15 Italian Towns and Villages to Explore
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Beyond Italy’s best-known cities, these fifteen towns and villages offer lake views, mountain landscapes, historic streets and coastal scenery. Many already welcome substantial numbers of visitors; quieter conditions depend on season and timing.
Use the descriptions to choose a place that interests you, then check local transport, opening times and any access reservations before planning the visit.
Varenna, Lombardy
On Lake Como’s eastern shore, Varenna combines lakeside lanes, former fishermen’s houses and historic villas. It is an established visitor destination; prices and crowds depend on the season.
Visit Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero. The latter’s botanical garden extends about two kilometres along the shore. Check opening times and ticket requirements.
Local or official visitor information
Cogne, Aosta Valley
Cogne is an Alpine village and a gateway to Gran Paradiso National Park, with mountain scenery and the broad meadow of Sant’Orso. It offers different outdoor activities in summer and winter.
Choose marked routes that suit the conditions and your experience. The area’s place names reflect its French and Italian linguistic heritage.
Porto Venere, Liguria
Porto Venere overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia. Its harbour, colourful houses and San Pietro church stand within the UNESCO-listed area shared with the Cinque Terre and nearby islands.
The church incorporates an early Christian structure and a later Gothic part; its architecture spans several historical periods. Enjoy the designated viewpoints and follow restrictions around exposed rocks, particularly in rough weather.
Local or official visitor information
Braies, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
Braies/Prags is in South Tyrol, where German and Italian place names are common. Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee lies in the Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park and is a well-known destination.
Check the official access information before visiting: summer traffic restrictions, bus reservations and parking arrangements can change. A morning visit does not guarantee an empty lake or parking space.
Local or official visitor information
Ivrea, Piedmont
Ivrea is known for its historic centre and Carnival, especially the Battle of the Oranges. The modern orange-throwing tradition developed from nineteenth-century practices and organized teams after the Second World War.
The event evokes a legendary rebellion against tyranny. Nine teams on foot face throwers on carts. Follow the organizer’s participation and spectator rules and check the current programme.
Local or official visitor information
Urbino, Marche
Urbino’s UNESCO-listed Renaissance centre is associated with Raphael and the court of Federico da Montefeltro. Its Palazzo Ducale houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche.
Allow time for the palace and hilly historic streets. Check museum opening times rather than assuming every attraction follows the same schedule.
Poppi, Tuscany
Poppi overlooks the Casentino valley in the province of Arezzo. Its Castello dei Conti Guidi developed particularly in the second half of the thirteenth century; the town’s earlier fortifications have a different history.
The story of Matelda and the Torre dei Diavoli belongs to local legend. Enjoy it as folklore, and use the castle’s official history for the building’s documented past.
Local or official visitor information
Tropea, Calabria
Tropea stands above the Tyrrhenian Sea on Calabria’s western coast, in the province of Vibo Valentia. Its cliff-top centre and beaches make it a well-established holiday destination.
Explore the streets and sea views, and check the route down to the beach. Popular periods can be busy, so plan accommodation and transport ahead.
Local or official visitor information
Menfi, Sicily
Menfi is in south-western Sicily, an area associated with vineyards, beaches and nearby archaeological sites such as Selinunte. Several wine producers operate in the area.
Arrange a winery visit with the producer rather than assuming walk-in access. Compare the tours and wines offered by different producers.
Capoliveri, Tuscany
Capoliveri is a hill town on Elba, Italy’s third-largest island after Sicily and Sardinia. Narrow streets and viewpoints connect its centre with the surrounding landscape.
Check ferry and local transport schedules if combining it with other parts of Elba. Allow time for the journey from your arrival port to the hill town.
Palinuro, Campania
Palinuro is a coastal settlement in Cilento, associated with Capo Palinuro, beaches and sea caves including the Grotta Azzurra. It is a known resort rather than a beach area reserved for locals.
Choose an authorized boat or diving operator and check sea conditions. Boat excursions and underwater caves require different skills and arrangements.
Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio
Civita is a historic settlement in the province of Viterbo, perched above eroded ravines and connected to Bagnoregio by a pedestrian bridge. Its dramatic setting attracts many visitors.
Check current access arrangements, admission and transport. Allow realistic travel time from Rome rather than relying on an unconditional one-hour drive.
Otranto, Apulia
Otranto is an Adriatic town in the province of Lecce, near Italy’s easternmost mainland coastline. The name is stressed on its first syllable: Òtranto. Its cathedral, castle and defensive walls reflect a long history.
The Ottoman capture in 1480 is a major episode in the town’s history. Explore its craft stalls and historic lanes.
Stintino, Sardinia
Stintino is on Sardinia’s north-western coast, near La Pelosa and La Pelosetta beaches and opposite the Asinara area. The former fishing settlement is now a popular visitor destination.
La Pelosa has controlled access and seasonal reservation rules. Check the municipality’s linked booking information and beach-protection requirements before arriving.
Local or official visitor information
Sperlonga, Lazio
Sperlonga’s whitewashed historic centre overlooks the Tyrrhenian coast between Rome and Naples. The archaeological area of Tiberius’s villa and its museum preserve sculptures depicting episodes involving Odysseus.
The sculptures provide a tangible connection with classical mythology. Check museum access and opening hours.
Local or official visitor information
Useful Italian for a visit
Serve una prenotazione? — “Is a reservation needed?”
Quali sono gli orari di apertura? — “What are the opening hours?”
Come si arriva al centro storico? — “How do you get to the historic centre?”
Which of these places would you like to explore? Share the season and the interests that would shape your visit.
