Italy is full of wonderful towns and cities. From places like Rome to Venice and Genoa, there is plenty to choose from. But visiting those places, especially Venice and Rome, comes with hoards of tourists. Luckily, there are still some undiscovered gems that are equally as fascinating to visit – just for a different reason.
One of them is the “underrated” town of Bassano del Grappa. Located just over an hour from Venice, this historic town in northern Italy offers stunning views, charming streets and a much calmer atmosphere. Return flights from the UK to Venice can cost as little as £28 with budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2. From there, it’s about an hour by train or car to Bassano.
The town sits at the foothills of the Alps in the Veneto region and is known for its medieval centre, quiet piazzas and a famous wooden bridge called Ponte Vecchio.
The bridge was designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio in the 1500s.
It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times – most recently by Italian mountain troops during World War 2. Today, locals and tourists still gather there to enjoy views of Mount Grappa.
There is also plenty to see around the centre. Visitors can climb the Torre Civica for views over the rooftops or explore the Castello degli Ezzelini, a 12th-century castle with hidden walkways and panoramic spots.
Bassano del Grappa is also well known for its local beverage. Grappa is a strong drink made from the leftovers of winemaking.
The town is home to Italy’s oldest grappa distillery, Nardini, which dates back to the 1700s.
The streets are lined with cosy bars where you can try different varieties of grappa, as well as the local cocktail Mezzo e Mezzo, which is slightly bitter and usually served for around €2.20 (£1.90), according to A Day in Bassano.
For food, there are plenty of places serving cicchetti – small plates also known as Venetian tapas.
Local specialities include white asparagus, fresh cheeses and homemade pasta.
There are also lots of spots to enjoy a drink in the evening. From stylish wine bars to live music venues, the nightlife is surprisingly lively for such a small town.
According to A Day in Bassano, the town’s Old Centre is one of the most picturesque in the region and full of local character.
It also makes a good base for exploring nearby areas. Mount Grappa is popular with hikers and cyclists, while Possagno (home to the Canova Museum), and the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene are only a short drive away.
For those looking to escape the busy tourist hotspots, Bassano del Grappa offers a quieter, more authentic slice of Italy.