You Need to See These 6 Beautiful Villages in Italy

Ah, Italy – The home of delicious pasta, pizza, and gelato! Filled with summery feelings, fashion houses, and even beautiful architecture. When someone asks you to describe Italy, surely only nice and beautiful things can come to mind. Here is exactly when its villages can come into play. Every year, the I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia, adds new villages to the list of places tourists need to visit. They do this, in order to preserve the beauty of the villages, and gather more attraction to places that do not get as much love as Rome or Milan might get. Let’s have a look at the beautiful villages in Italy that made it into the cut of this year’s list!

This Year’s Six Beautiful Villages in Italy

Here are the top-ranking villages you need to visit this year:

1. Maratea (Basilicata)

Maratea is a stunning and lesser-known coastal location that boasts a significant array of cultural attractions. It stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea for approximately 30 kilometers, spanning from Campania in the north to Calabria in the south. This coastline, known as one of Basilicata’s two rivieras, provides numerous beach choices and beach clubs, all set against a captivating seascape with crystal-clear turquoise waters. In and around the town of Maratea, there are 44 churches, each housing a diverse range of medieval artworks.

2. Barolo

Barolo, prominently featured on the list of Italy’s newly designated “Borghi Più Belli” (Most Beautiful Villages), is renowned for being the epicenter of one of Italy’s most famous wines, often referred to as the “wine of kings.” As expected for a place associated with such regal vintages, the town of Barolo, located approximately an hour’s drive from Turin, offers a castle steeped in romantic history and a wine route known as the “Strada del Vino,” which leads you to some of the region’s most prestigious vineyards.

3. Aosta

Aosta is nestled in the Val di Sole, a haven for nature enthusiasts within the Trentino region of northern Italy. This quaint village is renowned for its medieval castle, which holds a poignant love story. According to local legend, a young countess who sought to marry a courtier disapproved of by her father was confined to one of the castle’s rooms to prevent the union. To pass the time, she adorned the room with frescoes, and visitors can still explore this painted space today.

Apple orchards surround the village. This is the case as the Val di Sole, just as Val di Non, is famous for its apple production. The harvest season reaches its peak in early autumn, making it an ideal time to savor the region’s delicious apples.

4. Trentino

Trentino is situated in a region celebrated for its pristine Alpine landscapes, specifically, the Val di Lys, which is among the Aosta region’s most picturesque locations. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of this rustic setting, which has retained its character throughout the years. Stroll through the narrow village streets adorned with stone houses and chalets to fully appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the area.

5. Lombardy

Clusone, a picturesque hill town situated north of Bergamo in Lombardy, is a hidden gem with a rich cultural heritage. This charming town attracted the renowned composer Giuseppe Verdi, who is believed to have composed the opera Attila. The opera was composed during his stay as a guest of Countess Clara Maffei, an influential figure in the artistic and Italy’s Risorgimento movement.

6. Lazio

The Castelli Romani region in Lazio, located to the south of Rome, was a historic getaway for Roman emperors and nobility. This was the case for those seeking respite from the city’s summer heat. Among these retreats, Nemi stood out due to its volcanic lake, which attracted the likes of the infamous Caligula, who even had extravagant ships built to sail its waters (remnants of which can be seen in the town’s Roman Ships Museum). Nemi is also renowned for its ancient Temple of Diana and its cultivation of small, sweet strawberries.

The Best Times to Visit Italy

When planning a trip to Italy, it’s crucial to consider the ideal time for your visit. Various factors like weather, crowds, expenses, and more can impact your choice. Here’s a simplified overview of the different tourist seasons in Italy:

High Season: From May to September
Shoulder Seasons: March to April and October to November
Low Season: From December to February

Which village caught your eye and which would you like to visit someday? We would love to hear about your favorite place on the list!