In 2025, Rome will be at the center of the Jubilee celebrations, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Jubilee is a celebration that happens every 50 years for members of the catholic faith, and it prompts many observers to travel to the Vatican in Rome to celebrate and worship. While the Eternal City is always worth a visit, the influx of travelers means bigger crowds, longer lines, and a busier atmosphere.
For those looking for a more relaxed way to experience Italy’s rich history, culture, and landscapes, this is the perfect year to explore beyond Rome. From charming coastal towns to historic cities and countryside escapes, Italy has plenty of incredible destinations where you can soak in its beauty—without the overwhelming crowds. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning to visit Italy again, 2025 is the year to go off the beaten path.
Visit Italy: Alternative Airports Beyond Rome
With the Jubilee drawing millions of visitors to Rome in 2025, its airports—Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA)—will be more crowded than usual. Fortunately, Italy has a well-connected network of international airports, allowing you to skip the congestion and start your trip in a different part of the country. Flying into a different city in 2025 not only makes for a smoother, more enjoyable journey, it also allows visitors to explore other areas. You could head north for alpine scenery, south for coastal escapes, or just explore Italy’s hidden gems.
- Milan (MXP/LIN): Milan Malpensa (MXP) is one of Italy’s busiest international airports, with frequent direct flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. It’s ideal for those exploring northern Italy. From here, you can easily reach the Italian Lakes, Piedmont’s wine country, and the Dolomites for outdoor adventures.
- Venice (VCE): While smaller than Milan’s airports, Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) has direct flights from New York and seasonal routes from other U.S. cities. It’s a convenient starting point for exploring Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino. Plus, arriving by water taxi into Venice is an experience in itself.
- Naples (NAP): Naples International Airport (NAP) offers seasonal direct flights from New York, making it a great option for those heading to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, or southern Italy. A new flight from Atlanta to Naples is also being added to Delta’s list of international destinations. Otherwise, connections through major European hubs make getting here easy.
- Florence (FLR): Florence’s airport is smaller, with no direct U.S. flights, but it’s well connected through major European cities like Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. It’s the best airport for those looking to explore Tuscany without the crowds of Rome.
- Bari (BRI) & Brindisi (BDS): These airports don’t have direct flights from the U.S., but they are well served by European carriers, making them accessible via a quick connection. They are the best entry points for discovering Puglia’s coastal towns, historic villages, and renowned cuisine.
- Palermo (PMO) & Catania (CTA): While Sicily’s airports don’t usually have direct flights from the U.S., Newark (EWR) and JFK are offering flights direct to the island (beginning Summer 2025). Flying into Palermo or Catania allows you to explore Sicily’s stunning coastlines, ancient ruins, and diverse cultural influences with ease.
- Cagliari (CAG): Sardinia’s main airport is mostly served by European flights, but connections from major hubs make it a solid option for those looking to experience the island’s beaches, rugged landscapes, and this region’s unique history.
By choosing one of these alternative airports, you can avoid the chaos of Rome’s travel hubs and dive straight into your Italian adventure, all while discovering regions that are just as captivating as the nation’s capital.
Best Alternative Destinations to Rome in 2025
A trip to Italy without Rome is not only possible—it can be just as rich, immersive, and unforgettable. With the Jubilee bringing massive crowds to the capital, 2025 is the perfect time to explore other regions that offer just as much history, culture, and beauty, often with fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace. Here is a list of destinations we know and love that would be fantastic for anyone looking to explore Italy.
Sicily
If you’re looking for ancient ruins that rival Rome’s, Sicily delivers. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek theater in Taormina, and the well-preserved ruins of Segesta showcase the island’s deep historical roots. Beyond its archaeological sites, Sicily offers a blend of cultures, shaped by Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences, reflected in its architecture and cuisine. From arancini and cannoli to seafood couscous, the island’s flavors are some of the most well-known globally and as diverse as its landscapes. Plus, with miles of coastline, charming villages, and vast open spaces, you can explore at your own pace without the overwhelming crowds.
Puglia
Often overlooked in favor of more popular regions, Puglia offers a ton of charm—without a lot of tourist congestion. Lecce’s baroque architecture, the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello, and the whitewashed coastal towns along the Adriatic create a region full of character and history. It’s also a paradise for food lovers, known for its fresh seafood, creamy burrata, and handmade orecchiette pasta. With rolling olive groves, historic villages, and plentiful beaches, Puglia is a destination that feels both authentic and relaxed.
The Dolomites
For a completely different side of Italy, the Dolomites offer alpine scenery, outdoor adventure, and a peaceful retreat from the crowds. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or simply soaking in the mountain air from a cozy lodge, this region provides an entirely different experience from Rome’s urban buzz. The local cuisine includes dishes like polenta, speck, and hearty mountain stews and the natural beauty is some of the most majestic in the country.
Sardinia
With its crystal-clear waters and rugged landscapes, Sardinia feels like a world of its own. Whether you’re drawn to its famous Costa Smeralda for a luxury getaway or the wilder, less-traveled interior for an off-the-beaten-path experience, the island offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Small towns like Bosa and Alghero provide a charming alternative to Italy’s busier cities, while the island’s beaches—some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean—offer tranquility far from the crowds.
Naples & the Amalfi Coast
For those who still want an urban experience with deep historical roots, Naples is a fantastic alternative to Rome, as well as an ideal gateway to the rest of Campania. With its raw energy, historic streets, and world-famous pizza, it offers an unfiltered look at Italian life. Pompeii and Herculaneum provide direct access to ancient Roman history without the long lines of the Colosseum. While the Amalfi Coast is a well-known destination, smaller towns like Cetara and Praiano offer a quieter, more intimate experience compared to the crowds of Positano. With a mix of history, coastal beauty, and incredible food, this region delivers the best of Italy without the chaos of Jubilee crowds in 2025.
Piemonte
If you’re looking for a refined yet under-the-radar destination, Piemonte offers an elegant alternative to Italy’s more tourist-heavy regions. Known for its world-class wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, this northern region is a paradise for food and wine lovers. Beyond vineyards, Piemonte is home to the regal city of Turin, with its grand boulevards, historic cafés, and vibrant cultural scene. The countryside is dotted with charming hilltop towns like Mondovì, a hidden gem with stunning views, an artistic heritage, and a lively piazza perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere. Piemonte is also renowned for its hazelnuts, considered among the finest in the world, and used in everything from artisanal chocolates to traditional pastries. For those who love nature, the Alps provide stunning landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventures year-round.
Umbria
Often called “the green heart of Italy,” Umbria is a fantastic alternative for those looking for Tuscany’s beauty without the crowds. Rolling hills, medieval towns, and a strong culinary heritage make this central region a perfect retreat. Perugia offers history and culture without the tourist congestion, while towns like Assisi and Spoleto bring a mix of spirituality and charm. Umbria’s cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, with highlights like black truffles, porchetta, and locally produced olive oil. The slower pace and deep connection to the land make it an ideal place for a more immersive Italian experience.
Exploring Italy beyond Rome doesn’t mean missing out—it means discovering places that are just as captivating, some of which include fewer crowds and more immersive experiences.
Other Cities Will Also Be Busy—Why Local Knowledge Matters
It should be noted that while Rome will be at the center of the Jubilee crowds, other major cities like Florence, Venice, and Milan may also feel the impact. With more travelers seeking alternatives, these classic destinations may be busier than usual. But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid them entirely—local knowledge can help you find quieter, equally rewarding experiences just beyond the tourist hotspots.
Instead of navigating the packed streets of Florence, head to the Orvieto in Umbria for unspoiled countryside, medieval villages, and a slower pace. Pienza, in Tuscany, is a Renaissance gem in Val d’Orcia that offers stunning views and incredible Pecorino cheese without the overwhelming crowds. For those craving nature, Garfagnana is a lush, mountainous region perfect for hiking and discovering charming stone villages.
In Veneto, Venice may be at its busiest, but nearby Padua provides just as much history and beauty, with Giotto’s frescoes and vibrant piazzas. Treviso, often overlooked, is a scenic canal town known for its Prosecco culture and relaxed atmosphere—like a quieter, more local version of Venice.
In Lombardy, Milan’s city center will be buzzing, but you can escape to Bergamo, a hilltop city with medieval charm and panoramic views. If you’re looking for a lakeside retreat without the crowds of Como, Lake Iseo offers stunning scenery, charming villages, and even the opportunity to visit Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe.
With a little insider knowledge, it’s possible to enjoy these iconic regions while avoiding the worst of the crowds—making 2025 a great year to explore Italy’s hidden corners.
2025: The Perfect Year to Travel Off-Peak
With Rome and other major cities expecting record-breaking crowds for the Jubilee, avoiding peak season (June–August) will be more important than ever. The good news? Italy is just as incredible, if not better, outside the summer rush.
The shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) offer milder weather, fewer tourists, and a more relaxed pace. Whether you’re exploring Sicily’s ancient ruins, hiking in the Dolomites, or savoring wine in Tuscany, these months provide a more immersive experience without the long lines and packed streets.
Even winter (November–March) has its own rewards. Coastal areas and southern Italy remain mild, making places like Puglia, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast especially appealing. Imagine enjoying a nearly empty Piazza del Duomo in Lecce, wandering through Palermo’s vibrant markets without the summer heat, or seeing the stunning coastline of Sardinia without the high-season crowds.
In 2025, timing your trip wisely will make all the difference, giving you more space to explore and a deeper connection to Italy’s landscapes, culture, and traditions.
Plan Your Italy Travel Accordingly in 2025
Rome will be at the center of the Jubilee crowds in 2025, but that doesn’t mean Italy is off-limits. In fact, this might be one of the best years to explore the country beyond its most famous sites. With a little planning and a willingness to step off the beaten path, you can experience Italy in a way that feels more personal, immersive, and crowd-free.
At Life Beyond the Room, we know Italy inside and out. Our expert travel designers craft custom itineraries that match your interests, whether that means avoiding the busiest spots entirely or blending iconic destinations with hidden gems. We have also carefully crafted several small group trips to Italy in 2025, and beyond, that are focused around off the beaten path destinations. However you want to experience Italy in 2025, we can make it happen.
