By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
Want to experience Italy like a local? Skip the big cities and overrun wineries and visit one of these lesser known small towns in Italy. Here are nine towns that are perfect for a few lazy, pasta-filled, wine-soaked days.
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“Le persone si incontrano per rinascere. Nascere non basta mai a nessuno.”
Santo Stefano, Grosseto
Porto Santo Stefano is located centrally within the Mediterranean, in the Monte Argentario region. It has long been a destination of seafarers for centuries. This region isn’t as tourist-laden as some of Italy’s more famous small towns, but arguably has more to offer than most. Very popular with Italian tourists, it is now starting to gain traction with international visitors.
One of the must do things is to grab the day’s fresh catch at the local seafood market. Porto Santo Stefano’s seaside location has some of the most delicious seafood Italy has to offer.
The town is home to such enjoyable relics as Roman baths, a Spanish Castle, referred to as the Pico Castelo Viewpoint, and architecture heralding the town's complicated history.
Orta San Giulio, Novara
Located alongside the picturesque Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio is one of the last small towns in Italy that have yet to be overrun by international visitors. Largely a hot destination targeted by local visitors, the town extends across the lake along a small peninsula.
Every year, you can catch a poetry festival, Poetry On The Lake, that runs throughout the month of September. Poets worldwide visit the stunning lake to connect and find inspiration.
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Sirmione, Brescia
Brescia is a tranquil, peaceful town with enchanting views and artistic beauty. The town's history stretches back to the time of the Romans, with ruins of an ancient villa and other structures throughout the tiny village.
Just like Goethe and others before you, you can easily find some inspiration among the baths and gorgeous waters of Lake Garda.
Sirmione, 25019 Province of Brescia, Italy
Castelluccio, Perugia
Located in Umbria nestled among the Appenine Mountains of Central Italy, Castelluccio is another small town situated on a hilltop. The village is surrounded by fields of poppies and lentils, making it one of the most dazzling sights in Italy.
If you make it during the Fioirita, or the flowering of Castelluccio, you will be in for a special treat. During the summer, stripes of vibrant purples and and reds circle Castelluccio, with thousands of violets, poppies, clovers, and others blossoming in perfect harmony.
Santa Cesarea Terme, Lecce
Not just another Roman spa town, Santa Cesarea Terme is a relatively new development. Only in the 1700s were Italy’s wealthy citizens finally building holiday residences (the natural springs were already famous by this point.)
However, it can be quite popular with tourists, especially during the months in which its thermal baths are open. If you go during the low season (past September) you can partake in the town’s delicious fare without the long lines and throngs of visitors.
Monreale, Palermo
Monreale, located in Sicily, is an idyllic small town nuzzled on a mountain slope. You'll find scenery such as olive and almond farms, as well as sweeping ocean views throughout the city.
When you're there, Monreale Cathedral is a must see. It’s a famous Norman cathedral known as one of the most classic examples of Norman architecture. It's easily one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Italy.
San Cassiano, South Tyrol
Looking for an awesome winter spot? Hit up San Cassiano, one of the more picturesque locations in Italy. Home to 5-star hotels, Michelin starred restaurants, and phenomenal views of the surrounding Dolomites – San Cassiano is an amazing place to spend the colder months.
Even in the summer, it's a great spot for some local delicacies and Italy’s most breathtaking hikes.
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Orvieto ☕❤☕ Italy Congrats @donquiellumbera_ Use #map_of_europe #map_of_italy
Orvieto, Terni
Orvieto is a gorgeous hill town in central Italy. Home to some of Italy’s best Classico wine, Orvieto is located centrally near Rome. The town itself sits on bed of volcanic rock.
The ancient town is full of classic streets, gorgeous cathedrals, and excellent restaurants. Don’t forget to see the Orvieto underground, a series of 1,200 tunnels and Estruscan caves.
Minori, Salerno
Minori, situated around 3.5 kilometers east of the idyllic Amalfi Coast, is one of Italy’s pasta hotspots. Much more popular with Italian tourists, Minori skirts pretension and remains of the historical centers of gastronomy in the region.
One of the lesser crowded seaside towns in the area, this is definitely a place to enjoy yourself and some of the local handmade pasta, while escaping the crowds that overrun some of its more famous neighboring towns.
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