Condé Nast Traveler rounded up 20 of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, the sort of places that tempt you to swap big-ticket cities for something slower and more atmospheric.
We've pulled out six of the best small towns in Italy that capture very different sides of the country: Riviera polish, Puglian oddity, Sicilian drama, Amalfi glamour, Piedmont vineyards and Lake Garda calm.
Portofino, Liguria
Portofino earned its place thanks to its postcard harbour, pastel façades and long association with Riviera high society. The setting is pure Ligurian theatre, with fishing boats bobbing below steep green hills and luxury seaside properties tucked into the folds of the coastline.
In peak summer, it feels small for the volume of day-trippers. Prices reflect its international profile, and the town has been known to fine tourists for taking selfies, so be aware.
What not to miss: walk up to Castello Brown for a clear view over the harbour and the sweep of the coastline.
Who it suits: short, indulgent stays and travellers who don’t mind paying for location and polish.
Taormina, Sicily
Taormina appears in the Condé Nast Traveler list for good reason: its ancient Greek theatre frames Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea in one sweeping panorama. The town’s terraces, grand hotels and belle époque villas give it a slightly cinematic feel. It has long drawn writers, actors and, more recently, film crews for the popular TV series White Lotus.
What not to miss: a performance or at least a wander around the Teatro Antico at sunset.
Who it suits: culture-focused travellers who want history with a dash of Sicilian drama.
Alberobello, Puglia
Alberobello stands out for its dense clusters of trulli, those whitewashed stone houses topped with conical roofs. The historic centre feels almost theatrical, which explains its UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s unlike anywhere else in Italy.
By late morning in summer, coach tours roll in, and the narrow lanes clog quickly. Staying overnight changes the mood completely, once the day visitors drift back to Bari.
What not to miss: the Belvedere near Piazza del Popolo for a full view across the trulli rooftops.
Who it suits: architecture lovers and anyone curious about southern Italy beyond the usual coastal circuit.
Positano, Campania
Few places encapsulate the Amalfi Coast's beauty quite like Positano. Its steep cascade of peach, pink and terracotta houses down to the sea has been romanticised for decades. The dome of Santa Maria Assunta anchors the whole scene.
In summer, it is intensely crowded and pretty expensive, with narrow roads that were never designed for modern traffic. Visiting in late spring or early autumn makes it far more manageable.
What not to miss: the Roman villa beneath the church, with remarkably preserved frescoes.
Who it suits: those content to splurge for a few nights in one of Italy’s most photographed settings.
Barolo, Piedmont
Barolo is a small town in Piedmont whose reputation far exceeds its size. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, it sits at the heart of one of Italy’s most serious wine regions. The village itself is compact, with stone houses and quiet lanes.
It can feel sleepy outside harvest and festival periods, and you’ll need a car to explore properly. The reward is space, good food and a slower rhythm than the coastal hotspots.
What not to miss: a wine tasting at a historic cantina paired with tajarin pasta and local truffle in season.
Who it suits: wine devotees and anyone drawn to rural northern Italy over beach life.
Sirmione, Lombardy
Set on a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Garda, Sirmione is known for its lake views and medieval Scaligero Castle. The historic centre sits at the tip, surrounded by water on three sides. Thermal baths and Roman ruins add another layer of interest.
Day-trippers arrive in steady numbers, especially at weekends. Staying overnight allows for early morning walks when the lake is at its calmest.
What not to miss: the Grottoes of Catullus, an atmospheric Roman archaeological site overlooking the water.
Who it suits: those who like lakeside scenery with a mix of history and spa culture.
Italy does small towns better than almost anywhere, but they’re not interchangeable. Some are best approached with a generous budget and careful timing; others reward patience and a willingness to slow down.
Stay inspired for your travels in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
