Share the article
What do you think of when you imagine Italy?
It could be Rome’s Colosseum, the picture-perfect beaches of Amalfi, or maybe stuff yourself with endless plates of sinfully flavorful pasta and pizza, topped off with cheap wine.
While that all sounds like the trip of a lifetime, you might not imagine that Italy is beautiful Dolomite mountains, especially a storybook town where the main language is German, so you can’t even sing That’s Amore after a few aforementioned glasses of wine.
Shame.
The good news is that the next morning you can enjoy heavenly cappuccinos from numerous cafes in the city’s oldest town South Tyrola breathtaking region with picturesque mountain villages that are German, Austrian and natural Italian heritage.
From Frommerone of the most respected names in the travel industry, has just released their annual ‘Best Places to Go’ list.
At the top of the list for Italy is none other than Brixenan unknown destination for most, but one that will amaze you with its supreme natural beauty, mixed cultures and timeless streets.
A side of Italy you never knew existed
Italy is one of the most versatile countries in Europe. You’ve got incredible culture, ancient sites, world-class cuisine, masterful art, lakes, beaches and yes, beautiful mountains and quaint riverside towns worthy of mass production of postcards.
Brixen makes a cozy base from which to explore the Dolomites, often overshadowed by Italy’s endless list of popular attractions and destinations.
But it’s long overdue that this historic city has come into the spotlight as one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Gatekeepers know the delights of Brixen, as there are countless rave reviews, ranging from the local cuisine, historic monuments to breathtaking walks.
Since the majority of travelers will explore Rome, Venice and the Amalfi Coast, Brixen is one of Italy’s last frontiers waiting to be explored, with a surprising mix of cultures nestled along Austria, yet predominantly German-speaking.
Despite being hidden at the foot of the Dolomites, Brixen is relatively easy to reach by train or a lesser-known airline. SkyAlpsin nearby Bolzano, with connections to the major cities of London, Berlin and Copenhagen, among others.
Castles, wineries and free transportation: what’s not to like?!
If Europe is on your radar, chances are you love castles, wine and an array of fascinating cultures. Brixen checks off all those boxes and then some.
What about wineries actually? inside of castles? You won’t find that in Napa!
There are an abundance of amazing castles to visit dotted around the region, but Castel Tures is perhaps the one not to be missed with guided tours on offer to showcase its incredibly preserved medieval history and captivating atmosphere, nature lovers and history buffs will both ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’.
The same goes for wineries: you have a lot to choose from, but they are top class Burgerhof undoubtedly offers the best views and offers short-term apartments on site.
Perhaps best of all, Brixen is helping travelers by taking a page from Luxembourg’s playbook and offering free transit.
In Luxembourg you can easily get in and out, no questions asked. Here you have a ‘Guest pass‘, so you wander through Brixen itself and through the surrounding villages.
And don’t forget: this pass gives you access to the Acquarena swimming poola public swimming pool with breathtaking landscapes in the background.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of Brixen without the crowds
As you probably know by now, the problems in many popular destinations are due, in large part, to overcrowding, as global travel has made an epic comeback after coming to a standstill.
Italy is certainly one of them, highlighted by Venice, which has taken action into its own hands with new entrance fees and stricter regulations.
The thing is, the household names in Italy have an unwanted attachment: crowds. Many travel reports confirm that travelers are looking for new destinations, so what better place than Brixen?
Enjoy timeless, pastel-colored streets, amazing, inviting nature, beautiful villages nearby, historical monuments and a multicultural cuisine that combines German, Austrian and Italian delicacies in one place.
Plus, despite the historic aspect and lack of eyesore chains, travelers will love the revamped hotels popping up, like FinkHoused in a century-old house that has been transformed into new, chic digs with an incredible… unique spa.
And you know, if you want to fit in the Brixen area, many choose to get around by bike to enjoy the fresh mountain air, but it’s also easy to wander around on foot.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
