Best Small Towns to Visit in Italy: There’s something magical about going on tours of Italian small towns. Even though places like Rome, Florence, and Venice are beautiful, I’ve always been drawn to the small towns and beaches that are hidden away in the countryside. These cute spots slow down time and make you value the little things, like a chat with a local artist, a meal at a family-run trattoria, or the view of the sun setting over a quiet square.
Every small town I went to had something different to offer, whether it was history, beautiful scenery, or events I will never forget. It was a real pleasure for me to visit some of Italy’s most beautiful small places.
1. San Gimignano: The Town of Towers
San Gimignano immediately took my breath away with its iconic medieval towers rising high above the Tuscan hills. As I strolled through the ancient streets, I felt as though I had stepped back in time. The narrow alleyways and well-preserved buildings gave the town a distinct charm.
I couldn’t resist climbing the Torre Grossa, the tallest of the towers, to take in the panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. A stop at Piazza della Cisterna for gelato felt like the perfect reward after all that walking. I struck up a conversation with the owner of the gelateria, who proudly shared that their recipe had been passed down for generations.
2. Matera: Italy’s Ancient Cave City
It felt like I was in a different world when I got to Matera. The Sassi di Matera, which are ancient cave dwellings, made me feel like I was in touch with the past. Matera is known as one of the oldest towns that has always been inhabited. It was strange to stay in a cave hotel because the stone walls gave it a rural charm while also providing modern comforts.
One of the most memorable things I did was sit on the deck of my hotel and watch the soft evening lights shine on the old stones. A guide from the area led me through the winding streets and told me about the history of the sassi and how the town has changed over the years. The raw beauty and rich past of Matera will stay with me forever.
3. Positano: The Jewel of the Amalfi Coast
I knew I was in a special place as soon as I saw Positano from the rocks above. The view was picture-perfect, with pastel-colored homes falling down the slope to the water. It was a bit of a workout to walk up and down the steep streets, but around every corner there was something lovely, like a shop selling ceramics or a cosy café serving espresso.
Spiaggia Grande is the town’s main beach, where I spent the day relaxing. For dinner, I had seafood at a diner with a view of the sunset. I got a better sense of Positano’s charm after talking to the owner, who had lived there his whole life.
4. Orvieto: A Hilltop Gem in Umbria
Orvieto, perched on a volcanic plateau, greeted me with an air of mystery. Rising majestically at the middle, the Gothic front of the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral shimmered in the sun. Discovering the town’s old Etruscan past by means of exploring the subterranean caverns was an amazing journey.
I visited a little winery in the evening to taste the nearby Orvieto wine. Sitting with the proprietors, I became close to the customs of the town by listening to their tales of winemaking. One of my favourite visits was Orvieto because of its mix of warmth, history, and beauty.
5. Alberobello: The Trulli Town
Entering Alberobello seemed like entering a fantastic tale. Each one more beautiful than the next, the trulli—whitewashed, conical-roofed homes—lined Rione Monti’s streets. Visiting the biggest trullo in town, Trullo Sovrano, I discovered the distinctive architecture that gained Alberobello UNESCO designation.
The owner of a family-run store brought me into their trullo house as I was exploring and told tales about growing up in this enchanted village. Alberobello felt especially unique in these kinds of occasions.
6. Assisi: The Spiritual Heart of Italy
Assisi came across as calm right away. Said to be the birthplace of St. Francis, the town’s peaceful streets and historic churches encouraged introspection. Seeing the Basilica di San Francesco humbles one. As I meandered about the chapel, the amazing frescoes within inspired great spiritual resonance.
Later, I attended a Piazza del Comune local celebration where I ate a basic dinner at a trattoria and listened to folk music among the residents. The calm appeal of Assisi was a nice diversion from the everyday grind.
7. Cinque Terre: A Cluster of Coastal Beauty
Visiting the Cinque Terre—a collection of five coastal villages—was like stepping into a postcard. I hiked between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza, enjoying the rugged beauty of the coastline and the vibrant colors of the villages clinging to the cliffs.
While in Riomaggiore a fisherman told me stories of life on the shore, I had a bottle of local wine with friends in a secret location overlooking the sea in Manarola. Every community had unique character, and taken together they provided the ideal mix of adventure and leisure.
8. Cortona: A Slice of Tuscan Life
Cortona thought the height of Tuscan appeal. Wandering the little streets, I came into a Piazza della Repubblica small market where I sampled fresh cheese and olives. From the Girifalco fortification, the view was breathtaking and presented a whole vista of the Tuscan landscape.
Spending the afternoon at a family-run osteria, the proprietor greeted me like family and told me tales about Cortona life. This town clearly motivated the book and film “Under the Tuscan Sun.”
9. Polignano a Mare: A Cliffside Coastal Gem
Arriving in Polignano a Mare felt like discovering a hidden paradise. The town’s houses clung to the cliffs above the Adriatic Sea, creating a dramatic and unforgettable view. I spent hours exploring the charming old town and swimming in the clear waters of Lama Monachile Beach.
A dinner at a cliffside restaurant was the perfect end to the day, with the sound of waves crashing below and the lights of the town reflecting on the sea. Polignano’s beauty was simply mesmerizing.
10. Ravello: A Hidden Gem in the Hills (Best Small Towns to Visit in Italy)
Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello offered a peaceful escape. I wandered through the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, where the Terrace of Infinity provided breathtaking views of the coastline.
Enjoying a coffee in Piazza Duomo, I listened to a local musician play and spoke with a resident about the town’s history as a haven for artists and writers. Ravello’s quiet charm was a refreshing change from the busier towns along the coast.
Why Italy’s Small Towns are Worth Visiting
Every one of these little communities touched me differently. These locations—the history of Matera, the romance of Positano, or the beauty of San Gimignano—offers experiences not found in more major cities.
If you are about to travel to Italy, I advise you to venture outside the well-known attractions. These little villages are the very soul of Italy—where daily life, history, and culture entwine in the most exquisite manner.
