Discover Asti and Sicily's unique attractions: Indulge in volcanic winemaking, enjoy lemony hikes in Italian villages.
Hop On Over to These Charming, Culture-Filled Italian Villages for Your Next Adventure
Italy isn't just Pizza and Pasta; it's a treasure trove of picturesque villages, each teeming with architectural marvels, scrumptious delights, and arcane traditions. Take a peek at this year's winners from Italy's popular TV contest 'Borgo dei Borghi' and take inspiration for your next Italian escapade.
Gawk at Baroque Masterpieces in Militello Val di Catania, Sicily - The Borgo dei Borghi Champion
Nestled among the Iblei Mountains, our first stop is Militello Val di Catania – your one-stop destination to indulge in Sicilian Baroque grandeur! Home to around 7,000 inhabitants, it's part of UNESCO's designation of late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto. The city was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in the 17th century, reflecting the Baroque aesthetic principles of the time, resulting in a town that feels like an open-air museum of 18th-century design.
Stroll through its labyrinthine streets lined with intricately designed churches, immense aristocratic villas, and elaborate palaces. The village's cultural life is bustling with saints' day festivals, traditional music performances, and communal meals. Sicily has a history of winning Borgo dei Borghi, and Militello Val di Catania marks its fifth victory!
Explore the Aristocratic Charm of Agliè, Piedmont - The Runner-Up
Heading to the northern province of Turin, Agliè is the perfect blend of aristocratic sophistication and the quotidian village life. The centerpiece of the town is the Castello di Agliè, a grand palatial complex that forms part of UNESCO's Savoy Residences designation. The castle houses the royal family that reigned over the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the unified Kingdom of Italy.
The castle lies at the heart of the town, surrounded by historic piazzas that serve as the backdrop for weekly markets, seasonal festivals, and everyday social interactions. The village gained fame as the primary filming location for 'Elisa di Rivombrosa,' a popular Italian historical drama series.
Discover Ancient Wine Practices in Vignanello, Lazio - Third Place
Third on our list, Vignanello showcases the sophisticated architectural and agricultural traditions of northern Lazio. The village is renowned for its Castello Ruspoli, a Renaissance masterpiece whose gardens represent some of Italy's finest examples of 16th and 17th-century landscape design.
Vignanello's claim to fame is its time-honored wine-making traditions. The volcanic soils enriched by centuries of natural mineral deposits provide ideal conditions for viticulture. Visit during the annual grape harvest festival for wine tastings, food pairings, and historical reenactments!
Experience a Wild National Park in Aieta, Calabria
Located high in the mountains of Calabria, Aieta lies within the untamed wilderness of the Pollino National Park. The medieval village overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, derived from the Greek word for "eagle." Experience its medieval character, which remains remarkably intact, with narrow stone streets winding between houses made of local stone.
The village's 16th-century Renaissance palace stands as a testament to the wealth and cultural sophistication that even small mountain communities achieved during Italy's golden age of art and architecture. The location within Pollino National Park makes Aieta an ideal base for exploring ancient forests, deep gorges, and mountain peaks that provide habitat for rare wildlife, including wolves, eagles, and endemic plants.
Find Tranquility among Lemon Groves in Maiori, Campania
While the Amalfi Coast is famous for destinations like Positano and Amalfi, Maiori offers a quieter alternative. The village boasts an expansive beach, a rarity along this coastline known for small coves and dramatic cliffs. Behind the sandy shore lie colorful buildings and lemon groves that climb the steep hillsides.
Explore the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia, a remarkable religious complex carved directly into the coastal rock face. Inside, find frescoed chapels and meditation spaces hewn from the cliff. Maiori's lemon groves represent, not just agricultural activity, but a cultural tradition shaping the landscape and economy of the Amalfi Coast for centuries.
These terraced gardens built without mortar are an extraordinary example of sustainable agriculture that maximizes productivity while preserving the natural beauty of steep coastal terrain.
For More Inspiration:
- Explore off-the-beaten-path French destinations via night trains – France saw record night train passengers in 2024, but can it keep up with booming demand?
- Discover islands in Europe that have successfully avoided overtourism – Svalbard, Chios, El Hierro: How these European islands have successfully avoided overtourism
- Catch a ride on the Espresso Riviera, the new night train service between Rome and the French coast – Espresso Riviera: This night train will whisk passengers from Rome to the French coast this summer
hiking* Italy* Sicily* village* Wine* UNESCO
- Revisit the southern charm of Militello Val di Catania, where you can marvel at Baroque architectural masterpieces and immerse yourself in the vibrant Sicilian lifestyle.
- Attend authentic cultural events in Agliè, Piedmont, as the village unfolds its aristocratic flair blending seamlessly with traditional village life.
