Italian villages

Italy’s northern edge tapers off in a small Alpine settlement at the head of a narrow valley on the Austrian border.

Vernazza is one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, perched along the Ligurian coast.

There’s been plenty of chatter over the past couple of years about Harry Styles quietly buying a house in a tiny Italian hill town with just 11 inhabitants.

Italy’s beauty isn’t limited to Rome, Florence or Venice. Across the country, small towns rise from volcanic cliffs, glow in pastel colours by the sea or sit quietly among vineyards and olive groves.

Italy’s cities get most of the attention, but it’s the smaller villages that really show how layered the country is.

When people talk about Italy’s most beautiful mountain towns, they’re usually picturing snow-capped peaks, stone houses and those emerald-green valleys.

When people search for Italy's most beautiful towns, they’re often talking about I Borghi più belli d’Italia — an official association that recognises small historic villages across the country. This isn’t a glossy travel ranking or a social media trend.

Interest in 1-euro houses in Sicily hasn’t faded in 2026.

Thinking about how to buy a 1‑euro house and finally swap grey commutes for an Italian hill town? In 2026, the schemes are still alive, but the reality behind the headlines includes strict renovation deadlines and a fair bit of bureaucracy.

Monopoli, a charming town on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, comes alive at Christmas. The historic centre, with its white streets, ancient churches, and picturesque squares, is transformed with festive lights and decorations, offering visitors a unique Mediterranean Christmas atmosphere.

Tourism in Italy continues to grow as 2025 comes to a  close, with new data confirming its crucial role in the country’s economy and a clear shift in traveller preferences.

Looking for the best Italian villages to visit at Christmas?

Snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, festive markets, and Alpine traditions—San Candido in December is the perfect destination for a magical Christmas in the Dolomites.

The UN Best Tourism Villages initiative puts Italy in the frame for 2025 with three villages.

Across the Dolomites and the Apennines, the most beautiful snowy villages in Italy are all snow‑dusted bell towers, olde worlde stone lanes and glistening rooftops.

Rome doesn’t end at the city walls. Within an hour, you’ve got imperial showpieces, quiet lakeside towns, medieval hilltops and a stretch of Tyrrhenian coast.

Latronico is a small mountain town in Basilicata, tucked into the Lucanian Apennines. It’s been getting fresh attention lately, with interest in homes here having spiked hard, helped by word spreading about good-value property and a local push to match empty houses with buyers.

Latronico’s finally popping up on savvy travellers’ radars for two big reasons: wellness and wild nature. This small hill town in Basilicata’s Potenza province sits between the Monte Alpi massif and the edges of Pollino National Park.

Where can you find the best cheese in Italy? From the mountains of the Aosta Valley to the sunny landscapes of Sicily, Italy is a paradise for cheese lovers.

Just 50 kilometres from Florence and close to Empoli, Vinci is a charming Tuscan village famous for being the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of northern Tuscany, Barga is one of those small Italian towns that quietly wins you over.

Finding your feet in Italy doesn’t have to mean shelling out for a city flat or jostling with tourists on the coast.

There’s something a bit magical about life in an Italian village.

Italy's renowned cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice captivate millions, but the country's allure extends far beyond these iconic destinations. Nestled amidst its picturesque landscapes lie countless charming towns and cities, waiting to be discovered.

Sicily is not just about the sea and beaches: there are many mountain areas full of charm and tradition that offer a peaceful and authentic lifestyle. Living in the mountains in Sicily means enjoying breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, and a slower pace of life, far from the chaos of the cities.