Beautiful and Unknown: The Hidden Villages to Visit in Italy

Canale di Tenno

Canale di Tenno is a journey back to the Middle Ages. The village, located in the province of Trento and near the homonymous lake, is a maze of narrow streets, descents and ascents, underpasses, and barrel vaults. The village charmed other artists and travelers who purchased abandoned houses, giving it a second life. The House of Artists, named after painter Giacomo Vittone, is a residence and meeting place for artists from all over Europe who visit the village.

Bettona

In the province of Perugia, Bettona is a village of Etruscan origins perfectly preserved. The village, protected by walls, is surrounded by olive trees. From the hill of Bettona, you can see Perugia, Assisi, and Spello. Walk through the historic center to the old wooden gate of Santa Caterina, the access point to the village, to discover the maze of little streets that make this place special.

In the province of Ancona, Corinaldo, the village surrounded by powerful walls dating back to the 15th century, deserves a visit; the walk along the wall is 912 meters long. The gates, bastions, defensive towers, ghibelline merlons, and parapets characterize this fortified city, creating the impression of stepping back in time. Don't miss the Piaggia, a staircase of one hundred steps towards which the red-brick houses are arranged in a fishbone pattern.

Apricale

Located in the province of Imperia, it is the city of poems created on the streets, of artist studios or a refuge for travelers seeking tranquility. While wandering the streets, don't miss the bicycle on the bell tower, the murals on the walls of the narrow lanes, and before you leave, make sure to try the tagliarini al pesto, a typical dish of the area.

Curtatone

In the province of Mantova, immersed in the Parco del Mincio, is the place where the Mincio River forms the Upper Lake. This small village is famous for one of the battles of the First Italian War of Independence, that of May 29, 1848, between the Tuscan-Neapolitans and the Austro-Hungarian army.

Villetta Barrea

Overlooking the lake of Barrea, in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, Villetta Barrea is a small wonder dominated by Monte Mattone. It is the perfect place to explore the hiking trails of Abruzzo.

Monteriggioni

In the province of Siena, Monteriggioni is a small fortress that has remained from the Middle Ages. The village, protected by walls, dominates the charming landscape of the Siena countryside from its hill, halfway between the city and the Val d'Elsa.

Surrounded by vineyards and characterized by houses with red roofs, Neive is a small gem in Piedmont, located in the province of Cuneo. Although the castle no longer exists, the medieval structure remains largely intact. The best way to explore it is by visiting the vineyards and wineries located in noble residences like the 18th century one owned by the Counts of Castelborgo.

Malcesine

Less famous than Peschiera del Garda, the colorful village of Malcesine is located on the shores of Lake Garda, in the province of Verona. At the top of the fortress stands an enchanting Scaliger Castle, accessible via a cobbled street that ascends to the entrance of the manor.

Glorenza

It is the smallest town in South Tyrol, where the saying goes, "Our town is so small that we have to go to church outside the walls." This cluster of houses with just over 800 inhabitants is part of the circuit of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

Deruta

On a hill overlooking the Tiber plain, just over 15 kilometers from Perugia, Deruta is a small treasure of history, where you can discover medieval places, artisan shops, and Deruta ceramics.

Castro dei Volsci

In the province of Frosinone, Castro dei Volsci is the village suspended between the clouds. Built on a plateau, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley: for this reason, it is known as the balcony of Ciociaria. Walking through the village's narrow streets feels like taking a step back in time, into a rarefied world of narrow and winding paths.

Colletta di Castelbianco

Nestled on a hill in the Pennavaire Valley, Colletta di Castelbianco is located in the province of Savona. It is a characteristic village dominated by the remains of a castle; a small place frozen in time made up of stone houses, narrow streets, and views of the surrounding valley.

Prata Sannita

In the Matese Regional Park, in Campania, Prata Sannita is a medieval village characterized by a magnificent castle that dominates the village and the entire Lete Valley.

Borgo Parrini

Not far from Palermo, Borgo Parrini is a small village with houses inspired by Gaudí. It is a fraction of Partinico and is characterized by cobbled streets and colorful houses that resemble the style of the Catalan artist.

Calcata

Calcata, perched on its tufa rock, overlooks the Treja Valley, located in the Viterbo Tuscia. It is a village that feels like a leap back into the Middle Ages, allowing you to experience a sense of atmosphere that seems lost.

Geraci Siculo

In the Madonie Regional Park, Geraci Siculo is a small mountain jewel dominated by the Castle. Away from the historic center, there are still the "marcati" where shepherds confine livestock and produce cheeses, ricotta, caciocavallo, and the primosale cheese filled with grilled salted anchovies.