Seven beautiful small towns in Italy

nd several beaches, some empty and some with facilities and water sports centres.

6. Pienza

Pienza is a charming Renaissance village located in the beautiful Val d’Orcia, in the province of Siena, Tuscany. e entire Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. e town is famous for its urban architecture, designed by the Sienese architect Rossellino on commission from Pope Pius II in the 15th century.

Rossellino followed the rules of harmonic geometry in designing the village, making it a place that bene ts the body and mind of the inhabitants. Many travellers are worried about traveling to Val d’Orcia in winter, thinking it is not worth it. ey are wrong. e landscape is so enchanting that it can be enjoyed in any season.

Attractions not to be missed in Pienza include the Duomo of Pienza, the Palazzo Piccolomini, the Borgia Palace, and the Church of San Francesco.

Pienza is also known for its pecorino cheese, which you can buy at the many local food shops located in the town’s historic center.

In addition, every year in September there is the Fiera del Cacio, a festival dedicated to cheese that attracts visitors from all over the world. Tuscan ham ‘prosciutto crudo’ is one of the most prized qualities of ham In Italy. Try both the cheese and the ham by ordering a tagliere at the bistro Baccano Il Panino Toscano.

7. Spello university circles, the so-called catana. ose who travel to Tolfa do so to feel surrounded by lush, unspoiled nature.

Spello is a beautiful medieval village located in Umbria, in the province of Perugia. Spello’s historic centre is very charming with the stone alleys and medieval-style houses with decorated portals, owered balconies, and frescoes.

Speaking of owers, the In orata di Spello festival has made Spello one of the most popular villages in Umbria. During this festival at the beginning of June, the streets of Spello are covered with intricate and colorful designs made entirely of ower petals.

Nowadays these kinds of bags are known only to vintage shoppers, but the craft workshops in Tolfa are still in operation, and they have remained mostly as they were.

One of the things you notice as you stroll through the historic town centre are the shop signs, which are still the same as they were 50 years ago. Tolfa is a destination visited by Italians on the weekends. And the village really comes alive the rst few days of August, when it hosts Tolfarte, a festival of street performers and theatre.

Although few people know about this event, I try to go every year.

All this is crowned by the street food market where you can nd the most delicious Italian street food.

4. Castiglione di Sicilia e village stretches over a hill o ering breathtaking views of the Ionian Coast, which you can reach within a short drive. Dotted with narrow stone streets, old houses, and noble palaces, this village is a real jewel of medieval architecture. e Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, located on the main square, is a clear testimony to the importance of Baroque architecture in Sicily.

Castiglione di Sicilia is a medieval village located in the eastern part of Sicily, in the heart of Mount Etna Park.

Castiglione is a beautiful othe-beaten-path town that you can use as a base for exploring the east coast of Sicily. From here, you can plan a day tour to Mount Etna and visit other destinations in the area, such as Taormina and Naxos Gardens.

5. Trevignano Romano

Trevignano Romano is one of the most picturesque villages in central Italy. Known simply as ‘Trevignano’, it sits on the northern shore of Lake Bracciano, a lake located about 40 km north of Rome.

Lake Bracciano is one of the best lakes to visit near Rome. ere are other towns overlooking the lake, but e strength of this hamlet is that the historic centre is set back from the dock, along which you nd a curated promenade with sculptures and gardens about 2km long. e rst half of the promenade is lined with small seafood and lake sh restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias. Along the second half of the promenade you can e in orata is de nitely what makes Spello stand out from so many other Italian villages.

Trevignano Romano is the smallest and most o the tourist radar.

In the last 10 years, Trevignano Romano has become a favourite destination for retirees and for families with children. ey appreciate the mild climate, the chance to swim in one of Italy’s clearest lakes, and the slow pace of village life.

It’s the most anticipated time of the year in Spello. is festival keeps the community together, creates identity, and keeps locals busy for months. Just imagine how much work must go into collecting many thousands of ower petals from the mountains near the village, storing the petals, and creating the ‘paintings’.

As for historical landmarks, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Spello is one of the oldest churches in Umbria, dating back to the 9th century. e interior of the church houses stunning frescoes, including one by Pinturicchio. Outside of the church you nd a lovely garden with arches.