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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.

 
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It’s empty because its winter

 

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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.

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An ape` parked in Noli

 

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Beautiful Bar in Noli

 

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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.

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Macelleria in Moncalieri

 

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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.

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Ducal Palace at Urbania

 

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Empty streets in Urbania

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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.

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Beautiful frame in Sant Angelo

 

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The town centre

 

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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!

Read Next:

Solo female Travel Tips for Italy

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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41 Comments

  • […] 5 Gorgeous Small Towns in Italy […]

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  • An American in Abruzzo – Italophilia
    June 7, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    […] 5 Gorgeous Small Towns in Italy […]

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  • […] 5 Gorgeous Small Towns in Italy […]

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  • Kathi
    February 25, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    I had never heard of any of these! I love how Italy has so much more to offer than the big cities – they all look lovely and worth the trip!

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      March 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm

      Thanks for your comment Kathi .. I’m glad I gave you a bigger list 😉 absolutely!!

      Reply
  • Taryn
    September 29, 2018 at 11:08 pm

    These little towns look gorgeous – so picturesque. I can’t believe I have never heard of any of them. Thanks for sharing these hidden gems.

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      September 30, 2018 at 7:28 am

      I’m so happy to add these to your list! Thank you for reading

      Reply
  • Stacy di Anna Pollard
    June 8, 2018 at 10:54 am

    We have spent so much of our time this trip in the big cities at the start of high season — I’m ready for more small-town travel on my next visit to Italy!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      June 8, 2018 at 12:34 pm

      I’m sure. Are you planning to go anywhere now?? X

      Reply
      • Stacy di Anna Pollard
        June 8, 2018 at 12:37 pm

        Now we are in Rome, looking for some unique experiences and possibly an easy day trip. Might you have some suggestions for me? 🙂

        Reply
        • Ishita
          June 8, 2018 at 12:39 pm

          Oh wonderful! What about Tivoli or better yet Castel Gondolfo? If you check under my Rome tab you will find a ton of options! Even street art with Personalized Italy is a great option for you

          Reply
          • Stacy di Anna Pollard
            June 8, 2018 at 1:10 pm

            thank you! Castel Gandolfo is already scheduled! I’ll check out your Rome tab. Grazie, cara, e buona giornata.

            Reply
            • Ishita
              June 8, 2018 at 1:11 pm

              I’m excited to see what you end up doing 🤗🤗 anche a te!

              Reply
  • Valerie Cullers
    June 4, 2018 at 10:16 pm

    Thank you so much for your post…my mom was from Milan and I love Italy. So great to see you feature some of the small towns!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      June 5, 2018 at 11:22 am

      Thanks for reading Valerie 🙂 Are you based in Italy??

      Reply
  • Manja Mexi Movie
    June 2, 2018 at 11:29 pm

    I’ve heard of Savona but not of the rest of them (over here is a town called Sovana). Those towers of Savona are great! As is the dog statue. 😀 And many other lovely glimpses. As you know, I have a list of places in Italy to visit too and it’s getting longer instead of shorter. To new discoveries!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      June 2, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      Sigh! Mine too. It’s a never ending one honestly. Interesting clash of names

      Reply
  • Francis
    May 26, 2018 at 5:32 am

    What a wonderfully unusual list! I must visit these places.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 26, 2018 at 1:13 pm

      Thank you Francis 💞💞

      Reply
  • hopelesswonderer
    May 15, 2018 at 11:30 pm

    the small less touristy areas are always the cutest!!!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 16, 2018 at 12:21 am

      True 🙂 Have a great evening!

      Reply
  • ejsna
    May 15, 2018 at 5:13 pm

    Hi Ishita, Move to Italy so I have someone I can join with when the urge to go there arises. The people here at home love Italy but they can never stay long enough for me to enjoy the country. They always complain it’s not cold enough to walk around 😀

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 15, 2018 at 11:19 pm

      Hahaha! This comment 😛 I know what you mean. Who knows one day

      Reply
  • thewonderer86
    May 15, 2018 at 12:45 pm

    Small is beautiful. All of these look so charming!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 15, 2018 at 2:35 pm

      Thanks for reading 🙂 Have a great day x

      Reply
  • LuLu B - Calabrisella Mia
    May 15, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    All beautiful places! But, we have to get you further south, these are all in the north! Hahaha

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 15, 2018 at 12:38 pm

      There are many posts for South too 😉 Thanks

      Reply
  • a mindful traveler
    May 15, 2018 at 10:48 am

    Ahhhh, i love them all, but my favourite would be Moncalieri. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous towns. More places to add to the Italy List! Xx

    Reply
  • Lyn Douglas
    May 15, 2018 at 1:29 am

    Hi Ishita, gorgeous photos, I also love the small towns of Italy. I am now much happier away from the big cities. I have been to 2 of these ones. Urbania and Alba

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 15, 2018 at 9:15 am

      Thanks Lyn. amazing towns.

      Reply
  • marilyneb
    May 14, 2018 at 11:32 pm

    What lovely experiences and charming little towns. I would love to visit Urbania (I’d never heard of it) if it’s the home of La Befana parades. Some of the most fun I’ve had in Rome was watching their parade.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 15, 2018 at 9:15 am

      Thank you! it would be interesting to see Urbania full of people 😉

      Reply
  • Whiskey Nancies
    May 14, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    these towns are all so beautiful – especially the ceramics of Urbania. small towns have such a charm and it’s always so interesting to think about the experiences/sights/culture you’d be missing if you only stuck to the big cities!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 14, 2018 at 10:43 pm

      Urbania was such a find!! And the river adds to it’s beauty. I agree totally.

      Reply
  • bookwormmuse
    May 14, 2018 at 8:54 pm

    Thanks for the lovely post, as if I needed more reasons to fall for Italy.
    https://i.gifer.com/Wg27.gif

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 14, 2018 at 10:35 pm

      Haha I love this GIF. I know what you mean. Any far fetched plans that could come true ;)??

      Reply
  • livechicandwell
    May 14, 2018 at 8:40 pm

    Thanks for this. It is always good to discover hidden gems in the bel paese to file away for reference for future visits!
    The 7 months I spent living in Italy in my late teens had a profound influence on the way I perceived and chose to live life…I’m finally starting to write a book about it now.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      May 14, 2018 at 10:35 pm

      Isn’t it the best? I love the big cities too but there is something very special about these gems. How wonderful for you!! Looking forward to knowing more soon then??

      Reply
      • livechicandwell
        May 17, 2018 at 1:00 am

        Yes I agree, plus there are fewer tourists (even though that sounds hypocritical, being a tourist myself!
        Sure, I’ll keep you posted on the book 😊

        Reply

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