10 Shocking Secrets About Italy That Will Change Your Travel Plans Forever!

If you are considering visiting Italy but have been to most places that can be spotted in tourism’s advertisements, then, this article is for you. Think again! Italy is an area of great history and there are numerous surprises and things you didn’t know that would turn your journey around. Here are the 10 secrets about Italy that you never thought you’d learn:

1. There's a secret underground city in Rome

The Catacombs, an underground city existing right beneath the City of Rome yet nobody knows much about it. This necropolis carved in the rocks is very long and was used for burials of the early Christians, some pagan tombs and there is also a church. Tours are provided where you get to go down the caves and see the city’s subterranean part which is half as creepy but definitely just as interesting. There are more than sixty catacombs in the city of Rome.

2. You can sleep in a cave hotel in Matera

This can well be said about Matera, a sunny city in the boots of Italy where rocky houses, or Sassi, are hollowed out of the tufa cliffs. In fact, what you didn’t know, or perhaps you have heard is that one can actually book and sleep in these caves. Sassi's actual inhabitants live in the artificial caves and today some of those caves have been converted to luxury hotels. What a great way to sleep. It's like being in a piece of history!

3. Cinque Terre has a secret fourth town

The famous Cinque Terre is actually five beautiful brightly painted fishing villages located on the Italian Riviera. However, there is always a hidden town, which is not explored by most tourists because of their ignorance and that town’s name is Riomaggiore. This I believe has its own entrance that will lead you straight to the cliffs without the traffic jams here, no tourists.

4. You can take a secret cooking class in Florence

You probably already heard of great food in Florence but I bet you have never heard of secret home cooking class. Such underground cooking classes give you the best of the Florentine food and show you the insights from home-based chefs. You will know how to prepare and cook different types of pasta, tiramisu and other Italian dishes while working in a homely kitchen.

5. There's a secret beach in the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its picturesque cliffside towns, but there's a hidden beach that only locals know about. Tucked away in a cove near Positano, this secret beach offers crystal-clear waters and stunning views without the crowds. You'll need to take a boat or hike down a secret path to reach this hidden gem.

6. You can visit a secret wine cellar in Tuscany

In fact, many will associate Tuscany with the romantic setting composed of rolling hills, beautiful and small towns and great wine. However, did you know that there is a possibility to get to the hidden wine cellar located in the heart of the Chianti? These are convenient cellars with private tastings and tours; clients have an opportunity to taste really unique wines and to get acquainted with winemaking processes. For any wine-enthusiast that makes his/her way to Tuscany, it is a requirement.

7. There's a secret island in Venice

Venice is built on over 100 small islands, but there's one secret island that most tourists never see. Poveglia Island was once used as a quarantine station for plague victims and a mental asylum. Today it's abandoned and off-limits to visitors, but you can take a secret boat tour to see the crumbling buildings and hear the haunting stories of its past.

8. You can visit a secret museum in Milan

When people think of art Mecca Milan they think of fashionable clothes and designs but guess what there exists a museum in Milan about the occult. The Museo Della Permanente contains rare books, artifacts, and artworks concerning occultism and esotericism. It is not open to the public most of the time, it is only open on occasions such as festivals and by prior arrangement hence you will need to explore to get to this establishment.

9. There's a secret beach in Sardinia

Sardinia is famous for its beautiful beaches, but there's one secret beach that only locals know about. Cala Goloritzè is a stunning cove with white sand and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It's only accessible by boat or a challenging hike, so you'll need to do some research to find this hidden gem.

10. You can visit a secret castle in Sicily

Sicily is known for its Greek and Roman ruins, but did you know it has a secret castle that most tourists never see? Castello di Milazzo is a medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It's off the beaten path and often overlooked by visitors, but it's well worth a visit for history buffs and castle enthusiasts.

Travel with Tascom

While visiting these magical destinations in Italy,  you may want to check in with your family or do some work on the road. Tascom eSIM to the rescue! It’s a perfect switch to all the International Travelers, anywhere Digital Nomad. Travel eSIM plans are all about that ease because with a travel eSIM, you never have to take out a physical SIM card. 

Well, now that you’ve heard it from us, so, what are you waiting for? Don’t wait and start planning your trip to Italy: you just might be able to learn some of these shocking facts on your own! Also, Tascom eSIM is by your side to keep you connected on the go. Happy Travels!