Italy Away From the Crowds: Hill Villages, Sweet Wines and Wild Trails

Italy’s quieter side holds endless surprises. In Emilia-Romagna, Brisighella rises like a natural fortress with rocky hills and ancient towers. The approach alone feels like walking into a Renaissance artwork.
Its medieval streets and elevated walkway create an inviting environment for slow exploration. Brisighella’s charm lies not just in its history but in its peaceful rhythm.
On Sicily’s Via dei Frati, hikers cross 54 miles of mountain landscapes connecting Caltanissetta with Cefalù. With no crowds in sight, the trail feels entirely your own. Each night ends in a village like Gangi, rich in simple beauty.
Basilicata’s Venosa has ancient surprises around every corner — from Roman ruins to Jewish catacombs to its dramatic castle. Melfi, Lagopesole and Pietragalla add more medieval architecture to the region’s offerings.
Other Italian treasures include an off-grid eco-hotel in the Apennines, Cividale’s medieval gems, Chioggia’s small canals, the mountains around Santo Stefano d’Aveto, Loazzolo’s sweet wines and autumn landscapes and the quiet Roman ruins of Urbs Salvia. These destinations embody Italy at its most peaceful.