Town of Alberobello, Puglia
The best small towns in Italy capture the heart and soul of Italian culture. From cliffside fishing villages clinging to rugged coastlines to medieval illtop gems watching over rolling vineyards, these enchanting destinations will give you a glimpse into a slower, more authentic way of life.
Wander ancient Roman roads, explore vibrant art scenes, savor locally-produced wines, and uncover centuries-old traditions that shape each community’s character. Every visit will feel like you are journeying back in time, revealing the country’s incredible history and natural beauty
For an introduction to Italy’s most captivating small towns or a return visit, contact our travel specialist to help you curate a trip steeped in heritage and unforgettable sights. Our experts possess incredible knowledge of the regions they service and will personally customize an itinerary that perfectly matches your wish list.
Vernazza, Liguria
Nestled along Italy’s famously dramatic Cinque Terre coastline, Vernazza is a breathtaking symphony of color. Its vibrant houses perch on rugged cliffs that plunge into the Ligurian Sea and its car-free status make it a dream for long strolls. Vernazza’s heart is in its picturesque harbor, where fishing boats bob in the crystal-clear water. When meandering through Vernazza’s narrow cobbled streets, you will find hidden staircases, charming shops, and the irresistible aromas of fresh pesto and seafood.
A Journey Through History
The town's history is one of strategic maritime importance, evolving from a defensive fortress to a prosperous Genoese port.
What to Expect
Immerse yourself in the quintessential Cinque Terre experience, where the scent of salt and basil hangs in the air and every view is a postcard.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Vernazza offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty, historical exploration, and seaside relaxation.
Connect with our specialists to customize a Discover Tuscany Tour: Florence to Vernazza.
Alberobello, Puglia
For a fairy-tale experience, visit Alberobello, where the streets are lined with the enchanting trulli houses. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is home to over 1,500 of these charming, mortarless buildings, some dating back to the 16th century. Wandering through the historic districts of Rione Monti and Aia Piccola feels like stepping into another world, where local life continues amidst architecture born of historical necessity and ingenious craftsmanship.
A Journey Through History
The town's unique architectural history is a fascinating story of feudal cunning, peasant ingenuity, and a clever strategy to avoid property taxes.
What to Expect
Immerse yourself in the unique architectural landscape of Puglia’s most famous town.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Alberobello offers a one-of-a-kind cultural and architectural experience.
Uncover a true fairy-tale destination on Zicasso’s Luxuries of Puglia to Amalfi Coast Tour.
View of the Orvieto Cathedral in Umbria
Perched on a sheer cliff of volcanic tuff rock, Orvieto commands attention from miles away. Its crowning glory is the magnificent 14th-century Gothic Duomo, a masterpiece of Italian architecture adorned with intricate mosaics and powerful sculptures. But the town's wonders extend deep underground, into a labyrinthine network of over 1,200 ancient caves, tunnels, and wells carved into the rock by its Etruscan and medieval inhabitants. Renowned for its crisp Orvieto Classico white wine, this Umbrian jewel offers a journey through layers of history, art, and geology, all while providing stunning views of the green heart of Italy.
A Journey Through History
From an impregnable Etruscan citadel to a powerful papal refuge, Orvieto’s history is layered, above and below ground.
What to Expect
Experience a town suspended between the sky and the earth, rich in artistic treasures and underground secrets.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Orvieto offers a captivating mix of world-class art, ancient history, and geological wonders.
Discover the treasures of Umbria, from its soaring cathedrals to its hidden depths, by contacting our travel experts.
Cortona, Tuscany
Find Cortona’s timeless charm in well-preserved Etruscan walls and panoramic views of the Valdichiana valley. Famously known as the romantic setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun, this quintessential Tuscan hill town will capture your heart with its steep, narrow streets, sun-drenched villas, and sense of history. If you are an art lover, you will find treasures by Renaissance masters, while history enthusiasts can trace the town’s lineage back to its powerful pre-Roman origins.
A Journey Through History
Cortona boasts an ancient and prestigious lineage, founded by the Etruscans and flourishing as a vital medieval city-state long before its modern, cinematic fame.
What to Expect
Enjoy the romance of Tuscan life, where every cobblestone and cypress tree seems to tell a story.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Cortona invites you to explore of its history, artistic heritage, and stunning natural setting.
Live out your Tuscan dream on our Tuscany Tour for Lovers: Siena, Cortona, Volterra, San Gimignano and Certaldo.
Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio
Dubbed "The Dying City,” Civita di Bagnoregio is an ethereal and unforgettable sight. It sits precariously on a crumbling volcanic plateau and is accessible only by a long pedestrian bridge. This dramatic isolation, caused by centuries of erosion, has preserved the town’s medieval character. With only a handful of permanent residents, this ancient town offers a serene and poignant escape. Founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, crossing the footbridge is like entering another world, with breathtaking views and a profound sense of history at every turn.
A Journey Through History
Civita di Bagnoregio’s history is a dramatic tale of Etruscan ingenuity, geological vulnerability, and a constant battle against time and erosion.
What to Expect
Experience a surreal journey to a town that seems to float in the sky, offering profound tranquility and awe-inspiring views.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Civita di Bagnoregio's magic lies in its atmosphere, views, and quiet corners.
Witness a town that defies time on a Best of Greater Rome Tour: Wonders of Lazio.
Wine tasting in Bosa, Sardinia
Bosa is one of Sardinia’s most picturesque and enchanting hidden destinations. Pastel-colored houses line the banks of the Temo River, crowned by the 12th-century Malaspina Castle. As the only navigable river in Sardinia, the Temo adds a special charm to the town, with traditional fishing boats reflecting in its calm waters. Bosa is renowned for its delicate Malvasia wine and the craftsmanship of intricate gold and coral filigree jewelry. A visit will give you a mix of scenic beauty, rich history, and the authentic, welcoming spirit of Sardinian culture.
A Journey Through History
Bosa's history is woven from its unique position on Sardinia's only navigable river. Its legacy has been shaped by Phoenician traders, medieval nobles, and skilled artisans.
What to Expect
Immerse yourself in the colorful and authentic charm of a traditional Sardinian riverside town.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Bosa offers a delightful mix of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and authentic local experiences.
With our travel specialists, customize Zicasso’s Immersive Italian Tour to Florence, Cinque Terre, and Sardinia to include Bosa.
Spello, Umbria
Known as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Spello is a glorious vision of stone and flowers. Clinging to a spur of Mount Subasio, its honey-colored stone houses, narrow medieval streets, and ancient Roman gates provide a stunning backdrop for the vibrant blooms that adorn every balcony, staircase, and alleyway. The town is most famous for its spectacular Infiorate festival in June, but its charm is present year-round. With a history stretching back to Roman times and a legacy of producing exquisite olive oil, Spello offers history, art, and natural beauty.
A Journey Through History
Spello's story is one of Roman favor, Renaissance artistry, and a deep connection to the flowers and olives of its fertile landscape.
What to Expect
Immerse yourself in a town where history is written in stone and beauty blooms in every corner.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Spello's charm unfolds as you explore its art, history, and floral displays.
For a taste of Umbria's "flower town", take a look at our Culinary Delights of Umbria: Wine, Food, and More itinerary.
Atrani, Campania
Tucked away just around the corner from its famous neighbor Amalfi, Atrani is a precious secret and the smallest town in Southern Italy. It retains the authentic charm of a traditional fishing village, with a cascade of whitewashed houses and ancient churches tumbling down a narrow ravine to a small, picturesque beach. Its 10th-century Church of San Salvatore de' Birecto is a monument to Atrani’s distinguished past, when it served as the private residence for the Amalfi Coast's most powerful nobles. The town’s close-knit feel offers a slice of the Amalfi Coast that seems blissfully removed from the crowds.
A Journey Through History
As the smallest town in Southern Italy, Atrani’s history is one of quiet grandeur. It was the preferred residence for the noble families of the powerful Maritime Republic of Amalfi.
What to Expect
Immerse yourself in the genuine and tranquil atmosphere of a true Amalfi Coast fishing village.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Atrani’s charm lies in its simplicity, history, and peaceful seaside ambiance.
Escape the crowds and discover the authentic soul of the coast. Let us weave the quiet charm of Atrani into your bespoke Best of Italy Vacation in 12 Days.
Cefalù, Sicily
Cefalù mixes beachside relaxation, stunning architecture, and rich history. The town’s sandy shores stretch alongside a picturesque old town, where a maze of medieval streets leads to one of the world's great architectural treasures: the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral. Presiding over everything is the massive rock formation of La Rocca, offering a rewarding climb and panoramic views of the coastline. As a backdrop for the classic film Cinema Paradiso, Cefalù is steeped in a cinematic and romantic charm, making it a dream destination for art lovers, history buffs, and beachgoers.
A Journey Through History
Historically, Cefalù blends Greek legend, Norman power, and Arab-Norman architectural splendor, all set against the backdrop of a dramatic coastal landscape.
What to Expect
Immerse yourself in the golden light and rich culture of one of Sicily’s most beloved coastal towns.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Cefalù offers a wealth of experiences, from historical marvels to beautiful beaches.
Experience the cinematic beauty of Sicily. Ask our travel specialists to include the coastal splendor of Cefalù in your Romantic Sicily Wine Tour.
As the highest village in Basilicata, Pietrapertosa is an awe-inspiring sight. It’s carved directly into the rugged, sawtooth peaks of the Lucanian Dolomites and its stone houses seem to grow organically from the landscape. The remains of an ancient Saracen castle top the highest crest, overlooking a village where dramatic views unfold in every direction. A visit here offers a journey into a storied past and experiences that connect you with the raw, untamed beauty of this lesser-known Italian region.
A Journey Through History
Carved directly into the rugged peaks of the Lucanian Dolomites, Pietrapertosa’s history is a story of strategic defense, Saracen influence, and human resilience in a dramatic landscape.
What to Expect
Enjoy a dramatic landscape where adventure and history are etched into the very rock of the mountains.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Pietrapertosa is a playground for adventurers and lovers of dramatic landscapes.
Embark on an adventure into Italy's wild heart on our Exploring the Southern Coast of Italy Tour.
Rocca Sforzesca fortress in Dozza, Emilia-Romagna
Dozza is a true open-air art gallery. The walls of this historic medieval village have been transformed into a canvas for artists from around the world. Every two years, a mural-painting festival leaves behind an ever-evolving display of creativity, making every visit unique. Presiding over this colorful scene is the magnificent Rocca Sforzesca, a formidable fortress that now houses a museum and prestigious regional wine cellar. In Dozza, art, history, and the rich flavors of Emilia-Romagna blend seamlessly, making each corner a discovery of Italian charm and ingenuity.
A Journey Through History
Dozza's unique history is written on its walls, evolving from a strategic medieval fortress town into a living, open-air art gallery.
What to Expect
In Dozza, every street is a gallery and every cellar holds the flavors of a renowned culinary region.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Dozza offers a delightful combination of art, history, and wine.
Discover a village where art comes alive. Let us include the colorful charm of Dozza in your customized Best of Emilia-Romagna Tour in Two Weeks.
Castelrotto, South Tyrol
Set against the majestic Dolomites, Castelrotto embodies the unique Austrian-Italian cultural blend of the South Tyrol region. Known for its traditional Tyrolean music, colorful folk costumes, and charming painted houses, this village offers a distinct alpine experience. It serves as a gateway to the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, making it a paradise for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers. With its rich traditions and spectacular mountain landscapes, Castelrotto provides a unique and unforgettable taste of alpine Italy.
A Journey Through History
Nestled in the Dolomites, Castelrotto's history reflects the unique cultural fusion of the South Tyrol region, blending Italian and Austrian traditions against a stunning alpine backdrop.
What to Expect
Enjoy the crisp mountain air and rich cultural traditions of the Italian Alps.
Where to Enjoy Your Visit
Castelrotto is an ideal base for alpine adventures and cultural immersion.
Experience the majestic beauty and unique culture of the Dolomites on Zicasso’s Exploring the Dolomites: Splendid Northern Italy Tour.
Town of Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio
Italy’s small towns are glorious treasures. Each brims with a character, history, and beauty. From the sun-drenched coastlines of Liguria and the fairy-tale landscapes of Puglia to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the dramatic cliffs of Umbria, these hidden gems bring Italian culture to life. They offer moments of quiet discovery that stay with you long after you leave, inviting you to connect with the authentic heart of this spectacular country.
For more inspiration on visiting the diverse regions of Italy, explore our comprehensive Italy travel guide. When you are ready to turn your dream of visiting the country into an unforgettable adventure, browse our Italy tours and trip packages and then connect with our travel specialists to start planning your bespoke vacation.
Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts
Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip
Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access