8 Nicest Small Towns In Italy
There is a reason Italy is one of the most traveled-to places in the world: its lemon-scented lanes above the Amalfi Coast and vast vineyards on the Piedmont slopes create some of the finest scenery anywhere. In Albori, a town of around 300 people in Campania, you can wander colorful stairways and quiet streets that gaze out over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Carloforte, in Sardinia, pairs pastel facades with a proud tuna fishing tradition on Isola di San Pietro, while Civita di Bagnoregio turns every arrival into an event with its long footbridge and dramatic clifftop setting. From Portofino’s polished harbor to Tremezzo’s elegant Lake Como shoreline, these are the 8 nicest towns in Italy.
Albori
The Amalfi Coast has long been a hot destination, which often means huge crowds and a near-total lack of the serenity you might have been imagining. The solution: Choose an Amalfi Coast base that doesn’t get as much love. Built into a mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean, the colorful town of Albori seems to threaten to spill its paintbox colors into the sea, and it’s no surprise that it’s been designated one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy. Wander the winding streets leading to the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, sunbathe or swim from the beach at Marina di Albori, or simply enjoy the crowd-free streets — they’re a rare sight on the Amalfi Coast, and one of the greatest pleasures of a visit to this unknown corner of one of the world’s most happening tourist spots.
Assisi
Though it’s most notable for its ties to a revered Catholic saint, Assisi isn’t only appealing to the devout; it’s also one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. This is a Medieval city built on a hilltop overlooking the rolling hills of the Umbria region in the area’s characteristic pale stone. Chief among its attractions is the 13th-century Basilica of Saint Francis, a buzzing destination for tourists and worshippers alike with as much artistic as historical significance, but the city’s ancient Roman Forum implies an even longer history, and for those who enjoy Italy’s ecclesiastical architecture, the Cathedral of San Rufino is built in the Romanesque style and nicely contrasts the city’s many Medieval churches. All of that, of course, in a quintessentially Italian hilltop setting. The town’s religious significance draws many visitors, but Assisi offers as much to scenery-seekers and history buffs alike.
Carloforte
If the island of Sardinia is already a wildly underrated region of Italy among foreign visitors, the town of Carloforte on the offshore Isola di San Pietro is even more so. And that makes it perfect for those who want the relaxed, indulgent Italian getaway without the frantic pace and bustling crowds of some mainland Italian destinations. Carloforte is a laid-back place, a pastel-hued fishing village more reminiscent of the Ligurian coast from whence its original settlers came (think Cinque Terre without the crowds) than of the rest of Sardinia.
Though small and laid-back, Carloforte punches above its weight culinarily; its claim to fame is its bluefin tuna. It’s so famously delicious that the town draws visitors from around the world to the annual Girotonno tuna festival every May, and you can sample it in town at Al Tonno di Corsa. Walks through the colorful town center and lazy days on any of the island’s many beaches are other tourist draws. Or, if you’re always looking for superlatives to check off your bucket list, drive 15 minutes west to the Cape Sandalo Lighthouse, the westernmost point in Italy.
Civita de Bagnoregio
It’s become rather fashionable to plan “last-chance tourism” visits to natural wonders before environmental degradation does them in, but you don’t hear nearly as much about those last-call visits to entire Medieval towns. You will in Civita de Bagnoregio, though. Built atop a promontory of tufa (volcanic rock) that’s been eroding for centuries, this 1,000-year-old town founded by the Etruscans in the pre-Roman era is under threat of collapse — but not so soon that you shouldn’t plan a visit while you can. Civita de Bagnoregio is accessible only via a footbridge suspended dramatically above a plunging valley, and its remote location is half of the appeal.
The other half? A lovely hilltop town with plenty to offer besides the “dying city” epithet. The Geological and Landslide Museum nicely explains why exactly the “dying city” is in danger, while the Church of San Donato has existed in some form since the seventh century, and you’ll definitely want to sample the city’s local specialty: wild boar. Sitting 19 miles north of Rome, this is a no-brainer day trip if you have an extra day in the city and wish to explore a superlatively fascinating small town.
Neive
If hilltop towns and productive vineyards are the scenery you imagine when your dream Italian vacation comes to mind, Neive is a beautifully unspoiled alternative to some of the more famous and crowded spots in northern Italy. It’s located amongst the vineyards of the Piemonte region and famous for local wines like Barbaresco and Moscato, so oenophiles will find plenty to occupy their time, and gourmands can cut their teeth on truffles, for which this area is famous.
You can even take a truffle-hunting excursion just outside town if you feel the hankering. For lovers of history and architecture, the beautiful Casa dei Cotti villa provides a glimpse into the Renaissance-era high life. And of course, as in nearly all of these towns, leave plenty of time to explore the town itself. With narrow cobblestone streets and vineyard views in all directions, it is its own work of art.
Ortisei
It’s easy to forget in all our images of rolling hills and sparkling Mediterranean seascapes that Italy is mountainous, to, and some of its most beautiful towns are to be found in the rugged northern extremes of the country where the soaring peaks of the Dolomites make a stunning backdrop for just about everything. One of those towns is Ortisei, famous for its long tradition of wood carving (check out some of the area’s many carving workshops), its mountain views, and its excellent logistical setup for car-free travelers.
Even though many of the area’s attractions involve hiking, a free public bus system and an extensive cable car network make it possible to access trailheads all over the famous Val Gardena without renting a car. One such hike takes you to the Roseto Uhrerhof, a rose garden you might never expect to find blooming in a mountain valley — it’s exactly the kind of surprise find that makes Ortisei a pleasure to visit.
Portofino
The Italian Riviera, or the region of Liguria along Italy’s northern Mediterranean coast, is hardly an unsung tourist destination, and neither is the tiny harbor town of Portofino. But this quiet hub for the rich and famous comes by its popularity honestly. Tucked into the bend of a small, scenic harbor and backed by green hills perfect for a ramble, it’s a statelier answer to Cinque Terre reached by ferry where you’ll probably catch sight of a yacht or two on the way in.
And you could easily spend a whole day at the harbor having a coffee (or several) and enjoying the loveliness of the town’s natural setting. But for the best views of the town and harbor, you’ll need to climb up to Castello Brown or the Portofino Lighthouse in the hills around town. The hikes to these vantage points add a little adventure to your glamorous day in Portofino and promise unforgettable photo ops.
Tremezzo
Lake Como is another of Italy’s best-loved destinations, for good reason. But if you’re looking for a more serene location for all of that romance, there are plenty of lesser-known towns on the shores of the lake where you won’t find nearly as many people who had the same idea. Tremezzo is one such town. Home to the iconic Villa Balbianello, a Renaissance villa so stunning it’s been featured in multiple major films, it might just be the place you imagine when Lake Como is mentioned; a walk along the waterfront promenade will only confirm this. Moreover, it’s a convenient hub for Lake Como thanks to the ferry service that connects it to other lakefront towns — and provides stunning views from the water on the way. For strolls by the lake and classic Lake Como scenery without the crowds, Tremezzo should be your go-to.
Hidden Treasures
Italy is so beloved by travelers that it’s easy to feel like you’ve already seen it all just by scrolling through social media. But these eight nicest small towns prove otherwise. Hidden corners offer charm, history, and scenery. From vineyard-dotted Neive to the glamorous harbors of Portofino and the serene shores of Tremezzo, each town is a reminder that Italy is full of surprises. Skip the crowds, take some detours, and you’ll discover the kind of beauty, local character, and unforgettable moments that make small-town Italy so irresistible.
