Small Italian towns and villages get under your skin. From north to south, bustling market towns and picturesque villages are capable of capturing your heart after just a few hours spent wandering their streets.
Whenever we are asked, where to go in Italy, without hesitation we recommend exploring its beautiful villages and towns.
And it seems we are not alone. People all over the world swoon over gorgeous Italian villages. We asked travel writers and photographers from across the world to choose their favourite small towns to visit in Italy to share with you.Use the table of contents below to browse your favourite region in Italy or simply scroll on for the ultimate in Italian travel inspiration.
Do you have questions about your upcoming trip to Italy? Plan smarter and experience Italy more deeply with the Untold Italy app – your curated guide for where to eat, stay, shop and explore, plus ad-free podcasts, local tips, essential Italian phrases and more. Or to get started straight away, visit our guide to planning a trip to Italy.
Tuscany
Perhaps you think of the towns in Tuscany when you imagine the Italian countryside. Most people do.
Southern Tuscan towns are perched up on hilltops overlooking green fertile valleys looking out to one another, the sun bouncing off their terracotta roofs. The northern Tuscan hills are home to rambling stone villages that straddle rivers.
One thing is for sure, you could spend a lifetime exploring the beautiful villages in Tuscany, whether it be on a day trip from Florence or a longer stay.
Cortona
Suggested by: Chantell from Budget Travel Babes
For sheer beauty, you can’t go past the hilltop town of Cortona in Tuscany, Italy. This fairy-tale destination was the setting and inspiration for world-famous novel, “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Fans of the book and film, can stroll through the winding streets of Cortona and channel Diana Lane.
It’s even possible to visit her house from the movie, “Bramasole”. You don’t need like “Under the Tuscan Sun” to fall in love with Cortona. Every angle of this town is photo-worthy, including the magnificent views over the valley below. For an extra special view, take the pathway up to the Fortress of Girifalco.
The pentagon-shaped fortress has a complex history dating back to the 13th century with many uses including as a prison and strategic observation point during WWII. While staying in Cortona, dining out on Tuscan fare and wine is a must.
Some of the most popular dishes in Tuscany include Ribollita soup and Bistecca all Fiorentina (Florentine-style T-bone steak). For the wine enthusiasts, wine tours are available for vineyards in the valleys below, and in other areas of Tuscany.
WHERE TO STAY: Villa Aurea (Cortona Resort & Spa) – an 18th century villa set in beautiful parklands > click here for availability and prices
San Gimignano
Suggested by: Dan from Honeymoon Always
From the hilltop city of San Gimignano, the picturesque landscape of rolling hills is breathtaking. I sat there looking for miles hardly believing my eyes.
It’s hard to believe this tiny little town was once a major city in medieval times. We stayed in Fattoria Voltrona, a lovely bed and breakfast on the hillside outside the city center of San Gimignano.
We had a breakfast each morning and one day we enjoyed a horseback ride through the vineyards and olive trees seeing the town in the distance. In the city, the gelato at the award-winning Gelateria Dondoli became a regular and irresistible treat.
We felt transplanted into the past as we wondered the city streets and went window shopping, picking up some truffle salt along the way. At night, dinner never disappointed. We ate at San Martino 26 one evening and ordered the risotto which was full of flavor and a perfect texture. Another night we enjoyed, and recommend trying, the pizza at Il Trovatore.
WHERE TO STAY: Fattoria Voltrona – a friendly agriturismo with 2 swimming pools and an onsite restaurant > click here for availability and prices
Borgo a Mozzano
Suggested by: Jackie from Get Lost With Jackie
Borgo a Mozzano is a village in the Lucca province of Tuscany most famously known for its arched bridge, Ponte della Maddalena (Bridge of Mary Magdalene) – which is sometimes referred to as “Ponte del Diavolo” or “Devil’s Bridge”.
The Ponte della Maddalena was once a gateway for those migrating from France on a medieval pilgrimage to Rome. Before taking a stroll across the bridge you can make your own “pilgrimage” and make a stop at La Gioia del Gelato for some of the best gelato in Tuscany!
While the nearby city of Lucca attracts many tourists annually, a local hotel has now put Borgo a Mozzano back on the map.
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Borgo Guisto is a former 17th century Tuscan village that has been transformed into a luxury hotel – merging the charm of Tuscany in the 1600’s with modern amenities and luxuries > click here for availability and prices
Manciano
Suggested by: Julia from The Freckled Tourist
If you’re looking for a true Tuscan experience, consider Manciano. It’s a lovely little town in the heart of Tuscany complete with rolling green hills. Here you’ll find beautiful views, delicious food and wine, and unique things to do. The main attraction in Manciano is the Saturnia Thermal Baths. It’s a stunning cascade of turquoise water where you can sit and relax in the natural hot springs.
There are several nice hotels near the baths, but if you want a more homey experience there are plenty of Airbnb’s available in the area. If you’re lucky, your Airbnb will offer horseback riding throughout the Tuscan hills which is an experience not to be missed!
The beauty of this small Italian town is that it’s very slow paced, so you’ll be in for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.Stroll through the cobblestone streets or enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony overlooking the hills. There are plenty of restaurants in town ranging from fine dining to cheap eats, either way you’ll enjoy the best of Italian pizza or pasta. Manciano is sure to be a highlight on your Italian getaway!
WHERE TO STAY: La Pianaccia Country House – a delightful country house hotel, 5 minutes from Manciano center, with lovely grounds and a delicious home-made breakfast > click here for availability and prices
Pienza
Suggested by: Katy from Untold Morsels
Pienza is one of the famous hilltop towns in southern Tuscany. It’s a picture perfect town of cobbled streets and piazzas, an impressive Duomo and several grand palazzos.
The town’s strategic position overlooking the Val D’Orcia also means the views from almost every point along the city walls are spectacular. It’s of those places where the best activity is to wander and soak up the atmosphere.
Shuttered windows look down on colourful flower pots along laneways in scenes that make you swoon. So it’s no surprise that many of them have names inspired by love – like Via del Bacio (Kiss Street).
Pienza is well known for pecorino cheese and many people go there just to taste and take home the celebrated sheep’s milk variety. If you visit in the fall you can take part in the town’s annual harvest festivals and cheese rolling event in late September.
Make sure to stop by Palazzo Piccolomini. Once the home of two popes, it is now the place to go for some of the best views in Tuscany.
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Corsignano A gorgeously styled hotel with breathtaking views of the Orcia Valley. It has spacious rooms, a large, plant-filled terrace, with a couple of large hot tubs to tempt you > click here for availability and prices
Vinci
Suggested by: Lisanne from Chapter Travel
If there’s one place you need to visit in Italy it’s the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci.The name of this town is also Vinci, you could’ve guessed it. Vinci is a town in the province of Florence in the Tuscan region of Italy. When you’re here, you really understand where Leonardo Da Vinci got all his inspiration from.
The landscape of Vinci is full of hills, beautiful olive groves, vineyards and fields of flowers. Vinci is perfect for art and history lovers, as you’ll find interesting museums such as Museo Leonardiano and the da Vinci Museum. But also historical places such as his birth home and Castle of Vinci.
During my visit I stayed in a cute little bed & breakfast all the way on top of a hill. We had the best pasta ever in the little centre of the town. Don’t skip Vinci when you’re in Tuscany, Italy!
WHERE TO STAY: Agriturismo Cantagrillo Set in a stunning and tranquil location, this agriturismo has lovely grounds with a pool to lure you in summer > click here for availability and prices
Bolgheri
Suggested by: Michelle from Intentional Travelers
The small town of Bolgheri brings together the very best of the region – Tuscany’s old world village life, complete with castle; warm climates and views of the Etruscan Coast; and bountiful landscapes, with wineries and olive groves in every direction.
The unique micro-climate of this coastal region in Tuscany has produced award-winning Bordeaux wines. Though Northern Europeans flock here for the summer sun, and bicycle tours cycle through on a regular basis, the area is surprisingly uncrowded.
We recommend renting a guest house along the “Wine and Olive Oil Road,” like Casa Toscana, where you can also learn to cook traditional Italian meals in a local’s home kitchen. Also be sure to try the “Degustazione” and some local wines at Osteria La Magona.
WHERE TO STAY: Il Chiassetto Bolgheri A charming guest house in the heart of Bolgheri, on the church square, close to an abundance of fantastic restaurants > click here for availability and prices
Bagno Vignoni
Suggested by: Shandos from Travelnuity
Bagno Vignoni is located in the beautiful Val d’Orcia region in the south of Tuscany. It would probably be just another pretty village like many others nearby, replete with narrow laneways and crumbling stone buildings, but for the thermal bath located in its main square.
Yes, at the centre of the village, rather than a typical Italian piazza, is instead the “Square of sources”. It’s a rectangular shaped pool, built in the sixteenth-century, to contain the thermal springs that bubble up at the village.
While the central pool is closed to bathing these days, it’s still possible to sample the waters at one of the spa resorts located in the village, also the ideal location for a romantic night or two. And come early evening, pull up a chair at one of the fine cafes and restaurants that surround the square, to enjoy an aperitif or glass of local wine with a magical outlook.
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Osteria Dell’Orcia Set in a converted 16th century post office building (located in the UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia Nature Reserve) this beautiful hotel has a pool set in tranquil gardens and a renowned à la carte restaurant > click here for availability and prices
Arezzo
Suggested by: Kate from Our Escape Clause
Nestled about an hour south of Florence by train sits the adorable Tuscan town of Arezzo. Home to a gorgeous town square, a bell tower that practically begs to be climbed, Roman ruins, jaw-dropping frescoes, and a fort sitting on top of the tallest hill in town that boasts amazing views of the Tuscan countryside surrounding the city, Arezzo makes the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Florence.
Be sure to spend plenty of time wandering the streets (gelato in hand, of course), ducking into the small food shops, and exploring the beautiful churches and small museums that dot the town.
During our weekend in Arezzo, we loved people-watching in the square: with constant markets going during the weekend, there was no shortage of interesting scenes to admire and products to browse. Looking for a beautiful Tuscan town that’s a bit less known than Pisa or Siena? Head to Arezzo!
WHERE TO STAY: La Corte Del Re Perfectly located in Arezzo’s Piazza Grande, this historic building even has some of its original Etruscan and Medieval walls. Unique decor in the rooms with exposed brick and beams and divine city views > click here for availability and prices
Italian Lakes
Some of the most beautiful towns in Italy are found on the shores of lakes. From the well known Como and Garda to the hidden beauty of Orta and Iseo, there are countless pretty Italian villages to explore.
Orta San Giulio
Suggested by: Katy from Untold Morsels
My idea of the perfect Italian village is Orta San Giulio. Sitting on the banks of Lake Orta, not far from Milan, this pretty town has an incredible position looking across the lake to Isola San Giulio. The foothills of the Alps are in the background.
Orta San Giulio is a village draped in wisteria and lined with cobbled streets. While away your day sitting at a lakeside cafe, taking in the views. We liked Venus where you can sit with your feet almost in the water. Make sure to try the local dishes – many of them feature truffles from the surrounding hills. If you are game there is a sausage made from donkey meat called tapulon.
Isola San Giulio is a short boat ride away from Piazza Motta in the centre of town. It is home to a Benedictine monastery and ancient basilica. So if you visit, you are supposed to do so in silence. If you want to stay in Orta then book early. Hotels like Hotel San Rocco fill quickly particularly in summer with clients returning year after year. And who could blame them, Orta is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
WHERE TO STAY: Agriturismo Il Cucchiaio di Legno is set back on a hillside with great views over Lake Orta. The restaurants tasting menu is incredible and a nice touch with the breakfast is much of the produce such as honey, jam, fruit and eggs are produced on site > click here for availability and prices
Sirmione
Suggested by: Paulina on the road
The area surrounding the beautiful Lake Garda is well known all over the world for its picturesque villages. One of the quaintest is certainly Sirmione, located at the south side of the lake. It’s no surprise that Sirmione is also known as the Pearl of Lake Garda.
I visited during the autumn months and the narrow, cobblestone paved streets of Sirmione were almost empty. I heard that especially during the summer months, the village can be incredibly crowded with bus tour groups. The most striking sight of Sirmione is the fortress which protects the entrance of the village. It’s certainly one of the most popular photo motives in the entire region and its an eye catching witness of the village’s tumultuous past.
Despite its size, Sirmione has a lot to offer: the Grotto di Catullo is one of the largest Roman villas in Northern Italy and the village boasts 2 thermal baths with gorgeous views on the Alps and Lake Garda. When in Sirmione, you shouldn’t miss to try the most typical food of the area: fish from Lake Garda. We had a risotto with smoked sardines and it was delicious.
Sirmione is the perfect village to relax and enjoy the real Dolce Vita, thus make sure to include it in your Northern Italy itinerary.
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Pace in the heart of Sirmione sits right next to Lake Garda, with its own gardens to enjoy, including its own jetty over the lake. The interior of this classic hotel has elegant and cosy decor > click here for availability and prices
Malcesine
Suggested by: Tilly from Travel Junkie Girl
An elegant lakeside resort situated towards the mountainous northern end of Lake Garda, Malcesine boasts a rather special location. Sandwiched between the lake and a steep mountain ridge, there are stunning views to be had in all directions.
Malcesine is a small but perfectly formed town with charming cobbled streets, atmospheric squares and a picturesque harbour lined with quaint cafés which are just perfect for indulging in a spot of coffee, gelato and people watching.
Don’t miss the dramatic battlemented Scaligero Castle which stands guard over the town and as this is best viewed from the water, make sure you hop on a ferry to either Riva or Limone, two of my other favourite Garda resorts. For a luxury stay, choose a hotel on the outskirts of town that is situated well above the lake where there are extensive grounds with panoramic views and infinity pools, like at the Hotel Bellevue San Lorenzo.
You can take a cable car up Monte Baldo for tremendous views of the Alps and lake; then wander along the attractive lakeside promenade to the south of the town, find a hotel terrace like the Hotel Excelsior Bay and sunbathe with a drink and lake view.
WHERE TO STAY: Antica Corte B&B A sixteenth century building in the heart of Malcesine, the interior is full of character including an unusual internal balcony and ancient stone walls > click here for availability and prices
Varenna
Suggested by: Katy from Untold Morsels
Most visitors to Lake Como spend their time glamorous Bellagio, but I prefer tiny Varenna. It’s one of my favourite medieval towns in Italy. Positioned in the middle of the lake, Varenna has colourful buildings, a small stony beach and the most delightful promenade along the lake shore.
Here you can spend days wandering the stony streets in search of boutique finds and the best gelato. The mood is casual and you can pull up a cushion on a stone step and relax with your ice cream. You get to Varenna by train from Milan or take the ferry from Como or Bellagio, passing by Como’s glamorous villas along the way.
If you don’t want to leave this special hideaway – and who could blame you? – Varenna has its own special villa open to visitors. Villa Monastero is famous for its beautiful gardens and impressive views across the lake. Even if you’re not staying at Villa Cipressi, make sure to book a table and sip prosecco on the terrace as the sun sets. Perfection!
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Meridiana A little gem of a hotel right on the lake, just north of Varenna with it’s own little private beach and incredible views > click here for availability and prices
Italian Alps and mountains
Skiing enthusiasts know that Italy has wonderful mountain towns and villages. In the summer you can enjoy alpine outdoor pursuits like hiking to build up an appetite for the hearty cuisine from the north. There are some gorgeous towns to visit in the Italian Alps and Dolomites.
Merano
Suggested by: Kate from Throne and Vine
Love basking in the sun under rows of palm trees? Long for sweeping mountain views paired with vineyards, orchards and old world charm? Welcome to Merano in South Tyrol, a mountainous jewel in northern Italy. This little-known region epitomizes the breathtaking wonders that occur when Mediterranean and Alpine climates collide.
Merano bathes in 300+ days of sunshine each year. Visiting here puts you in the middle of a lush wonderland ripe with adventure and relaxation. Its plush hills ease into mountainsides giving you countless opportunities to explore blooming orchards, vineyards and gardens beneath castle walls and snow-capped peaks.
The old town of Merano radiates medieval charm and is famous for its boutique shops, fine dining, promenades and thermal springs, which have been celebrated for centuries for their healing properties.
In fact, Merano boasts one of the most renowned spas in Europe —Terme Merano. Their hotel sits in the heart of Merano overlooking the Passer river and surrounding mountains. The history and location of this region gives visitors a unique culinary gift. You can savor authentic Italian and Tyrolean dishes no matter where you wander.
Among Merano’s arcade of shops, you’ll find one of our favorites, Laubenkeller, serving delightful local cuisine in a quaint setting. Did we mention wine yet? The Alpine wines of the area offer a heavenly way to unwind. Do your wanderlust heart a favor and make a trip to this hidden gem perched in the Italian Alps!
WHERE TO STAY: Maison Valentina A charming guesthouse right in the heart (& pedestrianised part) of the town close to lots of fabulous bars and restaurants. Newly renovated and full of lovely design touches > click here for availability and prices
Ortisei
Suggested by: Clemens from Travellers Archive
Ortisei is a small town of only 5,000 inhabitants that lies in the region of South Tyrol. It occupies the Val Gardena within the Dolomites, which is a mountain chain that is part of the Alps and is said to be the true heart of it – at least by locals.
It a great place for everyone who wants to take a break from big city life, go on day hikes, long walks and enjoy the beautiful setting. Worth a visit is the Museum Gherdëina, the local heritage museum that shows the culture of Gröden, as this area is also called.
Also, one can go fashion shopping in the cute pedestrian zone or spend a day in the SPA of the best hotel there is: Hotel ADLER Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort. End the day with a glass of Italian red wine or the popular Forst beer on the terrace while you watch the alpenglow end the day.
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel La Cort With facilities like a hot tub, sauna, Turkish bath and heated floors, this stylish hotel set in beautiful countryside, is the perfect place to get cosy in the wintertime. Equally in summertime it is the perfect place to relax and take in the panoramic valley views from the veranda. Their restaurant serves exceptional local and Italian dishes > click here for availability and prices
READ: Our full guide to Where to stay in the Dolomites.
Passo Tonale
Suggested by: Nell from The Pigeon Pair and Me
Passo Tonale is one of those Italian towns that oozes family friendliness. It’s a purpose-built ski resort, part of the Pontedilegno-Tonale ski resort, on the border of Trentino and Lombardy.
Purpose-built here does not mean lacking in character, though. Although the town’s just one drag of hotels and restaurants, there are plenty of options for hearty, authentic food, from the homely Alpi pizzeria, to cosy café-bar La Botte, whose onion soup was the tastiest I’ve ever had.
And a stroll along Passo Tonale’s high street will take you past the town’s war memorial, where bones of Italian soldiers were interred after WWI. Passo Tonale marks the site of fierce territorial conflict between the Italians and Austrians. It was under Austrian rule until 1918, and visitors can go inside a tunnel dug by Italians during this time of conflict.
The town’s highlight is the Presena Glacier, which towers above at 3,000m. Visitors can ski on the glacier into late spring, on black, red or blue runs. Even if you don’t ski, a new gondola will take you up to a mountain hut at the summit, to enjoy the views with a glass of local bollicene (sparkling wine). It’s a treat at any time of year, but in the snowy months, you feel as though you’re at the top of a winter wonderland.
WHERE TO STAY: Il Faita An unbeatable location on the ski slopes of Passo del Tonale, with incredible mountain views from the terrace. With beautifully designed and cosy interiors, everything you need on site with their atmospheric restaurant-bar serving mouth-watering dishes, you may never want to leave! > click here for availability and prices
Ponte di Legno
Suggested by: Isabella from Boundless Roads
I used to go to Ponte di Legno every possible week-end, when I became addicted to snowboarding.It was my winter happy place as riding those white slopes from 9 to 5 was my so longed for week end job. When the snow season ended I would forget about Ponte di Legno until the next winter. Summer was not for the mountains, I thought, so boring.
Fast forward 15 years I regret not having enjoyed the beautiful summers there. The white slopes turn into green carpets, home of marmots, boquetins and deers and many other funny guys. The number of hiking trails is uncountable and very well traced for all fitness levels; cabins to stay for the night and share your stories with other hikers in the light of millions stars.
The landscape scenery is just like a fairy tale, especially in autumn, with its thousands shades of greens and browns, contrasting the blue sky and the white peaks of Presena glacier, a playground for photographers.
The town of Ponte di Legno is one of a kind. The cute tiny houses made of wood and stones, typical of the mountain architecture, all of them with flowery decorations perfectly placed on their balconies. The center of the city is very elegant as well and offers a great shopping experience, but most of all an exceptional culinary one.
The entire region is quite famous for its special dishes, very rich in flavor … and calories. But who cares about the calories, as you would burn it off the following day during your hike or rides. I cannot suggest any special restaurant because anywhere you go you are sure to find real genuine local food, which will never leave you disappointed.
Also the accommodation offer presents a variety of options from the cheap “Pensione” to the top luxury hotel or residences. For a treat you should go to the Tana dell’orso, quite popular also for its restaurant and most of all their hot