Top 10 Hidden Gems in Italy for UAE Travelers in 2026

By Jeremy | Category: Guide

Italy has long been a favorite for travelers from the UAE. Whether it’s the high-fashion streets of Milan or the historic ruins of Rome, the connection between the Emirates and the Italian peninsula is stronger than ever. With 2026 on the horizon—a year that will see Italy host the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina—the usual hotspots are expected to be busier than ever.

For the seasoned UAE traveler who has already seen the Colosseum and taken a gondola ride in Venice, 2026 is the perfect year to go deeper. You are likely looking for exclusivity, authentic cultural immersion, and that "undiscovered" feel that still offers the luxury and comfort you are used to back home in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

In this guide, we’re moving away from the tourist traps. We are exploring the quiet hilltop towns, the pristine southern coastlines, and the artistic enclaves that remain remarkably "hidden" despite their immense beauty. Here are the top 10 hidden gems in Italy for your 2026 itinerary.

1. Matera: The City of Stone (Basilicata)

While Matera gained some international fame as the filming location for James Bond’s No Time to Die, it remains surprisingly overlooked by the masses of travelers who stick to the northern circuit. Known as the "Sassi," Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

For UAE travelers, Matera offers a landscape that feels both ancient and familiar in its desert-like ruggedness, yet it is uniquely Italian. The city is carved directly into the limestone cliffs of the Basilicata region. In 2026, the luxury hospitality scene here will have reached its peak, offering some of the most unique hotel experiences in Europe.

Why It’s Perfect for 2026

Matera has transformed its ancient caves into high-end boutique hotels. Imagine staying in a 2,000-year-old cave that has been outfitted with underfloor heating, designer lighting, and private plunge pools. It offers a level of privacy and "silent luxury" that is highly valued by Gulf travelers.

What to Do

- Stay at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita: This hotel is a masterpiece of "extreme architecture," preserving the original cave structure while providing world-class luxury. - Explore the Rupestrian Churches: Visit the churches carved into the rock, featuring Byzantine-style frescoes that have survived for centuries. - Dine at Vitantonio Lombardo: This Michelin-starred restaurant is located inside a cave, offering a culinary journey that blends traditional Lucanian flavors with modern techniques.

Expert Tip: Matera is best reached via Bari International Airport. From there, it is a comfortable 1-hour private transfer. Ensure you book a guide for the Sassi, as the labyrinthine streets are easy to get lost in but hold incredible secrets.

2. Urbino: The Renaissance Dream (Le Marche)

If you love the art and architecture of Florence but dislike the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, Urbino is your 2026 destination. Located in the rolling hills of the Le Marche region, Urbino is a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a living painting.

Le Marche is often called "the new Tuscany," but it remains much more authentic and less commercialized. Urbino was the birthplace of the painter Raphael and home to one of the most sophisticated courts in Renaissance Europe.

The Appeal for UAE Travelers

Urbino offers a sophisticated, intellectual atmosphere. The climate in the hills of Le Marche is often a few degrees cooler than the coastal cities, making it a pleasant escape during the warmer months. The region is also famous for its high-quality leather goods and luxury craftsmanship, often at prices far more attractive than Milan’s Golden Quadrangle.

Highlights

- Palazzo Ducale: This is arguably the most beautiful Renaissance palace in Italy. It houses the National Gallery of the Marche, featuring masterpieces by Raphael and Piero della Francesca. - Raphael’s Childhood Home: Visit the house where one of history’s greatest artists was born and raised. - Truffle Hunting: The nearby town of Acqualagna is famous for white truffles. Many local estates offer private truffle-hunting tours followed by gourmet degustations.

3. Tropea: The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian (Calabria)

Calabria is often the "forgotten" region of the Italian south, but Tropea is its crown jewel. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, this town offers some of the most dramatic coastal views in the Mediterranean.

For UAE travelers who frequent the Maldives or the Seychelles, the water clarity in Tropea will be a pleasant surprise. The town itself is a maze of charming alleyways, sun-drenched squares, and historic palazzos.

Why Visit in 2026?

Calabria is currently investing heavily in its tourism infrastructure. By 2026, several new luxury resorts and beach clubs are expected to open along the "Coast of the Gods." It’s the perfect time to visit before it becomes the next Amalfi Coast.

Must-See Attractions

- Santa Maria dell'Isola: This iconic monastery sits on a rocky promontory jutting out into the sea. It is the symbol of Tropea. - The Beaches: Head to the "Spiaggia della Rotonda" for crystal-clear water and white sands. - Red Onion Tasting: Sounds strange, but Tropea’s red onions (Cipolla Rossa) are famous globally for being incredibly sweet. Try the red onion gelato for a unique culinary experience!

Warning: Calabria is beautiful but can be rugged. We recommend hiring a private driver for your stay, as public transport in the south is not as efficient as in the north.

4. Favignana: The Butterfly Island (Sicily)

While many UAE travelers head to Sicily to see Taormina (especially after the White Lotus craze), the Egadi Islands remain a well-kept secret. Favignana, the largest of the group, is shaped like a butterfly and is famous for its "tuna fishing" history and incredible coves.

The Island Vibe

Favignana is best explored by bicycle or electric golf cart. It is a slow-paced, tranquil island where the main activity is finding the next beautiful cove to swim in. For those seeking total seclusion and a break from the fast-paced life of Dubai, this is paradise.

What to Do

- Cala Rossa: Frequently voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, this bay features turquoise water set against white calcarenite quarries. - The Florio Tonnara: A beautifully restored former tuna factory that is now a museum. It tells the fascinating story of the Florio family, once the richest family in Italy. - Boat Charters: Rent a private yacht for the day to explore the nearby islands of Levanzo and Marettimo.

5. Camogli: The Sophisticated Alternative (Liguria)

Everyone knows Portofino, but just around the corner lies Camogli. This traditional fishing village is where the Italian elite go when they want to avoid the paparazzi in Portofino. It is characterized by its tall, brightly painted houses that were designed so fishermen could see their homes from far out at sea.

Why It’s a Gem for 2026

Camogli retains a sense of "old world" Italy. It is chic without being pretentious. For UAE families, it offers a safe, walkable environment with a beautiful pebble beach and world-class seafood.

Key Experiences

- Abbey of San Fruttuoso: This ancient abbey is tucked into a tiny cove accessible only by boat or a long hike. The water here is home to the "Christ of the Abyss," a famous underwater bronze statue. - Focaccia di Recco: Just a few minutes away is Recco, famous for its cheese-filled focaccia. It is a must-try for any foodie. - Mount Portofino Hiking: For active travelers, the trails connecting Camogli to the surrounding villages offer breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.

6. Civita di Bagnoregio: The Dying City (Lazio)

Located in the heart of Italy, about two hours north of Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio is a sight to behold. It is known as "La città che muore" (The Dying City) because the cliff it sits upon is slowly eroding.

Accessible only by a long pedestrian bridge, this tiny medieval hamlet has no cars and only a handful of year-round residents. In 2026, its fragile beauty is expected to attract more "conscious travelers" who appreciate heritage conservation.

The Allure for UAE Visitors

The sheer drama of the location is what draws visitors. It looks like something out of a fantasy novel. For those who enjoy photography or videography, Civita offers some of the most stunning drone and landscape opportunities in the country.

Practical Tips

- Stay Overnight: While most people visit as a day trip, staying in one of the few high-end guesthouses inside the village allows you to experience the town after the day-trippers have left. - Visit the Wine Cellars: Many of the homes in Civita have ancient Etruscan wine cellars carved deep into the rock.

7. Pienza and the Val d’Orcia (Tuscany)

While Tuscany is hardly "hidden," the Val d’Orcia region (south of Siena) offers a much more exclusive and tranquil experience than the Chianti region near Florence. Pienza, a "Utopian" city commissioned by Pope Pius II, is the jewel of this valley.

The 2026 Luxury Landscape

The Val d’Orcia is home to some of Italy’s most prestigious Agriturismi (luxury farmhouse estates). In 2026, we expect to see more of these estates offering "buyout" options for large UAE families seeking total privacy among the cypress-lined hills.

Top Activities

- Cheese Tasting: Pienza is the capital of Pecorino cheese. Visit a local farm like Podere Il Casale for a private workshop and tasting. - Gladiator Filming Locations: Visit the "Gladiator Point" near the Vitaleta Chapel, where the famous ending of the movie was filmed. - Thermal Springs: The nearby town of Bagno Vignoni features a thermal pool in the center of its main square. While you can't swim in the town square, the surrounding luxury resorts offer incredible spa treatments using these ancient waters.

8. Trieste: The Coffee Capital (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)

Trieste is unlike any other city in Italy. Located on the border with Slovenia, it was once the main seaport of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This gives the city a unique Central European vibe—think Vienna on the sea.

Why UAE Travelers Will Love It

Trieste is the coffee capital of Italy and home to the headquarters of Illy. Given the vibrant coffee culture in the UAE, visitors will appreciate the historic Viennese-style coffee houses where James Joyce and other famous writers used to spend their afternoons.

Highlights

- Miramare Castle: A stunning white castle built on the edge of the sea for Archduke Maximilian of Austria. The gardens are magnificent. - Piazza Unità d'Italia: The largest sea-facing square in Europe. It is particularly beautiful at sunset when the lights of the government buildings reflect on the water. - The Grotta Gigante: One of the largest tourist caves in the world, located just outside the city.

9. Lecce: The Florence of the South (Puglia)

Puglia has become trendy, but while everyone flocks to the trulli of Alberobello, the city of Lecce remains the cultural and artistic heart of the region. Known as the "Florence of the South," Lecce is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

The Aesthetic

The city is built almost entirely out of "Lecce stone," a soft, cream-colored limestone that is easy to carve. This has resulted in incredibly intricate facades on churches and palaces. For UAE travelers who appreciate architecture and design, Lecce is a visual feast.

Must-Do in Lecce

- Basilica di Santa Croce: Spend time admiring the facade; it is perhaps the most ornate example of Baroque art in Italy. - Paper-Mâché Workshops: Lecce has a centuries-old tradition of Cartapesta (paper-mâché). You can visit small workshops where artisans still create life-sized statues using this unique technique. - The Roman Amphitheater: Located right in the middle of the main square (Piazza Sant'Oronzo), it was only discovered in the early 1900s.

Expert Insight: Lecce is a great base for exploring the Salento peninsula. In 2026, look for "Masseria" stays—traditional fortified farmhouses that have been converted into ultra-luxury boutique hotels with private olive groves.

10. Lake Orta: The Romantic Secret (Piedmont)

While Lake Como gets all the celebrity attention, Lake Orta is where the Italians go for romance and tranquility. It is much smaller, quieter, and arguably more beautiful than its famous neighbor.

Why 2026?

With the Winter Olympics centered around Milan and the northern mountains, Lake Orta provides a serene escape just an hour and a half away from the Olympic chaos. It’s the perfect place to retreat after watching a sporting event.

Key Sights

- San Giulio Island: A tiny island in the middle of the lake that is home to a monastery. Take a boat over and walk the "Way of Silence." - Orta San Giulio: The main village is completely pedestrianized, featuring narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful lakefront piazzas. - Villa Crespi: For the ultimate luxury experience, dine or stay at this Moorish-style villa. It features a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo.

Practical Information for UAE Travelers

Getting There

In 2026, flight connectivity between the UAE and Italy will be at an all-time high. - Emirates and Etihad offer multiple daily flights to Milan, Rome, and Venice. - flydubai and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi provide excellent links to secondary cities like Catania (Sicily), Naples, and Bari (Puglia), which are perfect starting points for the hidden gems listed above.

Visa Requirements

UAE citizens currently enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. However, by 2026, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be fully operational. Make sure to apply for your ETIAS online before your trip—it’s a quick process, but essential for entry.

Climate Considerations

For UAE residents used to air-conditioned comfort, Italian summers (July-August) can be surprisingly intense. The best times to visit these hidden gems are: - Spring (April to June): Perfect weather and blooming landscapes. - Autumn (September to October): The harvest season, ideal for foodies and cooler temperatures.

Cultural Etiquette & Dining

- Dining Times: Italians eat lunch around 1:00 PM and dinner late, usually after 8:00 PM. In smaller towns, many restaurants close between 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM. - Halal Dining: While dedicated Halal-certified restaurants are more common in big cities like Milan or Rome, Italian cuisine is very friendly to Muslim travelers. Focus on Frutti di Mare (seafood) or classic vegetarian pasta like Cacio e Pepe or Pasta alla Norma. - Modesty in Churches: When visiting the religious sites mentioned (like the churches in Lecce or Matera), ensure shoulders and knees are covered.

Final Tip for 2026: Since 2026 is an Olympic year, book your transport and high-end accommodation at least 6-8 months in advance. Even "hidden gems" will see a trickle-down effect from the major events in the North.

Conclusion

Italy is a country that rewards the curious. While the iconic cities will always hold their charm, the true soul of Italy lies in its smaller towns, its rugged coastlines, and its ancient "stone cities." For travelers coming from the UAE in 2026, these 10 hidden gems offer the perfect balance of luxury, privacy, and authentic cultural immersion.

Whether you are sipping coffee in a historic cafe in Trieste, exploring the cave dwellings of Matera, or lounging by the turquoise waters of Favignana, you will find that Italy’s best-kept secrets are often its most beautiful.

Ready to plan your 2026 Italian escape? Start by picking one region—be it the sun-soaked south of Puglia and Calabria or the artistic hills of Le Marche—and give yourself the time to slow down and truly live la dolce vita.

Which of these hidden gems are you adding to your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!