Small Towns in Italy You Should Visit

While many of us may have been to or heard of the major cities and regions in Italy, most people like to get a little off the beaten track and visit some smaller villages and towns to get a taste of what life is like in them. 

We’re going to give you a couple of recommendations here that you can easily visit from Rome, Florence and Palermo for a half- or a full-day trip. Of course, when you book with us, you can easily customize one of our inspirational Italy itineraries to add one of these lovely medieval towns as a stopping point. Keep reading to discover three of our favorite Italian towns this year! 

We suggest a visit to the picturesque town of  Tivoli, situated approximately 20 miles Northeast of Rome and easily accessible by car, or even better by train from Rome’s Termini station. Dating back to 1215 BC, ancient Tivoli is actually older than Rome! 

With a population of just over 50k, Tivoli packs a punch with villas, archaeological sites, thermal baths, listed buildings and many great places to eat. Tivoli was part of the Grand Tour, which many rich European aristocrats took from the 17th Century when they came of age. 

Tivoli has not one but two UNESCO world heritage sites; the Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) and the Villa D’Este. 

Hadrian’s Villa: This villa was constructed for the Emperor Hadrian at the foot of the Tiburtini Mountain between 117 an 138 AD. While there was already an Emperors Palace on the Palatine Hill in Rome, it’s reputed that the Emperor Hadrian wasn’t particularly enamored with it and decided to have his own built in Tivoli, back then called Tibur.  At one stage the residence extended over 120 hectares, today you are able to visit “only” 40 hectares. Recommended time to spend at the Villa is 2 Hours. 

Villa d’Este: A famous Renaissance villa located in Tivoli, Italy, there are several highlight sights to see including the Renaissance gardens adorned with fountains, water features and sculptures, and Neptune’s Fountain depicting the God Neptune surrounded by mythological creatures. While the gardens are definitely the highlight, a visit to the Palace and Museum are also recommended. 

Following your visit to the villas, spend some time around the historic center of Tivoli and admire the picturesque streets and medieval architecture. Finish up with lunch at a local trattoria and try some local specialties!

Here, you are spoiled for choice with so many beautiful Tuscan towns to take a day trip to but we are going to zone in on Monteriggioni, a picturesque medieval walled town 34 miles south of Florence and approximately an hour-and-a-half bus ride. A day trip to Monteriggioni can be a delightful experience with several activities and sights to explore. A couple of suggestions for a day trip include: 

Walk the Walls: The most iconic feature of Monteriggioni is its intact medieval walls. Take a leisurely stroll along the 570-meter-long walls that encircle the village. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and imagine the village’s past as a strategic fortress during medieval times.

Explore the Piazza: The central square of Monteriggioni, Piazza Roma, is a charming spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Admire the well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The square is also lined with cafes and restaurants where you can savor traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Visit Monteriggioni Castle: At the highest point of the village, you’ll find the imposing Monteriggioni Castle. Climb up the tower for breathtaking views or explore the castle’s interior, which houses a small museum dedicated to the village’s history. The museum exhibits artifacts and displays that provide insights into Monteriggioni’s medieval past.

Enjoy Local Cuisine & Wine Tasting: Tuscany is renowned for its culinary delights, and Monteriggioni offers an opportunity to savor traditional Tuscan dishes. Visit local trattorias and restaurants to indulge in regional specialties like ribollita (a hearty vegetable and bread soup), bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and pici pasta with wild boar ragù and pair with some delicious Tuscan wine.