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

Photo by Luca Micheli on Unsplash

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

Photo by Cristina Gottardi on Unsplash

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

Photo by Tomasz Anusiewicz on Unsplash

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

Photo by Paola F on Unsplash

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

Photo by Fabrizio Coco on Unsplash

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

Photo by Jared Lisack on Unsplash

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

Photo by Mimmo Sigismondi on Unsplash

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

Photo by Sandra Dempsey on Unsplash

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)

Photo by Chiara Venuto on Unsplash

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

Photo by Daniele Bucciarelli on Unsplash