Looking for Italian travel experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions?
Here are 25 extraordinary underrated bucket list experiences that combine adventure, cultural immersion, and natural wonders throughout Italy.
From sleeping in ancient cave dwellings to hiking through abandoned ghost villages, these bucket-list worthy moments will reshape how you see Italy.
25 Travel Bucket List Experiences in Italy
Scroll down to explore 25 remarkable Italian journeys that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. The Cave Churches of Matera
Explore the ancient rupestrian churches carved directly into Matera’s Sassi districts, where Byzantine monks created stunning sacred spaces.
Discover Madonna de Idris perched on a rocky outcrop, the complex of San Pietro Barisano, and Santa Lucia alle Malve with its remarkable 8th-century frescoes.
2. The Sunken Church of Lake Resia in South Tyrol
Visit the 14th-century bell tower emerging from Lake Resia—the only remnant of the village of Curon, deliberately flooded in 1950.
In winter, walk across the frozen lake directly to the tower that once served the submerged town.
3. The Iconic Three Peaks: Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Hike the circular trail around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three distinctive battlement-like peaks that are the symbol of the Dolomites.
This moderately challenging 10km loop offers constantly changing perspectives of these dramatic rock formations that glow pink at sunset.
Good to Know: Most spectacular from July-September. Plan to hike for around 3-4 hours.
4. The Abandoned Ghost Village of Craco
Wander through the haunting medieval ghost town of Craco in Basilicata, dramatically abandoned due to landslides in the 1960s.
Walk carefully through the guided path of this crumbling village that now serves as a movie set for many films.
5. The Grotta di Poesia in Puglia
Dive into the “Cave of Poetry” near Roca Vecchia, a natural swimming pool formed by a collapsed karst cave.
This perfectly circular emerald-blue sinkhole connects to the sea through underwater tunnels and features ancient Bronze Age graffiti.
6. The Lost Village of Civita di Bagnoregio
Cross the 300-meter pedestrian bridge to enter Civita di Bagnoregio, an ancient Etruscan settlement dramatically perched on an eroding volcanic tuff plateau.
This “dying town” is home to just a handful of residents as it slowly crumbles into the surrounding valley.
7. Climb an Active Volcano
Climb an active volcano at sunset on Stromboli island to witness “Sciara del Fuoco” (Stream of Fire), where continuous small eruptions create natural fireworks against the night sky.
Good to Know: Guided tours mandatory. Proper hiking boots required. Late spring or early fall for best visibility.
8. The Island Fortress of Isola di Capo Rizzuto
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Calabria’s Marine Protected Reserve to explore ancient Greek shipwrecks.
Then visit the dramatic 16th-century fortress of Le Castella, which appears to float on the sea at high tide while connected to land by a narrow walkway.
9. The Alpine Lake of Braies in the Dolomites
Visit Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee), a perfect emerald-green alpine lake surrounded by towering Dolomite peaks.
Rent a traditional wooden rowboat, then hike the panoramic trail that circles the lake.
10. The Shipwreck Diving of Ponza Island
Dive the crystal-clear waters surrounding Ponza Island to explore shipwrecks spanning from ancient Roman vessels to WWII military craft.
Discover the “Relitto delle Scole,” a 19th-century merchant ship now creating an artificial reef teeming with marine life.
11. The Rainbow-Hued Island of Procida
Explore the vivid kaleidoscope of Procida, the smallest island in the Bay of Naples.
Wander through narrow alleys where fishermen’s houses are painted in vibrant pastel hues, creating a photographer’s paradise.
12. The Angel’s Flight Zipline of Basilicata
Experience the breathtaking “Volo dell’Angelo” (Angel’s Flight) zipline that connects the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa.
Soar over a 400-meter deep gorge while suspended face-down for unobstructed views of the dramatic Dolomiti Lucane mountain range.
13. The Ancient Pilgrimage Route: Via Francigena
Walk in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims along the Via Francigena, connecting Canterbury to Rome.
Choose the scenic Tuscan section, where the path winds through golden wheat fields, cypress-lined hills, and medieval villages.
Good to Know: The full route takes 90 days, but week-long sections are perfect for casual walkers.
14. The Secret Beach Inside a Cave: Arcomagno of Calabria
Discover the hidden beach of Arcomagno near San Nicola Arcella, where a massive natural stone arch frames a secluded cove.
Swim in the perfect turquoise waters inside this cathedral-like sea cave.
Good to Know: Accessible by boat tours or a 20-minute hike along a rocky path.
15. The Ancient Salt Pans of Trapani
Walk among the still-operational medieval salt pans of Trapani, where windmills and white pyramids of salt create one of Sicily’s most photogenic landscapes.
Learn traditional salt harvesting techniques passed down through generations.
16. The Sky-High Vineyard of Mount Etna
Tour Europe’s highest altitude vineyards on the slopes of active volcano Mount Etna, where vines grow in black volcanic soil.
Taste mineral-rich wines at small family producers accessible only by rugged 4×4 vehicles.
17. The Hidden Cave Temple of Tempio del Valadier, Marche
Journey into the Frasassi Gorge to discover the Tempio del Valadier, an octagonal neoclassical church built inside a massive cave.
Hike the ancient 800m pilgrim path to reach this tiny white temple that sits dramatically framed by the enormous dark cave mouth.
18. The Cliff-Hanging Path of Amalfi
Trek the ancient Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) high above the Amalfi Coast, with spectacular views over the beautiful towns and coastline.
Good to Know: Best hiked from Bomerano to Nocelle direction.
19. The Underwater Christ of Portofino
Dive to the hauntingly beautiful Cristo degli Abissi (Christ of the Abyss) near Portofino, a submerged 2.5-meter bronze statue of Jesus Christ.
Placed in 1954 to protect fishermen and divers, the statue is now covered in coral growth.
20. The Volcanic Mud Baths of Vulcano Island, Sicily
Experience the primal thrill of Vulcano Island’s natural spa by coating yourself in sulfurous mud baths at the base of an active volcano.
Follow your mud treatment with a soak in the bubbling geothermal waters where hot springs meet the sea, then rinse in the Mediterranean.
21. The Floating Piers of Lake Iseo
Visit the lesser-known Lake Iseo and take a boat to Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island with no cars, only walking paths connecting 11 tiny villages.
Climb to the sanctuary at the summit for panoramic views.
22. The Secret Beach of Lampedusa
Trek to Rabbit Beach (Spiaggia dei Conigli) on Lampedusa island, consistently rated among the world’s best beaches.
23. The Cliff-Hanging Santuario Madonna della Corona
Visit the breathtaking Santuario Madonna della Corona monastery near Verona, dramatically carved into a vertical cliff face.
Climb the pilgrimage path of 1,540 steps or take the modern road to this sanctuary that appears to be suspended between earth and sky.
Good to Know: The 2-hour uphill pilgrimage path offers the most rewarding experience.
24. The Ancient Thermal Baths of Saturnia
Immerse yourself in the natural thermal cascades of Saturnia in Tuscany, where steaming calcified pools form a series of milky-blue terraces.
Soak in the mineral-rich 37.5°C waters that have been used since Etruscan times for their healing properties.
25. The Secret Wild Beach of Sardinia
Hike to Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia, a hidden beach with natural limestone arch and pinnacle accessible only by boat or a challenging 2- hour trail.
Swim in water so clear it seems like you’re floating in air.
Final Thoughts on Unique Italian Bucket List Activities
These 25 extraordinary experiences reveal an Italy beyond the typical tourist trail – a land of hidden caves, ancient villages, and breathtaking natural wonders waiting to be discovered.
Whether swimming in a cave beach in Calabria or witnessing volcanic eruptions on Stromboli, these unique adventures will transform how you see Italy.
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