The country has so many cultural and historical treasures that relatively few are known to tourists. Our tipsters share their discoveries, from ancient hill towns to a mini Venice
Tell us about your favourite travel discoveries of the year – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher
Approaching the town of Brisighella in Emilia-Romagna, it feels as though you are rapidly incorporating yourself in the backdrop of a Renaissance masterpiece, with dramatic rocky hills with singular trees perched upon them, and mysterious towers standing in solitary self-possession – leaving you to wonder what they must have witnessed over the years. The town is the perfect launchpad to explore such remarkably beautiful scenery, but it is also absolutely worth exploring its many medieval alleyways and its particularly unique elevated path, granting private nooks to take in the town’s charm.
Gioia
We have just walked the Via dei Frati from Caltanissetta to Cefalù on Sicily. During the 54-mile walk across the Madonie mountains, we saw no walkers or tourists. Views are sublime and each day finishes in a beautiful Sicilian village such as Gangi. Although no one spoke English, communication was never a problem.
