5 Gorgeous Small Towns in Italy

There are far too many small villages and far too many beautiful small towns in Italy. (I’m not complaining!!) Small Italian towns are actually my thing! I am known for finding some real unique ones and visiting during my annual retreats in Italy. So here’s a list of 5 gorgeous small towns in Italy that are really worth spending time in!

5 Gorgeous Small Towns in Italy

1. Savona:

Right up in the northern region of Liguria, Savona is a town that is becoming popular with cruise ships that travel in the Mediterranean. You might get put off with it’s ugly modern side like I did, but move towards the centre and get ready to be charmed with it’s alleys as any other Italian city!

Savona has a rich history like most Italian towns. There is a 12th century tower, an art museum, a fortress or Priamar with amazing exhibits. Don’t miss the long line of restaurants and bars at the port side. It is a town trapped in the medieval time and definitely calls for a visit.

Savona is a charming Italian town that is quite underrated in the region of Liguria as Cinque Terre and Genova take the cake. But do visit this port town and don’t forget to sample a delicious farinata bianca from my side!

Closest City: Genova

How to Reach: There are direct trains to reach Savona from Genova. If you are visiting from Turin, there could be a change of trains at Genova.

It’s empty because its winter

An unusual statue in the port of Savona

2. Noli:

Another town in Liguria that caught my attention was Noli. With its pastel back streets and medieval lanes, Noli is a great catch. It faces the sea and is only 50 minutes from Genoa!! So if you want to spend a lazy day in Liguria, Noli should be on your list. The town still has a perfectly preserved castle on top of a hill and a Roman styled church.

No time is less is in this very non touristy part of Liguria. (no foreign tourist except me!) Do visit Ines restaurant and try their delicious gnocchi and pasta alla vongole.

Closest City: Genova

How to Reach: There are no direct trains to reach Noli from Genova. The nearest train station is Finale Ligure Marina. If you are visiting from Turin, there might be a change of trains at Savona.

An ape` parked in Noli

Beautiful Bar in Noli

Spaghetti con vongole

3. Moncalieri: 

Another charming town to add to your Italy list is Moncalieri. It is quite beautiful and stylish filled with expensive boutiques and fashionable. I visited Moncalieri in the foggy winter so the town still had its Christmas lights on! Moncalieri boasts a 12th century castle that was once the home of the King Victor Emmanuel II. It also has old styled meat shops and charming Bars. 

Closest City: Turin

How to Reach: There are direct trains to reach Moncalieri from Turin.

Macelleria in Moncalieri

The piazza in Moncalieri

4. Urbania:

Urbania is situated in the region of Le Marche and is home of ceramics. The town is also known for the historically imposing Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) and the celebration of the festival La Befana telecast throughout Italy on January 6! The town is beautiful and has many picturesque streets to wander in. Adjacent to Palazzo Ducale is a historic Library and Civic Museum. Few people stay in Urbania so you might see a lot of “Vendesi” signs which means that the house is up for sale. Would you want to buy??

Closest City: Pesaro

How to Reach: There are no trains to Urbania and the nearest train station is Pesaro.

Ducal Palace at Urbania

Empty streets in Urbania

View from Ducal Palace, Urbania

5. Sant’Angelo in Vado:

You might have heard of the International White Truffle Fair in Alba but have you heard of there being another one in Sant’Angelo in Vado, Le Marche?? This charming small little town in Italy holds the International fair in October which is as old as the one in Alba.

The town proudly boasts of the earthly flavors of it’s truffles. It is also situated on a pretty riverfront and makes a great place to visit if you’re in Le Marche. Sant’Angelo is not as touristy as you think, in fact most people wouldn’t even know of it. So definitely visit before it gets popular!

Closest City: Pesaro

How to Reach: There are no trains to Sant’Angelo in Vado and the nearest train station is Pesaro.

Beautiful frame in Sant Angelo

The town centre

Sant’ Angelo like a painting

If you made it to the end of this post, THANK YOU SO MUCH for reading!! Please share it with everyone who loves Italy!

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Also read 49 Italian Villages for your Italian wanderlust by Buzzfeed

Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.

ANNA AKHMATOVA, POET

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