When visiting Italy, tourists frequently go to the well-known locations like Venice, Florence, Rome, and even Naples.
However, the European nation has numerous equally, if not more, picturesque towns that are seldom known, not even by many Italians.
Italy actually has over 5,000 beautiful, undiscovered villages with delicious cuisine, stunning scenery, and few locals.
These eight picturesque Italian villages are probably unknown to you.
Castel di Tora
Castel di Tora is a fantastic destination to visit for a day trip while in Rome and is one of the best-kept secrets of Latium, the center region of Italy. Visitors may see some wandering cows and lambs along the trip because the country road leading to the town winds through dense forest.
Benito Mussolini, the fascist leader of Italy during World War II, built the artificial Lake Turano, which is where the town is located. Locals can be seen relaxing on stone benches there, topping off their tans, or swimming in the glistening turquoise water.
The historic neighborhood, which is made up of several nicely remodeled stone homes with expansive balconies suspended above the lake, is connected to the main road by a metal bridge.
The town’s modest square is the perfect place to get a quick espresso or a meal. The lakeside taverns have open panoramic verandas and serve fresh fish.
Among the many things to do here are going for a refreshing swim or taking a leisurely boat ride along the lake shores. Fishing for two-meter long carp, which must then be released, is another.
Frasso Sabino
This extraordinarily well-maintained medieval village is a bit of a chore to get to, and there’s a risk you’ll get lost in the countryside or end up at a Buddhist retreat en route.
Frasso Sabino is a bit of a throwback to simpler times. It is located deep in the Italian region of Latium and close to the city of Rieti.
Sfilata Frasso — Moda e Riciclo, an eco-fashion show featuring outfits created from recycled materials like plastic bottles and empty coffee capsules, is perhaps the only big event on the town’s social calendar, so forget about the buzzing pubs and eateries.
Frasso Sabino is overshadowed by the ruins of Castello Sforza Cesarini, which was built in the eleventh century.
Visitors must climb a hill across the fortress’ open-air defensive walls’ large stone stairs in order to get near to it.
Campiglia Marittima
In the past, fishermen sought sanctuary here. Today, tourists come to Campiglia Marittima for a day trip in search of peace, nature, and excellent wine. The town, located about 90 kilometers southwest of Florence, has vistas that extend to the Tuscan islands and Corsica on clear days.
This medieval town is surrounded by vegetation and is overshadowed by the ruins of the walled viewpoint stronghold Rocco, while its historic center is a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets.
Luserna
Luserna is a remarkably distinctive location located in the Trento region, perched high on the Alps. Around 200 residents of the tiny village live there and speak Cimbro (or Cimbrian), a rare and uncommon dialect of Bavarian origin that was brought there by medieval settlers.
You might be left wondering if you’ve wandered into another nation when navigating the several woodlands in the area because the road and location signs here are posted in a variety of languages and the residents are quite proud of their roots.
Wonderful skiing slopes can be found in Luserna as well as other winter sports including sled dog excursions and snowshoe hikes.
Miles of hiking paths on The Bear Trail (yes, you might run across one) lead to a stunningly beautiful location with views of snow-capped peaks.
Bobbio
This town in Emilia Romagna appears to be a potential setting for “Game of Thrones” filming.
Ponte Gobbo, a historic stone bridge that spans the frigid Trebbia river to connect Bobbio to the main road, greets travelers as they arrive.
The atypical building, also known as “Devil’s Bridge” or “Hunchback Bridge,” is irregular in shape and has 11 uneven arcades. Its length is 280 meters (about 920 feet).
Bobbio, which was established by the Celts during their invasion of Italy, is comprised of charming walks that lead to a maze of twisting lanes dotted with opulent palazzos.
Bobbio Abbey, one of the town’s most recognizable structures, was founded by Irish monk St. Columbanus and added to its splendor.
A charming cathedral with priceless old manuscripts and other artifacts is the Bobbio Cathedral. In terms of community events, Bobbio frequently has small fairs where delicacies like snails, grapes, and truffles are displayed.
Petritoli
Petritoli may have gotten its name from an ancient term that loosely translates to “burial site” in the local language, but now it is a highly sought-after wedding location.
In recent years, couples have flocked to this isolated area of the Marche region of Italy to say their vows amidst the spotless fields and fresh air of this tiny community.
Petritoli offers distinctive views of the Adriatic coast from green hills covered with olive orchards, vineyards, and mulberry trees.
Among the best regional delicacies is homemade moccolotti, also known as rigatoni, which is served with a hearty meat sauce and sheep’s milk pecorino cheese.
Buccheri
Buccheri, which is close to Syracuse in Sicily, provides a tranquil retreat from the masses while still being close to beautiful beaches and amazing views.
Although the remote village is home to the ruins of a grand castle, the most gorgeous places to see here are undoubtedly the old snow caves, or “niviere,” which are actually natural refrigerators made to save ice and snow, as well as the town’s modest churches and homes in the dammuso style.
In the Middle Ages, specialized snow collectors called “nivaroli” procured ice from the mountains in order to produce granita, a delectable slush beverage, and ice cream.
Granita is still quite well-liked in the community, despite the fact that it is now manufactured using much easier methods. Other regional favorites include pasta dishes made with local truffles and saffron.
Civita Castellana
Civita is a spot where time stops, perched on a promontory made of brownish-red tuff not far from the Umbrian border.
The town’s long and winding main road leads to the historic area, which has clefts and caves built by the Falisci, an ancient Italian tribe thought to have served as hideouts for bandits.
Its adjacent rivers have porous rock with significant chasms and clefts where pre-Italic cultures’ old graves previously stood.
The town’s duomo, the Cathedral of Civita Castellana, which is adorned in mosaics, as well as its magnificent old fortification, are the main attractions here.
Additionally, there are numerous artisan pottery shops and farmers’ markets where customers may purchase fresh ricotta and premium ham.
