Secret Italy is the private membership of The Italy Edit.
While our public guides cover the best hotels, restaurants and experiences across Italy, Secret Italy is where we share the places, recommendations and discoveries we’ve been keeping to ourselves — until now.
Produced, written and curated by founder Livia Hengel, Secret Italy draws on more than 16 years of living in Rome and exploring Italy firsthand.
Members receive:
- Two exclusive editions each month
- Hidden gems and lesser-known experiences
- Detailed city and regional guides
- Seasonal recommendations and cultural happenings
- Curated hotel and restaurant recommendations
- Access to the Secret Italy Chat for Q&A
Think of it as a deeper look at Italy: the places worth a detour, the hotels we’d book ourselves, the restaurants we recommend most often and the details that can transform a good trip into a memorable one.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or your tenth, Secret Italy offers a growing archive to help you experience Italy beyond the obvious.
Try Secret Italy free for 7 days. Memberships are €6/month or €60/year.
Recent Editions
Here’s a glimpse of what members have access to:
- Secret Rome: 8 Places Most Visitors Never See
- The Amalfi Coast Beyond the Beach: Food, Wine & Local Traditions
- The Aeolian Islands Explained: Which One Should You Choose?
- My 18 Favorite Summer Aperitivo Spots in Rome
- The Secret Italy Guide to Capri (coming in June)
- Rome’s Hidden Summer Calendar (coming in June)
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I receive new content?
Secret Italy members receive two exclusive editions each month, along with access to the archive and community discussions.
How is Secret Italy different from The Italy Edit?
The Italy Edit’s public guides cover the best of Italy. Secret Italy is where we share a deeper layer of recommendations, from hidden gems and under-the-radar experiences to seasonal discoveries and insider tips that rarely appear in our public guides.
Who writes Secret Italy?
Secret Italy is produced, written and curated by founder Livia Hengel, who has lived in Rome since 2010 and spent more than 16 years exploring Italy firsthand.
Can I ask questions about my trip?
Yes. Members have access to the Secret Italy Chat, where you can ask travel-related questions and connect with other travelers.
How do I access Secret Italy?
After joining, you’ll receive new editions by email and can also access the full archive online.
Why is Secret Italy paid?
Memberships help support the ongoing work behind The Italy Edit, from researching new destinations to creating in-depth travel guides and recommendations.
Do you offer one-on-one travel consultations?
Yes. For travelers looking for personalized advice, private Italy consultations are available separately.