Limone sul Garda, Lombardy
Nestled along the shores of Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda is a dreamy lakeside town with lemon groves, winding alleys, and pastel-colored buildings. Known for its mild climate, Limone’s terraces are dotted with citrus trees and olive groves, and the town’s name itself is a nod to its abundant lemons. Visitors can wander through the town’s historic heart, soak in lake views, and visit the ancient Limonaia del Castel, a lemon grove dating back to the 18th century.
Highlights: The stunning lakeside promenade, scenic boat rides, and historic lemon gardens.
Portofino, Liguria
Famed for its luxurious ambiance and picturesque harbor, Portofino is a beloved destination on the Italian Riviera. Known for its pastel-colored houses lining the waterfront, this small fishing village turned glamorous getaway is surrounded by clear blue waters and lush hills. The town’s beauty has attracted artists, celebrities, and travelers for generations. From strolling the waterfront promenade to exploring the nearby Portofino Regional Park, this town offers both tranquility and elegance.
Highlights: The iconic Piazzetta, Castello Brown, and nearby secluded beaches like Paraggi.
Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio
Often referred to as “The Dying Town,” Civita di Bagnoregio is a stunning medieval village perched atop a hill in the region of Lazio. Accessible only by a pedestrian bridge, the town is almost otherworldly with its ancient stone buildings, narrow lanes, and breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. With only a few residents, it’s a peaceful destination and a fascinating glimpse into Italy’s past.
Highlights: The 13th-century San Donato church, panoramic views, and charming cobblestone streets.
Orvieto, Umbria
Located atop a cliff in Umbria, Orvieto is a town filled with Etruscan history, Gothic architecture, and dramatic scenery. The Orvieto Cathedral, with its intricate façade and stunning frescoes, is one of Italy’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. The town is also famous for its underground caves, dug by the Etruscans thousands of years ago, and its renowned Orvieto Classico white wine.
Highlights: Orvieto Cathedral, underground cave tours, and local wine tastings.
San Gimignano, Tuscany
Known as the “Medieval Manhattan” for its distinctive skyline of towers, San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tuscany’s most famous small towns. Each of the town’s ancient towers has a story, and its preserved medieval architecture transports visitors back in time. With its bustling piazzas, charming shops, and renowned Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine, this town offers an idyllic Tuscan experience.
Highlights: Torre Grossa (the tallest tower), Piazza della Cisterna, and the town’s world-famous gelato.
Alberobello, Puglia
In the region of Puglia, Alberobello is famous for its unique trulli—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that create a fairytale-like landscape. These charming structures are an architectural wonder, and the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling through Alberobello’s narrow streets, visitors can explore trulli houses, shops, and museums, discovering the unique culture of this southern Italian gem.
Highlights: Rione Monti district with its trulli houses, Trullo Sovrano museum, and local olive oil tastings.
Positano, Amalfi Coast
A cliffside town on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is famous for its steep, narrow streets lined with boutique shops, vibrant bougainvillea, and breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This pastel-hued town offers some of the best coastal scenery in Italy, attracting artists, writers, and visitors who seek a slice of Italian paradise. Whether lounging on the pebbly beaches or exploring the vibrant neighborhoods, Positano is endlessly captivating.
Highlights: Spiaggia Grande beach, the Path of the Gods hiking trail, and scenic boat excursions along the coast.
Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Not far from Positano, Ravello is a serene hilltop town known for its music festivals and sweeping sea views. With historic villas, lush gardens, and quiet charm, Ravello has long been a haven for artists and writers. Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo are must-see sites, both offering enchanting gardens and panoramic views of the coast below.
Highlights: Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity, Ravello Music Festival, and tranquil medieval streets.
Cefalù, Sicily
Cefalù is a charming seaside town on Sicily’s northern coast, known for its golden sandy beaches and Norman architecture. The town’s crown jewel is its Norman cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Cefalù’s narrow streets, beachside cafes, and scenic waterfront offer a mix of relaxation and culture, making it a favorite spot for travelers seeking the essence of Sicily.
Highlights: Cefalù Cathedral, La Rocca (a nearby cliff with hiking trails), and the scenic Lungomare beach promenade.
Matera, Basilicata
Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is best known for its Sassi—ancient cave dwellings carved into the hillside. This unique setting, which once served as humble homes for locals, has been transformed into a vibrant community filled with restaurants, hotels, and artisan shops. Matera’s blend of history and modernity, combined with its dramatic landscape, makes it one of Italy’s most extraordinary destinations.
Highlights: Sassi cave dwellings, Matera Cathedral, and Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a preserved cave house.
