A new study has revealed that Boccadasse, a picturesque village in Genova, is Italy’s most Instagrammable hidden gem. With over 137,000 Instagram posts, this charming location has captured the hearts of visitors and photographers alike.
The research, conducted by travel experts Florence Tickets and Tours, analysed Tripadvisor’s ‘hidden gems’ category for over 100 of Italy’s most popular cities. By counting the number of Instagram posts tagged with each location’s name, the study aimed to identify the most photogenic lesser-known destinations in the country.
Boccadasse, a former mariners’ village nestled at the eastern end of Genova’s main promenade, took the top spot with 137,595 Instagram posts. Its pastel-coloured houses, clustered around a cobblestone beach, have remained virtually unchanged over the years, preserving its traditional charm and making it a favourite among travellers.
In second place is Stella del Diavolo, located in Cagliari, Sardinia, with 102,170 Instagram posts. Perched above Poetto Beach, this rocky outcrop is famed for its dramatic shape and prominent position overlooking the coastline. Stella del Diavolo has long been a popular destination for excursions, offering breathtaking views just a short distance from Cagliari’s city centre.
Procida Island, off the coast of Naples, ranks third with 97,832 posts. Known for its vibrant, colourful shoreline, this small island is a gem in the Tyrrhenian Sea and, together with Vivara Island, forms the comune of Procida. Its colourful houses and picturesque seafront have made it a must-visit spot for both locals and international visitors.
Further down the list, Milan’s Cimitero Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery) ranks fourth with 79,657 posts. The cemetery, one of the city’s largest, is renowned for its impressive array of artistic tombs and monuments, making it an unexpectedly popular site for visitors interested in history and architecture.
Rounding out the top five is Palmarola Island, with 78,124 Instagram posts. This uninhabited island, located off the coast of Latina and Rome, is famous for its rugged coastline, natural grottos, and cliffs, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
| Top 10 most Instagrammable hidden gems in Italy | ||||
| Rank | Name | City | Hashtag | Post count |
| 1 | Boccadasse | Genova | boccadasse | 137,595 |
| 2 | Sella del Diavolo | Cagliari | selladeldiavolo | 102,170 |
| 3 | Procida Island | Napoli | procidaisland | 97,932 |
| 4 | Cimitero Monumentale | Milano | cimiteromonumentale | 79,657 |
| 5 | Palmarola | Latina | palmarola | 78,124 |
| 6 | Dorsoduro | Venezia | dorsoduro | 73,778 |
| 7 | Casertavecchia | Caserta | casertavecchia | 55,715 |
| 8 | Cannaregio | Venezia | cannaregio | 43,171 |
| 9 | Napoli Sotterranea | Napoli | napolisotterranea | 42,733 |
| 10 | Terme di Caracalla | Roma | termedicaracalla | 38,867 |
Commenting on the findings, Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from Florence Tickets and Tours, said: “When travelling to Italy, people often focus on the well-known cities and landmarks, but there’s so much more to explore beyond the usual spots. The data highlights some hidden gems that may not be as famous but are equally worth visiting, from picturesque villages to unique landscapes like the Monumental Cemetery of Milan.”
For travellers looking to discover new places in Italy, these hidden gems offer an alternative to the usual tourist destinations, each with its own unique charm and beauty just waiting to be captured on camera.
