9 Small Towns in Italy That Are Worth a Detour

The draw of charming Italian towns is their slower pace and abundant local culture. Clifftop Orvieto is no exception; it's one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria, complete with a stunning cathedral, an impressive local art scene, and an underground tunnel network dating back to the Etruscan era, complete with an ancient well (Pozzo della Cava).

And because it’s so easily accessible from both Florence and Rome, Orvieto has become pretty popular in recent years—however, it’s still a great place to get a sense of small-town Italy.

Lake Como’s glittering shores are lined with picturesque towns, each more beautiful than the next. But when it comes to natural beauty and local culture, Lenno is a highlight. It’s also less visited than the more popular Lake Como villages such as Bellaggio, and is a great place for quiet dining away from the crowds.

Make sure to visit the market—which takes place in the town’s main square every Tuesday—relax on Lenno’s sun-drenched beach, and take a cruise to Villa Balbionello (film buffs may recognize it as a filming location for a Star Wars movie and Casino Royale).

Gubbio, located just outside of Perugia, is one of those secret destinations in Italy that looks like something out of a fairy tale—think: narrow cobblestone streets that climb up a hill to dramatic viewpoints, medieval structures made of gray limestone, and even ancient Roman ruins.

Visit in May to witness the annual Race of the Candles, when locals race giant wooden “candles” up the steep streets to the basilica. Other highlights here include riding the Funivia Colle Eletto cable car for views of the town, sampling flaky crescia flatbread (a local specialty), or booking a private walking tour.

Italian countryside travel is a major highlight of any trip to Europe, especially when it’s in wine country. Take, for example, the small town of Poggibonsi in the heart of Tuscany. Here, you can visit the 10th-century village, walk pilgrimage trails that meander through the town, explore the sprawling grounds of the Medici Fortress, and sample Chianti wine—right where it’s grown.

Unlike nearby San Gimignano, Poggibonsi is one of those mostly unknown Italian gems where you can get a sense of local life away from throngs of tourists, but still easily get there by train from nearby cities, including Siena, Florence, and Pisa. Win-win.

Ostuni, a small town tucked into the Brindisi province in the southern region of Puglia, is home to a rich history that you can uncover as you wander the maze of medieval streets past whitewashed buildings, admiring views of nearby olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.

For a more in-depth exploration, opt for a private tuk-tuk tour of the sights—but however you visit, be sure to visit the Gothic Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta. You can even combine a stop in Ostuni with a trip to nearby Alberobello, known for its trulli buildings topped with conical roofs.

It’s possible to see Italy off the beaten path even while visiting famous regions such as the Amalfi Coast—if you know where to go. Start with the small town of Atrani, located just a 15-minute walk from Amalfi. Here, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere that’s harder to come by in more popular towns such as Positano, plus tile-domed churches, gardens, and colorful homes packed into the cliffside, as well as epic views of the coast.

One of the best ways to soak up Atrani’s beauty is on a walking tour from Amalfi, which takes you along scenic coastal trails.

If you’re on the hunt for Italy road trip ideas, consider the Italian Lakes District where you can drive through destinations including Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda. Along the way, stop in charming small towns such as Sirmione, located on a thin peninsula that juts into the aforementioned Lake Garda itself.

This town is home to Scaliger Castle, one of the country’s best-preserved medieval castles, and the Grottoes of Catullus, plus a picturesque stretch of beach, a charming old town, and a highly regarded wellness scene. One of the best ways to experience Sirmione is on a scenic Lake Garda cruise, during which you can take in the sights without a care in the world.

The Cinque Terre—five small towns on the coast of Liguria—have exploded in popularity in recent years, predominantly thanks to their natural beauty but also due to their highly Instagrammable scenery. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to Portovenere on the Bay of Poets instead (and know that this spot is not to be sniffed at—it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

One of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, Portovenere actually boasts similar attractions to the nearby Cinque Terre: beautiful churches, an imposing 12th-century castle, a dramatic coastline, and fresh seafood. Plus, there are lots of tours available to explore Portovenere, including boat excursions that also cruise by nearby islands.

The island of Sardinia is where Italians go on vacation, and it's not hard to see why. This region boasts beautiful beaches, excellent local cuisine, and fascinating pre-Roman history, though one of the highlights is La Maddalena—a town on the island of the same name—home to a national marine park that protects its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

Don’t miss your chance to take a boat tour of the archipelago, as well as visit the historic downtown, though keep in mind that adventurous travelers are particularly well served here: You can hike, snorkel, or kayak around the dramatic coastline and caves.