Recently updated on April 24th, 2024 at 04:55 pm
https://trafalgar.com/real-word/italy-in-september/Enduringly popular with visitors from across the globe, Italy never fails to tempt travellers with its romantic, majestic cities. But by venturing away from famous destinations such as Venice, Florence and Rome, travellers can find secluded hilltop towns and idyllic coastal retreats that are archetypal of their wider regions. To steer you in the right direction, we’ve selected 11 of the most beautiful towns in Italy to visit on your next trip.
Manarola
The historic town of Manarola is tucked into the hills and rocky cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, and is one of five enclaves that make up northern Italy’s Cinque Terre. Clustered along the cliff-tops, these colourful houses are surrounded by sprawling vineyards.
Visit Manarola on the Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre itinerary.
Montecatini
The medieval spa town of Montecatini Terme can be found in the Tuscan province of Pistoia, amidst verdant green hills and centred on the natural thermal springs that have brought the town its prosperity. It also has the added accolade of being named a ‘city of the arts’.
Visit Montecatini on the European Heritage, Majestic Europe, European Discoverer, Rome and Tuscan Highlights, Italy Bellissimo, and Contrasts of Italy itineraries.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tucked into the southern Alps of Veneto, Cortina d’Ampezzo is best known for having hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, and attracts visitors year-round for its pristine mountain setting as well as its sophisticated dining scene.
Visit Cortina d’ Ampezzo on the Grand Italian Experience, Switzerland and Austria, and European Horizons trips.
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Baveno
Situated in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of Piedmont in northern Italy, the small town of Baveno lies on the western shores of Lake Maggiore, with a backdrop of forested mountains. Wander the town’s ancient streets to uncover the Roman history that’s so evident here.
Visit Baveno on the Best of the Italian Lakes, Contrasts of Italy, Northern Italy including Cinque Terre, Grand Italian Experience, and Best of Italy trips with Trafalgar.
Tivoli
In the central region of Lazio, just outside of Rome, the ancient town of Tivoli is built around the top of the falls of the Aniene River. Wander through the historic old town and bathe in the natural thermal springs.
Visit Tivoli on the Rome Explorer, Contrasts of Italy, and Italian Concerto itineraries.
Assisi
This ancient town lies in the rolling hills of Umbria, and is considered historically significant as the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, St. Francis. As such, the town has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, attracting devotees to the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco.
Visit Assisi on the Italian Scene, Splendours of Italy, Italian Discovery, Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold, Rome and Tuscan Highlights, Great Italian Cities, Italy Bellissimo, Best of Italy, Grand Italian Experience, and Best of Italy and Sicily.
San Gimignano
Having garnered the name ‘medieval Manhattan’ for a skyline that’s punctuated with towers, San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which historic buildings house an astounding collection of art. Paired with the region’s vineyards and Tuscan fare, it’s no wonder people love to come here.
Visit San Gimignano on the Rome & Tuscan Highlights, Italy Bellissimo, Wonders of Italy and Best of Italy trips.
Sorrento
The cliff-top coastal town of Sorrento is set within the hillside, facing the picturesque Bay of Naples. Take a walk through the old town and down to the marina at the base of the cliffs, while soaking up the town’s tranquillity.
Visit Sorrento on the Southern Italy and Sicily, Best of Italy and Sicily, Grand Italian Experience, and Best of Italy trips.
Taormina
Over in Sicily, Taormina hilltop town lies right by Mount Edna, making it a setting-off point for people who want to hike the volcano. But the town is also famed for its cliff-top, open-air Greco-Roman theatre, the Teatro Antico di Taormina.
Visit Taormina on the Southern Italy and Sicily and Best of Italy and Sicily itineraries.
Capri Town
On the idyllic Italian island of Capri, Capri Town is a haven for visitors in search of picturesque winding lanes, with chic cafes and boutiques to explore along the way. The town sits on top of the cliffs, overlooking nearby coves and the town’s chic marina.
Visit Capri Town on the Southern Italy and Sicily, Best of Italy and Sicily, Grand Italian Experience, Best of Italy, Italian Concerto and Italy Bellissimo itineraries.
Alberobello
One of the most beautiful towns in Italy is Alberobello, which sets itself apart from other Italian destinations with its unusual trulli buildings. With such distinct architecture to explore, and a rich history running alongside it, the town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Alberobello on the Grand Italian Experience trip.
Image credits: Cover photo of Sorrento © iStock / FooTToo. Manarola © iStock / Freeartist. Cortina d’Ampezzo © iStock / Murmakova. Baveno © iStock / Marco Saracco. Tivoli © iStock / alxpin. Assisi © iStock / Freeartist. San Gimignano © iStock / bluejayphoto. Sorrento © iStock / Paolo Cipriani. Taormina © iStock / Steven Mayatt. Capri Town © iStock / itchySan. Alberobello © iStock / tanialerro.