The Villages of Italy: an itinerary among history, culture and breathtaking views

What makes Italian villages unique?

Italian villages to visit are not simply towns perched on hills or cliffs-they are true treasure troves of culture, tastes and legends.

Medieval architecture: ramparts, towers and historic walls

Strolling through the streets of a village allows one to admire medieval architecture that testifies to a glorious past. Soaring towers, mighty walls and frescoed churches tell stories of knights and rulers, battles and conquests. Observing these monuments up close is like turning the pages of a history book.

Traditions and folklore that are passed down through time

Medieval villages in Italy are often distinguished by ancient folk festivals and rituals that continue to be handed down from generation to generation. Festivals, palii and historical re-enactments enliven streets and squares, transforming the village into an open-air stage. Participating in these events means diving into local daily life, tasting typical dishes and watching costumed performances that bring ancient customs back to life.

The most charming villages of northern Italy

Northern Italy is home to enchanted places nestled between lakes and mountains, as well as medieval villages that develop just a few kilometers from big cities. If you love nature and quiet, you will find small paradises where you can relax and enjoy unforgettable experiences.

Villages on the shores of alpine lakes

Between the snow-capped peaks and the crystal-clear waters of the lakes rise villages that seem to have stepped out of a fairy tale. One above all: Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta, where old pastel-colored houses overlook small squares with porticoes. Or, on the shores of Lake Garda, you can encounter picturesque villages like Malcesine, with its Scaliger castle dominating the panorama.

Small jewels set among valleys and mountains

Driving along scenic roads in the Dolomites or in the valleys of South Tyrol, you'll find tiny villages with Alpine charm. Sloping wooden roofs, flower-filled balconies and crisp mountain air create a magical atmosphere. It's the perfect place for those seeking outdoor adventure, including winter sports, hiking and a good plate of steaming polenta to recharge their batteries.

From Rango, famous for its atmospheric Christmas markets housed in old farmhouses, via San Candido, the “pearl” of Val Pusteria as well as the birthplace of tennis player Jannik Sinner, to Mel, voted Italy's most beautiful village in 2017, each town offers picturesque views and a special aura.

Medieval gems in the proximity of major cities

Those who prefer a cultural trip can discover medieval gems just a few hours' drive from metropolises such as Milan or Turin. One example is Bergamo Alta, surrounded by mighty Venetian walls, or the picturesque Vigezzo Valley in Piedmont, dotted with tiny towns with ancient flavors. These villages, within easy reach of an excursion, give the feeling of stepping back in time.

Medieval villages in central Italy

The heart of the peninsula holds an exceptional concentration of Italian villages worth visiting, nestled in hilly landscapes and surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and centuries-old forests. Here every stone tells a story of art, culture and spirituality.

Between Tuscan hills and fortified villages

Tuscany is synonymous with picture-postcard landscapes where hills chase each other endlessly. Medieval towns in Italy include San Gimignano with its spectacular towers and Volterra famous for its fortified walls and alabaster workmanship. Walking through these alleys gives suggestions of times gone by, especially at sunset, when the sun dyes the bricks red.

Umbrian treasures and the spirituality of sacred places

Moving to Umbria, it is impossible not to fall in love with villages like Assisi, the cradle of Franciscan spirituality, or Gubbio, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy. Umbria is also famous for its cuisine: homemade pasta, fine truffles and local wines make the experience even more authentic.

Marche's charm and hilltop villages

In the Marche region, gentle slopes and small perched villages alternate with views of the sea. Villages like Offagna or Corinaldo are steeped in history, art and folk legends. Here, life flows slowly and genuinely, ideal for those who want a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hidden gems in southern Italy

The South offers an explosive mix of culture, traditions, crystal clear sea and breathtaking views. In addition to more well-known tourist locations, there are Italian villages to visit where the human dimension and ancient customs still endure.

Villages by the sea: coastal pearls

Italy's southern coast is home to quaint villages that seem to plummet sheer into the blue Mediterranean. Places like Polignano a Mare in Puglia or Scilla in Calabria are famous for their clear waters, rock-set beaches and white houses overlooking the sea. The mix of scents and colors fills the heart with wonder.

The hinterland: tradition, nature and breathtaking views

Moving away from the seaside routes, the South offers even more authentic surprises. Amidst mountains, forests and countryside of centuries-old olive trees, you'll find villages like Alberobello (famous for its trulli), Matera (with its ancient Sassi) and little-known small towns that guard the flavors and gestures of yesteryear. Here you will feel welcomed as a special guest, in an atmosphere of family warmth.

Between Puglia, Basilicata and Campania: villages off the tourist trail

In addition to the most famous destinations, the heel and heel of Italy boast historic villages perched on hillsides or nestled in rocky gorges. From Castelmezzano in Basilicata, famous for the Lucanian Dolomites, to small towns in Campania such as Sant'Agata de' Goti, there is a range of places where the rural dimension and gastronomic traditions survive unaltered.

The secrets of the villages on the Islands

Sardinia and Sicily are not only summer destinations for enjoying dreamy beaches: they are home to numerous medieval villages in Italy, rich in millennia of history and fascinating architecture.

Sicily: ancient history and baroque beauty

Sicily boasts a culture thousands of years old, the result of Arab, Norman and Spanish dominations. Among the most characteristic villages are Erice, perched on a mountain and enveloped in a mystical atmosphere, or Ragusa Ibla, a true Baroque jewel. A trip among these places means breathing island culture in every corner, among cobbled alleys and breathtaking views of the sea.

Sardinia: stone villages and crystal clear sea

Sardinia is not just turquoise sea and fine sandy beaches. Inland you will find ancient villages, such as Bosa, embraced by hills and crossed by placid rivers. Here you can appreciate the tranquility that envelops the narrow stone streets, the local gastronomy of carasau bread, cheeses and tasty meats, and the genuine hospitality of its inhabitants.

Why choose glamping to visit Italian villages?

If you want to discover these timeless places while living an even more evocative experience, glamping in Italian villages is the perfect solution: the adventure of open-air blends with the comfort of exclusive amenities, often surrounded by greenery or with breathtaking views. You can sleep in eco-sustainable structures in the hills or by a lake, enjoying large spaces, soft beds and even hot tubs. This is an ideal option for families or couples looking for a touch of romance, as it combines the magic of traditional camping with the benefits of a luxury hotel.

Get ready to fill your eyes with beauty and experience an Italian dream vacation!