13 Most Charming Small Towns in Italy
Italy is a popular vacation destination, revered for its beautiful cities, such as Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan. While the world cherishes these famous locations for good reason, some of the richest culture and beauty is deep in the heart of the charming small towns. If you are in search of Italy's dreamiest getaways, from hilltop destinations to warm and inviting beaches, one of these small towns is the place for you. They each boast picturesque views, culinary delights, and interesting histories. So, skip the crowds and consider walking off the well-beaten path, towards the smaller towns and villages that are rich with life and beauty, unlike any other.
Pietrapertosa
Located in the province of Potenza, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata, Pietrapertosa is an ancient village and sits in a mountainous area. The town sits on the top of the slope of Monte Impiso and rock formations, creating a unique and attractive landscape.
The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, built in the 15th century, is the main church of the village. It features Romanesque architecture and a large bell tower, open for visitors to explore. The Pietrapertosa castle sits atop the Basento Valley. Though it is a steep climb, the panoramic views of the town are worth the hike. You will also find the Flight of the Angel in the town, which is a zip line that runs between the peaks of Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano.
Alberobello
Alberobello, Puglia, boasts beautiful architecture, namely the trulli, whitewashed buildings with conical roofs. These buildings create a unique view, painting the streets in warm tones and interesting shapes. The town is home to around 10,000 people and is generally quiet during the off-season. The most historic location, which also happens to be the most concentrated area of trulli, is Rione Monti.
If you visit, be sure to check out the Trullo Sovrano, a two-story museum that shares the history of the town. Alberobello is the perfect spot to get your steps in, as the best way to take in all the beauty is to walk around, visiting different shops and restaurants. There is also a two-hour walking tour where you can learn all about the trulli.
Taormina
A hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina is home to numerous trails that lead to the summit of Mount Etna, an active volcano. It sits atop a cliff that looks over the Ionian Sea, offering a gorgeous view of the water below. There are also fragments of ancient buildings scattered throughout the city.
It is most popular for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is an ancient theater still in use today. A few steps away, you will find gorgeous white sands and beaches, perfect for a day of relaxation. There are numerous other ancient sites worth the visit, including a 1635 Baroque fountain, a Cathedral that dates back to the thirteenth century, and the municipal gardens.
Portofino
A fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline, Portofino is most famous for its pastel-colored houses that line the shoreline. It is no surprise that seafood restaurants are a hot spot in the town, but there are a number of beautiful sights that add to the attraction.
There is an underwater statue of Christ of the Abyss, placed there in 1954 to protect scuba divers and fishermen, reminding them to wear the proper gear. It is also a monument to Dario Gonzatti, the first Italian to use SCUBA equipment. The church of San Giorgio is small but magnificent, overlooking a cliff and beautiful waters. It has fallen apart and required repairs several times, but today it hosts several famous paintings and a shrine of San Giorgio.
Matera
Located in the region of Basilicata, Matera is home to numerous caves carved into the mountainside known as the Sassi de Matera area. The Sassi area became an unlivable location because of poor conditions in 1952. However, it is now full of museums, which house unique furniture and tools, making it a historic tourist destination, not to mention a beautiful and distinct attraction.
You will also find the Murgia Materana Park, which is a rocky landscape, that documents how people of history created caves to live in and how things have changed over time. The panoramic views located throughout the town add to the appeal, offering perspective on the rock formations in the area.
Cefalù
Situated in northern Sicily, Cefalù is most popular for its Norman cathedral. The structure boasts attractive, intricate Byzantine mosaics, such as the Christ Pantocrator mosaic that is just above the altar. The mosaics are well preserved and have undergone restorations in the past. There are also two massive towers on either side of the cathedral which are about four stories high.
The remains of the Norman castle sit at the summit of the promontory, revealing different building styles and some of the area's history. The Madonie National Park is also nearby, home to a stunning mountainscape and beautiful views. Do not forget to visit the Palazzo Maria in Piazza Duomo and the 13th-century Osterio Magno.
Sperlonga
A coastal town in the Lazio region of Italy, Sperlonga sits halfway between Rome and Naples. In the old town or upper area of the town, there is a collection of whitewashed homes and buildings that offer views of the sea, which are popular with visitors. Bougainvillea flowers line the alleyways of the town, adding a romantic touch to the area.
There are a number of churches and chapels worth visiting as well, such as the Chiesa di Santa Maria and the modern Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption. Once you have traversed through the town itself, head down to the Spiaggia di Sperlonga and relax on one of the many beaches. End your day wandering through the town and visit one of the many cafes or restaurants.
Bosa
Situated on a small hill in Sardinia, Bosa is home to colorful buildings and a scenic river, along with a castle located on the hilltop. The Malaspina Castle, built in 1112, is one of the first places to visit. While there are only a few remains, the watch towers are still a unique sight.
There are also a number of churches located around Bosa, such as the Cathedral of Bosa, built in Rococo style, and the San Pietro Extra Muros church, built in Romanesque style. The Museo Casa Deriu also displays local crafts and temporary exhibits, along with paintings from Melkiorre Melis. There is also the Museo delle Conce, located in the former tanneries of the area, which displays the stone tanks and a photo exhibit that documents the leather tanning process.
Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the villages that makes up the Cinque Terre, most known for its colorful houses that line the small marina on northwest Italy’s Ligurian coast. One of the main sights is the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia which sits in the town's main square Piazza Marconi.
Vernazza's beach is also nearby, located just off the town's square. It sits within the protected harbor, offering privacy and seclusion. There is also a trail that connects all five towns of the Cinque Terre, including Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The towns are most famous for their colorful landscape, cliff views, and delicious seafood.
Noto
Home to the valley of the Sicilian Baroque, Noto, Sicily, was destroyed in a 1693 earthquake and rebuilt again in the 1700s. The Roman Catholic Cathedral of San Nicolò is a landmark in the town, alongside the Church of San Francesco, the Jesuit Church and College, and Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata.
There is also a flower festival each May where local artists fill a street that runs off of the main Corso Vittorio Emanuele with colorful flowers, creating unique mosaics and designs. The Gulf of Noto encompasses a number of beautiful beaches, including Eloro Beach and Spiaggia Cala Silenzio, with warm temperatures and views of glistening waters. Look for a vacation home near the water and enjoy the enchanting sunsets of the area.
San Gimignano
An Italian hill town in Tuscany, San Gimignano is just southwest of Florence and surrounded by thirteenth-century walls. Medieval buildings and towers line the town's center, Piazza della Cisterna, along with the Duomo di San Gimignano, a twelfth-century church. On top of the Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the town boasts beautiful churches and medieval fortifications. The walls of the churches are also lined with art and scenes from both the Old and New Testaments.
Unlike other cities, where ancient towers came down with time, San Gimignano has 14 towers lining its skyline, which earns it worldwide acknowledgment. On top of that, visitors are able to climb the one located at the new City Hall, which is the town's tallest tower, reaching 177 feet.
Tropea
Located on the east coast of Calabria, Tropea is a small town best known for its historic clifftop center and sandy beaches. The 500-mile coastline offers a view of three beautiful waterways, including the Tyrrhenian, the Strait of Messina, and the Ionian Sea.
Visitors also enjoy the twelfth-century cathedral built atop a Byzantine cemetery, which has an enchanting painting of the Madonna of Romania, who earns the title of the town’s protector. The Santa Maria dell’Isola Church is another popular attraction, having stood for centuries atop a cliff overlooking the sea. The town is also chock full of history, from the mythological legend of Hercules, who many believe founded the town, to the ancient Greek tombs and a Roman port.
Otranto
Otranto is in southern Italy’s Apulia region, offering the rich history of the area alongside incredible architecture, views, and beaches. The historical and cultural sites include the Aragonese Castle, which sits in the town's historic center. Constructed in the fifteenth century, the castle boasts unique medieval features, including carefully built walls, dungeons, and towers.
The Chiesa di San Pietro, built in the tenth century, features beautiful Byzantine art and architecture, as well as frescos with Greek writing from as early as its creation. There are numerous sea viewpoints scattered throughout the town, which you can seek out on your own or take a walking tour with one of the available guides.
Italy is full of splendid, unique, and breathtaking locations, all of which many people love for their culture and beauty. Whether you have already been to some of the more popular cities, or just want to live like the locals, these charming small towns are the place to be. They also offer the opportunity to escape with your fellow tourists and enjoy a more secluded vacation. No matter where you end up, fabulous food, delicious wine, and plenty of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes will surround you.
