Photo Credit: Antonio Cinotti

San Gimignano

This village routinely pops up when people talk about Italy, and it’s no wonder why. Its layout is unmistakable, thanks to the 16 towers that jut out into the sky. Located in the heart of Italy’s wine country, the rolling hills of farmland create a landscape that could be plucked right from a romantic movie. San Gimignano still has a medieval feel, in large part due to the ban on cars in the town center. Arrive at Lido di Jesolo and drive the few hour journey to walk the narrow streets in peace: it’s worth it.

Photo Credit: Jean-Marc Vernier

Positano

The Amalfi Coast is world renowned for its beauty, so saying something that the village of Positano just might be the prettiest village along its coastline is high praise indeed. Only an hour’s bus journey away from Maiori airport, this village has it all. From brightly colored homes perching along cliffs to a cozy beach, package holidays are worth it if only for a visit to this picturesque land.

Photo Credit:VALERIANI ARMANDO

Alberobello

The buildings that make up Alberobello are trulli structures, a cone like structure that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale. You can actually stay in these strange structures, and spend your time perusing the charming shops that line the city. Fly to Ravello and take the four hour journey for a few nights of rural bliss.

Photo Credit: Bobrad

Situated on Lake Como, Menaggio manages to give off an old-world feel with modern amenities. There are waterfront terraces and steeples dotting the landscape, and of course some of the freshest seafood imaginable. You can also take a ferry to one of the many other villages that surround Lake Como. Head out to nearby Milan for a day of serious shopping.

There are so many quaint villages in Italy and these are just a few. They’re places that need to be experienced first-hand to understand their true beauty.

Main photo credit: Moyan Brenn

Connie is a freelance illustrator currently working in France and travelling around Europe at every opportunity. She loves good coffee, Wes Anderson films and window shopping at Colette.

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