Get ready to catch serious wanderlust! From pastel-hued fishing villages to medieval hilltop hamlets, Italy’s most enchanting towns exist in a timeless parallel universe.
Discover our handpicked selection of the 20 most picturesque towns in Italy below.
But fair warning: these views are known to cause serious cases of travel fever, with symptoms including spontaneous flight bookings and dreams of la dolce vita.
20 Most Picturesque Towns in Italy to Visit
Ready for your next great adventure? Discover our handpicked selection of the 20 most breathtaking towns in Italy below.
1. Vernazza, Cinque Terre
The crown jewel of the five Cinque Terre towns, with its natural harbor cradling colorful fishing boats and pastel houses climbing the rocky hillside.
Don’t miss the sunset from Doria Castle or join a local pesto-making workshop, then explore the scenic coastal trails connecting to neighboring villages.
2. Portofino, Liguria
Portofino, a former fishing village turned luxury destination, is one of the prettiest Italian Riviera towns.
The iconic pastel-colored houses surrounding its perfect half-moon harbor create one of Italy’s most photographed scenes.
Hike to the Church of San Giorgio for spectacular views, or explore hidden paths leading to secluded swimming coves.
3. Manarola, Cinque Terre
Perhaps the most photographed of all the small Italian villages, Manarola’s rainbow-hued houses appear to tumble right into the sea.
Many consider it one of the most charming towns in Europe. The village’s elevated walking trail, Via dell’Amore, provides spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
4. San Gimignano, Tuscany
Rising dramatically from the Tuscan countryside, medieval San Gimignano ranks among the most picturesque towns in Italy.
Its 14 surviving towers create an unforgettable skyline. Sample the world’s best gelato at Gelateria Dondoli or climb Torre Grossa for panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
5. Bellagio, Lake Como
Known as the Pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio ranks high among the best towns in Italy to visit.
Its perfectly manicured gardens, elegant boutiques, and lakeside promenade create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication.
Take a boat tour on Lake Como for the best views or explore Villa Melzi’s botanical gardens.
6. Varenna, Lake Como
Less crowded than its glamorous neighbor, this charming fishing village is one of the prettiest Lake Como towns.
Considered one of the prettiest small towns in Italy, its lakeside Walk of Lovers leads to a tiny stone beach, while Villa Monastero’s gardens provide perfect photo opportunities.
7. Pienza, Tuscany
Hidden away in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Pienza stands as one of Italy’s best small towns and remains more of a true hidden gem.
The perfectly proportioned Piazza Pio II showcases architectural harmony at its finest. Sample the famous pecorino cheese and stroll the romantic Via dell’Amore with views over the Val d’Orcia.
8. Montepulciano, Tuscany
One of the most charming places in Tuscany, Montepulciano perched atop a limestone ridge counts among the most beautiful small towns in Italy.
Navigate the underground wine cellars carved into the rock, climb the Torre del Pulcinella for sweeping views, and sample the noble Vino Nobile in historic tasting rooms.
9. Spello, Umbria
Among the best towns to visit in Italy, Spello bursts with color during its famous Infiorata flower festival.
Medieval walls contain narrow streets lined with flower-filled balconies and ancient Roman gates. The frescoes in Santa Maria Maggiore rival many more famous sites.
10. Alberobello, Puglia
Ranking among the most beautiful places in Puglia, this fairytale collection of trulli (cone-roofed houses) stands as one of Italy’s most distinctive small villages.
Stay in a converted trullo, explore the quiet backstreets away from crowds, and learn about the mysterious symbols painted on the roofs.
11. Polignano a Mare, Puglia
Dramatically positioned on limestone cliffs, this coastal gem counts among the prettiest places in Southern Italy.
The iconic Grotta Palazzese restaurant carved into sea caves provides unforgettable dining experiences, while the small beach surrounded by cliffs offers unique swimming opportunities.
12. Taormina, Sicily
With Mount Etna as its backdrop and the Mediterranean at its feet, Taormina combines natural and architectural beauty perfectly.
The ancient Greek theater provides spectacular views, while the vibrant Corso Umberto offers world-class shopping and dining.
13. Positano, Amalfi Coast
The jewel of the Amalfi Coast, Positano stands among the best coastal towns in Italy, dazzling with its vertical landscape of pastel-colored houses.
From the best Positano beaches with their sophisticated beach clubs to hidden paths leading to secluded coves, every corner offers postcard-perfect views.
Don’t miss the majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta or the local limoncello.
14. Atrani, Amalfi Coast
The smallest town in southern Italy packs immense charm into its tiny dimensions.
Hidden from most tourists, its authentic atmosphere and perfectly preserved medieval layout make it a photographer’s dream.
One of the prettiest towns on the Amalfi Coast, Atrani boasts one of the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast, where locals still gather for their daily swim.
15. Burano, Venetian Lagoon
This technicolor dream of an island near Venice is adorable with its rainbow-hued houses.
Watch lace-makers practice their ancient craft, photograph the leaning bell tower, and feast on the freshest seafood in quiet family-run trattorias.
Though lesser-known than Capri or Sicily, it ranks among the best Italian islands for its unique character and vibrant beauty.
16. Castelmezzano, Basilicata
Built into the rocky spires of the Dolomiti Lucane, this dramatic town offers thrilling experiences like the Flight of the Angel zipline.
With its dramatic setting and ethereal atmosphere, it’s no wonder this hidden treasure is considered one of Italy’s most magical places.
17. Tropea, Calabria
Perched on white cliffs above turquoise waters, this Calabrian jewel centers around its iconic Santa Maria dell’Isola church on a rocky outcrop.
Famous for its sweet red onions, the historic center comes alive during evening passeggiata.
18. Pitigliano, Tuscany
Known as “Little Jerusalem,” this town emerges organically from volcanic tufa rock, creating one of the most dramatic skylines in Italy.
Its Jewish heritage lives on in the perfectly preserved ghetto, with its restored synagogue and traditional bakery.
Wander through medieval streets and discover ancient wine cellars and Etruscan cave routes carved into the rock.
19. Sorano, Tuscany
Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, this fortress town offers authentic Tuscan experiences without the crowds.
The imposing Orsini Fortress dominates the skyline, while the medieval Jewish ghetto and ancient cave dwellings reveal fascinating layers of history.
The surrounding Vie Cave – ancient Etruscan pathways carved through rock – offer unique hiking adventures.
20. Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
The largest of Cinque Terre’s most beautiful towns in Italy captivates with its vertical architecture and bustling harbor.
The famous Via dell’Amore starts here, though the real magic lies in the narrow caruggi (alleyways) leading to hidden viewpoints.
Final Thoughts on the Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
From cliff-hugging coastal gems to hilltop medieval treasures, Italy’s pretty towns showcase the country’s most beautiful landscapes and richest traditions.
Whether you’re dreaming of pastel-painted fishing villages, Renaissance architectural jewels, or ancient streets steeped in history, these beautiful towns capture the essence of Italy’s timeless appeal.
Ready to start planning your Italian adventure? Explore our Italy travel blog posts for insider tips, detailed itineraries, and local secrets to help craft your perfect journey through these stunning destinations.
