The 15 most beautiful villages in Italy in 2024

1. Manarola, a small paradise in Liguria

The Cinque Terre, these small multicolored villages overlooking the sea, are among the most beautiful landscapes in Italy. Manarola is a tiny village clinging to a cliff and accessible by a path called via dell'amore . If its beauty does not make a fold during the day, it is even more vivid at night. To admire a splendid sunset, take the direction of Corniglia, by a path on the side of the cliff. At the end of the day, the lights of the village are reflected in the sea and a soft atmosphere invites you to la dolce vita ... Unforgettable. For all these reasons, Manarola is in first place in our ranking of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Are you tempted by the Cinque Terre? Discover now the 15 must-do's during your vacations in Cinque Terre!

2. Pietrapertosa, the charm of Lucania

If Basilicata is known for Matera and its sassi, Pietrapertosa and its remarkable landscape is not to be outdone. At more than 1,000 meters above sea level, it is the highest village in the region. At the top of the hill is the Arabata district, which, with its rock houses and winding alleys, is the most enchanting part of the village. Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, Pietrapertosa faces the village of Castelmezzano, which can be reached by il volo dell'angelo, a sort of zip line over the mountains. For those who love thrills! Would you like to discover the fascinating history of the village of Pietrapertosa ? Book your guided tour right here! And if you are planning a trip to the Dolomites, we recommend you to read our article "What to see in the Dolomites? The 13 must-sees"!

3. Offagna, medieval beauty of the Marche

Offagna is located in the Marches, a green region in central Italy. This small village is dominated by its imposing castle, the rocca medievale. Builtin 1456 to defend the village from attacks, it remains one of the most beautiful examples of military architecture in the country. Every year, in July, Offagna recovers its old-fashioned look during the medieval festivals. Magic shows, juggling and other performances to the rhythm of the drum follow one another in the streets illuminated with torches. Striking!

4. Pietramontecorvino, the unknown Apulian in Italy

The province of Foggia is often forgotten during a trip to Puglia, the heel of the Italian boot. And yet it is here that Pietramontecorvino and its center rich in history are hidden: "Terra Vecchia". Time seems to have stood still in this town that admirably preserves the traces of its past, especially in the imposing Norman tower or the ^13th century ducal palace. A beautiful stopover before reaching the charming Salento, in the south of the region.

5. Subiaco, on the edge of the Eternal City

Subiaco is a stop not to be overlooked during a trip to Rome. Located a few kilometers from the capital, this village is known for its two monasteries: Santa Scolastica and especially San Benedetto, defined by Petrarch as the limen paradisi - the border of paradise - so intense is its beauty. It was here that St. Benedict established the rules of monastic life. The views around Subiaco, on the Simbruins Mountains, are also splendid. Planning a trip to Rome? Discover without delay the 21 must-see places in Rome!

6. Piantravigne, land of the Mona Lisa

If the tiny village of Piantravigne, in Tuscany, is among our favorites in this ranking of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it is not for its historical interest but rather for the incredible views it offers. Nicknamed " perla delle balze", it is here that you can admire the Balze del Valdarno, rocky formations that would have inspired Leonardo da Vinci for the background of his famous Mona Lisa ... Nothing less than that! An exceptional panorama that is still too little known. Want to know more about Tuscany? Discover our selection ofmust-see places in Tuscany!

7. Sabbioneta, the ideal city in Italy

In 1544, Vespasian Gonzaga decided to transform this small village on the Po plain into an ideal city, according to the mathematical criteria of Renaissance architecture. Indeed, everything here is perfectly regular, uniform and orthogonal, which is quite rare in urban planning. Sabbioneta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the strongest testimonies of the taste and refinement of an artistically flamboyant period. A sublime stage before reaching the charming Mantua.

8. Sperlinga, Sicily in its heart

In the center of the island of Sicily, in the province of Enna, Sperlinga owes its name to the Greek spelonca which means cave. Indeed, the small town is entirely built against a rock, some houses even nibble on the ground and invest the cliffs. Its Norman fortress, which dates back to the ^15th century, watches over the whole village. Its caves were even inhabited until the 1960s! Among the local specialties, the "tortone", a sweet with cinnamon, is celebrated every year on August 16. Not to be missed!

9. Scilla, the breathtaking Calabrian

In the south of Italy, Calabria is often forgotten in favor of its neighbor Sicily. However, this region with Greek origins is home to wonders: Scilla is one of them. Highlighted by Homer and his famous "falling from Charybdis into Scylla", that is to say from one danger to another, it is the village of this much feared monster of the Strait of Messina. Today, Scilla is one of the most beautiful sights of the Tyrrhenian coast. The district of Chianalea, where the fishermen's houses line up in the winding streets, is undoubtedly the most suggestive. If you like fishing villages, discover our article Terres de l'Ebre, exceptional fishing villages!

10. Bevagna, pearl of Umbria

Land of hills and valleys, Umbria is the green lung of Italy. In the center of the country, this region is home to famous cities such as Perugia and Assisi. A few kilometers from the latter, a little known jewel is hidden : Bevagna. Behind its walls is an incomparable atmosphere where every year, at the end of June, the Mercato delle Gaite takes place. It is one of the most picturesque events in the country ! Bevagna becomes a real medieval village where everyone walks around in period costumes. You can also taste local specialties like gnocchi al Sagrantino, a delight!

11. Portofino, an idyllic break in Italy

Its houses with pastel facades, its small port and its famous square make Portofino ("port of the dolphin" in Italian) one of the pearls of the Mediterranean and one of the most popular places in Liguria. This fishing village owes its name to the presence of numerous dolphins in its bay. Since the second half of the ^nineteenth century, this village has become one of the most exclusive stops in the world, especially thanks to its ability to prevent any new construction for fifty years. Beautiful typical Ligurian houses surround the beachless bay while the church of San Martino overlooks the harbor where luxury yachts and sailboats are moored. Stores, bars and glamorous restaurants complete this chic postcard. Want to experience one of the world's most stunning coastlines in a unique way? Click here to book your guided kayak tour!

12. Matera, a village of stone in Italy

Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan... There are countless Italian cities that attract tourists from all over the world. For a trip away from the crowds in Italy, it is advisable to stop in Matera, in the south of the country. Nestled in the middle of the Basilicata region, this city is said to be one of the oldest in the world. A stroll through the town is an opportunity to admire its unmissable sassi, troglodyte dwellings dug into the cliffs and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera is also home to beautiful rock churches and other more classical clerical buildings. A tip for great memories: find the perfect spot in the area for a bird's eye view of the city and its illuminated windows. Want to dive into the fascinating history of the cave houses and churches carved into the rock? Book your guided tour of Matera by clicking here.

13. Castelmezzano, a village carved in the rock

Located in front of Pietrapertosa, beyond the valley, Castelmezzano is an ancient Lombard fortress built, like its neighbor, in the rock of the Dolomites. The view from here is splendid. The village was occupied by the Saracens, then fell into the hands of the Normans and the Angevins. In this small mountain village of 800 souls, there is a peaceful, comforting and restful atmosphere, where dolce vita and tolerance meet in an enchanting setting. We recommend you our selection of 13 must-sees in the Dolomites if you want to discover more about this region!

14. Positano, wonder of the Amalfi coast

A small village perched between the sea and the mountains, Positano is without a doubt one of the most spectacular sites in Italy. Imagine the rock and the peaks struck by the sun, whose reflection on the turquoise water seems almost unreal. At the end of this ribbon of asphalt, as winding as it is narrow, Positano emerges with its white and pastel houses, suspended from the wall, like simple outgrowths of the stone. More than a village in Italy, Positano looks like an architectural miracle. In fact, writer John Steinbeck wrote of it, "It's a dreamy place that doesn't seem real when you're there, and you feel a great nostalgia when you leave it." Visit Positano and Amalfi by booking here your cruise from Nerano or Sorrento!

15. Varenna, the must-see village on Lake Como

Located on Lake Como, Varenna is a village that is very much appreciated by its inhabitants who come here on Sundays to stroll through the narrow streets of this small fishing village. From the pier, a walk along the waterfront leads to the historic center where, in the square, the beautiful church of San Giorgio (^14th century) with medieval frescoes has been erected. We recommend exploring its historical and majestic sites high up in the hills, such as the Villa Monastero and the Castello Vezio, a medieval-style castle with a panoramic view of Lake Como. A little further south of Varenna, you can also discover the shortest river in Italy: the Fiumelatte River (250 meters).

When to go to Italy?

You can stay in Italy absolutely all year round. Depending on the season, there will always be two or three regions suitable for your trip. Winter sports or seaside resort? Wine tourism or cultural tourism? Opera season or hiking in Valle d'Aosta? It's impossible to cover the entire country in one trip to discover its wonders. Even for a 15-day vacation in Italy, you will have to choose this or that region, or even this city and come back another time to discover another one. To learn more about it, discover our dedicated page. You can also read our article on the 27 must-do steps in Italy to help you make your choice!

Which village to visit in Northern Italy?

Located in the northwest of Italy, the Cinque Terre is an enclave of beauty: it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. There is no more picturesque way to discover Italy than in these five towns built on the side of high cliffs on the steep hills overlooking the Mediterranean. Tempted? Check out our article on the 15 must-do's in the Cinque Terre!

Where to go in Italy for 3 days?

You have 3 days ahead of you and want to discover Italy? We advise you to start with the main cities before discovering its villages which require a little more time. You can easily reach Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence or Naples from most airports in France. However, we advise you to book your tickets early enough to avoid paying too much and to use the platform of our partner to get the best rates! You want to visit Italy but you don't know where to start? Discover our favorite articles on the 21 must-see places in Rome as well as the 18 must-see places in Naples ! We bet you'll see more clearly afterwards!

Where to stay in Italy?

Italy is a dream destination for travelers looking for culture, gastronomy and breathtaking landscapes. If you want to discover Italy by staying in one of the villages presented, here is a selection of 3 hotels located in them. - In Manarola CA' D'ANDREAN is an establishment located in the center of the village offering a dozen very neat rooms. If you want to know more and book one or more nights in this hotel, click here ! - In Positano The Marincanto hotel is elegant and has a certain standing to satisfy its guests. It offers beautiful rooms with a sober design and a spacious terrace. Click here for to find out more about the hotel's availability! - In Varenna Hotel Albergo Milano occupies a privileged position on the lakefront. It offers warm and elegant rooms with a panoramic view from them. The hotel offers comfort and good services, as well as different apartments that will suit all needs. Do not hesitate to check here the availability of the hotel!