Italy has never gone out of style, but this year southern Italy topped Expedia’s trending list for long-haul destinations, as U.S. travelers are heading to the Mediterranean coast and Great Lakes of Northern Italy for an Italian escape.
What is drawing people to southern Italy? We’re here to find out – and give you some suggestions if you fancy bucking the trend.
Why is Southern Italy trending?
The charm of southern Italy is in its breathtaking coastlines and friendly, hospitable people; the mountainous roads of the Amalfi Coast are equally as memorable as the volcanic ruins of Pompeii.
Campania saw a +210% increase in Expedia’s report; the southwestern region encompasses Italy’s famous gulfs (Naples, Salerno and Policastro) and three islands (Capri, Ischia and Procida), as well as the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and its capital city, Naples.
According to the same report, beach getaways are proving to be growing in popularity, something that southern Italy can cater to in all forms – the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast are distinctly different to the white sands of Puglia (known as the ‘Maldives of Italy’), but both are dazzling.
Sorrento, like many places in Italy, is a go-to if you love food – particularly fresh seafood, citrus and rich tomato sauces. With Trafalgar, you can meet true Sorrento locals at a traditional farm in the countryside. You’ll visit the lemon groves, olive oil mill and see first-hand how mozzarella is made before enjoying a taste of local produce, all washed down with the local wine, as you’re welcomed into your host’s family home.
The Amalfi Coast is likely one of the most photographed parts of Italy with its pastel colored cliffside houses, dramatic landscapes and crystal waters. There’s a certain glamor to Amalfi (and the nearby island Capri), with celebs such as George Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston having visited – but there’s an authentic side to the area too. When you travel with Trafalgar, you’ll have a chance to visit the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano, which is magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast.
Naples isn’t just famous for its super-thin pizza style; the Bay of Naples is surrounded by volcanic hills and the still-active Mount Vesuvius, with the destroyed Roman town of Pompeii nearby for those who want to step back in time to 79 AD, when the volcano erupted and preserved the town in ash.
So, southern Italy has an undeniable pull for travelers that want sparkling coastlines, ancient history and world-class food. Want to buck the trend? You’re in the right place.
Alternatives to Southern Italy
Another trend from Expedia was ‘detour destinations’, where travelers want to escape the crowds and explore hidden gems. If you fancy getting all the wonder and diversity of southern Italy with fewer crowds, here are our top three spots for getting off the beaten track.
Sicily
Though it does follow the peaks and troughs of tourism seasons, Sicily is generally much less busy than the Italian mainland, meaning you can still discover some hidden gems and find space on its beautiful beaches.
History is exceptionally well-preserved in Sicily; Taormina’s cliffside Greek Amphitheatre provides views all the way to Mount Etna, while the ancient walled town of Erice is a chance to step back in time to the Middle Ages. Immerse yourself in culture in its capital Palermo – travel with Trafalgar for the chance to explore the heart of Palermo with a Local Specialist, discovering exciting local markets where you will taste Palermitano street food like arancina, panelle, sfincione, and pani câ meusa.
Northern Italy
According to Expedia, Lombardy is also trending (+100% year-on-year) thanks to a growing desire for outdoor experiences. The Great Lakes of Northern Italy are a playground for activities, made even more attractive by the fact that the region is much cooler than cities like Rome or Florence (‘coolcations’ are another rising travel trend).
While the best known (and largest) Italian lakes are Maggiore, Garda, Como and Iseo, the Lombardy region has lakes of all sizes and depths dotted throughout. When you travel with Trafalgar you’ll experience some of the great lakes in true Italian style, lingering over a refreshing gelato on the shores of Lake Maggiore, easing into the easy-going local way of life in enchanting lakeside villages, and even traveling to the nearby Dolomite mountains for an afternoon of exploration.
The Balkans
An incredible region to explore if you want variety and diversity while getting off the beaten track, the Balkans includes Albania, Montenegro, Slovenia and Croatia (among other countries).
Though this region has some of Europe’s smallest countries, there is so much to see from the Alps, rolling green plains, valleys, mountainous coastlines, islands and some of the clearest, bluest sea, lakes and waterways. As the region was a crossroads of Empires, its different cultures, religions and beliefs have amounted to many layers of rich history to delve into – whether that’s the Ottoman relics in Tirana or fortified towns of the Adriatic. From the gorgeous Albanian Riviera to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled and unforgettable sunsets over Dubrovnik, the Balkans is an underrated treasure of Europe.
Discover more on: Balkans Coast Explorer