When most travellers think of Italy, they picture the Colosseum, Venetian gondolas, and Florentine galleries. Yet beyond these celebrated destinations lies another Italy altogether; one of ancient hilltop villages, cliff-hugging hamlets, and timeless communities where authentic Italian life unfolds at a gentler pace.
These ten remarkable villages offer experiences you simply won’t find in the guidebooks. From prehistoric cave dwellings to fairy-tale trulli houses, each destination rewards the curious traveller with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to Italy’s extraordinary heritage.
1. Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio
The Experience
Known hauntingly as the “Dying Town,” Civita di Bagnoregio appears to float above the clouds on its eroding volcanic plateau. Founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, this extraordinary settlement is accessible only by a dramatic pedestrian footbridge. Within its ancient walls, you’ll discover medieval architecture, the Romanesque Church of San Donato, and panoramic views that seem lifted from a Renaissance painting.
How to Get There
Fly into Rome Fiumicino (1 hour 45 minutes by car) or Rome Ciampoli. The nearest train station is Orvieto, from which local buses run to Bagnoregio. You’ll then walk the iconic bridge to Civita itself. For flexibility, hire a car in Rome; the drive through the Lazio countryside is spectacular in its own right.
2. Alberobello, Puglia
The Experience
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello is home to the iconic trulli, whitewashed stone dwellings with distinctive conical roofs dating back to the 14th century. The Rione Monti district contains over 1,000 of these remarkable structures, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. Don’t miss the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-storey trullo in existence.
How to Get There
Fly into Bari (55 minutes by car) or Brindisi (1 hour). Regular trains connect Bari to Alberobello via the charming Ferrovie del Sud Est regional line. A scenic journey through olive groves and vineyard-clad hills. The village is compact and best explored on foot once you arrive.
3. Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria
The Experience
Perhaps the most photographed of the Cinque Terre villages, Vernazza tumbles down to a natural harbour in a cascade of pastel-coloured houses. This car-free gem offers superb hiking, swimming in crystal waters, and the ruins of Doria Castle perched dramatically above. Fresh seafood at harbourside trattorias completes the experience.
How to Get There
Fly into Pisa (1 hour 30 minutes) or Genoa (1 hour 15 minutes). Take the train to La Spezia, then hop on the frequent Cinque Terre railway that connects all five villages. A Cinque Terre Card provides unlimited train travel and access to hiking trails. Note: private vehicles are not permitted in the villages themselves.
4. San Gimignano, Tuscany
The Experience
Rising from the Tuscan hills, San Gimignano’s fourteen medieval towers create one of Italy’s most recognisable silhouettes. This UNESCO-listed “Town of Fine Towers” offers cobblestone streets, the frescoed Collegiate Church, and sweeping views from the Torre Grossa. Be sure to sample Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the acclaimed local white wine.
How to Get There
Fly into Florence (1 hour by car) or Pisa (1 hour 15 minutes). While there’s no direct train service, regular buses run from Florence and Siena. A hire car allows you to combine San Gimignano with other Tuscan treasures such as Volterra and the Chianti wine region.
5. Manarola, Cinque Terre, Liguria
The Experience
Manarola clings to dramatic cliffs in a riot of sun-bleached colours, its ancient houses tumbling towards the Ligurian Sea. A paradise for photographers, the village offers the famous Via dell’Amore coastal walk (check availability), the Church of San Lorenzo, and Sciacchetrà—a prized sweet wine produced from grapes grown on impossibly steep terraces.
How to Get There
As with Vernazza, access Manarola via Pisa or Genoa airports, connecting through La Spezia by train. The Cinque Terre railway makes hopping between all five villages effortless. Alternatively, ferries operate between villages during summer months, offering stunning coastal perspectives.
6. Matera, Basilicata
The Experience
Matera’s ancient Sassi—cave dwellings carved into limestone ravines—have been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, making this one of the world’s oldest settlements. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture, Matera offers labyrinthine streets, rock-hewn churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes, and atmospheric cave hotels for a truly unforgettable stay.
How to Get There
Fly into Bari (1 hour by car) for the most convenient access. Train services run from Bari to Matera via Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, though the journey involves a change. A hire car is recommended for exploring the wider Basilicata region, including the stunning coastline and hill villages.
7. Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Campania
The Experience
Perched 350 metres above the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea, Ravello has captivated artists and composers for centuries. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo offer views that Wagner declared the finest in the world. The annual Ravello Festival brings world-class classical music to this elevated paradise, while the Duomo houses treasures spanning a millennium.
How to Get There
Fly into Naples (75 minutes by car) and take the stunning Amalfi Coast road, or arrive via Salerno. SITA buses wind dramatically up from Amalfi town (25 minutes). Many visitors combine Ravello with stays in Positano or Amalfi, using local buses or boats to explore the coast.
8. Orta San Giulio, Piedmont
The Experience
This serene village on Lake Orta’s shores offers a peaceful alternative to the busier Italian lakes. A short boat ride transports you to the mystical Island of San Giulio and its ancient basilica. On the mainland, the Sacro Monte di Orta—a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage site—features twenty chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, set among chestnut forests with commanding lake views.
How to Get There
Fly into Milan Malpensa (1 hour by car) for easiest access. Trains run to Orta-Miasino station (2 hours from Milan Centrale with a change at Novara). The village works beautifully as part of an Italian Lakes itinerary, combining with Lake Maggiore and Lake Como.
9. Montepulciano, Tuscany
The Experience
This sophisticated hilltop town embodies Renaissance Tuscany at its finest. The elegant Corso is lined with aristocratic palazzi, while the Piazza Grande showcases the impressive cathedral and civic buildings. Below ground, ancient wine cellars await exploration—this is the home of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of Italy’s most celebrated reds.
How to Get There
Fly into Florence (1 hour 30 minutes by car) or Rome Fiumicino (2 hours). The nearest stations are Chiusi-Chianciano Terme or Montepulciano Stazione, both connected by local bus. A hire car opens up the surrounding Val d’Orcia—arguably Tuscany’s most photogenic landscape.
10. Polignano a Mare, Puglia
The Experience
Dramatically positioned on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare combines whitewashed old-town charm with extraordinary natural beauty. The Lama Monachile beach nestles in a narrow cove, while Grotta Palazzese, a sea cave transformed into a candlelit restaurant, offers one of Italy’s most romantic dining experiences. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and cliff-jumping.
How to Get There
Fly into Bari (35 minutes by car) for the quickest access. Frequent trains on the main Adriatic line stop at Polignano a Mare station, just a short walk from the historic centre. The village makes an excellent base for exploring Puglia’s coastline, trulli country, and Baroque cities.
Plan Your Italian Village Escape
Italy’s villages offer something the famous cities simply cannot—an intimate connection with centuries of tradition, unhurried exploration, and the warm welcome of communities where tourism enhances rather than overwhelms local life.
Whether you’re drawn to cliff-edge drama, ancient history, or world-class wine, these ten destinations promise experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Ready to discover the real Italy? Our travel specialists can craft a bespoke itinerary combining these hidden gems with seamless transport, hand-picked accommodation, and insider experiences. Contact ETW Travel today to start planning your Italian village adventure.
All flight times are approximate and based on departures from London. Journey times may vary depending on traffic conditions and seasonal schedules.
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