The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Italy

guide at Assisi, Basilica St. Francis, Italy on 8 day tour itinerary.

At Travel by Luxe, we believe that some of Italy’s most beautiful and enchanting destinations can be found in its small towns. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the coastal charm of the Amalfi Coast, these towns offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our top 10 picks for the most beautiful small towns in Italy. We’ll take a closer look at the history and culture of each town, as well as the must-see attractions and hidden gems that make them worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly adventure, these towns have something for everyone. Join us as we explore the beauty of Italy’s small towns: 

1. San Gimignano, Tuscany

San Gimignano​, Italy_

San Gimignano is a small town located in the heart of Tuscany, in central Italy. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its picturesque hilltop setting. One of the most notable features of San Gimignano is its towers, of which there were once over 70. These towers were built by the town’s wealthy families in the 13th and 14th centuries as a symbol of their wealth and power. Today, only 14 of the towers remain, and they are a major attraction for visitors to the town.

In addition to its towers, San Gimignano is also known for its historic center, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s narrow streets are lined with charming medieval buildings, including the town hall, the palace of the Podestà, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. San Gimignano is also home to several museums and art galleries, which showcase the town’s rich history and culture. Visitors to San Gimignano can also enjoy its delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of Tuscan specialties such as wild boar sausages, truffles, and pecorino cheese.

To view our tours in Tuscany, visit our Tours of Florence & Tuscany With Your Own Official Private Guide page!

2. Polignano a Mare, Puglia

Polignano a Mare is a small town located in the region of Puglia, in southeastern Italy. The town is known for its stunning coastal setting, with crystal clear waters and a rugged coastline dotted with caves and cliffs. One of the most famous attractions in Polignano a Mare is the Lama Monachile beach, which is located inside a natural cave. The town’s historic center is also a popular destination, with narrow streets, colorful houses, and charming squares.

In addition to its natural beauty, Polignano a Mare is also known for its rich history and culture. The town has a long history dating back to the Roman Empire, and its historic center is home to several important landmarks, including the Church of San Vito, the Castle of Polignano, and the Aragonese Tower. The town is also home to several museums and art galleries, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors to Polignano a Mare can enjoy a variety of local specialties, including seafood dishes, fresh pasta, and delicious pastries.

3. Cinque Terre, Liguria

Cinque Terre is a group of five small towns located along the rugged coastline of Liguria, in northwest Italy. The towns are known for their colorful houses, steep terraced hillsides, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Cinque Terre towns are connected by a network of hiking trails and a scenic train line, making them a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The five towns of Cinque Terre are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each town has its own unique charm and character, with narrow streets, charming squares, and picturesque harbor views. The towns are also home to several historic landmarks, including the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Monterosso al Mare, the Castle of Vernazza, and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio in Manarola. In addition to hiking and sightseeing, visitors to Cinque Terre can also enjoy local specialties such as fresh seafood, pesto sauce, and focaccia bread.

4. Alberobello, Puglia

Trulli houses in Alberobello

Alberobello is a small town located in the region of Puglia, in southeastern Italy. The town is known for its unique architecture, with rows of white-washed houses topped with conical roofs. These houses, known as trulli, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a major attraction for visitors to the town.

The history of Alberobello dates back to the 14th century, when the town was founded by the Count of Conversano. The trulli houses were originally built as temporary dwellings, but they have since become a symbol of the town’s history and culture. Today, many of the trulli houses have been converted into shops, restaurants, and museums, where visitors can learn more about the town’s history and culture. 

In addition to its unique architecture, Alberobello is also known for its charming historic center, with narrow streets, charming squares, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors to Alberobello can enjoy a variety of local specialties, including fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and locally-produced olive oil.

5. Castelluccio di Norcia, Umbria

Castelluccio di Norcia is a small town located in the region of Umbria, in central Italy. The town is situated at the top of a hill, and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The town is surrounded by the Monti Sibillini National Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

The history of Castelluccio di Norcia dates back to the Middle Ages, when the town was founded by the Umbrian people. The town’s historic center is home to several important landmarks, including the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Palazzo Comunale, and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. In addition to its rich history and culture, Castelluccio di Norcia is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of local specialties such as truffles, lentils, and porchetta.

One of the most famous attractions in Castelluccio di Norcia is the Piano Grande, a vast plain that is covered in a colorful blanket of wildflowers in the spring and summer months. The Piano Grande is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, who come to admire the beautiful scenery and enjoy the fresh air.

6. Orvieto, Umbria

Visit medieval buildings in Orvieto, Umbria.

Orvieto is a small town located in the region of Umbria, in central Italy. The town is known for its stunning location atop a cliff, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Orvieto is also home to a well-preserved historic center, with winding streets, charming squares, and beautiful churches and palaces.

One of the most important landmarks in Orvieto is the Duomo, a stunning Gothic cathedral that dominates the town’s skyline. The cathedral was built in the 14th century and is known for its beautiful façade, which is decorated with sculptures and mosaics. The interior of the cathedral is also worth a visit, with its stunning frescoes and ornate chapels. In addition to the Duomo, Orvieto is also home to several other historic landmarks, including the Torre del Moro, the Church of San Giovenale, and the Pozzo di San Patrizio. Visitors to Orvieto can enjoy a variety of local specialties, including truffles, lentils, and the town’s famous white wine.

7. Assisi, Umbria

woman in yellow dress approaching Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Umbria.

Assisi is a small town located in the region of Umbria, in central Italy. The town is known for its religious history and its association with St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy. The Basilica of St. Francis is a major attraction in Assisi, with its stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. The Basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important examples of Italian Gothic architecture.

As well as to its religious significance, Assisi is also known for its beautiful location in the Umbrian hills. The town is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and forests, offering a peaceful and scenic setting for visitors. The historic center of Assisi is also worth exploring, with its winding streets, charming squares, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors to Assisi can enjoy a variety of local specialties, including truffles, lentils, and the town’s famous wine.

8. Pitigliano, Tuscany

Pitigliano is a small town located in the region of Tuscany, in central Italy. The town is known for its stunning location atop a cliff, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Pitigliano is also known for its well-preserved historic center, with winding streets, charming squares, and beautiful buildings.

One of the most notable landmarks in Pitigliano is the Church of St. Anthony, which is located on the edge of the cliff overlooking the town. The church was built in the 16th century and is known for its beautiful Renaissance architecture and its stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In addition to the church, Pitigliano is also home to several other historic landmarks, including the Palace of the Grand Duke of Tuscany and the Etruscan Museum. Visitors to Pitigliano can enjoy a variety of local specialties, including wild boar sausages, pecorino cheese, and the town’s famous white wine.

9. Bergamo Alta, Lombardy

Bergamo Alta is a small town located in the region of Lombardy, in northern Italy. The town is known for its well-preserved historic center, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city below. Bergamo Alta is divided into two parts: the upper town, known as Bergamo Alta, and the lower town, known as Bergamo Bassa. The upper town is home to the town’s historic center, with winding streets, charming squares, and beautiful buildings.

One of the most notable attractions in Bergamo Alta is the Città Alta, a fortified complex that includes the town hall, the cathedral, and the Castello. The Città Alta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best examples of medieval fortifications in Italy. The town is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the Accademia Carrara, which showcases a collection of paintings by artists such as Raphael and Titian. Visitors to Bergamo Alta can enjoy a variety of local specialties, including casoncelli pasta, polenta, and the town’s famous sbrisolona cake.

10. Ravello, Campania

Fantastic view of the Amalfi coast. Ravello, Italy

Ravello is a small town located on the Amalfi Coast, in the region of Campania, in southern Italy. The town is known for its stunning location, with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding hills. Ravello is also home to a well-preserved historic center, with winding streets, charming squares, and beautiful buildings.

One of the most notable attractions in Ravello is the Villa Rufolo, a 13th-century villa with beautiful gardens and stunning views of the coast. The villa is considered one of the most important examples of Arab-Norman architecture in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ravello is also home to several other historic landmarks, including the Duomo, the Torre del Gallo, and the Palazzo Marino. Visitors to Ravello can enjoy a variety of local specialties, including fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and the town’s famous limoncello liqueur.

To view other tours in Campania, check out our Private Tours of the Campania Region hub.

Travel To Italy’s Most Beautiful Small Towns With Our Guides

Italy’s small towns are a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly adventure, Italy’s small towns have something to offer. So why not explore the hidden gems of Italy and discover the beauty of its small towns? To start planning your tour of Italy’s most beautiful small towns with a private tour guide, get in touch with our team below and request your complimentary itinerary today!

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