10 Hidden Villages in Italy That Few Travelers Visit
Castelmezzano: A Stone Sanctuary in Basilicata
Tucked into the dramatic Dolomiti Lucane mountains, Castelmezzano emerges as a stunning Italy hidden gem that’s well worth the detour from the main road cutting through Basilicata, paired with another beauty on the opposite mountain, Pietrapertosa. This extraordinary village, which nestles in the Apennine Mountains of southern Italy with a population of 781 people (as of 2021), making it one of the smallest municipalities in the region, seems to defy gravity itself.
What it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm, with winding streets and stone houses giving the village a medieval feel, while nearby forests and mountains provide ample opportunity for hiking and exploring. The village literally appears to grow from the rock face, creating one of those magical moments where architecture and nature blend seamlessly. Although it’s off the beaten path, Castelmezzano is well worth a visit for anyone looking to experience the hidden gems of Italy.
Balbido: The Painted Village of the Dolomites
If you’re looking for a true hidden gem in Italy, head to the small village of Balbido, the painted village in the north Italian region of Trentino, where in the 1980s, residents invited artists to paint murals on the buildings, showing various professions of residents and scenes from rural life. This artistic transformation turned a sleepy mountain community into an open-air gallery that few tourists have discovered.
While murals are quite common in Europe in general, this small village of less than 200 inhabitants has 222 murals that you can admire during your visit, depicting mainly scenes from the past, showcasing local heritage and traditions, old trades and professions that no longer exist. Life in the rural regions of the Dolomites was not always easy, as most people in the region were small farmers who had to become traveling tradesmen during winter months. The murals tell these forgotten stories with remarkable authenticity.
Camogli: The Colorful Fishing Village That Time Forgot
Now, this is a place that stole my heart – while Cinque Terre and Portofino steal the show along this coast, quieter and charming Camogli retains much more of its traditional fishing village feel, making it a somewhat hidden gem in Italy. The pretty fishing village of Camogli on the Ligurian coast is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and is a perfect day trip from Genoa, the capital of Liguria.
With its pebble beaches and colorful architecture, it’s not much different from other coastal towns nearby like Portofino or the Cinque Terre, but despite that, few people know about Camogli, so it’s perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds. The Castle of Dragonara and the Camogli lighthouse are particularly picturesque and a must-see in town, while it’s also a great place to taste regional Italian cuisine like troffie al pesto, pasta al sugo di noci or a piece of oily fugassa on the go.
Matera: The Ancient Cave City of Basilicata
Matera, situated in the Basilicata region, is a hidden gem renowned for its “sassi,” a pair of neighborhoods characterized by ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited since the Stone Age – these remarkable dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a glimpse into a fascinating past. Traveling by train to Matera offers a scenic journey, taking approximately 4.5 to 6 hours from Rome at a cost ranging from €19 to €60.
Beyond its historical significance, Matera boasts breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant culinary scene, making it a destination perfect for those seeking a unique and less-traveled experience, especially solo travelers looking for authentic Italian experiences, with the opportunity to stay in repurposed cave hotels offering modern amenities within the historical context. Autumn 2024 presents a particularly ideal time to explore this hidden treasure in Italy, before it becomes overly popular, with more pleasant weather and lower tourist numbers.
Lake Misurina: A Mirror in the Dolomites
Lake Misurina is one of the hidden Italian gems in the Dolomites, where the lovely village of Misurina sits on the shoreline of an Alpine lake with the same name in the heart of the Italian Dolomites – the town is 1,754 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Cadini, Sorapis and Cristallo massifs, and the landmark Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This high-altitude paradise offers something truly special that most travelers never experience.
The town is known for being a center for the cure of respiratory illnesses thanks to its special microclimate and pure air, and in wintertime the lake freezes over, giving Misurina an enchanting look and providing visitors with a great base for winter sports. During the rest of the year the white is replaced by shades of green, transforming the village into an ideal setting for hiking and mountain excursions. The lake’s crystal-clear waters perfectly reflect the surrounding peaks, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every turn.
Certaldo: A Medieval Jewel Above Tuscany
Situated only 35km from Florence in northern Italy, Certaldo is a perfect example of a wonderfully preserved medieval Italian village and an excellent example of a hidden gem in Italy, easily accessible via the funicular that connects the upper and lower towns. The narrow cobblestone streets and small squares make wandering this small village a real delight.
At the end of the town’s main street, Via Boccaccio, you will find Palazzo Pretorio, with its exterior covered in ceramic and terracotta works that Certaldo is famous for, while the interior hosts a stunning fresco by Italian artist Benozzo Gozzoli. Boccaccio was a very influential figure in the Italian literary world who retired to Certaldo in the 1370s to live out his days in peace. The views from here stretch endlessly across the Tuscan countryside, offering that perfect golden-hour magic without the crowds.
Monforte d’Alba: Wine Country’s Best-Kept Secret
We had a particularly enjoyable lunch in Monforte d’Alba and loved exploring this little wine town – like many medieval Italian villages, Monforte is positioned on a hilltop overlooking vineyards with the Alps visible on a clear day. This Piedmontese gem represents everything wonderful about Italy’s wine regions without the tourist buses.
What set this little place apart from some of the other lovely villages in the region was the Auditorium Horszowski – a grassy open air amphitheatre built into the natural slope, and despite still being used for concerts, the little grassy theatre was in immaculate condition. Although I am sometimes disappointed by the care taken at some of Italy’s historic sites, I am always wowed by how much love and attention is given to the preservation of tiny little Italian villages such as Monforte d’Alba, with skilled craftsmen continuing to be employed to ensure these lovely secret spots live on.
Val Venosta: The Flooded Village Mystery
The Val Venosta valley is located in South Tyrol, the northernmost Italian province, and is the definition of a hidden gem, bordering Austria with the Reschenpass to the North, and Switzerland to the West. This historical spot is well tucked away in the Alps and has been almost forgotten if it wasn’t for one particular sight – the old village of Curon, which was flooded by the local river, with what’s left today being the 14th-century historical bell tower in the lake.
Val Venosta is also known for high-quality white wine and its apples, with the region influenced by Romans and Austrian Tyrolean culture, leaving remarkable landmarks including the Monte Maria Abbey, the medieval city of Glurns, and countless castle ruins. The surreal sight of a church tower emerging from lake waters creates one of Europe’s most haunting and beautiful landscapes.
Acquafredda: A Village Frozen in Time
Just a short drive down the road, you’ll arrive at Acquafreeda, a hidden gem in Italy that many just drive through as they explore the Basilicata coast – this small village has just a couple of restaurants, but offers fantastic accommodation where locals welcome visitors like long-lost friends. This tiny coastal settlement embodies the authentic Italy that most tourists never encounter.
The village represents that magical combination of untouched beauty and genuine hospitality that’s becoming increasingly rare in Italy’s more famous destinations. Here, you’ll find yourself experiencing true Italian warmth, where conversations flow as easily as local wine, and every meal feels like a family gathering. The absence of tour groups means you can actually hear the waves lapping against the shore and enjoy conversations with locals who have stories spanning generations.
Moena: A Fairytale in the Dolomites
Moena is a town of about 2,000 tucked into the pink-hued Dolomite mountains of northern Italy, reputedly a lovely spot for summer hiking with its big draw for those interested in winter sports. When off the slopes, the town of Moena itself looks like it was designed by someone who read entirely too many fairy tales as a child, with all kinds of Austrian flourishes from street signs in both Italian and German to Austrian influenced foods and the Germanic Christmas vibe.
Shuttles run constantly between Moena and various ski resorts, making a day of skiing a breeze, with all kinds of interesting ski runs including Sellaronda, a 40 km run that makes its way through villages and forests around a mountain. Food-wise in Moena, be on the lookout for anything with apples, game, or speck, while adventurous cheese-lovers should seek out Puzzone di Moena, which literally translates to “the big stinker of Moena”. It’s a place where Alpine tradition meets Italian warmth in the most delightful way.
Hidden Italy’s Growing Appeal
Italy’s tourism landscape is experiencing a fascinating shift toward these lesser-known destinations. The trend towards unique experiences, combined with overcrowding of traditional attractions, is leading to increased interest in lesser-known museums and historical sites, including Italy food and wine tours, cooking classes, and unique access to hidden gems. According to a recent FlyWire report, 84% of Italy tour providers saw an increase in demand for slow travel since the start of 2024, with Tourist Italy seeing a 43% annual increase in customers seeking unique activities beyond the traditional route.
The official association I Borghi più belli d’Italia promotes “The charm of hidden Italy,” and as of November 2023, 361 villages in Italy have been listed in “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”. These statistics reflect a growing recognition that Italy’s true magic often lies in places where GPS might struggle and where the only crowds are gathering for the evening aperitivo. In these villages, you’re not just a tourist passing through – you become part of a story that’s been unfolding for centuries, experiencing Italy as it was meant to be discovered.
