The 10 Best Beautiful Villages to Visit in Italy Now
- 1 An Overview of Beautiful Villages in Italy
- 2 List of the Best Villages in Italy to Visit in 2024
- 2.1 Portofino, Liguria: An Awesome Riviera Gem
- 2.2 Manarola, Cinque Terre: A Cliffside Beauty to Explore Now
- 2.3 Positano, Amalfi Coast: Discover the Vertical Paradise
- 2.4 Matera, Basilicata: The Stone City for Good Reasons
- 2.5 Castelmezzano, Basilicata: Everything you Need to know about Mountain Hideaway
- 2.6 Alberobello, Puglia: The Trulli Village
- 2.7 Ravello, Campania: The Music and Arts Hub
- 2.8 Orvieto, Umbria: The Hilltop Marvel
- 2.9 Sant’Agata de’ Goti, Campania: The Medieval Gem
- 2.10 Taormina, Sicily: The Jewel of the Ionian Sea
- 3 Conclusion
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s no wonder. It is a country renowned for its rich history, art, and culture and is also home to many beautiful villages that have emerged from the pages of a fairy tale. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs and Sicily’s rustic charm, Italy’s villages offer a captivating blend of history, scenery, and tradition.
In this blog, we will look at some of the most beautiful villages in Italy and under-the-radar places in Italy to book your next vacation.
An Overview of Beautiful Villages in Italy
When we think of Italy, hundreds of the best towns to visit come to mind: Rome, Venice, Milan, and Florence. However, the peninsula is home to many other wonders, far from these big cities known to all. If you want to bet on authenticity and avoid the hordes of tourists, leave the gondolas in Venice and discover these ten best Italian villages to live in; you won’t regret it!
List of the Best Villages in Italy to Visit in 2024
Are you looking for an original destination in Italy? We recommend you consult our top ten surprising destinations to discover during a trip to Italy! Hence, here is the list of villages in Italy to visit in 2024.
Portofino, Liguria: An Awesome Riviera Gem
Our journey begins in the northern region of Liguria, where the charming village of Portofino awaits. This seaside gem is renowned for its colorful buildings, luxurious yachts, and stunning coastal views. Portofino has long been a favorite destination for artists, writers, and celebrities, drawn by its serene beauty and tranquil ambiance. Then, stroll along the harbor, indulge in fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants, or hike through the nearby Portofino Regional Park for a breathtaking Italian Riviera.
Location: Genoa, Italy
Manarola, Cinque Terre: A Cliffside Beauty to Explore Now
Continuing our exploration of Liguria, we arrive at Manarola, one of the five villages of the iconic Cinque Terre. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Manarola is a postcard-perfect destination known for its colorful houses, narrow alleyways, and world-class wines. The village’s charm lies in its simplicity, as it remains relatively unspoiled by modernity. Hike the famous Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) or savor local specialties like pesto and seafood while sipping Sciacchetrà wine.
Location: Riomaggiore, La Spezia, Liguria, Italy
Positano, Amalfi Coast: Discover the Vertical Paradise
Descending the Italian boot to the Amalfi Coast, we encounter the enchanting village of Positano. Known for its steep, pastel-colored houses clinging to the cliffs, Positano thus offers a vertical paradise with breathtaking views at every turn. Stroll along the narrow, winding streets, visit the Spiaggia Grande (Big Beach), and embrace the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. Remember to savor fresh lemon-based delicacies, such as limoncello and lemon-infused pasta, which are local specialties.
Location: Salerno, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Matera, Basilicata: The Stone City for Good Reasons
Our journey now takes us to the heart of southern Italy, specifically to Matera, a village unlike any other. Carved into the rock, Matera is also known for its unique cave dwellings, “Sassi,” which have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status. The ancient town’s winding alleyways and stone-carved architecture glimpse Italy’s distant past. Further, explore the cave churches, taste local bread, and stay in a boutique cave hotel for an unforgettable experience.
Location: Basilicata, Italy
Castelmezzano, Basilicata: Everything you Need to know about Mountain Hideaway
Staying in the region of Basilicata, we venture to the charming village of Castelmezzano. Nestled amidst the rugged Dolomiti Lucane mountain range, this village offers a serene escape into nature. Adventurous travelers can enjoy thrilling activities such as zip-lining through the valleys or hiking to the highest peaks for panoramic views. The quaint stone houses and medieval atmosphere add to Castelmezzano’s allure, making it a hidden gem in the Italian countryside.
Location: Potenza, Italy
Alberobello, Puglia: The Trulli Village
Our journey continues eastward to Puglia, where we encounter the whimsical village of Alberobello. What sets Alberobello apart, however, are its unique trulli houses, cylindrical stone structures with conical roofs. Therefore, these UNESCO-listed buildings create a fairytale-like ambiance, and the village’s historic center is a maze of winding streets and picturesque alleyways. Afterward, explore the Trulli, visit the Trullo Sovrano, a two-story trullo, and immerse yourself in the local traditions of this charming village.
Location: Comune in Italy
Ravello, Campania: The Music and Arts Hub
Heading back to the Amalfi Coast, we arrive at the cultural haven of Ravello. Although perched high above the sea, this village is famous for its historic villas, lush gardens, and annual Ravello Festival, which celebrates music and arts. The Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone offer stunning garden vistas, while the medieval Duomo di Ravello showcases architectural beauty. Ravello’s peaceful ambiance and artistic heritage make it a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts.
Location: Provinceof Salerno
Orvieto, Umbria: The Hilltop Marvel
Venturing inland to Umbria, we discover the hilltop village of Orvieto. While famous for its magnificent Duomo, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, Orvieto boasts an intriguing underground world of caves and tunnels. Hence, Explore the Etruscan tombs and enjoy the region’s renowned Orvieto Classico wine. With its panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside, Orvieto offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Location: Terni, Umbria, Italy
Sant’Agata de’ Goti, Campania: The Medieval Gem
Returning to Campania, we visit the medieval village of Sant’Agata de’ Goti. Perched on a hilltop, this charming settlement is a well-preserved example of medieval architecture. Wander through its ancient streets, admire the Gothic cathedral, and enjoy traditional Campanian cuisine in the village’s trattorias. Sant’Agata de’ Goti offers a glimpse into Italy’s medieval past and provides a peaceful retreat from bustling cities.
Location: Province of Benevento, Italy
Taormina, Sicily: The Jewel of the Ionian Sea
Our final destination is the beautiful island of Sicily, where we encounter Taormina, the jewel of the Ionian Sea. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and crowned by the ancient Greek Theater, Taormina offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the historic center, take in the breathtaking sights from the theater, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Isola Bella. Taormina’s timeless charm and Mediterranean allure make it a must-visit village in Sicily.
Location: Comune in Sicily, Italy
Conclusion
Italy’s beautiful villages are, thus, a testament to the country’s diverse and enchanting landscapes. From the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the historical treasures of Matera and the fairytale-like trulli of Alberobello, each village, as a result, offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Italy’s villages have something to offer every traveler. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to explore the enchanting charm of Italy’s beautiful towns, where time seems to stand still, and every corner is a work of art.
If you want to visit the best places in Italy, you must obtain an Italian Schengen visa from the UK, depending on your nationality. So, what are you waiting for? Book an Italy visa appointment today and get your Schengen visa to Italy to visit beautiful villages in Italy in 2024.