An archipelago town where sunsets set the Adriatic glowing, yet without the pressure of mass tourism.

Between Burano and Sant’Erasmo sits a tiny island almost entirely occupied by a working Franciscan monastery.

The warm season is just around the corner, and the countdown to Italy’s most popular destinations has already begun. Yet there is another side to the country: small villages that still preserve their scents, views and atmosphere, capable of surprising even in high season, if you arrive just a little earlier than everyone else. Here are ten villages chosen for summer, set between the sea, lakes and mountains, linked by a common thread: authenticity, striking scenery and a welcoming spirit that encourages you to slow down.