If you're looking for the best small towns in Italy to visit, read on!
Italy is known for its beautiful cities, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere.
From rural towns to coastal towns, passing through big cities, for example.ROMYMilan.
Even the lesser-known towns, small villages and remote locations along this boot-shaped peninsula offer travelers an unforgettable experience.
Every small town is unique.With remarkable monuments, be they churches, castles or palaces, and with typical dishes that you won't find even in neighboring villages.
This is also the reason why Italians tend to travel more in Italy than abroad.
As for me, I was born and raised in Rome and started to explore the cities of Rome.landscape around RomeAt a young age.
I have already visited countless beautiful small towns across the country and would like to use this article to share the most beautiful Italian towns and small towns worth visiting.
25 of the prettiest small towns in Italy
1. Tolfa
Tolfa is a town of about 5,000 inhabitants in Lazio, northwest of Rome.
Esa city totally out of the ordinary.Most international travelers, but also many Italians, have never heard of Tolfa.
In the 1970s, this Italian village was popular for the production of a very popular type of bag in the university environment, the so-calledCatania.
These bags are known only to vintage shoppers today, but the artisanal workshops in Tolfa are still operational and have remained pretty much as they were.
As you walk through the old town, you will notice, among other things, the shop signs, which are still the same as they were 50 years ago.
Tolfa is a popular destination for Italians on weekends. And the city really comes alive in the first days of August, when it receivesTolfarte, a festival of street artists and theater.
Although few people know about this event, I try to go there every year.
The first time I visited the festival it was really amazing. For 3 days, the sleepy town is filled with colorful decorations, stalls and prominent miniature artists performing in the streets.places, and in front of the doors of the houses. The complex is crowned by the Street Food Market, where you can find the tastiest Italian street food.
Anyone who travels to Tolfa doesfeel surrounded by exuberant and intact nature.
However, the biggest cities are not far away. In fact, if you visit Italy on acruise, Tolfa is hit by aDay trip from Civitavecchia port.
Driving towards Tolfa, you will feel like you are in another dimension, made only of valleys and forests.
the most interestinghistoric attraction in the beautiful town of Tolfais the Rocca Frangipane, a medieval castle that sits on a steep hill.
Another place to visit is Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with its gardens and a large viewpoint from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
And if you are looking for delicious Italian food, the Edera restaurant, next to the main square, makes excellent ravioli!
2. Altes Calcata
Calcata is a city in northern Lazio, halfway between Rome and Viterbo.
Altstadt de Calcatas, Calcata Vecchia, is situated on a picturesque cliff that stands out in the middle of the lush Treja Valley.
The landscape around the city is characterized by ravines and rocks and a valley with a river flowing in the middle.
The road to Calcata passes through this valley covered by dense forests. In this grove you will find the remains of the Falisci, the ancient people who inhabited this region several centuries before the Romans.
When I first drove to Calcata I thought, is this Italy? I had never seen such a landscape in Italy.
This turned out to be the first of an indefinite number of visits to Calcata, as I ended up starting a family with a man who grew up in Calcata.
The phenomenon that made this mountain town so interestinghas its roots in the 1960s. During this period, Calcata's inhabitants, mostly farmers, left the historic center and moved to newer homes.
At the same time, artists and bohemians from all over the world started to move to Calcata, buying the old stone houses and opening their studios.
Artists saw Calcata as the perfect place to make art and swim against the current and break with the industrialization that plagued the world.
These artists and their descendants are still associated with Calcata. That's why Calcata is nowknown asArtists' village near Rome.
A visit to this beautiful Italian city also means coming into contact with many eccentric and bright personalities.
The architecture of Calcata Vecchia dates back to the Middle Ages. The only old gateway to the city, part of the defensive walls and the watchtower that forms part of the 11th-century Palacio Anguillara remain.
Local travelers mostly come here for lunch in the picturesque town. Small restaurants offer local specialties such as homemade pasta, porcini mushrooms and pecorino cheese, which are transformed into original dishes.
3. Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare in Puglia is a beautiful Italian town that is famous forthe beauty of the historic center and the spectacular views of theitalian adriatic coast.
The city is known for its many sea caves. One of these is the famous Grotta Palazzese, a natural cave overlooking the sea that houses a beautiful Michelin-starred restaurant.
Polignano a Mare has a unique landscape because it was built on a large limestone cliff that plunges into the sea.
There are other similar towns on the Riviera Gargano in Puglia, such as Vieste, but Polignano is the most fascinating.
The historic center of Polignano a Mare is characterized by small white houses with colorful shutters and narrow streets. Wander through the alleyways to soak up the atmosphere, and stop at the various viewpoints for panoramic sea views.
The main historical points of Polignano include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali and the beach of Lama Monachile, also known as "Cala Porto".
A tradition in this small town is cliff jumping. For decades, the inhabitants of Polignano have enjoyed taking a dip in the crystal clear sea, throwing themselves off a high cliff overlooking the old town known as “Ponticello”.
It gained international recognition when Red Bull chose it as a venue.Cliff Diving World Seriesem 2022.
4. Castiglione from Sicily
Castiglione di Sicilia is a medieval town in the eastern part ofSicily, in the heart of Etna Park.
The villa is spread out on a hill and offers stunning views of the Ionian coast, which can be reached in a short drive.
Dotted with narrow cobbled streets, old houses and noble palaces,This city is a true gem of medieval architecture.
Located in the main square, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate is a clear testament to the importance of Baroque architecture in Sicily.
Castiglione istaa beautiful city off the beaten pathwhich you can use as a base to explore the east coast of Sicily.
From here you can plan a day trip to Mount Etna and visit other nearby destinations such as Taormina and the Gardens of Naxos.
Read too: The most beautiful places to visit in Sicily
A few minutes from Castiglione is the Alcantara River Park. The park is about 52 square kilometers (20 square miles) and is crossed by the Alcántara River, which over the centuries has created a series of gorges and gorges formed by basalt walls.
These rock formations offer a unique and impressive spectacle that attracts hikers from all over the world.
5. Trevignano Romano
Trevignano Romano istone of the most picturesque towns in central Italy.
Known simply as “Trevignano”, it is located on the north shore of Lake Bracciano, a lake about 40 km north of Rome.
Lake Bracciano is one of the best lakes near Rome. There are other towns overlooking the lake, but Trevignano Romano is the smallest and least frequented by tourists.
Over the past 10 years, Trevignano Romano has become a popular tourist destination for retirees and families with children. They appreciate the mild climate, the chance to swim in one of the clearest lakes in Italy and the slow pace of village life.
The strength of this village is that the historic center is far from the pier along which there is a curatedTour with sculptures and gardensabout 2 km long.
The first half of the promenade is lined with small fish restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlors with seafood and saltwater fish. Along the second half of the walk you will find several beaches, some empty and others with infrastructure and nautical sports centers.
If you are visiting this city for the first time, stop at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, where you will find the Roman-Etruscan Museum and the Bell Tower.
Then, walk through the narrow streets of the historic center to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses a 15th-century painting. Finally, climb the stairs to the picturesque ruins of the medieval fortress of Orsini.
ABOVE:In addition to the sea, fish is a typical food of the region.Romanian thought.It's very similar to pizza, but made with three types of flour for a more digestible and fragrant result.
Mirromanian thoughtit's much tastier than pizza, and in Trevignano I had the best I've ever had at Le Ballon and Le Ortensie.
6. Pienz
Pienza isa charming renaissance townis located in the beautiful Val d'Orcia, in the province of Siena, Tuscany.
The entire Val d'Orcia is oneUNESCOworld Heritage.
The city is famous for its urban architecture commissioned by Sienese architect RossellinoClass IIin the 15th century.
Rossellino followed the rules of harmonious geometry when designing the city, making it a place that benefits the body and mind of the residents.
I visited the village with the whole family in January to experience the harmonious architecture up close.
The trip was very relaxing. I don't know if it's because of the architecture of Pienza, or because of the comfortable beds in the extraordinary rooms at Guesthouse Beccofino, or because of the colors of the landscape.
Many travelers areworried about traveling to Val d'Orcia in winterHe thinks it's not worth it. You are wrong. The landscape is so enchanting that it can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Some of the must-see attractions in Pienza include the Pienza Cathedral, Piccolomini Palace, Borgia Palace and the Church of San Francesco.
Pienza is also known for its pecorino cheese, which you can buy at the many local grocery stores in the historic city center.
In addition, every year, in September, the Fiera del Cacio takes place,a festival dedicated to cheeseIt attracts visitors from all over the world.
presumed Tuscan”raw ham“It is one of the most valuable ham qualities in Italy. Try cheese and ham by ordering oneHackbrettim Baccano Bistro O sanduíche toscano.
A few kilometers from Pienza you will also find the famous Vitaleta Chapel,one of the most photographed places in Tuscany.
7. Spell
Spello is a beautiful medieval town in Umbria, in the province of Perugia.
The historic center of Spello is very charming with its cobbled streets and medieval houses with ornate portals, flowery balconies and frescoes.
speaking of flowers,To dieSpello Flower FestivalFestivalmade Spello one of the most popular towns in Umbria.
During this festival in early June, the streets of Spello are covered in intricate and colorful designs made entirely from flower petals.
It's the most anticipated time of year in Spello.
This festival brings the community together, creates identity and keeps the locals busy for months. Imagine the work involved in collecting many thousands of flower petals from the mountains near the city, storing the petals and creating the "paintings".
Heflower showit's definitely what sets Spello apart from so many other Italian cities.
As for historical sites, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Spello is one of the oldest churches in Umbria, dating back to the 9th century. The interior of the church houses impressive frescoes, including one by Pinturicchio. Outside the church you will find a beautiful garden with arches.
Another attraction in Spello is the Porta Venere, a well-preserved ancient Roman gate at the entrance to the old town. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside.
8. Gradara
Gradara is a beautiful Italian town in the province of Pesaro and Urbino in the Marche region, close to the fantastic beaches of the Riviera Conero.
The main attraction of the city isdie Gradara-Burg.
The imposing and well-preserved castle was built in the 12th century and is known for being the scene of the famous love story between Paolo and Francesca, described by Dante in the Divine Comedy.
The love between the two young lovers ended tragically, and Dante places it in the fifth song of Inferno, dedicated to the lustful ones who died for love.
I won't say more about this story. Gradara is so charming and worth visiting this area in the Marche region. Therefore, I recommend that you visit the Castle of Gradara to see with your own eyes this love story that we Italians learned at school.
The historic center of GradaraSurrounded by medieval walls, it has narrow stone streets, Romanesque and Gothic houses and a beautiful central square.
A visit to the off the beaten path Church of San Juan Bautista is not to be missed. This small church preserves a carved wooden crucifix, which is said to work miracles.
If you look at the statue from 3 different perspectives, you can see 3 different expressions of the dying Christ.
The city of Gradara also offers the opportunity to taste the typical dishes of Marche cuisine, such as tagliatelle with rabbit stew, fish broth and fossa cheese.
Finally, the city is famous for its wine production, including Rosso Conero and Verdicchio.
9. Triora
Trioria is a small town locatedin the heart of the Ligurian Alps.
The city has narrow stone streets, shale houses, the Church of San Bernardino in the main square and a charming castle.
is triplefamous for the history of the witch hunt, dating from 1587 and 1588. At that time, the city was hit by a great famine. The people's despair turned to hatred against about 20 women who were considered witches and considered guilty of having caused the famine with their magical abilities.
Today in the village you can visit the Museum of Ethnography and Witchcraft, where you can learn more about the history and traditions of this ancient cult.
As the village is in the mountains, there are many hiking trails and places for a relaxing picnic in untouched nature.
If you like to taste the typical dishes of the region, don't miss the delicacies of lamb and kid meat, local cheeses, mushrooms and the fantastic aromatic herbs that grow in the surrounding woods.
10. Morano Calabro
Morano Calabro is a small town in the interior of Calabria. ANDa typical Italian mountain villagecharacterized by a large number of small houses and narrow streets.
The sights of this city include the Norman-Swabian castle,the main historical landmark of the region.
The castle is a mighty 11th century fortress with a series of defensive walls, towers and ramparts. It is accessible to visitors and from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding valley.
Another place to visit in the village is the Museum of Agriculture and Livestock, a place that tells the story of the daily life and traditions of the village and the region of Calabria.
The museum houses a large collection of tools used in the past to till the land, make bread and wine, care for animals and other crafts typical of the region. If you are curious about Calabrian traditions and history, the museum is definitely worth a visit.
11. Montalbano-Helikon
Montalbano Elicona is a small medieval town in the province of Messina, Sicily.
The steep streets with old stone houses arranged in a semicircle lead to Montalbano Castle, built in the 13th century, and the many churches.
make sure of itTake a look inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
The town is at the foot of the Malabotta Forest Nature Reserve, where you can spend the day walking and watching the animals graze in the fields.
Montalbano Elicona, like Morano Calabro, is on a hill and you can get one from the topMagnificent view on the coast.
The local cuisine is known for its dishes made with porcini mushrooms, feta cheese and wine made with local grapes.
12. Camogli
Camogli istaa charming fishing villageIt is located on the Riviera di Levante in Liguria.
The city is characterized bycolorful houses overlooking the sea, a small picturesque port and a long pebble beach.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its black and white striped bell tower, dominates the city's central square.
A medieval fortress is enthroned on the hillside above the town: Castel Dragone. Built in the 12th century to prevent pirate attacks, the structure now hosts cultural events and art exhibitions. And due to its location, it offersSpectacular views of Camogli Bay and the Gulf of Paradise.
Camogli is famous for its fresh seafood cuisine and thefish party,an annual festival where village fishermen prepare and serve fresh fish. In 2023, the festival will take place on the 14th of May.
13. Castelbuono
Castelbuono is a charming Italian town in the northern part ofSicily, on the slopes of the Madonie Mountains.
The city is known for itsimposing Burg Castelbuono, 14th century. The architecture and interiors of the castle are perfectly preserved.
The castle houses the Civic Museum of Castelbuono, which houses a large collection of historical and artistic artifacts, including miniature manuscripts from the 14th and 15th centuries, frescoes and paintings by Sicilian masters from the 17th and 18th centuries, ceramics, antique porcelain and weapons. medieval. and tools
The historic center of Castelbuono is characterized by cobbled streets, noble palaces, ancient churches and craft shops.
Must-see attractions in Castelbuono include the Iglesia Matriz and the Convent of San Francesco in the main square.
the city tooknown for its excellent local cuisine, based on typical products such as porcini mushrooms, cheeses, sausages and fine wines.
Typical dishes from Castelbuono that you must try includeSphinx, a soft flatbread with onions, tomatoes and caciocavallo cheese,baked bread, a bread stuffed with cherry tomatoes, anchovies and Primo Sale cheese and almond crackers.
14. Hirsch
Cervo is a picturesque town on the Riviera dei Fiori, in the province of Imperia, Liguria.
The small village, located on a hill overlooking the sea, presentsold buildings and small squareswith panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The streets of the historic center, dotted with handicraft workshops and souvenir shops, invite you to take a peaceful walk among the traditional aromas and flavors of Liguria.
Some must-see places in Cervo arethe Church of Saint John the Baptist, one of the masterpieces of Ligurian Baroque,the Castle of Clavesana, today the stage for exhibitions and cultural events, andthe shrine of the Virgin of the Angels, located on a hillside on the outskirts of the city, accessible on foot along a scenic path.
deer is too muchknown for its music festival, which takes place every summer and attracts artists and visitors from all over the world.
Local gastronomic specialties include seafood, pesto sauce and white Vermentino wine.
15. Sperlinga
Sperlinga is a charming medieval town in the province of Enna, in the centerSicily.
This ancient village is located on a rocky hill surrounded by forests and rocks.
With less than 1,000 inhabitants and not too close to the coast lies Sperlingaa small town to retire to if you love peace and nature.
The village is famous for its magnificent 13th century castle, located on top of the hill. Sperlinga Castle, also known as Rocca di Sperlinga, is one of them.one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Sicily.
Inside the castle, it is possible to admire a series of rooms, towers, corridors and courtyards that tell the story of the fortification and defense of the village.
Under the castle you can visit the famous "Cunicolo di Sperlinga", an ancient underground tunnel used by locals during wars to reach the outside of the walls without being seen by enemies.
The town is famous for the many caves in the area, including Cueva del León, Cueva de la Defensa and Cueva del Pastor.
Historically used as shelters and rocky dwellings, these caves are an interesting record of the life of the local population in the Middle Ages.
16. Montefalco
Montefalco is an Umbrian town known for itshistoric center surrounded by medieval wallsand for production ofaward-winning Sagrantino wine.
This city offers many points of interest such as the Church of Sant'Agostino, the beautiful Town Hall and the Civic Museum of San Francesco.
Montefalco is also a great place for nature lovers, who can take beautiful walks through the region's vineyards and olive groves.
Furthermore, it makes Montefalco's strategic positiona good starting point to visit other Umbrian towns of tourist interest, like Assis, Spoleto, Bevagna and Todi.
17. Castelmezzano
Castelmezzano is a small town in Basilicata, known for its spectacular rock formations, the Lucanian Dolomites.
The large rocks behind the settlement frame the city andmake the landscape unique and even a little strange.
Locals have named some of the rock formations, including 'Owl', 'Big Mother', 'Golden Eagle', 'Anvil' and 'Snapdragon'.
The first thing to do in Castelmezzano is to doVisit the main squarewith the Church of Santa Maria dell'Olmo, the cafes where time has stood still and the viewpoint.
If you like to walk, you can do it.Discover Castelmezzano Castle Ruins and Norman Stairscarved into the rock at the most beautiful point.
The city is also famous for adventure activities, especially theangel flight, a vertical zip line that starts at the top of Monte Cross and reaches the town of Pietrapertosa.
Castelmezzano is alsoan excellent starting pointfor excursions in the area, including visits to the lakes of Monticchio, the city of Matera and other places in Basilicata.
18. Borghetto no Mincio
Borghetto sul Mincio,one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy, located in the province of Verona.
Borghetto offers stone houses, ancient bridges, mills and canals.
The historic center runs along the banks of the River Mincio and is crossed by the Ponte Visconteo, an old stone bridge that offers a beautiful view of the city.
The presence of the river makes Borghetto Sul Mincio a fascinating and fairytale place.
Among the main attractions of this charming city are:Borghetto's mill, an old water mill still in operation, anddie Scaligerburg von Valeggio sul Mincio, a medieval fortress located on the hill above the village.
The city is also famous for its restaurants where you can taste typical Veronese and Mantuan cuisine, including the famous tortellini di Valeggio.
What is more,The village is an ideal starting point.to explore the surroundings and visit other medieval towns in the area, such as Valeggio sul Mincio and Castellaro Lagusello.
19. Positano
Positano is a beautiful seaside town in southern Italy on the Amalfi Coast.
Often listed asone of the best small towns in Italyand attracts visitors from all over the world.
The town is known for its stunning beauty with colorful houses perched on steep cliffs overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from several vantage points, including the beach, harbor and narrow streets.
Positano has several beaches, including the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, which is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. The smaller beach of Fornillo, accessed via a scenic path, is another great option for those looking for a quieter beach experience.
You can explore the nearby cliffs and mountains on foot or by bike, orTake a boat trip along the coast.
Positano is known for its quality restaurants serving traditional Italian dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The area is home to several wineries that produce some of the best wines in Italy.
positan hata rich history dating back to Roman times, and visitors can explore the city's ancient ruins and museums. The city also has a thriving art scene, with many local artists showing their work in galleries and studios.
20. San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a medieval hilltop town in Tuscany known for its well-preserved tower houses and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
This beautiful city offersa unique combination of history, culture and natural beauty.
The historic center of San Gimignano is aUNESCOworld Heritage. The city has 14 towers built in the 13th and 14th centuries as a symbol of power and wealth. Today, these towers are among the city's most recognizable landmarks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Visit the City Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures, or the Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts from Etruscan and Roman times.
Island of San Gimignanosurrounded by picturesque hills and vineyards, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. You can take a stroll along the city walls to enjoy the stunning views or explore the nearby countryside on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.
Tuscany is known for its delicious cuisine and San Gimignano is no exception. Visit one of the city's many restaurants and wine bars and enjoy local specialties such asPici-Nudeln,boiled soup, and the famous Chianti wine.
San Gimignano welcomes you all year roundvarious festivals and eventsthat show the traditions and culture of the city. The most popular events are the Medieval Festival in June, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Festival in September and the Christmas Market in December.
21. Cortina d'Ampezzo
If you like nature, outdoor activities, culture and gastronomy, Cortina d'Ampezzo is a beautiful little town to visit.
Cortina d'Ampezzo is locatedin the heart of the Dolomites, in the Veneto region of northern Italy.
The Dolomites surrounding Cortina d'Ampezzo are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their stunning natural beauty, including soaring peaks, rugged mountain ranges and emerald green valleys. This is the city itselfPicturesque with picturesque streets and traditional Tyrolean architecture.
A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Cortina d'Ampezzo offers a wide range of activities throughout the year, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking, mountain biking and climbing.
Cortina d'Ampezzo istaone of the most famous ski resorts in the world, with more than 120 km of slopes and 38 lifts. It has hosted the Winter Olympic Games and numerous international ski competitions.
Cortina d'Ampezzo has a rich cultural heritage with a mix of Italian, Austrian and Ladin traditions. The city has several museums, including the Ethnographic Museum and the Museum of Modern Art Mario Rimoldi.
Cortina d'Ampezzo has a vibrant shopping scene with an array of high-end boutiques and artisan shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also numerous restaurants serving delicious Tyrolean and Italian cuisine, as well as a lively nightlife.
22. Alberobello
Alberobello is a small town in the Puglia region of southern Italy.
The city is known for itsunique and charming trulli houses. These small, white, cone-shaped structures are made from local limestone and have been around the city for centuries.
The trulli houses of Alberobello were declaredUNESCOWorld Heritage in 1996 and are a major attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Stroll around the city and explore the different neighborhoods with their own Trulli houses and learn about the history and culture of this unique and charming region of Italy.
Above:Some of the trulli houses have been converted into Airbnbs. For a truly unique experience, you can book a stay in one of these traditional houses, both in Alberobello and in the countryside surrounding the town.
In addition to the trulli houses, Alberobello is also home to several historical and cultural attractions, such as the Church of San Antonio, the Casa Pezzolla Museum and the Trullo Sovrano, the largest and oldest trullo in Alberobello.
Overall, Alberobello offers a glimpse into a traditional style of architecture unique to this part of Italy.
Alberobello gets a lot of visitors and can be very touristy, especially in high season.
23. Portofino
Portofino isa picturesque fishing villagelocated on the Italian Riviera, known for its colorful houses, its impressive port and its beautiful natural landscape.
It is a charming and culturally rich city, with a long history of maritime activities and a vibrant local culture.
Stroll through the narrow streets of the city center, browse local shops and boutiques, and explore historic sites like Castello Brown, a hilltop fortress that offers panoramic harbor views.
Portofino is home to a variety of excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood, local specialties and Italian favorites.
Enjoy a meal on a sunny terrace overlooking the harbor or try your hand at cooking traditional Ligurian dishes in a local cooking class.
The small town is surrounded by hills.covered with olive groves and fragrant Mediterranean vegetation.
You can walk or take a boat trip to explore the rugged coastline, visit nearby nature reserves and enjoy stunning ocean views.
Portofino is also a popular destination for the rich and famous who come here to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle, high-end shopping and glamorous events such as the annual Portofino Yacht Club gala.
24. Vernazza (Cinque Terre)
This small fishing village belongs to the Cinque Terre and isknown for its colorful houses and beautiful port.
The five Cinque Terre towns - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore - are all beautiful in their own way, but many people consider Vernazza to be the prettiest of them all.
Vernazza is a small fishing village with a picturesque harbor, colorful houses and a medieval castle on top of a hill overlooking the town. Its winding streets and narrow alleyways are filled with charming shops, cafes and restaurants, and it has a lively atmosphere that makes it a popular spot for tourists.
He canWalk to neighboring towns., swim in the crystal clear waters or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.
25. Castell'Arquato
Castell'Arquato is a beautiful medieval town in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Castell'Arquato hata rich history dating back to the 8th century, and the city's beautiful architecture and monuments reflect this.
The town is home to several medieval buildings, including the impressive 14th-century Visconti Castle. The city's beautiful Romanesque cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, is also a must-see.
In addition to its places of historical interest, Castell'Arquato is also known for itsbeautiful natural scenery. The villa is situated on a hill and offers stunning views of the surroundings.
Take a stroll through the town's narrow streets and alleys lined with beautiful stone buildings and charming shops and cafes.
If you enjoy trying local food, Castell'Arquato is also a great town to visit. The city is in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, famous for its gastronomy and wines. Cured meats, fresh pasta and Parmesan cheese are popular local delicacies, accompanied by excellent local wines.
Castell'Arquato is a beautiful and historic town thatExperience the rich culture and natural beauty.of the Emilia-Romagna region.
Map of the most beautiful cities and towns in Italy
The best small towns in Italy to visit: final words
When it comes to small towns and picturesque villages, Italy really has the upper hand.
There are thousands of them, from the north to the south of Italy, and as tourism is the main resource of these places, they know how to be at their best.
Unlike certain Italian cities, Small Italian Villages are unlikely to disappoint, especially if you like the slower pace of small towns and experience the best that authentic Italian cuisine has to offer.
If you are planning a visit to a small Italian townThe only thing to take into account is the time of year you visit us.
Between mid-November and late February, with the exception of the Christmas period, more distant towns may have limited weekday services. For example, museums may be closed from Monday to Thursday. And some restaurants even close for several months.
But you can enjoy the quiet winter months without the tourists.
If you visit in the summer, you will find the cities livelier and you are likely to come across local festivals, craft markets, music, theater and open-air cinemas.
But with that comes summer crowds and higher lodging prices.
No matter what time of year you visit these beautiful Italian cities, I'm sure you'll love them as much as I do!
One last thing to know about visiting small towns and villages in Italyis that many are not easily accessible by public transport.
Some of these towns have a train station, and most have a few buses that connect them to nearby towns. But if you really want to explore Italy's smaller towns, renting a car is the most convenient option.
Read too:
- What not to miss in Milan
- Things to do in Pavia, Italy
- The most beautiful places to visit in Sicily
Did you like this article about the best small towns in Italy? Put it on!
