Yes, its true the crowds have increased, overwhelmingly so in some places.

After all these years, it sometimes feels like theres nothing new under the Italian sun.

Here are five of my recent favorites.

Trieste channel and Ponte Rosso square view

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Its lived-in and slightly unkempt, with idyllic towns and warm inhabitants.

Thetartufo, a decadent gelato dessert, is best where it was invented, atGelateria Ercole.

And brightPiccolo Grand Hotelis the nicest in a town that values simplicity over swankiness.

Aerial view of picturesque Pizzo town, Calabria, Italy

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Back in Brixen,Adler Historic Guesthouseoffers cozy dining and a riverfront setting.

In nearby Luson, we stayed atSonnwies Dolomites, a kid-friendly resort that also takes good care of parents.

(No wonder Dante chose to remain here after he was banished from Florence.)

On the hill of San Giusto there is the so-called Roman forum and precisely next to the Castle and in front of the Cathedral. Today the so-called forum is surrounded by ancient monuments, dating back to the Middle Ages.

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Expect a lot more vacation rentals than hotels in the centro, thoughPalazzo Bezzi Ravennais among the chicer options.

The White Tower, centre, on the parish church, in Brixen or Bressanone in South Tyrol, Italy

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Temple of Athena in Greek Doric and Ionic architectural style in Paestum, Campania, Italy, a UNESCO heritage site

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“Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna, Italy, exterior of the apse”

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