I've visited all 20 regions in Italy. Skip the big cities and head to one of these 4 charming small towns instead.

As much as I love visiting new places, it never takes more than a twist of my arm to go back to Italy.

I've visited every Italian region, most of them at least twice. As I've had the great privilege of exploring Italy in greater depth, I've also gotten a bit jaded about the major hot spots and grown more fond of classic Italian small-town charm.

Don't get me wrong: Those major cities like Rome and Florence are iconic for a reason. Whenever I return to them, though, I find myself getting frustrated about the overpriced food and crowds so rampant that I find myself clutching onto my bag for dear life.

When you visit small towns in Italy, though, being one of the few tourists around can help you get a taste of the locals' everyday life, which — in my opinion — creates a meaningful and more personal experience.

So, if you're looking to get out of the major cities and have an unforgettable experience, head to one of these towns instead.

Calabria's Tropea has become quite the popular beach haven in recent years, and for good reason. The coasts of Calabria are some of the most picturesque in all of Italy, with rocky white marbled sand and seas so blue they might as well be on a postcard.

As much as I love Tropea, it's often packed with tourists, so if you're looking for a beach town in Calabria that still preserves local charm, nearby Pizzo ought to do the trick.

It's not just the beaches that make Pizzo such a great spot, though. Pizzo is home to the tartufo di Pizzo, a decadent chocolate gelato-filled dessert coated in cocoa powder. You can try one at Gelateria Dante, the famed sweet shop that's credited with creating it.

While walking around, you'll also want to check out artisan markets selling hand-painted ceramics, and hit a trattoria to try 'nduja, a spicy salami spread typical of the Calabrian region.

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