10 Italian Villages You Should Visit During Your Italy Tour

Italy is one of the few places on this Earth that has an amazing ambiance during the summer season. The historical legacy, renowned cuisine, breath-taking heartland, and award-winning wines simply add a special touch to the place which makes every trip to this heavenly land a memorable experience.

San Gimignano

You must have heard about the splendid locations and sites in Tuscany. Well, San Gimignano happens to top the list of amazing places in Tuscany. This small village is marked by age old towers, narrow streets and a touch of medieval aspects that still prevails here, despite the advent of modernization in the country. Don’t forget to try a glass of red wine made at one of the vineyards here and while you are enjoying this drink, you can even have a bite or two of delicious homemade pasta.

Manarola - Cinque Terre

Joel Addams

Manarola happens to be one of the 5 villages of the Cinque Terre region in Italy and it has been recognized as the most beautiful out of the lot. The moment you step into this paradise, you would be welcomed by a breath-taking sight of brightly coloured homes which have been built on the rocky slopes that lie between the Mediterranean and the hills. Similar to other coastal towns, Manarola has a wide array of flavourful cuisines, usually comprising of seafood. When you have had your fill of sightseeing and dining, then you can chill out on the beach which is rather peaceful as there is limited access to it, with only a small regional road running up to it.

Portofino

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Portofino is one of the most iconic and exclusive villas in the country. Just think of it as an upscale version of the rustic establishments that are spread out across Italy. Designer shops, fine dining outlets and restaurants, beautifully adorned terraces and charming streets are some of the major attractions of this place. Due to the intense rush and crowd that can be experienced here during peak seasons, officials restrict access to this fashion paradise so that the visitors get to enjoy the place instead of moving around in a crowded place.

Matera

If you are a fan of Hollywood movies, then you must have seen portions of Matera being used as a backdrop for some of the best filmed scenes in the industry. Matera is amongst the few towns in Basilicata that are able to captivate visitors by their ambiance and appeal. The village is well known for the sassi, which is a cave home that has been carved from the surrounding hills. Make sure that you walk on the cobblestone streets that connect the sassi and the historic churches. Such aspects of Matera have also earned it a spot on the World Heritage Site list.

Castelmezzano

Castelmezzano is a Cliffside villa that lies in the high areas of the Lucanian Dolomites. When you visit this place, you can be assured of the best regional wines, quaint village taverns, fresh food sourced from the nearby farms and peaceful streets that are reminiscent of the place’s history. While here, don’t forget to check out the Volodell'Angelo ("Flight of the Angel"), which is a walking path that runs along the top of the bluffs. This is the best walking path in Italy and you need to traverse it to experience the amazing feeling that this place has.

Alberobello

Alberobello is known for its unique trulli structures, which makes this place appear straight out a fairy-tale world. If you are a foodie, then you will be in love with this place, especially with charming shops lined with olive oils and almond treats. You can also get the best antipasti in the local taverna. The best part about this place is that you can actually stay for a short duration in the conical trulli. This makes Alberobello one of the best places for a short visit comprising amazing food, peaceful rest and an amazing ambiance.

Positano

Being situated just 30 miles away from Naples, this cascading village is the most romantic locations on the Amalfi Coast. Not only do you get a relaxing beach and cosy restaurants, but also boat trips that take you through striking cliffs and scenic villages that adorn the shoreline. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Italy and if you are planning for a holiday, then make sure you add this to your itinerary.

Montone

Montone has the fortune of being ranked amongst the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy. What makes this place so divine? The credit goes to historic towers, rustic small-town charm, olive groves, rambling grapevines, and fields of wheat. If you are lucky enough to be near one of the wheat fields during sunset, then you would be able to view the subtle rays of the fading sun, dancing atop the fields and this gives it a surreal touch of artistic beauty.

Menaggio

If you need a relaxing place away from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s crowded cities, then you should definitely check out Menaggio which is s one of many small towns clustered around Lombardy's famous Lake Como. For those who want to experience the places in the vicinity, Menaggio offers daily ferries which take visitors to nearby places while giving you an amazing tour of Lake Como as well.

Vernazza

The village of Vernazza is wedged between cliff and the sea, and lies in the Cinque Terre region. This place has earned the reputation of being a prominent fishing destination which is obvious from the wide array of seafood being served in the local restaurants and the presence of a lovely harbour that adorns this place. Vernazza was affected by floods and landslides in 2011, and the village was almost destroyed. But the place has managed to recover from this incident and continues to be one of the most sought after destinations in Italy.