropea
Located on Calabria’s Ionian Coast, Tropea is a small city renowned for its beautiful, pebbly beaches. The waters are teeming with fish—which can only mean one thing: you gotta try some freshly caught sea urchin (don’t worry, even if you don’t catch your own dinner, there are many restaurants in town that offer dining with a sea urchin slathered over just about anything). Another fantastic local delicacy?
10 ) Sicily : Cefalù
While you’re on holiday with us, why not check out Cefalù? As Sicily’s finest resort, it has become a popular holiday destination for all ages. This buzzing city is filled with sights worth seeing; from beautiful monuments to interesting streets – there really is something for everyone. See why so many people love visiting Cefalù by reading through our list of strange tourist attractions below.