Most travellers, while touring Europe, tend to cover all the famous and major cities like Paris (France) and Rome (Italy). The glamour of cities like Venice and Florence (both in Italy) is well documented, but there are small towns in Italy that are the dreamiest getaways. These places offer quintessential Italian charm and attract fewer travellers. These towns are not just Instagram-worthy but also offer vibrant facades and historic charm. From the Sicilian seaside escapes to the perfect Tuscan hamlets, we have gathered a few of the beautiful towns in Italy that you can add to your itinerary for your next trip around the country.
Assisi, Umbria
This ancient town lies in the rolling hills of Umbria and has historical significance. The place is also the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, St. Francis. The town has been a pilgrimage site for years and has been attracting devotees to the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco.
Polignano a Mare, Apulia
The tiny town of Polignano a Mare is located on a limestone cliff that slices into the ocean. Also known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, it is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in all of Puglia. You can explore the sandy bays and inlets via boats and the town’s whitewashed streets.
Cinque Terre, Manarola
Cinque Terre is one of the tiniest cities in Italy. The place is a postcard-perfect sight filled with a rainbow of brightly coloured homes, placed one on top of another above the indigo Ligurian Sea. The place has steeply terraced vineyards, which look like they are straight out of an old Italian movie.
Sovana, Tuscany
Sovana is a perfectly preserved, off-the-radar Tuscan village in Maremma. The period of sandy stone architecture will definitely take you back in history. You can explore the historical monuments, art-filled Romanesque churches and fabulous Etruscan tombs.
Cefalù, Sicily
Cefalù is an hour’s drive from Palermo. The mediaeval town of Cefalù is so postcard-pretty that it has even been featured in many films, like Cinema Paradiso. The town has many mosaic-adorned cathedrals. You can walk along its picturesque seafront promenade and catch the sunset from the towering La Rocca.
