There are so many beautiful small towns in Italy to explore beyond Rome, Florence, and Venice!
These quaint villages in Italy provide the opportunity to soak in the authentic and more local side of the country. Get away from the big crowds and restaurants catering to tourists.
From Positano to Alberobello to Vernazza, you will fall in love with the most picturesque towns in Italy! Italy is one of the world’s top tourist destinations for a reason, and it’s easily one of my favorites!
That’s why I’ve put together the top list of small towns in Italy to visit when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the more well-known cities.
If you do choose to visit several of these charming Italian towns, renting a car may be a useful way to travel around the country. Don’t make any of these mistakes when renting a car in Italy.
Get ready for a lot of beauty, a lot of history, and all the gelato you can eat! Here are the prettiest small towns in Italy to plan your next trip to!
15 Fairytale Villages & Small Towns In Italy
Volterra
Tuscany is one of Italy’s prettiest regions, and Volterra is one of the Italian hill towns you will certainly want to add to your itinerary! In fact, I included it on my ultimate Tuscany road trip!
Volterra is one of the best day trips from Florence since it is located about an hour southwest of the city.
Dating back to before the 8th century BC, Volterra was settled by the Etruscans and is full of history. This mountaintop Italian town has long fortification walls that were built at the end of the 4th century BC which can still be seen today.
In the 13th century, Volterra was under the rule of the Republic of Florence. Many structures date back to those Medieval times, including the Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzo Pretorio which stand over the town’s central piazza.
The Palazzo dei Priori is Tuscany’s oldest town hall, although the tower was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt in the 1800s. Today, you can tour the interior and even climb the bell tower.
Also check out the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum, the Roman amphitheater, and the Roman baths.
You’ll also spot the Medici Fortress which rests high above Volterra on a hilltop. The older part of the fortress was built in 1342, and the New Fortress in 1475.
Although today it is a high-security prison, it is lovely to view from the outside if you are a fan of Medieval architecture.
If you are looking for things to do in Tuscany, you must visit some of the many old Italian villages in the region!
Where to Stay in Volterra
The Hotel Villa Porta All’Arco is an affordable option housed in an early 20th-century villa. It is in a great location and features paid parking, a vegan breakfast, a garden terrace, and cozy rooms.
Positano
Positano is a small town in Italy located along the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is located on the western side of Southern Italy, about an hour south of Naples and Pompeii.
Positano enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm winters and mild summers cooled by the sea breeze. It is perfect to visit during any season!
As one of the prettiest small towns in Italy, there is no shortage of things to do!
This cliffside village is full of steep roads and colorful buildings. Just wandering the streets is a can’t-miss experience! You will find delicious restaurants, art galleries, and shops.
The beach, of course, is the main destination in this little Italian town. You can rent a beach chair and just relax or get more adventurous and rent a kayak or paddleboard!
Another unforgettable experience? Going snorkeling or scuba diving! The views of Positano by boat are amazing, and the views underwater are fun as well!
Positano can be reached by car or ferry from Capri, Naples, Salerno, or Sorrento.
As one of the most popular beach towns in Italy, you will want to add it to your bucket list!
Where to Stay in Positano
When looking for where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, you cannot go wrong with the beautiful, luxury Hotel Savoia! Each room has a balcony or terrace offering sea views. Some also have hot tubs!
Corricella
Contrasting popular Positano, Corricella is one Italy’s best coastal small towns that you may have never heard of!
Corricella is a port on the island of Procida, which is in the Bay of Naples. Although it is quite close to the popular Capri, Procida gets relatively few tourists.
As you watch the fishermen or take in the view of the many colorful houses, you may feel transported back in time.
The main draw in Corricella is the sea. If you get tired of relaxing by the water, visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church built in 1679.
At the highest and northernmost tip of Procida is the Terra Murata, a fortified Medieval stronghold and site of one of the best viewpoints of the Bay of Naples.
Corricella in one of the top small towns near Naples and can easily be reached by ferry.
Where to Stay in Corricella
Located a short walk from the beach, La Casa di Titina is a cozy apartment with a terrace and views of the coast. You will feel right at home with a full kitchen where you can cook.
Alberobello
Of all the cute towns in Italy, Alberobello may be the most aesthetically interesting!
While Positano and Corricella are known for their colorful homes, Alberobello is known for its trulli. These white-tipped, cone-shaped buildings number in the thousands in Alberobello.
This Italian town as a whole has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the trulli were originally built as dwellings, today they more often take on the form of souvenir shops.
There is no better place to see trulli than the Rione Monti quarter, which has over 1,000 trulli structures. Wander the streets, taking photographs of these odd yet photogenic buildings.
It is in the Rione Monti quarter that you will find the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio, a twentieth-century trullo church. Further away, but worth visiting, is Trullo Sovrano, a unique two-story trullo.
Due to the growing tourist interest in Alberobello, you will want to time your visit well. I suggest going in the off-season and venturing out in the early hours to see the town.
Alberobello is located in the region of Puglia and is one of the most beautiful towns in Southern Italy. It is a must-see hidden gem in Italy!
Where to Stay in Alberobello
For a unique stay, book a private trullo at Tipico Resort. The property is beautiful and the staff can help you book tours to make the most of your time in Alberobello.
Varenna
On the eastern coast of Lake Como, Varenna is one of my favorite small towns in Lombardy. It is about 40 miles north of Milan, perfect for a day trip.
Varenna is also close to the Swiss border so you can easily travel to many destinations within Switzerland.
Although still small compared to Italy’s big cities, Varenna is one of the bigger cute Italian towns on this list. There are plenty of things to do and places to stay.
Varenna has four major sights. The city center, Castello di Vezio, Villa Monastero, and of course Lake Como!
If you are taking a train to Varenna, the city center is just ten minutes away from the train station. The main square, Piazza San Giorgio, is surrounded by historic hotels and a 14th-century church, the Chiesa di San Giorgio.
From the city center, go east towards Castello di Vezio to get a panoramic view of Lake Como or go west towards Riva Grande, the charming lakefront.
You will also want to set aside time to visit Villa Monastero, an opulent villa that was once a monastery, then a residence, and is now a museum with a botanical garden. The gardens, the interiors, and the lake view are all impressive.
Finally, beautiful Lake Como is the highlight of this Italian town. Relax lakeside and work on your tan, swim, or take a boat tour.
No matter how you choose to enjoy Lake Como, you won’t be disappointed! It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy!
Where to Stay in Varenna
For a luxury stay with amazing views, book a room at the Hotel Royal Victoria. The lakeside hotel has gardens, a swimming pool, a wellness center, and two restaurants.
Santa Maddalena
Santa Maddalena, sometimes referred to as Santa Magdalena, is a small town in Italy at the base of the Odle Mountain Group of the famous Dolomites. Located in a valley, the mountains tower above this small town for a view that is unforgettable.
When I call Santa Maddalena a small town in Italy, I mean it! It has less than 400 inhabitants and is not a huge tourist spot either.
The main draw here is Santa Maddalena Church, which is a popular site for photography. Santa Maddalena is also known for its hiking, and in the winter, skiing.
If you are doing an Italy road trip, you cannot miss the Dolomites! They are one of my favorite places in Italy and are gorgeous!
I even have a full Northern Italy itinerary if you want to explore this region in more detail. I highly suggest it as it is one of the most beautiful spots in Italy!
I recommend visiting as many of the lovely Italian countryside towns as possible!
Where to Stay in Santa Maddalena
Hotel Gsieserhof is a beautiful property with modern chalet vibes and mountain views. It offers free parking, a spa, a garden, a bar, and more.
Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the five small towns in Italy that make up Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre as a whole is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With the only true harbor in Cinque Terre, Vernazza is an authentic fishing village. There is a small beach, but sightseeing is much more popular than relaxing by the beach. It is one of my favorite beach towns in Europe!
Although tourism is the main industry in Vernazza, wine and olive oil production continue, so be sure to try out these products while you’re there!
It is the colorful village itself and the view of the water that is the main sightseeing draw.
However, if you are looking for historical monuments, Vernazza does not disappoint!
Near the harbor, you will find the 14th-century Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia. You can also see the 12th-century fortifications that were built to protect the town, including the tower of the Doria Castle.
There are so many things to do in Cinque Terre so plan on spending a couple of days here. Cinque Terre has some of the most beautiful towns in Italy!
Where to Stay in Vernazza
The suites of La Polena Camere Vernazza offer amazing sea views. You will love sunbathing on the terrace and unwinding after a day exploring Cinque Terre.
I also have a full guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre by village for more options!
Savoca
If you choose to head to Sicily, you will not want to miss Savoca! Known as a filming location for The Godfather, this is one of the best small towns in Sicily!
This village is perched high above the sea, providing beautiful vistas. Though close to the water, Savoca does not offer a beach. But you can easily visit nearby beautiful beaches in Sicily.
The most popular tourist attraction in Savoca is Bar Vitelli. This is where a young Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, asks Apollonia’s father for her hand in marriage.
The bar is decorated with stills from the movie, and although it is very touristic, the food and drinks are still delicious and reasonably priced.
Other than its Hollywood claim to fame, Savoca offers many interesting historical sites, including three notable churches.
The Chiesa Madre, Savoca’s Mother Church, was founded in the 12th century along with the village itself. Next, the Chiesa di San Michele dates back to the year 1250. Finally, the Chiesa di San Nicolò is a 15th-century church where Michael and Apollonia get married.
Finally, don’t miss the ruins of the Castle of Pentefur as well as the walls and ancient town gate when visiting one of the top old villages in Italy!
Where to Stay in Savoca
Resort Borgo San Rocco offers a swimming pool, a Sicilian restaurant, free parking, and rooms with views. You will love all the amenities!
Pietrapertosa
Pietrapertosa is located in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata, just over two hours southeast of Naples.
It is also the highest town in Basilicata, built into a cliff face, giving it the nickname “City in the Clouds.”
Like in most small towns in Italy, Pietrapertosa is full of historical sites, including an ancient Saracen castle which offers incredible views.
There are also three important churches: the Chapel of the Assunta, the Chiesa Madre di San Giacomo, and San Francesco’s Church.
The most exciting attraction, though, is the high-speed, high-altitude zip line, the Flight of the Angel. It sits at 3,600 feet in the air and connects Pietrapertosa to Castelmezzano.
With speeds reaching 70 miles an hour, this is sure to get your heart pumping! You will love the views as you zoom between these two beautiful small cities in Italy!
Where to Stay in Pietrapertosa
The cozy and affordable rooms at B&B La Casa Sulla Roccia are perfect for your time in this small village. The property has a hot tub, free wifi, and AC.
Dozza
Dozza, forty minutes from Bologna, is one of the best towns in Emilia Romangna.
Every two years in September, the village is home to the Festival of the Painted Wall, where famous local and international artists paint permanent murals on the walls of the houses.
If you visit Italy in September, this is a must-see event!
The painted houses in Dozza are a beautiful attraction, but the town is also home to a 13th-century fortress that now includes a museum and wine cellar.
The Rocca Malvezzi-Campeggi is beautiful inside and out and is well worth a visit. It was a private residence until 1960, but now tourists can tour inside.
You will have a great time exploring one of the prettiest towns in Italy!
Where to Stay in Dozza
Just outside of Dozza, Villa Resta & Dependance features lush gardens, an outdoor pool, and a tennis court. The guesthouse also offers bicycles to its guests.
Burano
If you are looking for unique things to do in Venice, you have to take a day trip to the darling island town of Burano.
You are bound to fall head over heels for the brightly colored buildings and quaint canals. The buildings were traditionally painted like this so residents could find their houses in thick fog.
Burano is known for its delicate, fine lace. Visit the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) to learn about the craft’s history and see examples.
Around town, you will see lots of lace for sale too, but be careful not to buy cheap imitations. Real Burano lace is very expensive and uses high-quality fabric.
This island is perfect for wandering aimlessly and taking a million photos! This is one of the best towns to visit in Italy for photography!
Where to Stay in Burano
Pink Paradise is an adorable and homey apartment with a full kitchen and cozy living area. Sit out at a matching pink table to sip your coffee like a local.
Castel Gandolfo
Set on a hill overlooking Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is one of the most beautiful small towns near Rome. It is about an hour from the city, perfect for a day trip or romantic getaway in a hidden gem location.
The town is so lovely that it is home to the Pope’s summer residence. The Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo dates back to the 13th century and was acquired by the Vatican in 1596.
In 2016, the palace was opened to the public and is now a museum. Take a tour of the palace and stroll through the pretty, manicured Barberini Gardens.
After visiting the palace, explore Piazza della Libertà where there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops.
You will quickly agree this is one of the prettiest small Italian villages!
Where to Stay in Castel Gandolfo
If you want luxury for an affordable price, check into the gorgeous Atlantis Inn Castelgandolfo. Sit on the rooftop terrace and take in views of the lake and rolling hills.
Sirmione
Sirmione sits on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. It can be reached as a day trip from Verona in Northern Italy.
The top attraction here is Scaligero Castle. Dating back to the 14th century, this fortress is one of the coolest and most well-preserved castles in Italy.
Tour the castle and find awesome views from the tower.
If you are interested in archaeology, visit the ruins of a Roman villa at Grotte di Catullo.
Near the ruins, at the tip of the peninsula is Jamaica Beach. Made of giant rocks, this is a great place for sunbathing and viewing the massive lake.
Other things to do in Sirmione include taking a sightseeing cruise or wandering the narrow streets and popping into historic churches.
This is truly one of the most beautiful small towns in Northern Italy!
Where to Stay in Sirmione
The waterfront Hotel Eden is an excellent place to stay with plenty of outdoor seating so you can enjoy the views while eating breakfast. There is private parking, free wifi, and room service.
Tropea
In the Calabria region of Southern Italy, Tropea is the perfect vacation destination if you love vast beaches and a Mediterranean climate.
Tropea might be the best Italian city to visit for a beach trip! This area is known as the “Coast of the Gods,” and you will love swimming in the gorgeous, clear water and exploring rugged grottos.
Overlooking the sandy beach is the Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola di Tropea, or Sanctuary of Santa Maria of Tropea Island. This Byzantine-style monastery has a history dating back to the Middle Ages.
Climb the stairs to venture into the historic building and explore the gardens behind it.
This region is also known for its sweet red onion. Locals even bite into them like an apple! Make sure to order some dishes with this regional delicacy.
If you are looking for small towns in Southern Italy, do not miss the chance to see Tropea.
Where to Stay in Tropea
Hotel Colomba D’Oro is modern and elegant with marble floors and chandeliers. The hotel includes a mouth-watering breakfast, bike rentals, room service, and balconies in some rooms.
Bosa
If you visit the island of Sardina, make sure to stop by the town of Bosa on the Temo River.
Visiting Malaspina Castle, also known as Castle of Serravalle, is one of the top activities here. It was built in 1112 and sits atop a hill overlooking the town. It is a fun place to explore and provides jaw-dropping views.
Kayak tours of the river are popular too. This is a great way to see the town in a unique way.
If you would rather stay on land, check out the sandy beach where you can watch the sunset over the ocean.
Bosa also has many churches and history museums to visit. When eating out, order a glass of Malvasia di Bosa, a local dessert wine.
You will have a great time exploring one of the more remote quaint towns in Italy.
Where to Stay in Bosa
The historic Palazzo Pischedda is a gorgeous property featuring a restaurant with a terrace where you can order local dishes and fresh seafood. Rooms have elegant furnishing and some include a balcony.
No matter which small villages in Italy you choose to visit, you are sure to have an amazing time!
Stunning landscapes and a rich history combine to make an Italy trip unforgettable. From north to south, you will not want to miss anywhere on this small towns in Italy list!
Next, check out my guide to the best time to visit Italy!
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