7 amazing small towns in Italy to plan your next trip around
Plan your next trip around these enchanting small towns in Italy, from Tivoli to Taormina!
For some, Italy is the ultimate bucket list destination—and we totally get it! With its alluring mix of history, food, architecture, landscapes, and shopping, the country has so much to offer that many travelers book multiple tours there. If you’ve already checked popular spots such as Rome, Venice, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast off your list, it might be time to start exploring some of the best small towns in Italy.
What they lack in acreage and international popularity, they more than make up for in charm, culinary heritage, and natural beauty. One might be a hilltop fortress or an art lover’s dream—another might be a historic enclave or a seaside retreat. Some might be right outside the big cities, while others are tucked away in the countryside. That’s why we love the idea of planning your next Italy tour around these seven amazing small towns; you never know what under-the-radar treasures they’ll reveal to you.
Find tranquility and history in the Italian countryside
1. Tivoli: the ancient Roman retreat
Our weeklong Rome: The City Experience tour comes with two free days—the perfect chance to explore the countryside surrounding the Eternal City. Keen for a little adventure? One easy-to-reach destination (even for first-timers visiting the Italian capital) is Tivoli. Located just 16 miles east of Rome, it’s one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, thanks to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that call it home.
There’s the Villa d’Este, a stunning Renaissance palace surrounded by steep, staggered gardens. Then, there’s the jaw-dropping Villa Adriana, a nearly 300-acre country escape built by the emperor Hadrian around 118 A.D. While only part of the property is open to the public, its collection of imposing ruins, shaded beneath a canopy of pine trees, is as impressive as any ancient site you’ll find on our Italy tours.
Related article: The Beginner’s Travel Guide to Rome →
2. Arezzo: the Renaissance jewel of Tuscany
You’ll enjoy a free day in Florence on both our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour and Grand Tour of Italy—and to get the most out of your time in town, we recommend stepping off the beaten path. One suggestion? Strike out for Arezzo in eastern Tuscany. Small towns in Italy don’t get more famous than this: The stunning locale is the hometown of filmmaker Roberto Benigni, and its charming streets were the backdrop for his Oscar-winning movie, Life is Beautiful.
Beyond its Hollywood bona fides, Arezzo is known for its striking medieval structures and the expertly preserved artifacts lying within them. Gorgeous murals by Piero della Francesca adorn various churches—including the Arezzo Cathedral, which also displays a sculpture by Donatello. And if your trip falls on the first Sunday of the month, be sure to shop and people-watch at the Antiques Fair (the oldest of its kind in Italy) in the Piazza Grande.
Related article: 6 unique experiences to have in Florence that go beyond an Italian guidebook →
3. Benevento: a town steeped in legend
Located on a hill about 30 miles east of Naples, Benevento appears on both our Food & Wine: Campania, Puglia & the Amalfi Coast tour and our Food & Wine: Southern Italy & Sicily tour. You’d do well to find a small town in Italy with as much history: Among its trove of ancient treasures are the eighth-century Rocca di Rettori; the Roman Theatre, built during Hadrian’s rule; the exquisitely sculpted Arch of Trajan, erected in the second century; and the UNESCO-recognized Church of Santa Sofia.
Related article: The best things to do, eat, and see in Southern Italy →
Revel in la dolce vita in these small coastal towns
4. Taormina: Sicily’s balcony over the sea
In recent years, travel to Sicily has skyrocketed. That isn’t surprising—this historic island is dotted with some of the best small towns in Italy, including Taormina. If you’ve seen White Lotus, you’ll have some idea of its staggering beauty, and that’s just one of the reasons why this small seaside hamlet features on so many of our Italy itineraries.
Take our Sicily: A Cultural Journey tour as an example: You’ll spend two days in Taormina, giving you ample opportunity to marvel at the medieval details of the Taormina Cathedral, the 14th-century opulence of the Palazzo Corvaja, and the enduring majesty of its coastal Greek theater. And in your free time, there’s plenty more to do, from shopping for designer fashions to strolling through elegant gardens—all with snow-capped Mount Etna providing the perfect backdrop.
Related article: 4 ways to spend free time in Taormina →
5. Ischia: the emerald of the Tyrrhenian Sea
The best trips to Italy are ones with lots of flexibility. That’s why, in addition to the free days on our popular Amalfi Coast Walking Tour, we offer a number of guided excursions to personalize your itinerary—ones like our Tour Director-led outing to Ischia.
Rising out of the Gulf of Naples, this verdant, volcanic island surprises visitors with lush landscapes, bustling beaches, stunning vineyards, and rich history. You can relax in a hot spring, explore a medieval castle, or even visit the Sea Museum, an exhibition highlighting the history of Ischia’s fishing industry, housed in an 18th-century palazzo. It’s an island for every type of traveler—and a can’t-miss destination on your next Italy tour.
Related article: 16 of the best islands to visit in the world (that you won’t find on every travel list) →
Discover the flavors of Italy’s foodie towns
6. Ostuni: the white city of Puglia
The region of Puglia is one of our favorite under-the-radar European destinations, and at its heart, you’ll find one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy: Ostuni. Minutes from the beach, perched atop a picturesque hill, it boasts the best of multiple worlds—all tinted by whitewashed homes, endless blue skies, and snaking olive groves.
On our Food & Wine: Campania, Puglia & the Amalfi Coast tour, you’ll also discover that Ostuni is a culinary hotspot. Don’t miss the panzerotti—fried dough stuffed with mozzarella and tomato. It’s a local delicacy you simply must try on your next trip to Italy.
Related article: Booking a summer trip? Here are 7 unique places to travel that are popular for Europeans →
7. Orvieto: a hilltop masterpiece
What makes this historic Umbrian hamlet one of the most charming mountain villages in Italy? Besides its picture-perfect profile, rising up from rugged cliffs of volcanic tuff, Orvieto’s chock-full of history—and good eats. While visiting on our Food & Wine: Flavors of Tuscany & Umbria tour, look out for traditional fare like slow-cooked pigeon and lumachelle—snail-shaped bread rolls that can be served cold, hot, sweet, or savory. (No Italy tour is complete without sampling a local delicacy or two!)
Craft the perfect Italian escape
Building the perfect Italy tour doesn’t need to be complicated: From big cities to the towns we highlighted above, the country’s a beloved travel destination because of the diverse experiences it offers. Looking to discover a new-to-you destination? Want to dig into local delicacies you can’t find at home? Committed to learning about the nation’s vast history? There’s something for everyone—and our trips to Italy can help you find your niche.
Which small towns in Italy are you dreaming of visiting? Let us know on our Facebook page and get inspired by our Italy tours.
