Two English words, stay and vacation, joined together gives meaning to a new word staycation, which is precisely what this year’s summer vacation will entail for many Italians. Yes, we all need a holiday, but without moving too far and taking advantage of Italy’s scenery, landscape, historical heritage as much as possible. Italy, for fear of repetition, really does have so much to offer.
There are therefore so many solutions just around the corner: between miles of coastline, mountains, countryside, cities of culture, today we have chosen to virtually visit the small villages, on their hilltops, sometimes forgotten, these timeless gems, perfect for a short trip or a longer holiday.
Italian Villages
There are more than 300, characterized by a natural and architectural heritage certified by the Fine Arts: less than 6000 people, treasures of art, history and gastronomic traditions. A favorite TV series, you may well know the program "Il Borgo dei Borghi" that has drawn up every point in this ranking, promoted by associations (Associazione Borghi più Belli di Italia and Borghi Autentici d'Italia, just to mention two of the most famous) that with great passion help the preservation of these assets and to the villages is also dedicated a national festival of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Fico Eataly World in November. The theme park dedicated to food and gastronomy in Bologna holds a three-day event devoted to the discovery of some of the most beautiful less known places in Italy, absolutely worth a visit.
Villages to visit by train
Thanks to an agreement between Trenitalia and The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, you can visit the villages by train: the aim is to enhance this great heritage and make these difficult to reach places accessible. For the moment there are these 25.
Here is the list of places reachable with regional trains with Trenitalia who have activated more than 580 connections per day:
● Valle D’Aosta: Bard
● Piemonte: Mombaldone – Orta San Giulio – Vogogna
● Liguria: Moneglia – Finalborgo – Laigueglia – Borgio Verezzi – Campo Ligure – Vernazza
● Trentino A.A.: Chiusa – Egna – Vipiteno
● Veneto: Montagnana
● Friuli Venezia Giulia: Venzone
● Emilia Romagna: Brisighella
● Toscana: Buonconvento
● Marche: Grottammare
● Umbria: Castiglione Del Lago – Spello – Passignano Sul Trasimeno
● Abruzzo: Tagliacozzo
● Campania: Vietri Sul Mare
● Calabria: Chianalea
● Sicilia: Cefalù
2020 ranking of the most beautiful villages in Italy
From Valle d'Aosta to Abruzzo, from Sicily to Trentino, in our gallery you’ll find the villages that could become top destinations for post Covid-19 staycations. A holiday to rediscover the wonderful Italian territory, scenic, folkloristic, spectacular and delicious, all within close proximity. And let’s not forget that every village hides - moderately - the wonderful Italian gastronomic culture.
The most beautiful villages in Italy
We are in a historic and picturesque village in the province of Perugia, perched on a hill 400 meters above sea level. Going around Panicale you will immediately notice the concentric circular structure, typical of military defense, we are in fact in an authentic medieval village. Thanks to its hilly position it represents a splendid view over Lake Trasimeno and the surrounding countryside between Umbria and Tuscany. Panicale is surrounded by olive groves and can be reached via a very panoramic road that alone reveals how precious these areas of Italy are.
What to eat: you can't start a lunch without croutons and chicken livers, followed by torta al testo, fresh pasta and then game, often in brine. The porchetta is a must!