Twenty Enchanting Italian Villages for a Charming Vacation Experience
Use this Italian travel guide to discover 20 breathtaking small towns scattered across the boot-shaped country, each brimming with unique charm and attractions. No matter your taste, there's a hidden gem waiting just for you.
1. Alberobello, Puglia
With its signature trulli houses, Alberobello's distinctive roofless adobe structures, mysteriously listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make this quaint town truly one-of-a-kind.
2. Placanica, Calabria
A less touristy, Medieval-style hilltop town offering stunning panoramic views of the countryside, perfect for a romantic getaway or peaceful escape.
3. Pienza, Tuscany
In the lush, rolling hills of Tuscany lies Pienza, renowned for its architectural masterpieces and mouthwatering local pecorino cheese.
4. Castelsardo, Sardinia
Take a trip back in time with a visit to picture-perfect Castelsardo, featuring a well-preserved historic castle and narrow cobblestone streets.
5. Portoferraio, Elba, Tuscany
Experience the charm of a coastal getaway by settling down in Portoferraio, a delightful harbor town on the picturesque island of Elba.
6. Spoleto, Umbria
Known for its rich history, stunning medieval architecture and the Festival dei Due Mondi, a celebrated cultural event showcasing theater, music, and art from around the world.
7. Montepulciano, Tuscany
Delight in this picturesque town's picturesque streets and breathtaking views while savoring a glass of the renowned local Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
8. San Gimignano, Tuscany
Famous for its unique towers, San Gimignano offers an unforgettable step back into the medieval past with its fascinating architecture and charming atmosphere.
9. Ravello, Campania
Overlooking the stunning Amalfi Coast, Ravello perched high atop a cliff, boasts UNESCO-protected gardens, stunning vistas, and classical music festivals.
10. Sperlonga, Lazio
This charming coastal town is perfect for sea enthusiasts, offering pristine beaches, come-hither coves, and ancient historical sites.
11. Tropea, Calabria
Feast your eyes on Tropea's captivating coastal views, seemingly plucked straight out of a storybook, as well as its flavorful seafood and charming shops.
12. Polsi, Calabria
Dive headfirst into the heart of Calabria in Polsi, a hidden gem nestled in the hills showcasing rich cultural heritage and stunning vistas.
13. Orvieto, Umbria
Enjoy an enchanting escape to the medieval cliff-top town of Orvieto, famous for its stunning cathedral, subterranean caves, and yummy local produce.
14. Spello, Umbria
Bathed in beautiful flowers, Spello's medieval alleyways and unique festivals make this town an ideal destination for a romantic getaway or artist retreat.
15. Montalcino, Tuscany
Sip your way through world-renowned Brunello wines while taking in the breathtaking views of Montalcino's hilltop town.
16. Volterra, Tuscany
Step back in time during a visit to Volterra, with the ancient Etruscan ruins, medieval towers, and atmospheric cobblestone streets that make up this enchanting town.
17. Cetona, Tuscany
Experience the charms of Cetona, known as the "Balcony of Tuscany," offering stunning panoramic vistas, reveling in its historic atmosphere.
18. Montefalco, Umbria
Take a gander at the Sagrantino wine-producing town of Montefalco, as it presides over the picturesque Umbrian countryside, blanketed by olive trees.
19. Sant'Angelo in Vado, Marche
Get away from the crowds and discover the fascinating history and vivid landscapes of Sant'Angelo in Vado, steeped in medieval charm and architectural treasures.
20. Greve in Chianti, Tuscany
Taste your way through the Chianti Classico region while exploring the charming streets and colorful market square of Greve in Chianti.
From hidden gem hilltop villages to enchanting coastal towns, Italy has no shortage of breathtaking small towns waiting for you to explore and fall in love with.
Your Italian travel adventures can lead you to discover unique lifestyle experiences, as you explore the picturesque town of Alberobello in Puglia, famed for its trulli houses, and the less touristy, Medieval-style hilltop town of Placanica in Calabria, offering a romantic getaway or peaceful escape. Each of these small towns, brimming with charm and attractions, promises a memorable travel experience that'll undoubtedly enhance your lifestyle.
