# Underrated Italy Summer Vacation Guide > Explore 12 underrated places for an unforgettable Italy summer vacation, featuring beach towns, historic cities, and wine regions curated by @vickirutwind. Travel map by @vickirutwind on Nowy · 12 places · Updated 2026-08-11 Interactive map: https://map.nowy.io/vickirutwind/vickirutwind-map More maps by this creator: https://map.nowy.io/vickirutwind This travel map by @vickirutwind highlights 12 underrated destinations across Italy. It features a diverse selection of beach towns, historic cities, and wine regions, offering unique experiences for a European summer vacation. The guide is designed for travelers seeking authentic Italian charm away from typical tourist crowds. Each location is handpicked to showcase Italy's rich culture and natural beauty. ## Featured Underrated Places in Italy ### Lake Iseo Category: Do · Coordinates: 45.761944, 10.059722 Lake Iseo is a picturesque lake in Lombardy, nestled between Bergamo and Brescia. It is known for Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe. @vickirutwind included it as an underrated destination for a summer vacation. ### Bergamo Category: Do · Coordinates: 45.695556, 9.668333 Bergamo is a historic city in the Lombardy region, divided into an upper walled city and a lower modern city. It is known for its Venetian walls and medieval architecture. @vickirutwind featured it as an underrated historic city in Italy. ### Noto, Sicily Category: Do · Coordinates: 36.885278, 15.070278 Noto is a historic city in southeastern Sicily, celebrated for its Baroque architecture. Its golden-hued buildings and grand churches are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. @vickirutwind recommended it as an underrated historic city. ### Lake Garda Category: Do · Coordinates: 45.673056, 10.671944 Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, located in the north. It offers diverse landscapes, from alpine peaks to sandy beaches, and charming lakeside towns. @vickirutwind showcased it as a prime destination for a European summer vacation. ### Milan Category: Do · Coordinates: 45.46427, 9.18951 Milan is a major city in northern Italy, known as a global capital of fashion and design. It features iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. @vickirutwind included it among Italy's vibrant historic cities. ### Palermo, Sicily Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.115687, 13.361268 Palermo is a historic city on the island of Sicily. It boasts a rich history with Norman palaces, Byzantine mosaics, and bustling markets. @vickirutwind recommended it as an underrated historic city for a summer vacation. ### Portofino Category: Do · Coordinates: 44.304444, 9.208333 Portofino is a famous fishing village and resort town on the Italian Riviera. It is known for its harbor filled with superyachts and its pastel-colored houses. @vickirutwind featured it as an iconic Italian beach town. ### Santa Margherita Ligure Category: Do · Coordinates: 44.326667, 9.210833 Santa Margherita Ligure is a coastal town in the Italian Riviera. This elegant resort town features a beautiful harbor, colorful buildings, and lush gardens. @vickirutwind included it among Italy's underrated beach towns. ### Sant’Angelo, Ischia Category: Do · Coordinates: 40.720833, 13.888889 Sant’Angelo is a charming fishing village on the island of Ischia. Known for its picturesque harbor and thermal springs, it offers a tranquil escape. @vickirutwind highlighted it as an underrated beach town for a European summer vacation. ### La Kalsa Category: Do · Coordinates: 38.113333, 13.363333 La Kalsa is a historic quarter in Palermo, Sicily. This ancient neighborhood is characterized by its narrow streets, Baroque palaces, and vibrant atmosphere. @vickirutwind highlighted it as part of Palermo's historic city experience. ### Borghetto sul Mincio Category: Do · Coordinates: 45.358333, 10.733333 Borghetto sul Mincio is a medieval village in the Veneto region. Situated on the Mincio River, it is famous for its watermills and charming stone houses. @vickirutwind featured it as an underrated historic town in Italy. ### Franciacorta Category: Shop · Coordinates: 45.583333, 10 Franciacorta is a wine region in Lombardy, northern Italy. This area is renowned for its sparkling wines produced using the traditional method. @vickirutwind highlighted it as an excellent Italian wine region.