12 Villages in Italy So Beautiful They’ll Make You Rethink Your Bucket List

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Planning your Italian Trip? Let me guess – your itinerary features Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and maybe Pisa. While these are unmissable Italian destinations, Italy’s beautiful villages let you experience an off-the-beaten-path with so much beauty, history, and a relaxing ambiance to soak in. You cannot afford to miss them.

Looking for Italian villages to add to your list? The ones we discuss on this list are truly unique. With their distinct architecture, colorful houses, beautiful landscapes, thrilling adventures, and rich cultural heritages, these beautiful Italian villages are unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Ready to transform your travel experience? Add these beautiful villages to your travel list and watch how they elevate your Italian travel experience.

Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio

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Know those destinations we are told to visit as soon as we can because they may not be with us for long? Civita di Bagnoregio is one of those destinations. The village is perched dangerously on a hill that is quickly eroding and threatening its existence. It is no wonder it has been nicknamed “The Dying Town.”

That aside, Civita di Bagnoregio is not only deeply historic but also a feast for the eyes. Its hilltop location offers amazing views of the surroundings, including the deep canyons and rugged terrain. You will love to know that the village is only accessible by a pedestrian bridge, which offers breathtaking views of surrounding valleys and beautiful landscapes.

After crossing the bridge, wander around charming streets in search of landmarks like San Donato Church, located on the village’s main square; Bagnoregio Cathedral, known for its impressive interior and medieval architecture; Civita di Bagnoregio Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the village’s Etruscan and medieval past; and the Etruscan ruins and archaeological sites across the village.

After a long day of exploration, catch a break at the village’s main square, Piazza San Donato, surrounded by historic buildings and cafes.

Cinque Terre, Liguria

I don’t know about you, but I could never resist an opportunity to explore five beautiful villages at once. Cinque Terre, a string of five beautiful villages on the Ligurian coast, is a destination you have to experience at least once in your life. Visiting it is an opportunity to explore picturesque villages perched on dramatic cliffs, beautiful sea views, and history-filled buildings.

Just strolling around in search of scenic viewpoints is a good enough activity to do in Cinque Terre.

Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five buildings, is known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Vernazza, the second village, has a picturesque harbor, scenic coastal views, and a beautiful Doria Castle; Corniglia is known for beautiful vineyards and terraced hillsides, while Manarola and Riomaggiore feature colorful houses stacked on a steep cliffside, with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea.

Luckily, the villages are well interconnected with beautiful hiking trails, allowing adventurers to explore charming scenery on foot. You could also use the train line to move from one village to another.

Alberobello, Puglia

Alberobello, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fairytale-perfect village. Its unique architecture and rich cultural heritage are among the things that set it apart. Prepare to be intrigued and culturally enriched by the history of this village.

Its traditional trulli houses are perhaps its most outstanding feature. The unique whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs earned the village the UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Walk along the village’s street, snapping photos of the beautiful houses as you find landmarks like Trullo Sovrano, a museum showcasing the construction techniques and historical significance of Trulli, and Alberobello’s Historic Center, perfect for exploring local shops, and enjoying traditional Puglian cuisine.

Whether you are into history, architecture, or picture-perfect scenery, Alberobello will offer you your slice of paradise.

Matera, Basilicata

Matera looks like a painting – one from a different universe. Located in southern Italy, this village is known for its ancient cave dwellings, making it one of Italy’s most intriguing destinations. The cave dwellings, carved directly into limestone rocks, are one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

Matera was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 due to its historical and cultural heritage and unique architectural features.

Wander around the village, discovering the networks of cave houses, rock-cut churches, and ancient streets. If you are into photography, you want to find a viewpoint to capture the village from a distance. The view of the city from a distance, with its stone buildings blending into the rugged terrain, is particularly striking.

Make sure to spare some time for the Cathedral of Matera, located on the highest point of the city, offering stunning views over the village; and Palazzo Lanfranchi, a historic palace that now houses the National Museum of Matera.

Indeed, visiting Matera is a journey through time, history, and architectural excellence, which makes it a must-visit destination.

Portofino, Liguria

Portofino, a village clustered around a small, beautiful harbor, is known for its historic charm and upscale ambiance. If you are a traveler seeking relaxation interlaced with elegance, Portofino is a destination that will suit your needs.

The picturesque harbor is framed by a series of vibrant, pastel-colored buildings, creating a postcard-perfect scene. The village is then nestled between lush hills and the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea, offering breathtaking views and a serene environment. For your exploration, walk around the cobblestone streets, looking out for historic buildings, charming squares, and viewpoints.

Some unmissable landmarks to explore include Castello Brown, a historic fortress on a hill overlooking the harbor; Church of St. George (Chiesa di San Giorgio), known for its scenic location and beautiful interiors; Villa Durazzo, which has gorgeous gardens; and Portofino Nature Park, perfect for nature walks.

Pienza, Tuscany

Tuscany has many beautiful villages, but you should not miss Pienza. After all, it is a very easy drive, around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Florence. Pienza is a delightful destination for those interested in history, architecture, and scenic beauty. For history buffs, Pienza is a superb spot to immerse yourself in Renaissance art and architecture.

When you arrive, wander around the town’s compact historic center, discovering elegant Renaissance buildings, charming streets, and beautiful squares. Piazza Pio II, the heart of Pienza, is one of Italy’s most stunning Renaissance squares. The square is surrounded by architectural landmarks and offers a great place to stroll and take in the atmosphere.

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Other remarkable landmarks include the Cathedral of Pienza, Palazzo Piccolomini, and Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall).

Beyond the historical buildings, you can find a spot in the town to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Val d’Orcia region, known for its stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and vineyards. If you have time, drive into the countryside and soak in the beauty of this landscape.

Dolceacqua, Liguria

Located near the French-Italian border, Dolceacqua is the typical medieval village, with streets lined with artists’ shops, fragrant cellars, charming cafes and galleries. This village is most famous for its medieval stone bridge, which has a beautiful and unique design.

While at it, do not miss out on Castello dei Doria, which offers rich historical insights and beautiful views of the village and its surroundings. You may also want to make some time for Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, a Baroque church featuring ornate decorations. If you are a nature lover, you will love that Dolceacqua is surrounded by beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and the lush Nervia Valley, all of which add to this village’s charm.

After exploring the village, you can venture out to Nervia Valley to reconnect with nature. The valley is also known for having scenic hiking trails.

Castelmezzano, Basilicata

Castelmezzano, nestled between Dolomiti Lucane mountains, offers dramatic scenery and numerous outdoor exploration opportunities. The stunning natural scenery amidst mountains and beautiful rock formations makes this village even more captivating. Another thing that sets Castelmezzano apart is its beautiful medieval stone houses built on rocky terrain.

If you are adventurous, you can hike the trails of Dolomiti Lucane or experience the exhilarating Volo dell’Angelo (Flight of the Angel) zipline that connects the Castelmezzano trail to the next village of Pietrapertosa. Otherwise, you can just wander around the town’s historic streets, discovering landmarks like the Church of Santa Maria dell’Olmo.

Marzamemi, Sicily

Sicily is home to numerous charming villages, and Marzamemi is one of those whose charm will captivate you. With its blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty, this picturesque village is one of the best spots to enjoy the ultimate Sicilian charm.

Marzememi has a strong fishing tradition, which is evident in its local cuisine and thriving local tuna industries.

In Marzamemi, you can walk around admiring antique buildings, soak in the views of the Mediterranean, or watch its magical sunsets. You can also lounge on the picturesque Marzamemi Beach, known for its clear waters and sandy shorelines.

Vasto, Abruzzo

Visit Vasto to enjoy its beautiful beaches, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Walking around Vasto reveals well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings, perfect for historical and architectural exploration.

You will also love the town’s location over the Adriatic Sea. The panoramic sea views it offers add to its scenic appeal.

Some unmissable highlights include Piazza Rossetti, a charming square in the center of the village; Castello Caldoresco, an architecturally pleasing fortress with views from its towers; and the Vasto Marina Beach, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the Adriatic Sea.

Bellagio, Lombardy

Bellagio is one of the beautiful villages around Lake Como. While it is a destination with many offerings, it is famous for its panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. Its location at the point where the lake splits into two branches provides stunning views. You will certainly love Bellagio’s well-preserved historic architecture, including villas, historic buildings, and charming gardens.

When visiting Bellagio, you can just relax in its picturesque surroundings; it is a good enough way to enjoy its beauty. However, if you choose to chase landmarks, do not miss out on its beautiful villas like Villa Melzi d’Eril and Villa Serbelloni. Lastly, spend some time boating around the lake, enjoying beautiful views of the lake and other charming lakeside towns.

Furore, Campania

It is no secret that the Amalfi Coast is very touristy and over-commercialized. If you want to experience a slow-paced Amalfi, go to Furore. This beautiful village is located off the popular tourist trail in Amalfi, which has largely contributed to it retaining its authentic charm.

This hidden gem is perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, creating a dramatic natural scenery. Besides, the village has a small harbor, with a narrow inlet and colorful houses, adding a unique and picturesque element to the landscape.

While the entire Furore is scenic, some noteworthy highlights include the Furore fjord and Church of San Elia Profeta, which are very picturesque spots.

If you are into active exploration, take advantage of the scenic hiking trails that wind through the cliffs and hills surrounding Furore, which offer unsurpassed views of the Amalfi Coast. If you would rather relax, Marina di Furore, a small beach near the village’s harbor, would be the perfect spot for you.