TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement
Add Italy's Small Towns to Your Itinerary
When planning a trip to Italy, most travelers set their sights on the big names: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. And while these cities are rich in history, art, and architecture, there's an entirely different side of Italy that many miss—the small towns. Scattered across rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and hidden valleys, Italy's borghi (villages) offer a more intimate, authentic experience that captures the heart of the country in a way that busy tourist hubs simply can't.
These towns may be small in size, but they’re big on character. Picture cobblestone alleys lined with flower boxes, locals chatting over espresso in the piazza, and trattorias where nonna is still in the kitchen stirring the sauce. In towns like Orvieto in Umbria, Montepulciano in Tuscany, or Polignano a Mare in Puglia, time seems to slow down. You’re invited to savor life—literally and figuratively—with long lunches, leisurely walks, and spontaneous moments of wonder.
One of the great joys of exploring small towns is how personal the experience becomes. You might stumble upon a medieval festival, get invited into a wine cellar by a proud vineyard owner, or find yourself the only foreigner at a local market. These are the kinds of moments that don’t make it into guidebooks but stay with you long after your trip. Small towns also offer a welcome break from the crowds—no lines, no selfie sticks, just you and the charm of everyday Italian life.
Here are just a few reasons to make room for small towns in your Italian adventure:
- Explore ancient hilltop towns with panoramic views
- Taste wine where it’s made, often poured by the winemaker themselves
- Learn to cook pasta with locals in a family kitchen
- Stay in cozy B&Bs and agriturismi with genuine hospitality
- Get pleasantly lost in winding streets and stumble into surprises
- Join local festivals you didn’t plan for but will never forget
As you map out your Italian getaway, don’t just connect the dots between the big cities—look at the spaces in between. Italy’s small towns are where you’ll find quieter beauty, richer encounters, and a deeper connection to the culture. Skip the crowds, slow the pace, and let Italy reveal itself, one charming village at a time.