Italy remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, offering a fascinating mixture of history, art, natural landscapes and exceptional gastronomy. In addition to the famous attractions, the country in the form of a boot still hides many unexploited treasures, waiting to be discovered.
Venice vs Umbria from the city of lovers to the region of medieval cities in Italy Collaj Tour
The famous cities of Italy, such as Rome, Florence and Venice, or the Vatican, attract visitors eager to explore ancient ruins, famous works of art and impressive architecture. Also, the rural regions, such as Tuscany, are ideal for those who seek a quieter experience, in the middle of idyllic landscapes and excellent wines. Italy is also a dream place for gastronomy lovers, with iconic dishes, such as pizza, pasta and gelato.
In recent years, the peninsular country has undergone a constant growth of tourism, with a significant number of visitors who come annually to explore its cultural and natural heritage. Although large cities are very popular, more and more tourists have begun to turn their attention to lesser-known destinations, to avoid agglomeration and discover less explored areas, such as southern regions and islands.
Venice: the busiest destination
It will not surprise anyone that Venice is considered to be the most affected tourist destination in Italy – and that’s just because it has so much magic and beauty that it risks losing them.
The entrance fee, doubled from this year to 10 euros, applied on peak days, brought in the spring and summer of 2024 three times more money than it was expected in the city’s visualness, but this did not discourage visitors. A toxic combination of cheap and celebrity flights on social networks causes tourists to be twice as many as inhabitants.
Supporturism is on the grounds why life in Venice has become stressful for both locals and tourists. One autumn day, the tail for Vaporetto (the water bus, expensive) to San Marco Square, from the main train station Santa Lucia, can be so long that sometimes it takes even more than an hour to wait. So many choose to walk, becoming tourists who confuse the alleys and bridges of the city with the suitcases after them.
Venice is also known as “The City of Channels” Due to his channel network but also “The City of Visites” Due to the romantic atmosphere, or “La Serenissima” (ie “The most clear city”) from his peak period, when he was a marine republic.
Umbria: The least affected destination by tourism
Umbria, also known as a region with an authentic and unaffected character by mass tourism, remains an ideal destination for those who want to explore a less known Italy, an authentic Italy, according to the recommendations of specialists in the field. Being far from the main railway routes and having only small airports, to reach this area, it requires a little more effort.
The only locality with a larger number of tourists is Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis. Otherwise, there is enough space for everyone, and the locals are so unusual with tourists that they often represent a curiosity for the villagers.
Like his neighbor Tuscany, Umbria – nicknamed “The green heart of Italy” or “The region of medieval cities” -It is full of small localities, each with its own recipes and traditions: Spoleto, with its festival of music and summer art, Todi, Orvieto, with its maze of underground passages and the Magnificent Cathedral, Gubbio, so medieval that you expect to meet Lante walking.
For hiking and cycling lovers, Valnerina is recommended, a region of mountain pastures, impressive landscapes and mountain rivers, the center being the historical city of Norcia being renowned for truffles and sausages.
But the shadow does not cease to surprise through every corner of the street or nature. Here, in award -winning pizzeria, such as those close to Perugia, you can eat alongside a glass of handmade champagne for less than 30 euros per person.
Don’t miss the treasure hunt through Italy
Venice is just the beginning of an unforgettable trip to Italy. We invite you to explore not only the charm of the city of lovers, but also the lesser known regions of Italy, where tradition is perfectly interwoven with spectacular landscapes. Umbria, with its unexplored medieval cities, is just one of the hidden treasures that await you.
I gave you a first tip, a window to a universe full of mysteries, but Italy has many more fascinating places waiting to be discovered.
Get ready for an Italian adventure, exploring not only the famous attractions, but the lesser known corners of this magic land!
