A Guide To Underrated Italian Villages You Should Visit
With Rich Report, you can explore the most beautiful towns and villages in Italy, whether you are visiting Calabria, Sardinia, Tuscany or Campania.
Plan a trip to these Italian villages if you plan to travel through Europe. “To visit them is to participate in Italy’s beauty while helping keep these enchanting places alive,” according to Fiorello Primi, president of the Italian association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy (I Borghi più belli d’Italia). Primi's organization promotes the heritage of smaller towns throughout Italy, even though you're familiar with Rome, Florence, or Milan. It has highlighted more than 300 villages across the country so far.
Our goal was to compile a list of ten beautiful villages from all over Italy with a noteworthy characteristic, a distinctive appeal, or an intriguing aspect. There were many beautiful villages in Italy, and the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" delivered.
“Small towns are the backbone of the country,” according to Giorgio Palmucci, president of Enit, the Italian tourism agency. It should be noted, however, that there are hundreds of other Italian villages worth mentioning, so this is more of a starting point than a definitive list. After we've gotten the disclaimer out of the way, here are 10 villages Primi boasts will be worth visiting.
Bagnoregio, Viterbo
The choice of Bagnoregio might seem obvious to some, but it shouldn't be missed. Bonaventura Tecchi, a local writer who lived there, gave it the nickname 'the dying town.' The nickname was given because of the many landslides in the area that threatened to undermine the village's future. Nevertheless, Bagnoregio prevailed and became a symbol of survival. As a result of its beautiful landscape and welcoming atmosphere, the village thrives as a tourist destination.
Ostana, Cuneo
In winter, there is skiing and ice climbing, while in summer you can enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. There are only about 50 inhabitants in the area, and the buildings and streets are made of stone. Even though that may seem small, it got down to five at one point. As a result of the mountain's charm, the descent was reversed.
Sottoguda, Belluno
Located at the foot of Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites range, lies a village with centuries-old buildings that seem untouched by time. There are traditional wrought iron figures adorning the entrances to the houses, and stacks of firewood indicate the village is still alive and well.
Verucchio, Rimini
Summer evenings by the sea are a common occurrence in Verucchio. In this town, you can stroll leisurely through fortresses and palaces from the 18th century, and visit the Municipal Archaeological Museum, which is housed in a former monastery.
Castiglione in Garfagnana, Lucca
Castiglione in Garfagnana is a refuge when concrete tyranny becomes too much and civilization's continuous roar becomes unbearable. This village is surrounded by green woods and mountains, making it feel detached from the world. Aside from poetic thoughts, the food here shines brightly, with mushrooms, truffles, cured meats, and pecorino cheese served with local potato bread.
Summonte, Avellino
You will reach your next village in Campania if you travel from north to south. Summonte, a charming town tucked beneath the feet of Mount Partenio, is a must-see for travelers exploring the region.
Fornelli, Isernia
An average annual temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit is enjoyed by 2,000 residents of Fornelli. Besides its ideal climate, the town is unique in that it explores the future as much as it explores the past. The village is willing to embrace new styles and project itself outward in the world, according to "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy."
Civita, Cosenza
There are diabolical depths hidden in this Italian village. A short distance away is the Ponte del Diavolo, which stretches over 600 steps. The 600-step bridge spans an extraordinary and dramatic canyon. It is one of the most impressive examples of Italian engineering and construction. Legend has it that Saint Julian enlisted the Devil's help to construct the structure, hence its name. It is said that the Devil was promised the soul of the first person to cross the bridge as a reward for his help.
Opi, L’Aquila
More than just people live in this village within Abruzzo National Park -- wolves, bears, and eagles roam the lands as well. There are still many pristine spots in this area despite the landslide risk. When you are exploring the woods, don't worry about coming across a dangerous animal. Most animals tend to hide when they hear humans.
Posada, Nuoro
A trip to Sardinia will conclude your journey if you visit all of the spots on this list. There is a sense of reverence for the coastline here; the water is transparent, and the sand is perfectly white. In addition to enjoying the blue sea, you can also go green by taking advantage of a bike-sharing service.
