A travel writer's recent journey through Italy has uncovered what she describes as more authentic alternatives to the country's famously crowded tourist hubs. Jenna DeLaurentis, who visited Italy with her mother on a retirement trip earlier this year, deliberately bypassed iconic destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Discovering Italy's Undiscovered Treasures
Instead of following the well-trodden path, DeLaurentis opted for the lesser-known cities of Padua and Ravenna. She documented her experience in Business Insider, concluding that these locations provided a significantly more genuine and enjoyable Italian experience. For geographical context, Ravenna is situated in the north east, approximately 50 miles from Bologna, while Padua lies just 20 miles from Venice.
In Ravenna, DeLaurentis observed that while the city does receive tourists, they primarily consist of day-trippers from Bologna. This pattern meant that crowds typically dissipated in the afternoon, leaving the city calm and peaceful by evening. This allowed her and her mother to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere without the overwhelming presence of other visitors.
The Evening Calm of Padua and Ravenna
Padua presented a similar scenario, according to the travel writer. Major attractions like the Basilica of St. Anthony and the Scrovegni Chapel were busy during morning hours, but most tourists had vanished before nightfall. This daily rhythm created the perfect opportunity for authentic cultural experiences.
"As crowds dwindled in both Ravenna and Padua, my mum and I spent our evenings trying local cuisine and sipping cocktails at outdoor bars," DeLaurentis wrote. This contrasted sharply with her description of major hubs, where she noted that "though the attractions are noteworthy, they're often overshadowed by overwhelming crowds."
A Wider Context of Overtourism
DeLaurentis's comments come as Europe continues to grapple with issues of overtourism. Her trip in late May coincided with the region's recovery from another heavy tourism season, raising ongoing questions about how many visitors a city can sustainably accommodate.
The tourism landscape in Italy is set to change further in the coming year. The country is preparing to host the Winter Olympics from February 6 to February 22, followed by the Paralympic Games from March 6 to March 15. These major events are expected to draw additional visitors and potentially extend the tourism season.
In response to these developments, the UK's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for Italy. The office strongly encourages British travellers to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers their entire itinerary and planned activities.
Specifically addressing the upcoming Olympic Games, the FCDO advised: "Get advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations. You can contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel."
For travellers seeking an authentic Italian experience away from the crowds, DeLaurentis's discovery of Padua and Ravenna offers a compelling alternative. Her verdict was clear: "Visiting Ravenna and Padua, on the other hand, gave us the best of both worlds. We made wonderful memories together while exploring each city's historical attractions, and loved spending quiet evenings wandering around picturesque city centres."
