Italian towns are often overlooked by most tourists, but they’re full of life and excitement. If you’re looking for a place to go on vacation that has less than 3,000 inhabitants, consider one of the hidden gems that are tucked away in the country’s towns. Here are seven such towns that you should definitely add to your itinerary.

Malcesine

Malcesine, Italy has some beautiful sights to offer tourists. The Scaliger Palace is one of the main historical sites. It was built over Roman ruins in the 1200s and remodeled in Venetian style. Its interior is filled with sumptuous decoration and boasts spectacular views of the lake. Its renovations began in 2007 and the palace is now restored to its former splendor. Visit this palace for its amazing views of the lake, particularly when the flowers are in bloom.

Faenza

Faenza is located at the foot of the sub-apennine hills and is surrounded by fertile plains and vineyards. The climate is temperate sub-continental with significant rainfall. The surrounding hilly areas have Mediterranean and Middle Adriatic climates.

Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is a coastal town on the southern Adriatic coast of Italy. It’s famous for the white-pebble Lama Monachile beach (also known as Cala Porto). It’s bordered by a Roman bridge and has a cove at the bottom of the cliff called Ponte dei Lapilli. The town also has the Pino Pascali Museum, which is dedicated to the art of photography. The town’s 16th-century San Vito Abbey has a tower.

Lucca

Lucca, Italy is a town that has a long history. Visitors can explore this beautiful medieval town and its cathedral. The town is also home to a tower called Torre Guinigi, which was built in the fourteenth century. This tower is 45 metres tall, and features a beautiful garden on top. In the garden, you can see Holm Oak trees, which symbolize rebirth.

Passo Tonale

The Passo Tonale in Italy is a high mountain pass that crosses the Rhinetian Alps. It is located between the regions of Lombardy and Trentino.

Cortona

This Tuscany hilltop town has ancient artifacts and a Renaissance-era cathedral. Nearby is the Archeological Park, where you can see stretches of Roman roads and city fortifications. The Diocesan Museum, where you can find sacred furnishings and paintings by Fra Angelico, is also worth a visit.

Manarola

Cinque Terre is a series of five picturesque coastal villages, and Manarola is the second most picturesque. Located about 70 meters above sea level, Manarola is a town with a vibrant ambiance and picturesque setting. Its houses are painted bright colors and the harbor sits on a bright blue sea.

Modena

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you should consider visiting Modena, one of the hidden gems of Emilia-Romagna. This region is famous for its food, wine and other unique products. The center of Modena is one of the most interesting places to see in the country, with its cathedral and Piazza Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ragusa

You can easily get to Ragusa, Italy by car or on a train. There is a rail line that connects Catania and Ragusa, and frequent bus connections from both cities. You can also take a taxi, which can cost up to EUR30 per person. The city is also served by a car rental service in the airport. A car rental company website can help you gauge availability and prices.

Burano

Known for its lace-making, Burano, Italian towns is just a square mile in size. The craft dates back to the 1500s and was traded throughout Europe. In 1481, Leonardo da Vinci purchased a piece of lace cloth in Lefkara.