Italy is a country full of iconic landmarks and unique attractions in Europe, so what are some places not to be missed on a rare visit to Italy?

Many people choose to visit the famous places that everyone knows, such as Rome, Milan and Venice.

But there are many towns in Italy that have local characteristics and are worth a visit.

1.San Magdalena

A two-hour drive north from Verona takes you to the Dolomites.

The mountain town of S. Maddalena, once featured on the cover of National Geographic, has some of the most idyllic scenery in Italy.

The Furnas Valley, in which the town is located, is a hiking destination in Italy.

From the town, you don't have to walk far to reach the onion-topped church of St John.

A little further on, you reach the foot of the Gaisle peak.

The Furnas Valley is never the same all year round and is worth a return visit.

2. Montaisola

Brescia, located between Milan and Verona, is the city with the second largest artistic heritage in Italy.

A great place to visit is the even smaller island town of Monte Isola, on Lake Iseo.

On the island, you can hire a bike and take an unhurried ride around the island from Civignano.

Wherever you stop, you'll be able to keep a just-right distance from the world outside.

The film 'Days on Cloud' features a beautiful harbour town.

The colourful, staggered houses on hills full of olive trees and oleander pines are unforgettable.

This town, Portofino, just 35 kilometres from Genoa, is so beautiful that it has become a holiday destination for stars and celebrities, including Cate Blanchett and Emily Blunt.

It is not uncommon to see celebrities here, and there may be a Hollywood star on one of the yachts in the harbour.

3. Daza

Forty kilometres south-west of Bologna, the "city of the twin towers", lies Dozza, the "city of frescoes".

Since 1960, the town has held an annual festival of oil paintings, inviting artists from all over the world to come and paint.

Over time, the walls of Dozza have become an enchanting fairytale world with countless masterpieces.

Doxa is a small town, with only two streets, inhabited mostly by retired elderly people, and as peaceful as a park in the early morning.

Over the years, these murals have become part of the local life.

With its coloured walls, red flowers and frescoes, the town is beautiful without knowing it.

4. Tuscany

There is no one who doesn't love Florence and no one who doesn't love Tuscany.

From Florence to the south, there is an enchantingly idyllic landscape under the Tuscan sun.

Pienza, Pope Pius II's favourite 'ideal city', is as refined as a 700-year-old work of art.

Pienza is closed to cars and there is no rush to get around the town.

Time seems to have slowed down here, allowing the town to retain its comforting simplicity.

When the flowers are in season, the town is young again.