Looking forward to a trip to Italy?  That’s no surprise since this country in southern Europe is often among the top travel destinations.  In order to help you plan your trip, here are the 10 most beautiful villages in Italy.

10 San Gimignano, Tuscany

Many travel experts say Tuscany is arguably one of the country’s “most iconic” areas.  San Gimignano is surely Tuscany’s most beautiful village.  Nestled in the very heart of wine country, this little village includes 13 ancient towers, charming squares, and narrow streets.

The previously-mentioned towers were originally built for defensive purposes and to send a message against other noble families living in the area.  Here you can savor some homemade pasta, a glass of the local Tuscan red wine.  Then, take in the sight of the sun as it sets over the farmland.  Don’t visit in the summer if you wish to avoid the crowds.

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Positano, Amalfi Coast

The village of Positano is an hour south of Naples. It’s situated on the scenic Amalfi Coast.  Yes, the village includes a nice beach and nice restaurants.

What makes it unique though is because it appears to cling to the local mountains.  Additionally, it appears to have multiple layers of Moorish-style homes built in an uphill sprawl.  If you’re planning a visit and looking for accommodations, veteran visitors suggest Casa Angelina, Le Sirenuse, or Villa Franca.

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Alberobello, Puglia

Situated in the region of Puglia, Italy. not too far from the town of Bari.  Alberobello is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.  This charming village is well-known for its 1,500 trulli.

For those not in the know, a trullo is a cone-shaped roof structure constructed without mortar.  They are typically painted glaringly white.  It is particularly noticeable if you visit during the famous southern Mediterranean summer.  You can even rent them if you wish.  If you would rather stay somewhere else, seasoned travelers suggest checking in to the Borgno Egnazia which is found about 25 kilometers from this village.

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Bellagio, Lake Como

Lake Como is a romantic, picturesque place.  Bellagio is the most beautiful of the villages there.  Nicknamed the “ “Pearl of the Lake”, this beautiful village is home to a number of world-class restaurants and hotels.  It’s a great place to enjoy the views of both the lovely lake and the awesome Alps.

This village features picturesque cobbled stairways, stone lanes, and century-old buildings, complete with shops offering visitors the best in Italian designer wares.  Need a place to stay?  Try the Grand Hotel Tremezzo or the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.

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Manarola, Cinque Terre

Manarola is said by many travel mavens to be the most beautiful of all five villages in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre.  This quaint community is highlighted by all the brightly-colored buildings perched on the rugged slopes between the Mediterranean and the rolling hills.  Much like Italy’s other coastal towns, Manarola offers tempting regional cuisine and an intimate beach accessible via one little road.

If you’re looking for the best place to stay here, then check out the Grand Hotel Portovenere which is only 30 minutes away via boat.

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Castelmezzano, Basilicata

You’ll find the memorable village of Castelmezzano perched high on a cliffside amidst the well-known Lucanian Dolomites.  This getaway reportedly has pretty much everything for a genuine Italian experience.

Here you will get to experience strolling down narrow streets full of tradition and history, meals made from fresh food from the nearby farms, and exceptional local wines served in little village taverns.  The village also features the popular Volo dell’Angelo (in English “Flight of the Angel”.)  This walking path across the bluffs is said to be one of the best hikes in the entire country.

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Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio

Civita di Bagnoregio is situated high on a tuff hill half-way between Lake Bolsena and Orvieto.  It’s accessible only by walking across a significantly narrow footbridge.  This surreal spot is also known as “città che muore” or “the dying city.”

It earned that nickname because the tuff rocks beneath it are constantly eroding.  Its origins are both Medieval and Etruscan.  This place seems to be suspended in both space and time.  Some travel bloggers believe it to be one of Italy’s most characteristic and beautiful villages.

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Cefalu, Sicily

Cefalu is found roughly an hour’s drive out of Palermo.  More specifically, it is located between the coastline and the mountains on one of the most scenic islands in the world.

This small, idyllic village is surprisingly popular, especially with Italian sun-worshippers.  Here you will discover not only narrow medieval streets and beautiful beaches, but also a surprisingly hip night scene, and noteworthy Sicilian restaurants.

If you want to avoid the crowds, then avoid visiting during the height of summer as that is when the population here literally tiples.

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Matera, Basilicata

This village in southern Italy is also referred to as the “Città dei Sassi”, or “city of stones.”  This charming spot is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It earned that honor for both its uniqueness and its beauty.

Some travel mavens say this place in Italy is one of the most ancient and beautiful places on the planet.  It owes a lot of its fame to the memorable sassi, ancient cave-residences that were carved right into the surrounding hills’ rock.  It has been used as the setting for multiple motion pictures as well.  Veteran visitors suggest staying at the exceptional Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita.

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Ravello, Amalfi Coast

Ravello is a charming, little village nestled approximately 350 meters above the sea.  One travel blogger once noted that Ravello actually “represents nature’s music.”  It features impressive monuments, lovely landscapes, and spectacular views that have reportedly inspired many a European artist who found themselves in this spot.

Today this little village is the renowned location of a number of popular classical concerts alfresco.  Held in the summer, they usually take place in the town’s attractive patrician villas and Italian gardens, such as the Cimbrone and the Rufulo.

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