Italians know Italy best. Most often they vacation where tourists would never go. So, if you’re looking for a new, undiscovered, and authentic Italian vacation, these five (almost-secret) locales offer the adventurous and savvy traveler truly unique experiences.

1. Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, Tuscany

Stunning scenery. Fantastic organic wine. Winning organic olive oil. Renowned restaurants. What more could you want? A favorite destination of Italians – which is high praise indeed – Castelfalfi is perched on a hilltop in a remote corner of Tuscany between Florence and Volterra. At 820 feet, you’re surrounded by dreamy panoramic views of more than 2,700 acres of gorgeous organic vineyards and olive groves. Offering an authentic Tuscan countryside experience, the renovated 800-year-old borgo (village) boasts a charming castle, woods, lakes, 57 acres of vineyards, more than 10,000 olive trees and a 12^th-Century church.

On property, stay in the Borgo, one of its 48 apartments winding up the hill to the castle, a restored luxury farmhouse villa, or in its boutique hotel, La Tabaccaia, that once upon a time was a tobacco factory. Offering diverse authentic Tuscan experiences, any desire to drive down the hill vanishes in your glass of organic Chianti whilst in the garden overlooking seemingly endless verdant Tuscan rolling hills disappearing into the horizon.

Even if you did venture out of Castelfalfi, it would be a challenge to find better restaurants. The restored castle is home to La Rocca–fine dining with sweeping views of olive groves and vineyards from its panoramic patio. Trattoria Il Rosarmino’s head chef Francesco Ferretti serves up country Tuscan cuisine that is garden fresh and traditionally cooked. His gnudi di ricotta e spinaci al pomodoro fresco and pici alla norcina are so good, you’ll soak up every last bit of sauce with rustic Tuscan bread. Fantastic organic wines are produced by the Azienda Agricola di Castelfalfi, and delicious antipasti are served in the garden by the local wine shop. Perfect for a sunset apperitivo.

If you think Castelfalfi is passionate about its organic wine, including the famous Poggio alla Fame, talk to them about their olive oil! Made from a blend of Frantoio, Leccino, Leccio del Corno, and Pendolino olives, you can take home the quality and flavor of Tuscany and enjoy it to the last drop. And if you’re inspired by all the local organic Italian goodness you devoured, learn how to make it at home at Castelfalfi’s Rosso Toscano cooking school. Go forage for wild asparagus and truffles in the woods. Or cool your jets under the Tuscan sun at one of the stunning pools with views that pair perfectly with a relaxing afternoon.

2. Todi, Umbria

While most travelers take the fast train immediately to Florence, those looking for a more rustic Italian countryside experience take the local train to Umbria’s medieval hilltop towns. Todi is surrounded by rolling hills bursting with vineyards and sunflowers. And when it’s wine o’clock, the perfect place to go is Roccafiore. Locals describe it as da vedere which means it’s a “must see.” And the ultimate compliment? You’ll be elbow to elbow with Italians at their luxury zero-kilometer restaurant and organic wine tasting in their stunning new cantina. Dine al fresco with sweeping views of Todi, surrounded by lavender gardens, or take a jungle vineyard safari for a picnic in Grechetto vineyards. So, get out your navigation device and make your way to Roccafiore. I wouldn’t make any plans for later What often starts out as just a visit turns into an all-day stay. It’s that magical.

3. Lake Maggiore, Piedmont

Long before George Clooney put Lake Como on the map, Italians summered at Lake Maggiore. Imagine lakeside lidos, rivers, mountains, and valleys landscaped with palm trees that give the north of Italy a distinct holiday feel. That and all the sparkling lake views you can handle. Take an alpine hike in the clouds by day or lounge in a lettino at one of Lake Maggiore’s many lido beach clubs. One of the more famous cobblestone villages dotted along Lake Maggiore’s shores is Cannobio. Famous for its Italian market bursting with local specialties, charismatic vendors fill winding viccolos selling their wares. In fall, when the days are still warm,  indulge in the Piedmonte’s rich autumn flavors such as risotto with white truffles, chestnuts, and pumpkin. It’ll warm your heart as well as satisfy your belly.

Another little-known secret is that Lake Maggiore borders the Italian-speaking Canton  Ticino in Switzerland – which offers a unique mountain dining experience. Above Ascona, a lake town just minutes from Italy, traditional grotto mountain restaurants are where locals go for authentic Tincenese cuisine. Here, farm-to-table isn’t a buzzword. It’s simply the way it’s always been. That and dining on traditional stone picnic tables by candlelight under the stars.

4. Ischia, Campania

If you’re looking for beauty, glamour, and healing waters, not far from Capri is another beloved Italian island: Ischia. This volcanic island overlooking the Bay of Naples with views of Mount Vesuvius was the destination for Italian film stars, royalty, and the glamorous during Italy’s La Dolce Vita era who reveled in its healing thermal waters. Today guests of the Miramare e Castello indulge in its stunning hotel with sea views and healing thermal spas. The hotel encourages “bathrobe culture” as you’ll be in and out of the thermal pool and sea all day. In Italy, the healing benefits of thermal water are so embedded in the culture that doctors prescribe it and treatments are paid for by insurance.

5. Alta Badia, South Tyrol

If you’re a foodie, the north of Italy is host to the Dolomites, a stunning mountain range and UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers bespoke Italian alpine gastronomic experiences all year long. The region is a culinary hotbed where you can enjoy fresh alpine fine dining in rustic mountain huts above the clouds. Alta Badia’s Peaks of Gastronomy is literally haute cuisine. With ten participating mountain huts with star chefs in summer, guests can indulge in some of the freshest most innovative Italian mountain cuisine. You’ll also find excellent high altitude wines that pair perfectly with South Tyrolean cuisine.

There are so many wonderful surprises waiting for the adventurous traveler who ventures beyond the tourist hotbeds of Rome, Venice, and Florence. When you visit these secret spots in Italy, you’ll mix with locals, try flavors you never knew existed, and venture into la vera Italia that Italians know and love.

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Images via Miramare e Castello, Alta Badia Tourism, Castelfalfi, Rolcofiore.

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Dive into a totally new vacation experience by visiting these dreamy eco island getaways in Europe.

Most world travelers have heard of Capri and Santorini. But there are hundreds of stunning islands to explore that are full of dramatic scenery, unspoiled beaches, delicious local wine, and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste in your life.

On your next summer trip to Europe, I highly suggest adding in at least one island. You see, they are steeped in thousands of years of history and are full of castles, Greek and Roman ruins, and ancient temples to explore. You’ll have authentic experiences of how things were because more often than not, life on the island still is how it was. And don’t forget the beach discos and amazing nightlife. It’s a vacation after all so you can recover on the beach in the afternoon.

Imagine scuba diving in the morning, beach hopping by boat taxi in the afternoon, sunset dinners in a castle overlooking the port, and then partying all night long at a beach disco with a famous DJ spinning the latest dance music. Well, that’s what most locals just call Tuesday.

Here are my top 5 picks for dreamy eco-island getaways in Europe:

1. Gozo, Malta

Gorgeous dramatic landscapes, sandy beaches, charming ports with brightly colored boats, winding maze-like citadels, crystal clear waters for swimming and boating and even a blue hole for divers, Gozo is a island where you come to truly relax. Perfect for history buffs, Gozo dates all the way back to the Bronze Age and the Ggantija temple complex, a world heritage site, is one of the oldest stone buildings ever. In Gozo, you eat well. The street food and pastries are tasty and authentic Mediterranean. Fancy savory cheese from sheep’s milk served fresh or marinated with peppers? Or try ħobż biż-żejt: bread first soaked with tomatoes then drizzled with fresh olive oil and topped with anchovies and mint. To protect its gorgeous natural resources and the Gozitan way of life, the tiny island has a big Eco Initiative. By 2020, it’s goal is to become (almost) totally sustainable.

2. Corsica, France

Naturally wild, Corsica is home to 6 nature reserves. Although the island is surrounded by some of Europe’s most gorgeous beaches and coastline like Gulf of Porto, the interior is mostly mountainous and forested. Something for both the sailors and hikers in your group. And even, the skiers. Come in March and you can sail in the morning and ski in the afternoon. Either way, build up your appetite because Corsican cuisine is some of the best in the world. You’ll never have to choose between going for French or Italian because in Corsica you get the best of both. And it’s not just seafood but also wild boar and other alpine specialties. If you’re a sailing enthusiast who wants to rub elbows with Europe’s who’s who then head to chalky cliffs of breathtaking Bonifaccio. Or if you want to lose yourself in wilderness, gear up, get a guide, and head down Corsica’s famed and extremly challenging GR 20 hiking trail.

3. Ischia, Italy

Just about an hour on the fast boat from Naples, Ischia is too close to miss. Heralded The Island of Heath, its (almost magical) curative mud and thermal waters have been studied by famous scientists for decades. Europe’s chic jet set crowds have been flocking to Ischia for its film festivals and mud baths since Italy’s La Dolce Vita era of the ’50s and ’60s. But even before that – say 2,000 years ago – the Greeks and Romans built their baths on the island that you can enjoy now in modern spas. Maurizio Orlacchio, a native of Ischia and the GM of the famed San Montano says, “This is a place where you take your watch off.”

When not at the beach or soaking in thermal waters, hit up some the nightlife and enjoy innovative cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Indaco with native head chef Pasquale Palamaro and dine over Ischia’s most infamous waterfront. Make sure you try the local white wines. Some have a refreshing slightly salty flavor at the end, which pairs perfectly with Mediterranean seafood.

4. Menorca, Spain

You’ll pinch yourself while enjoying a tinto (red wine) at sunset over turquoise water and white sand beaches. Effective preservation has kept Menorca so pristine and beautiful that it’s now a UNESCO biosphere reserve. So its stunning Parc Natural S’Albufera d’es Grau and open museum-style ancient sites are protected. Make sure to visit Pregonda beach where you can recover from some of Menorca’s incredible nightlife full of discos, beach bars, and chill out lounges. After all this is a Spanish island where dinner doesn’t start until 11pm. And you’ll be the first one at the club if you show up at 1am.

5. Madeira, Portugal

Not many of us associate Portugal with lush islands but there are some beauties in the Atlantic ocean. One of the most beloved by European travelers is the volcanic island of Madeira. Its rich soil grows just about anything and the terraced valleys create incredible views. It’s incredibly lush Laurisilva Forest is where you can peek into the past and see how Europe’s topography used to be. Stunning beaches, waterfalls and gorgeous natural parks please the nature enthusiast. And wine lovers will not be disappointed with the local Madeiran reds ranging from dry to sweet. If you went overboard on the wine the night before, relax on the beach. Or get up early and explore the over 1,000 miles of irrigations channels with accompanying footpaths that wind through Madeira’s striking landscapes and gorgeous flora.

So give your next trip to Europe a twist and add in one of these incredible eco islands that put the very best of Europe at your fingertips!

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Photos courtesy of: Pawel Kazmierczak / Shutterstock.com, Shutterstock.com, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Instituto de Turismo de España, (Turespaña), Regina Isabella Spa & Resort, Mariya Siyanko / Shutterstock.com

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