The Most Beautiful Small Town in Italy, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the small town you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:20

Italy is adorned with numerous small towns, each holding its unique charm and historical significance. While travelers often gravitate towards larger, well-known cities, the true essence of Italian culture and beauty can frequently be discovered in its smaller towns. Yet, with so many to choose from, deciding which town to visit can sometimes feel overwhelming. By curating a user-generated list of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, we provide a dynamic guide that reflects the preferences and experiences of a global community. This list not only helps potential visitors to identify which towns resonate most with fellow travelers but also encourages participation in celebrating and preserving the distinctive allure of these smaller gems.

What Is the Most Beautiful Small Town in Italy?

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68
votes
Positano

Positano is located on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and stunning sea views.
Positano is a charming coastal village located on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. With its colorful houses perched on steep slopes, overlooking crystal-clear turquoise waters, Positano is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. The village is renowned for its stunning panoramic views, picturesque narrow streets, and vibrant bougainvillea-covered buildings. It is surrounded by lush green cliffs and offers breathtaking vistas at every turn.

Location: Positano is situated on the Amalfi Coast, in the region of Campania, southern Italy.

Beauty: Positano is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, known for its stunning coastal views.

Architecture: The colorful houses of Positano are built in the traditional Mediterranean style, cascading down the cliffs.

Beaches: Positano boasts beautiful and inviting beaches, such as Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo Beach.

Culture: The village has a rich history and is influenced by both Roman and Byzantine cultures.
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30
votes
Vignaccia76 · CC BY-SA 3.0

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a medieval hill town in Tuscany, San Gimignano is famous for its well-preserved towers and historic architecture.
San Gimignano is a stunning medieval hill town located in the province of Siena in Tuscany, Italy. It is known for its well-preserved architecture and captivating landscape. With its 14 towering medieval towers, which were once used as defensive structures, San Gimignano has earned the nickname 'Medieval Manhattan'. The town is surrounded by picturesque vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills, providing breathtaking panoramic views. The historic center of San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from around the world.

Location: Province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Architecture: Medieval

Famous Features: 14 medieval towers

Nickname: Medieval Manhattan

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
3

19
votes
Orvieto

Orvieto is located in central Italy, Orvieto is home to a stunning cathedral, ancient Etruscan ruins, and picturesque streets.
Orvieto is a charming small town located in the Umbria region of central Italy. Situated on a volcanic plateau overlooking the Paglia Valley, it is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views. The town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval character, with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and magnificent palaces.

Duomo di Orvieto: The Cathedral of Orvieto is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, featuring intricate façades and dazzling mosaics.

Well of St. Patrick: An impressive medieval well adorned with decorative sculptures and a double helix staircase.

Pozzo della Cava: A series of ancient Etruscan tunnels and wells, providing a glimpse into Orvieto's past.

Orvieto Underground: A network of tunnels and caves beneath the town, showcasing an underground city.

Orvieto Classico Wine: Renowned for its white wine production, Orvieto offers vineyards and wineries for wine enthusiasts.
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21
votes
Cortona

Cortona is a hill town in Tuscany, Cortona offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, as well as charming streets and historic buildings.
Cortona is a charming hilltop town located in the beautiful region of Tuscany, Italy. It captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The town is known for its picturesque streets, ancient buildings, and Etruscan origins, making it a true gem in Tuscany's crown.

Location: Situated in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy

History: With origins dating back to the Etruscans, Cortona has a long and fascinating history.

Architecture: The town features beautiful medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Casali, and the Duomo.

Views: Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.

Art: Cortona is home to several museums and art galleries, showcasing works by famous artists such as Luca Signorelli.
5

14
votes
Taormina

Taormina is located on the island of Sicily, Taormina is known for its stunning Greek theater, beautiful beaches, and picturesque streets.
Taormina is a stunning city located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is famous for its breathtaking views, rich history, and architectural wonders. Taormina sits atop a hill, overlooking the Ionian Sea, and offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding landscapes.

Ancient Greek Theater: Taormina boasts an ancient Greek theater, dating back to the 3rd century BC, which is still used today for performances and events.

Mount Etna: With Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, as its backdrop, Taormina offers a unique and dramatic landscape.

Isola Bella: The nearby small island of Isola Bella, connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand, is a nature reserve and a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Historic Center: Taormina's historic center is a maze of charming streets lined with medieval buildings, boutique shops, and local eateries, creating a delightful atmosphere for strolling and exploring.

Corso Umberto I: The main thoroughfare, Corso Umberto I, is filled with lively cafés, restaurants, and shops, offering a vibrant scene day and night.
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8
votes

Matera

Matera is a unique town in southern Italy, Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, historic churches, and stunning views.
7

8
votes
Alberobello

Alberobello is located in Puglia, Alberobello is known for its trulli, or traditional conical-roofed houses, which create a unique and charming atmosphere.
Alberobello is a small town located in the region of Apulia, in southern Italy. Its picturesque charm and unique architectural style make it one of the most beautiful small towns in the country. Alberobello is renowned for its distinctive trulli, traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs, which create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere throughout the town. The Trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further emphasizing their cultural and historical significance.

Location: Apulia, Italy

Architectural Style: Trulli

Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Roof Shape: Conical

Number of Trulli: Approximately 1,500
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11
votes
Ravello

Ravello is located on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is known for its stunning gardens, historic villas, and breathtaking sea views.
Ravello is a stunning town located on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, it offers breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. Ravello is known for its charm, tranquility, and timeless beauty.

Panoramic Views: Ravello offers some of the most panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast, with vistas overlooking the sea and picturesque landscapes.

Villa Cimbrone: The iconic Villa Cimbrone is a must-visit attraction in Ravello. Its beautiful gardens and belvedere terrace provide stunning viewpoints.

Duomo di Ravello: The town boasts an impressive cathedral, the Duomo di Ravello, renowned for its medieval architecture and intricate artwork.

Music Festivals: Ravello hosts an annual music festival, the Ravello Festival, which attracts renowned musicians and artists from around the world.

Historic Villas: Ravello is dotted with historic villas, such as Villa Rufolo, famous for its beautiful gardens and hosting outdoor concerts.
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11
votes
Sirmione

Sirmione is a picturesque town on Lake Garda, Sirmione is famous for its ancient castle and beautiful beaches.
Sirmione is a stunning small town located on a picturesque peninsula in the southern part of Lake Garda, Italy. Known for its enchanting beauty and historical significance, Sirmione attracts visitors from around the world. The town is characterized by its charming medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and panoramic lake views. With its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Sirmione offers a truly idyllic experience for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway.

Castello Scaligero: A majestic medieval castle situated at the entrance of the town.

Grotte di Catullo: The largest Roman villa ruins in Northern Italy, known for their remarkable archaeological value.

Aquaria Thermal Spa: A renowned wellness center offering thermal baths and various spa treatments.

Scaliger Walls: Impressive fortified walls surrounding the historical center of Sirmione.

Rocca Scaligera: A medieval fortress located on the lakefront, providing panoramic views of Lake Garda.
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2
votes
Bellagio

Bellagio - located on Lake Como, Bellagio is known for its stunning gardens, historic villas, and charming streets.
The Bellagio is a luxurious and iconic casino resort located on the famous Las Vegas Strip. It is renowned for its elegance, grandeur, and stunning architecture. The resort offers a world-class gambling experience coupled with luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining options, and breathtaking entertainment.

Year of Establishment: 1998

Number of Rooms: 3,933

Casino Size: 116,000 square feet

Number of Gaming Tables: 100

Number of Slot Machines: 2,449

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Ranking factors for beautiful small town

Natural beauty

The town's surrounding landscape, such as mountains, hills, lakes, and seashore, contribute to its overall charm.
Historical and architectural richness

The presence and preservation of unique and historically significant buildings, monuments, and structures, like churches, castles, and piazzas, should be considered.
Cultural heritage

The local traditions, customs, and events that showcase the small town's distinct identity and personality.
Walkability and pedestrian ambiance

The ability to explore the town by foot, through narrow streets and alleyways, adds to its overall appeal.
Green spaces

Parks, gardens, and other open spaces available for leisure and relaxation, making the town more attractive to both residents and visitors.
Quality of amenities

Proximity and availability of cafes, restaurants, shops, and accommodation options, reflecting on the town's convenience and ability to cater to tourists.
Cleanliness

A well-maintained and clean environment is essential to showcasing the beauty of the town.
Accessibility

The ease of reaching the town, whether by car, public transportation, or on foot, can impact the overall attractiveness and appeal of the location.
Safety and security

A sense of safety and security is critical for visitors and residents alike, making it an essential factor when evaluating a town's beauty.
Atmosphere and charm

A town's intangible qualities, such as the warm and welcoming nature of the residents, also play a significant role in determining its overall beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful small town in Italy. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Village is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

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1882 views
188 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Village once every 24 hours. The rank of each Village is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful small town in italy

Italy is a country that is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. It is also home to some of the most beautiful small towns in the world, each with its own unique charm and character. These towns are often hidden gems, tucked away in the countryside or perched on a hilltop, waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. When it comes to choosing the most beautiful small town in Italy, the options are truly endless. From the colorful houses of Cinque Terre to the medieval castles of Umbria, there is no shortage of stunning destinations to explore. Every town has something special to offer, whether it's a picturesque piazza, a scenic hiking trail, or a delicious local cuisine. Ultimately, the most beautiful small town in Italy is a matter of personal preference. Some travelers may be drawn to the coastal charm of Portofino, while others may prefer the romantic atmosphere of Verona. No matter which town you choose, you are sure to be captivated by the beauty and magic of Italy's small towns.