Pack your bags! We’re on a mission to discover some charming Italian towns!
We all know what makes Italy stand out from the crowd: Incredible food, fantastic art, a rich language, and stunning landscapes. So we’re not surprised that this country is a dream destination that attracts millions of visitors yearly with its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious gastronomy.
But while most folks head to famous destinations like Florence or Rome, you might want to add a few small towns or villages to your itinerary. The scenic Italian towns and villages are surrounded by picturesque coastlines, mountains, valleys, rivers, and even volcanoes.
Full of hidden gems, Italy’s countryside is worth a visit with some of the prettiest sights you’ll ever see. But where do you begin? Well, first, plan your trip to your dream destination in Italy. And then, check out our list to see which charming Italian town is near you.
Or, you can plan an entire trip around discovering Italy’s hidden gems. Either way, no matter what part of this beautiful country you’re visiting, there’s a lovely Italian town waiting to greet you!
Click “Next” to explore our 8 favorite Italian towns!
1. Capri
The entire island of Capri is one of the prettiest in Italy. It’s off the Amalfi Coast, and you can get there by ferry. The most popular thing on the island is to take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto. It will take you around the island by speedboat and a canoe ride into the grotto.
An Italian singer will row you into a cave and sing beautiful music that echoes throughout the cavern. On land, there are fabulous shops and restaurants. Capri is also famous for its lemons, which grow all around and symbolize this Italian town.
Be sure to try a Limoncello di Capri, a local drink, while here. And after you’ve experienced the tourist side of the island, you should also check out Anacapri. The locals live here, and it’s a lot more peaceful. You can take a chair lift to Mount Solaro and hike down.
2. Sorrento
Sorrento, on the southwestern coast, is an ideal base for those interested in exploring Pompeii. Perched on imposing clifftops, this Italian town boasts spectacular views over the Bay of Naples.
To truly take in the sights, head to Villa Comunale Park, where you can get a lift or climb down the staircase that leads to the coast. Soak up some sun at the beach or from the attractive decking built on the water with sun loungers and umbrellas.
Another thing you can’t miss in Sorrento is strolling through its historic center. The narrow alleys are jam-packed with lovely cafes and souvenir shops filled with wooden kitchen gadgets, olive oils, and fresh herbs.
And remember to try some locally produced limoncello while you’re in this Italian town. Other places we recommend visiting are the 11th-century Basilica of Sant’s Antonio, Piazza Tasso: the busiest square in the town, and the quaint fishing village of Marina Grande.
3. Marina Corricella
Procida’s oldest fishing village is probably one of Italy’s most beautiful due to its patchwork of pink, purple, yellow, blue, and greenhouses. It dates back to the 17th century, and this small Italian town has a simple, laid-back vibe that’s hard to compare with anywhere else.
Lined with fishing nets and wooden boats, the harbor is usually animated with vendors and shouting fishermen. While here, you can also visit Fortress Terra Murata, a former prison serving as the island’s highest point.
It has some magnificent views that stretch across the Gulf of Naples. We recommend staying at the 18th-century aristocratic Palazzo Hotel la Casa sul Mare stands out. It features designer rooms that will transport you back in time.
And La Corricella’s signature fish dishes will leave you wanting more!
4. Chianalea di Scilla
At the tip of Italy’s boot in Calabria, this fishermen’s village is constructed on layers of rocks climbing out of the emerald water. With waterfront dwellings so close to the sea that waves wash into courtyards, it’s been dubbed the “little Venice of Calabria.”
Most homes here have boats parked outside instead of cars, with locals claiming that their “houses are boats and boats are houses.”
The tiny Italian town lies on the Strait of Messina, which is believed to be the mythical location where dog-headed sea monster Scylla attacked the ship of Ulysses in “The Odyssey.”
When the sun begins to shine, fishermen sell their bounty at the harbor with some Zibibbo wine on the side. As you can expect, those who love seafaring grub will not be disappointed here.
B and B Chianalea 54, a restyled fishermen dwelling, and restaurant Glauco’s, have specialties, including swordfish rolls that are local standouts.
5. Taormina
You can find Taormina on the northeastern coast of Sicily. This Italian town sits high on a clifftop with the most unbelievable views of the sea and the ever-looming Mount Etna, Sicily’s active volcano. It has lovely streets to explore, full of restaurants, boutiques, and cafes.
One of the highlights to see while here is its ancient Greek theater, which still puts on live performances of everything from pop concerts to opera. Be aware that the streets here are very narrow.
So if you’re reaching this stunning destination by car, you should leave it at one of the car parks outside the town center. In the evenings, you can linger in the Pretty Piazza IX, which is a fantastic place to take a stroll.
Locals and tourists meet here to socialize in one of the many cafes. And if you wish to explore further, a day trip to Mount Etna is also worth considering. The volcanic terrain is captivating.
6. Pienza
Located in Val D’Orcia, Tuscany’s most incredible spot, this Italian town is also known as the “ideal city of the Renaissance.”
Renamed and redesigned by Pope Pius II sometime in the late 15th century, it’s filled to the brim with architectural masterpieces, including Palazzo Piccolomini, designed by Florentine architect and sculptor Bernardo Rossellino, located in the stunning Piazza Pio II.
Set on a landscape of beautiful green rolling hills, this UNESCO World Heritage site is also famous because it features a string of streets with romantic names like Love and Kiss Street. We think you would love exploring the entire area.
But be sure to also check out a local restaurant named La Buca delle Fate. It offers a standard Tuscan menu, including picci pasta, which is not to be missed.
7. Alberobello
Alberobello is usually associated with striking cone-shaped homes. But despite its popularity, it’s still in our range of small Italian towns worth checking out. This adorable whitewashed town is home to the famous “Trulli,” particularly houses with a cone as the roof.
Thanks to its architecture, Trulli of Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting while in the Puglia area. And while you might think there isn’t much to do since it’s a small town, Alberobello might just surprise you.
Walking around the little cobbled alleyways, you’ll see the Trullo Siamese, made of two cone-shaped roofs into another, and Trullo Sovrano, the biggest one. If you love scenic places, you’ll love the view from the Belvedere of Santa Lucia.
And since you’re already in this Italian town, Martina Franca, Cisternino, and Locorotondo are also fantastic sites to behold. While a car isn’t necessarily needed to explore all the natural landscapes this place offers, renting one might enhance your experience.
8. Bosa
Our last favorite Italian town is actually a medieval village in Sardinia, and it’s also known as “Sa Costa.” It is divided into two parts by the Temo River. As the area’s only navigable river lures kayak lovers, its waters reflect the multicolored buildings of the ancient district.
Here simple artisan homes are juxtaposed with grand palazzos of glossy pink magmatic rock.
Long ago, Bosa was renowned for its leather-making industry, and it still has historical boutiques, where the art of tannery has been passed down from generation to generation, as well as stores selling asphodel baskets and coral jewelry.
While here, the biggest draw is the Castle of Serravalle which overlooks the town. It was built by the Tuscan Malaspina family sometime in the 12th century. Be sure to pack your camera to snap some memorable shots of this beautiful place!
Which of these majestic Italian towns will YOU be visiting first? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you liked this article, we also recommend reading: The 6 Most Sociable and Friendly Cities in the World
