The Places of Italy

Sara Lieberman, writing for Fodor’s, has an article recommending what to skip and what to see instead when visiting Italy:

Rather than wait in lines to see art everyone else has seen, or taste gelato that everyone else has sampled, take the road less traveled. Some of Italy’s most beaten paths, like the Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Pisa can (and should) be skipped in favor of more intriguing, less tour-bus-filled counterparts. Read on for the best alternatives.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Italy twice in my life and I always hold the hope of returning. I agree with the first recommendation - Cinque Terra over the Amalfi Coast. Cinque Terra is exquisitely charming and provide the quintessential Italian village experience. I say “both” for Florence versus Siena, although I had the best pesto of my life just around the corner from the main Piazza del Campo. I strongly disagree with the choice of Milan over Rome. Rome is one of my favorite places in the world with its rich history, old world charm, and intensely walkable nature. I’ve only been to Pisa out of the last two but I would guess that the recommendation for Lucca is a good one. Pisa is very touristy and crowded. The truth is that you probably can’t go wrong with any of the options- it is Italy after all!