Italy has long been a favorite country to visit among travelers. However, there are still plenty of places in Italy that have been overlooked—including one that’s been named an underrated summer holiday destination in a new study.
Tucked between Tuscany and Lazio in central Italy is Umbria, a region that remains, somehow, just out of the spotlight. Often called Italy’s “green heart,” it may feel less polished and be less photographed than its more well-known neighbors, but it’s no less enchanting.
The little-known region was recently named Europe’s most underrated, luxurious summer holiday destination by CV Villas, a London-based travel agency. The agency’s ranking was determined by analyzing travel reviews for top attractions in 50 lesser-visited European destinations. Umbria, which ranked in the top spot, got an “underrated luxury score” of 94.67 out of a possible 100 points.
“Umbria has been dubbed ‘The New Tuscany’ in recent years but still manages to elude the spotlight, retaining its rustic charm, perfect for those seeking their own slice of la dolce vita without the crowds,” CV Villas said in a press release obtained by Travel + Leisure.
Umbria is known for its vibrant, hidden gem towns like Assisi, Spello, and Montefalco, which are often built into ridgelines, their stone walls weathered by centuries, their piazzas still the center of daily life. They often have centuries-old Roman architecture and toothsome local cuisine.
“Umbria is proof that underrated destinations in Europe provide authentic experiences away from typical tourist trails,” the press releases stated.
Following Umbria in the ranking was the surf town of Biarritz, France at No. 2. Biarritz sits along southwestern France’s Basque coast and has long sandy beaches with surf schools and an iconic rocky outcrop, the Rocher de la Vierge. The rest of the rankings were also dominated by France. Italy and Spain followed, with four entries each.
Here’s the full list:
1. Umbria, Italy
2. Biarritz, France
3. Paphos, Cyprus
4. Brittany, France
5. Emilia-Romagna, Italy
6. Paros, Greece
7. San Sebastian, Spain
8. Antibes, France
9. St. Ives, United Kingdom
10. Taormina, Italy
11. Ferragudo, Portugal
12. Bordeaux, France
13. Valetta, Malta
14. Skiathos, Greece
15. Valencia, Spain
16. Puglia, Italy
17. Montpellier, France
18. Occitanie, France
19. Soller, Spain
20. Bilbao, Spain