2026’s 10 Most Scenic Italy Towns

Where Western and Southern Europe intersect, Italy really goes the distance to impress. In the Alps of northern Italy, visitors can snap the perfect shots of the photogenic Dolomites and sail away in the magically beautiful lake made (even more) famous by a certain Las Vegas casino half a world away. Then, there’s the town in the Emilia-Romagna region that shows how their delicious cheese is made, along with a Tuscan mountainside village home to a real medieval castle. Continuing south, folks can dip into the refreshing waters of a natural pool at the foot of the Gulf of Naples, and they can dive into a whole other world of wonders at the southern end of Sicily. In case this whets your appetite, there are plenty more scenic towns where these came from.

Church of the Assumption of Mary in the old town of Brunico (Bruneck), South Tyrol, Italy. Perched in the Puster Valley of South Tyrol, and about 104 kilometers (or 65 miles) south-east of Innsbruck (Austria), is the amazing alpine town of Bruneck (or Brunico in Italian). For an unforgettable mountaintop experience, visitors can ride the cable car up to Messner Mountain Museum Corones, behold the striking structure designed by Zaha Hadid, and learn more about local mountaineering culture inside. While on the Plan de Corones mountain, folks can also check out the Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography to walk through the history of photography in the mountains, and to also gain some inspiration to try shooting their own perfect photos of these picturesque mountains. Then, once everyone has made it back down to town, they can head over to Bruneck Castle (also known as Messner Mountain Museum Ripa) to tour this majestic 13th-century castle that also serves as a museum that houses thought-provoking exhibitions showcasing alpine communities and cultures from around the world.

At Hotel Petrus, guests can expect “handcrafted hospitality” at this family-run luxury hotel. All rooms and suites are individually designed for heightened style and comfort, though all come with fine amenities like deluxe bedding, plush seating, and rain showers. In addition, guests will enjoy the hotel’s 25-metre heated swimming pool, two Finnish-style saunas, and even shuttle service to and from the cable cars during ski season.

Lake Como, the lake that gives Bellagio its famous waterfront setting. Around 70 kilometers (or 43 miles) north of Milan, Bellagio opens up to the marvelous grandeur of the one-and-only Lake Como. Yes, this town inspired the famed Bellagio casino resort in Las Vegas (USA), but the real Bellagio abuts a real lake, and Gestione Governativa Navigazione Laghi operates ferry boats on the lake. Meanwhile, on land, the Giardini di Villa Melzi is a must-see-and-do for its spectacular English-style gardens set on a grand lakefront estate. And at the Basilica of St. Giacomo, folks will discover a stunning 12th-century Romanesque church that still holds Sunday mass every week.

Returning to the lakeshore, it’s hard to miss the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, a lavish landmark that’s been standing tall since 1854. It’s now a Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel, and guests staying here will be treated to deluxe accommodations with top-quality furnishings and linens. While here, folks can also relax at the hotel’s private beach club, dine on fine cuisine at their Mistral and La Goleta restaurants, and indulge in soothing treatments at the Luce del Lago Spa.

Turquoise waters of Lago Goillet reservoir beneath glaciated Alpine peaks near Valtournenche in the Aosta Valley, northwestern Italy. While the Matterhorn is often hailed as Switzerland’s most iconic natural landmark, there’s another side to this world-famous mountain awaiting discovery in the Italian comune of Valtournenche (or Vótornéntse in the Valdôtain Arpitan/Franco-Provençal language). Starting in late October, Breuil-Cervinia opens for the winter ski season and provides 43 trails across 42 hectares with up to 1,430 meters in vertical. But even for those not keen on skiing, there’s still plenty to see and do, including the gorgeous Lago Blu that’s also a great vantage point for the Matterhorn, and the curious cave at Le Gouffre-des-Busserailles.

Tucked into the Cervinia neighborhood of Valtournenche, Saint Hubertus Resort & Spa provides a very warm welcome alongside spacious suites adorned with rich textures, soft lighting, plush furnishings, working stone fireplaces, SkyTV, and high-speed wifi internet. Even better, guests can also enjoy elegant fine dining at their restaurant and privileged access to their on-site spa.

Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages. Where Italy’s north-western region of Liguria meets the Mediterranean Sea, the Cinque Terre (or “five lands”) shine bright as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the village of Monterosso al Mare makes the ideal launchpad for all sorts of Cinque Terre excursions. For starters, Spiaggia di Fegina features a wide sandy beach and postcard-worthy vistas. Then, for those wanting to explore more on foot, it’s a wonderful hike up to Punta Mesco, where the remains of the 14th-century Sant’Antonio del Mesco church and panoramic views of the sea and the Ligurian Apennines await at the top. And back at the coast, Spiaggia del Gigante is a uniquely picturesque beach with its 14-meter-tall Neptune sculpture (developed in 1910 by architect Francesco Levacher and the sculptor Arrigo Minerbi) that can’t be missed.

Set high on a cliff overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Porto Roca makes a spectacular and secluded-feeling coastal oasis. Not only does the hotel provide direct access to the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connecting all five Cinque Terre villages, but it also sports a refreshing infinity pool, a private beach with umbrellas, and a complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning.

Soragna Villa, 1700s noble villa in a park. Collecchio, Parma, Italy. Editorial credit: Domenichini Giuliano / Shutterstock.com Located south-west of the famed city of Parma, Collecchio provides a more laid-back entryway into the rich culture and delicious flavors of the Emilia-Romagna region. Of course, this area is world-famous for its signature cheese, and the local Caseificio Gennari dairy is the perfect place to pick up some authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. (They also provide interactive cheesemaking experiences that can be booked in advance!) Nearby, another tasty treasure can be found at the Museo della Pasta, which guides visitors through the entire journey of local wheat becoming world-class pasta. And just outside the museum, the Parco Fluviale del Taro showcases the natural land along the banks of the Taro River that supports ongoing agricultural tradition, and this park is ideal for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Back by the dairy, Locanda Il Casale is a wonderfully cozy spot to feast on authentic Parma-style Italian cuisine. In addition, this family farmhouse offers four lovely homestyle rooms complete with wifi internet and access to the property’s lush gardens and cool swimming pool.

San Romano in Garfagnana, historic village in Lucca province, Tuscany, Italy. Hidden in the hills of northern Tuscany, San Romano in Garfagnana is home to a mysterious medieval castle and an abundance of natural treasures. The aforementioned castle happens to be Fortezza Verrucole Archeopark, a fortress built by the Gherardinghi family in the 11th and 12th centuries, and a place where present-day visitors can “time travel” back to everyday life during the castle’s 13th-century heydays. Just beyond town limits lies the southern stretch of the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, an over 25,000-hectare expanse of undisturbed beech and chestnut woods, imposing mountain peaks, and critical habitat for wildlife like wild boars, red deer, European mouflons, and golden eagles.

Should anyone need some refreshment and refueling, La Dispensa & Rewind is a wonderful local restaurant serving Tuscan treats. And a short drive west of town, the Azienda Agrituristica Bravi Alessandro is a genuine Tuscan family farmhouse complete with a working winery, a full farm-to-table restaurant, and a gorgeous outdoor pool area.

Medieval buildings line the streets of Gradara, Italy. About 41 kilometers east of the microstate of San Marino, the Italian town of Gradara finds a way to make the fiery underworld look so good. Anyone who appreciates the captivating stories of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy can unearth some of the real-life medieval history and enchanting hilltop atmosphere at the Castello di Gradara. Just down the hill from the castle, Il Teatro dell’Aria is also worth a stop to admire the art of falconry and the birds at the center of this sporting tradition. And a little way south, the Tenuta di Pirano winery sports a heavenly vineyard setting, a mouthwatering lineup of wines made with organic grapes, and even a restaurant serving fine Italian cuisine.

Heading back to town, Terra di Gradara is an elegant farm stay B&B featuring rustic, stylish accommodations, a delectable restaurant on site, and a spectacular 25-meter outdoor pool that stays heated year-round.

Beautiful medieval village San gregorio da sassola, Lazio, Italy. Editorial credit: Freesurf / Shutterstock.com The Lazio comune of San Gregorio da Sassola may be far removed (as in, 43 kilometers, or 27 miles) from the majestic monuments in the historic heart of Rome, yet this small town has plenty of its own big features. The Chiesa Madre di San Gregorio Magno can trace its origins all the way back to Pope Gregory I’s 6th-century suburban villa, and it later transformed into a beautiful church adorned with plenty of medieval and Renaissance-era religious art. To the west, Ponte San Antonio is a surviving chunk of the Ancient Roman era Anio Novus aqueduct that’s now a quiet corner of open natural splendor. And for a fuller taste of local culture, folks can return to town, grab a table at Pelk Bar, and enjoy some down-home Roman-style fare.

In San Gregorio da Sassola, it’s hard to miss Castello Brancaccio, the mighty 10th-century medieval castle that stands tall over the town. Fortunately for travelers, the castle now has its own boutique hotel offering 16 deluxe rooms with special amenities like orthopedic mattresses, smart TVs, rain showers, reverse-cycle air conditioning, and an unmatched environment.

The coast of Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento is the kind of Italian town with a familiar-sounding name, a location (around 49 kilometers, or 30 miles, south of Naples) off the most beaten paths of the Campania region, and a truly spectacular coastal atmosphere worth savoring. Right in town, the Chiostro di San Francesco is a grand 14th-century monastery that continues to charm and inspire. A few blocks away, the Palazzo Veniero is another medieval landmark (primarily built in the 12th and 13th centuries) that still displays some of its original Byzantine and Arabic motifs. And for something truly marvelous, folks can venture west to discover the Bagni Regina Giovanna, a natural pool of the Gulf of Naples surrounded by wind-sculpted limestone bluffs.

Just up the road from the Bagni Regina Giovanna, Capo Santa Fortunata provides a tranquil coastal garden oasis complete with 10,000 square meters of park-like grounds, a historic villa that hosted dignitaries like Princess Anne of Orléans and Maxim Gorky, and stately guest quarters that are sure to make folks feel right at home.

Portopalo di Capo Passero, castle hotel in southern Sicily, aerial view. Last, but certainly not least, we have Portopalo di Capo Passero, a rather captivating corner of Sicily’s southern coast. In town, Scalo Mandrie makes a very inviting portal to the Ionian Sea with its illustrious golden sands. To the west, Spiaggia Isola delle Correnti has its own offshore island that can be reached on foot during low tide, and it’s a wonderful beach to go swimming and snorkeling. And a little farther out, Spiaggia di Punta delle Formiche is a more secluded-feeling beach sporting crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea water.

At the north end of town, it’s hard to miss Castello Tafuri, a curious seaside castle. Today, it’s a hotel with cozy and comfy homestyle accommodations, along with a stunning sea-view swimming pool and an equally refreshing lounge bar serving cool drinks and light bites.

The aforementioned Italian towns definitely bring the beautiful scenery, yet they also showcase fascinating history and rich, authentic culture. In Lombardy, Bellagio opens up to the dazzling grandeur of Lake Como. Moving over to Valle d’Aosta, Valtournenche shows another side of the world-famous Matterhorn. Shifting down to Liguria, Monterosso al Mare showcases much of the seaside splendor of the UNESCO-honored Cinque Terre. Then, in the heights of Tuscany, San Romano in Garfagnana has a mighty medieval castle and a wealth of unspoiled mountain wilderness. Over on the coast of Campania, Sorrento has its own natural pool of a lagoon at the foot of the Gulf of Naples. And at the southern tip of Sicily, Portopalo di Capo Passero has some of the prettiest Mediterranean beaches imaginable.

With so many stunning scenes across Italy, you’re bound to find the perfect backdrop for making the most marvelous memories.