While many tourist packages to Italy focus on the -- admittedly spectacular -- cultural monuments in the country's biggest cities, travelers often find that the real identity of the country is in its countryside villages and coastal fishing towns. Surrounded by water and with green rolling hills in its interior, Italy is full of more tranquil rural and beach destinations. These spots are perfect for some relaxation, sampling Italy's famous cuisine and getting to know its small-town culture -- although you can still find architectural masterpieces rivaling anything in Milan or Venice. A few destinations stand out for their beach and countryside appeal.
Tuscany
- Arguably the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany combines fantastic art and architecture with a bucolic countryside of vineyards and olive groves. Most travelers start out in Florence, where Michelangelo's "David" is on display in the Accademia, the Uffizi Galleries are brimming with Renaissance treasures and the 13th-century Basilica di Santa Maria Novella greets visitors with its ornate interior frescoes. From Florence, hike up through farmland to Fiesole, the trip featured in the movie version of E.M. Forster's "A Room with a View." For a hike through even less developed land, head south of the Arno to the hills of San Miniato and Bellosguardo, both offering stunning panoramic views of Florence and the Tuscan landscape.
Umbria
Umbria is the province just south of Tuscany -- a land of rolling green vineyards and quaint medieval villages perched on hilltops. The best way to view the Umbrian countryside is by renting a car and heading off the beaten tourist trail. Stop at medieval villages not featured on tourist maps or turn off at any "vendita diretta" to purchase local wines, herb-scented honeys, fresh cheeses or home-pressed olive oil directly from farmers. Be sure to include Assisi in your travel plan, the birthplace of St. Francis and the site of a massive basilica with frescoes by Giotto and the saint's remains.
The Amalfi Coast and Italian Riviera
- The Amalfi coast borders the Tyrrhenian Sea south of Naples. The coastline is known for its dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and deep blue water, with tiny fishing villages nestled in coves. Don't miss the dark sands of Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano and head into town for delicious meals of seafood, buffalo mozzarella and fresh vegetables. The Italian Riviera stretches from the top of Tuscany to the French border. West of the port city of Genoa, you'll find fabled beach resort towns such as San Remo, along with smaller fishing villages all along the coast.
Italian Islands
- In addition to mainland beaches, Italy has a series of territorial islands with spectacular beaches and sights. From Naples, a quick ferry takes you to the islands of Capri and Procida in the bay, both famous for their beaches with calm blue Mediterranean waters and towns filled with fashionable boutiques and celebrity villas. In the south, ferries from Sicily take you to the Aeolian islands. The island of Lipari is the most inhabited and has the most tourist services, but ferries between the volcanic island chain will take you through scenic beaches, mud baths and wilderness areas for everything from swimming and snorkeling to hiking, fishing and canoeing.
