Italy's Most Beautiful Villages
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Latest page update: 28 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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This collection of Italy's most beautiful villages has been drawn from thousands of contenders and represents a mere drop in the ocean of what the country has to offer.
There are around eight thousand official municipalities in Italy but thousands of other smaller villages or hamlets that lie around them. So to make this list is no small achievement but each one of these beautiful villages deserves its place. Within the villages we find the quirky such as with Alberobello and its conical trulli houses, astonishing natural landscapes such as those surrounding Castelluccio, or dramatic hilltop locations. |
Muro Lucano, Basilicata
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Alberobello
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Alberobello, located in the Puglia region of southern Italy, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique *trulli* houses. These iconic white limestone dwellings with conical roofs date back to the 14th century, originally built using dry-stone techniques to evade property taxes under feudal law.
The town's Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts feature hundreds of *trulli*, offering a magical, fairy-tale-like experience. Key attractions include the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story *trullo*, and the Church of Sant'Antonio, shaped like a large *trullo*. Alberobello is a captivating destination for history lovers and those seeking a glimpse into Italy's architectural and cultural heritage. |
Alberobello, Puglia
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Castelluccio
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Castelluccio di Norcia is a picturesque village nestled in the Sibillini Mountains of Umbria, central Italy. Perched at an elevation of 1,452 meters, it is Italy's highest settlement.
This charming village overlooks the vast Pian Grande, a karst plateau renowned for its "Fiorita," a vibrant bloom of wildflowers between May and July, creating a kaleidoscope of colours. Castelluccio's history dates back to medieval times, with its roots in pastoral traditions and mountain agriculture. Key sights include the village's quaint stone architecture, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and breathtaking views of Mount Vettore. |
Castelluccio, Umbria
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San Giovanni Bianco
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San Giovanni Bianco is a charming town located in the Val Brembana, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.
Nestled amidst lush hills and crossed by the Brembo River, it offers picturesque scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. The town's history dates back to medieval times, with its name referencing the patron saint, St. John the Baptist. Among its highlights is the historic Ponte Vecchio, an ancient stone bridge spanning the river, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, featuring beautiful frescoes. San Giovanni Bianco is a gateway to the natural beauty of the surrounding Alps. |
San Giovanni Bianco, Lombardy
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Gagliano Castelferrato
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Gagliano Castelferrato is a historic hilltop town located in the heart of Sicily, within the province of Enna. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, it offers stunning panoramic views.
The town's origins trace back to ancient times, with significant development during the Norman period. Its centerpiece is the Castello di Gagliano, a medieval fortress partially carved into the rock, showcasing the town's strategic importance. The Church of San Cataldo, with its impressive baroque design, is another must-see. Visitors can also explore narrow, winding streets lined with traditional Sicilian architecture. |
Gagliano Castelferrato, Sicily
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Colle di Val d'Elsa
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Colle di Val d'Elsa is a historic town located in Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. Known as the "City of Crystal," it is celebrated for its tradition of glassmaking, producing most of Italy's crystal.
The town is divided into two sections: the modern lower area and the medieval upper town, rich in history and charm. Key sights include the Duomo, dedicated to San Marziale, and the Palazzo Campana, a striking entrance to the old town. The Museo del Cristallo showcases its renowned glass heritage. Colle di Val d'Elsa dates back to Etruscan times and flourished during the Middle Ages, becoming a vital center of trade and craftsmanship. |
Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tuscany
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Rasiglia
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Rasiglia, a picturesque village in Umbria, lies near Foligno, surrounded by the lush green hills of central Italy. Known as the "Village of Streams," it is famed for its intricate network of crystal-clear waterways that flow through its cobblestone streets.
These waters, powered by natural springs, have shaped Rasiglia’s history, fueling mills, dyeing workshops, and weaving looms since medieval times. Highlights include the ancient mill and the remains of a 13th-century castle, which once protected the village. Rasiglia offers a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere, where visitors can admire its blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and traditional craftsmanship that evoke Italy’s timeless allure. |
Rasiglia, Umbria
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Vezzano Ligure
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Vezzano Ligure is a picturesque medieval village located in Liguria, near the Gulf of La Spezia in northern Italy. Perched on a hilltop, it offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and coastline.
The village’s origins date back to ancient Ligurian settlements, flourishing during the Roman era and later as a fortified medieval town. Its charm lies in its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and ancient walls. Key sights include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and the historic Torre Pentagonale, a striking pentagonal tower. Vezzano Ligure is a serene destination, combining history, panoramic vistas, and the tranquil beauty of Ligurian tradition. |
Vezzano Ligure
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Pontremoli
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Pontremoli is a historic town in the northern region of Tuscany, nestled in the lush Lunigiana valley along the banks of the Magra River. Known as the "Gateway to Tuscany," it has long been a crossroads for travelers on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route.
The town boasts a rich history, with roots in the Roman era and significant growth during the Middle Ages as a trade and cultural hub. Highlights include the Castello del Piagnaro, housing the fascinating Museum of Stele Statues, and the 17th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Pontremoli enchants visitors with its medieval bridges, charming piazzas, and vibrant traditions, making it a gem of Tuscan heritage. |
Pontremoli, Tuscany
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Muro Lucano
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Muro Lucano is a picturesque town in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, perched on a rocky hill overlooking verdant valleys. With origins dating back to ancient Lucanian settlements, it has a rich history shaped by Roman and medieval influences.
The town is dominated by the imposing Castello di Muro, a Norman fortress later expanded by the Angevins. The nearby Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari, with its stunning interior and historical significance, is a key landmark. Visitors are enchanted by its winding streets, stone houses, and panoramic views. Muro Lucano is also known as the birthplace of Saint Gerard Majella, adding a spiritual dimension to its cultural heritage. |
Muro Lucano, Basilicata
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Portogruaro
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Portogruaro is a charming town in northeastern Italy, located in the Veneto region near the border with Friuli Venezia Giulia. Founded in the 12th century as a trading hub along the Lemene River, it retains its medieval character and architectural beauty.
The town's highlights include the elegant Town Hall with its distinctive crenellated facade, the Campanile, a leaning bell tower adjacent to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, and the ancient Mulini di Sant'Andrea, picturesque water mills on the river. Portogruaro's arcaded streets and historic piazzas reflect its mercantile past. A blend of cultural richness and serene canals, it offers a timeless Venetian charm away from the region's bustling tourist spots. |
Portogruaro, Veneto
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