Here at Wanderlust, we’re always encouraging you to take the road less travelled, particularly at a time when the topic on everyone’s lips is overtourism.
With its Roman historical sites, fabulous weather and delicious food (and cocktails…), Italy has long been among the top destinations for tourists when the summer holidays roll around. But with locals in cities like Rome, Milan and Florence telling visitors to stay away as they struggle under the strain of mass tourism, it’s time to restrict your visits to off-peak season – or go elsewhere.
And if you’re all in favour of exploring little-known destinations, we have some fresh ideas for you courtesy of the association I Borghi più belli d’Italia (The most beautiful villages in Italy).
Established in 2001, the organisation highlights beautiful ‘Borghi’ (villages) across the country, which specifically refers to small Italian towns dating back to the period from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Generally, they are also fortified and rise around a castle or palace.
So far, 371 villages have been included on the list, each of which has under 2,000 inhabitants (and less than 15,000 in the entire municipal territory) – so there’ll be no chance of your holiday snaps ruined by crowds should you visit.
The latest 10 entries, added in late 2024, range from Piedmont and Lombardy in the north down to Sicily in the south.
Ready to get exploring? Here’s where you need to be headed:
Rassa, Piedmont
Bagolino, Lombardy
Bertinoro, Emilia-Romagna
Mulazzo, Tuscany
Ripatransone, Marche
Scheggino, Umbria
Capranica Prenestina, Lazio
Introdacqua, Abruzzo
Forza D’Agrò, Sicily
Gravina in Puglia, Puglia
Gravina in Puglia is considered a guest village on the list – it’s definitely beautiful enough, but surpasses the maximum inhabitant requirement.
If a list of ten isn’t enough to satisfy you, you can also discover the wider list in the I Borghi più belli d’Italia’s website. The association has published a guide in English, which highlights why the village was included, as well as what food to try while in town, and any events or festivals to keep an eye out for.
