Rome, Venice, and Florence might be astonishingly beautiful, but Italy has more to offer than just these popular destinations. So, if you're planning a trip to this enigmatic European country but want to skip the crowds, you've got plenty of options. 

From small mountain villages with cobblestone-paved streets to magnificent hill towns, here are five hidden gems in Italy to add to your itinerary. 

Rising from the depths of Lake Iseo, Monte Isola is a green mountain and one of Italy's most beautiful small towns. This off-the-beaten-path destination has an estimated population of 2000 residents and is entirely car-free.

As one of the largest lake islands in Italy, Monte Isola offers an avalanche of things to do and see. Stop by Carzano, a tiny, charming fishing village with awe-inspiring views of Loreto island, enjoy excellent Italian coffee as you watch fishers moor Naets at Peschiera Maraglio or trek to the shrine of Madonna Della Ceriola, one of the most scenic points on Monte Isola. 

Despite being car-free, getting to Monte Isola is easy thanks to the efficient ferry service between the lake island and mainland. 

If you've always wanted to visit Santorini in Greece, Ostuni should be on top of your list of hidden gems in Italy. The town is perched atop a hill and is famously known as La Citta Bianca for its unique Mediterranean whitewashed architecture, which immediately reminds you of Santorini. 

The stark white houses create incredible contrast against Ostuni's red earth olive trees and the unique historical architecture spread out through town. The hilltown offers breathtaking views of the Azure sea and is perfect for explorers, thanks to the endless alleyway mazes found all over town. 

Ostuni was once home to Greeks, which explains the town's Mediterranean touch. Book your stay at the Masseria Cappuccini or the Masseria Ferri and explore Ostuni's unique architecture and picturesque eateries. 

Castelmazzano is one of the most enchanting hidden gems in Italy. Thanks to its location with the rocky, fierce-looking Dolomite Lucane peaks, Castelmazzano looks and feels like a fictional town straight from the drama series, Game of Thrones. 

The gigantic, rocky sculptures not only create a scenic backdrop for the town, but they also encircle it, such that to get there, one must first cross a small spectacular gorge and then through a tunnel carved into rock. It's no wonder the town was first a hiding place for bandits. 

Castalmazzano's architecture is equally enchanting and oozes strong medieval vibes thanks to the hamlets, houses set on a rock, steep stairs, and narrow alleys all across town. For the best, most panoramic views of the town, hike up the Dolomite Mountains, take the stairs excavated into rocks to visit the remains of an ancient castle, or stop by the main church, a century-old historic landmark housing the beautiful wooden statue of Madonna Dell'Olmo.