A European summer is the dream for many, and Italy's usually at the top of the list with many picturesque cities to visit. Popular cities like Rome will see an influx of tourists, sometimes making it difficult to truly see their beauty and visit the renowned Colosseum without the heavy crowds.

With 10.3 million visitors annually, it is no surprise that choosing the right time makes a big difference. Solo traveller Melissa Byron shared on her blog that better planning makes all the difference during off season, saying: "Travelling between November and April would have meant fewer tourists and a more relaxed experience.''

Rome is a very walkable citywith most touristattractions connected by car-free zones.

But to avoid the crowds, another great city worth visiting and probably the most cost-effective would be Bari in Puglia.

It is an affordable and lively port city on the Adriatic Sea. It's great for walking through the old town, trying seafood, and visiting small villages nearby. An underrated city in one of Europe's most visited holiday nations could be the ideal spot

You can see locals making orecchiette pasta right on the street in Bari Vecchia, the oldest part of the city.

Port city Catania, right under Mount Etna, has beautiful views and great food. The city is a good place for anyone who loves to eat. The city's central square, Piazza del Duomo, showcases the Fontana dell'Elefante statue alongside the Catania Cathedral.

Bari is the third largest city in southern Italy and boasts a smaller population of 350,000 than its nearby counterparts, meaning it is never overrun by tourists.

Another great city, the underrated city of Verona, is not too far from Florence and is famous for its Romeo and Juliet history. But there's much more to see and do here, and it's a quiet city with old buildings and pretty streets.

Verona may often be overlooked in favour of Italy's larger metropolises like Rome, Florence and Venice, which makes it a gem for travellers seeking a more authentic, intimate Italian experience.

With its compact, walkable historic centre, centuries-old charm, and an abundance of genuine trattorias serving up local specialities, Verona offers a peaceful yet culturally rich escape from the crowds.