9 Secret Historic Villages in Italy Far From the Crowds to Add to Your Bucket List

Italy is home to more than 5,000 historic villages (borghi), many of which preserve traditions, architecture, and landscapes untouched by mass tourism. While major cities attract the crowds, it is in these small villages that Italy reveals its most authentic side. These nine Italian villages stand out not only for their beauty, but for their cultural value, location, and unforgettable.

Orta San Giulio

Region: Piedmont
Geography: Lakeside village on Lake Orta
Nearest Transport Hub: Milan (via Novara)

How to Get There

From Milan, take a train to Orta-Miasino station, then walk downhill into the historic center. Boats connect the village to Isola di San Giulio.

What Makes It Special

Orta San Giulio offers a quiet, poetic atmosphere rarely found on Italy’s major lakes. The village faces a small island dominated by a medieval monastery, enhancing its spiritual and contemplative character.

Perfect For

Couples and romantic travel
Writers and artists
Slow and reflective journeys

Dish You Must Try

Risotto al pesce persico – Creamy risotto prepared with locally caught perch fish, butter, and Piedmontese rice.

Montepulciano

Region: Tuscany
Geography: Hilltop village surrounded by vineyards in Val di Chiana
Nearest Transport Hub: Florence or Siena

How to Get There

Travel by train to Montepulciano Stazione, then continue by bus or taxi uphill. Driving is recommended for flexibility and countryside exploration.

What Makes It Special

Montepulciano is a Renaissance hill town famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. The historic center features elegant palaces and ancient wine cellars carved into stone beneath the town.

Perfect For

Wine lovers
Food-focused travelers
Tuscany road trips

Dish You Must Try

Pici al ragù toscano – Thick hand-rolled pasta served with slow-cooked meat sauce, typical of southern Tuscany.

Orvieto

Region: Umbria
Geography: Volcanic tuff plateau rising above the Umbrian countryside
Nearest Transport Hub: Rome or Florence

How to Get There

Direct trains connect Orvieto to Rome and Florence. A funicular links the train station to the historic center.

What Makes It Special

Orvieto is renowned for its Gothic cathedral, underground tunnel network, and Etruscan heritage. The city has been continuously inhabited for over two millennia.

Perfect For

History and architecture enthusiasts
Central Italy itineraries
Cultural travelers

Dish You Must Try

Umbrichelli al tartufo – Handmade thick pasta served with black truffle, a hallmark of Umbrian cuisine.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Region: Lazio
Geography: Isolated hilltop village on eroding volcanic rock
Nearest Transport Hub: Orvieto

How to Get There

From Orvieto, take a bus or taxi to Bagnoregio, then walk across the pedestrian bridge to Civita. Entry is regulated to protect the site.

What Makes It Special

Known as “The Dying City,” Civita is slowly eroding and has very few permanent residents. Its isolation creates a unique, almost surreal atmosphere.

Perfect For

Photographers
Unique day trips
Landscape-focused travelers

Dish You Must Try

Lombrichelli all’aglione – Thick pasta served with a tomato and local garlic sauce typical of this Lazio–Umbria border area.

Alberobello

Region: Puglia
Geography: Flat limestone countryside in the Valle d’Itria
Nearest Transport Hub: Bari

How to Get There

From Bari, reach Alberobello by regional train (Ferrovie Sud Est) or by car in about one hour.

What Makes It Special

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its trulli — limestone houses with conical roofs built without mortar, unique to this region.

Perfect For

Architecture enthusiasts
Couples
Southern Italy itineraries

Dish You Must Try

Orecchiette con cime di rapa – Puglia’s signature pasta dish with turnip greens, garlic, olive oil, and anchovies.

San Gimignano

Region: Tuscany
Geography: Hilltop village overlooking the Elsa Valley
Nearest Transport Hub: Florence

How to Get There

From Florence, travel by train to Poggibonsi, then take a bus or drive to San Gimignano.

What Makes It Special

San Gimignano preserves its medieval skyline of towers, built by rival families as symbols of wealth and power. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perfect For

Medieval history lovers
Tuscany first-timers
Cultural travelers

Dish You Must Try

Ribollita – Traditional Tuscan soup made with bread, vegetables, and beans.

Ostana

Region: Piedmont
Geography: Alpine village in the upper Po Valley
Nearest Transport Hub: Cuneo

How to Get There

Best reached by car from Cuneo. Public transport is limited due to the village’s alpine location.

What Makes It Special

Ostana is internationally recognized for sustainable village regeneration and preservation of Occitan culture and language.

Perfect For

Nature lovers
Sustainable travel enthusiasts
Alpine scenery seekers

Dish You Must Try

Ravioles della Val Varaita – Potato-based dumplings typical of the Occitan valleys.

Ravello

Region: Campania
Geography: Clifftop village overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Amalfi Coast
Nearest Transport Hub: Naples (NAP) or Salerno

How to Get There

From Naples or Salerno, take a train to Salerno or Napoli Centrale, then continue by SITA bus or car to Amalfi and uphill to Ravello. Roads are narrow; buses are frequent but crowded in summer.

What Makes It Special

Ravello developed as an aristocratic and cultural retreat rather than a port town. It is renowned for its historic villas, terraced gardens, and one of the most famous panoramic viewpoints in Italy. The village has a strong musical heritage, hosting the annual Ravello Festival.

Perfect For

Romantic and honeymoon travel
Cultural and music-focused travelers
Amalfi Coast visitors seeking tranquility

Dish You Must Try

Scialatielli ai frutti di mare – Fresh Campanian pasta served with local seafood, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

Castelmezzano

Region: Basilicata
Geography: Lucanian Dolomites mountain range
Nearest Transport Hub: Potenza or Matera

How to Get There

Best reached by car from Potenza or Matera. Roads are mountainous but well maintained.

What Makes It Special

Built directly into jagged rock formations, Castelmezzano offers dramatic scenery and the famous Volo dell’Angelo zipline connecting it to Pietrapertosa.