Italy has no scarcity of lovely cities to discover. The likes of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast supply a handful of cities every, and are sometimes the place our thoughts wanders when contemplating small cities to discover in Italy. However there are such a lot of extra stunning cities dotted all through Italy that you just haven’t but heard of. And with that, we’ve listed one of the best small cities in Italy to discover and revel in La Dolce Vita.
Publish up to date July 2026.
The easiest small cities in Italy to discover
Alberobello
Situated in Italy’s Apulia area, Alberobello is thought the world over for its whitewashed stone huts and their conical roofs. These buildings are generally known as trulli and have develop into an enormous drawcard for travellers looking for this iconic skyline in Italy’s Puglia area. And regardless of Alberobello being dwelling to only 10,000 residents, one can find many extra travellers visiting each day to wander across the city’s cobblestone alleyways, dotted with trulli at each flip.
Positano, Amalfi Coast
If there’s only one city on the Amalfi Coast that has my coronary heart, I’d say it’s mendacity someplace in Positano. There are numerous stunning cities to go to within the Amalfi Coast, so you should definitely plan on spending not less than per week within the area. Nonetheless, in case you are brief on time or simply wish to go to the highlights, I can’t advocate any single place in all of Italy greater than Positano. This quaint and charming city is nestled into the cliffside of the Amalfi shoreline, with pastel-coloured sunrises and calm, balmy sunsets. There really is nowhere on the planet fairly prefer it.
Learn extra: Le Sirenuse, Positano
Manarola, Cinque Terre
Manarola is one in all Italy’s most recognisable small cities. Situated within the Riomaggiore commune within the La Spezia provence, Manarola is the second-smallest of the well-known Cinque Terre cities. The city was as soon as a part of the Republic of Genoa, when it was dwelling to a fort and watchtower to guard the town and area from pirates. These days, probably the most well-known attraction within the city is Sciacchetrà, a candy dessert wine.
Learn extra: The place to Honeymoon in Italy
Bellagio, Lake Como
Bellagio is usually thought-about the jewel within the crown that’s Lake Como. This area within the North of Italy is solely full of lovely small cities, however none are extra stunning than Bellagio. The city is legendary for its views over the lake, in addition to boasting not one however two villas – Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. You may simply go to this city in half a day, as you’ll be able to entry Bellagio by public ferry from any of the encircling cities dotted alongside the lake.
Learn extra: A Fast Information to Lake Como
San Gimignano, Siena
Tuscany is a area full of lovely cities and cities, in addition to luxurious countryside villas and AirBnBs. With a lot to see and do within the area, you actually might spend your complete vacation simply on this area alone. Nonetheless, in case you are in search of probably the most quintessential small city, the medieval city of San Gimignano is a should go to. The city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, protected by a stone wall across the circumference. Oh, and did we point out this city is claimed to have the world’s finest gelato? Run, don’t stroll!
Learn extra: A whole information to Tuscany
Vernazza
Situated on Italy’s rugged Ligurian coast within the northwest of the nation, Vernazza is iconically constructed into the shoreline. The city is most recognised by Doria Fort, hugging the rocks in all of its dramatic glory. This city enjoys epic sunsets year-round, so you should definitely spend your time outdoor and having fun with the late summer season nights Italy is so well-known for.
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