I took a micro-cruise in Croatia to see a half-dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the country's quieter corners, too
Thank goodness our guide, Nika Dobric, who was born and raised within the city's UNESCO-protected fortified walls, is already moving on. 'Now that we've seen
Dubrovnik
's most famous street,' she says, 'I want to spend our time together discovering some of the city's quieter, lesser-known corners.'
For the next hour, our group weaves through cobbled side streets and shady alleyways as Dobric brings the layered history into vivid focus. She punctuates tales of Dubrovnik's maritime dominance — this it owed to its powerful merchant fleet and strategic position on the Adriatic — with personal anecdotes that make me feel like I'm hanging out with a friend.
We pass the apartment where her parents still live, and swing by her stately-looking high school, dramatically located atop the Jesuit Stairs (which served as the setting for Cersei's Walk of Shame in 'Game of Thrones'). Then we pause in front of the Franciscan Monastery, where she lets us in on a local beauty secret: a 700-year-old pharmacy, one of Europe's oldest, is hidden within its Romanesque-Gothic walls.
'Most people miss it,' she says. 'But if you buy anything while you're in town, make it the pharmacy's rose facial cream, made with ingredients from the monastery's garden.'
It's the first day of our weeklong cruise along the Dalmatian Coast, and we're already off to a memorable start. While cruising is not my usual travel style — I prefer taking charge of my own itinerary — I'm beginning to see the virtues of letting someone else steer the way, especially when it means gaining this level of insider intel.
Our itinerary will take us from Dubrovnik to Split aboard the M.S. My Wish, a yacht-like vessel operated by
Cruise Croatia
that can accommodate up to 36 guests. Owned by a Croatian family and constructed on the Dalmatian islands, the boat is crewed entirely by Croatian sailors, as are all the ships in the company's fleet.
The M.S. My Wish is a yacht-like vessel operated by Cruise Croatia.
My fellow passengers include a multi-generational American family, a honeymooning couple from England and an Australian celebrating his 50th birthday. Over communal meals and offshore excursions, we agree that the real luxury of the trip has little to do with our ship, and everything to do with the ease of exploring Croatia's rugged coastline.
Most travellers to Croatia attempt to cobble together an itinerary of their own, hopping between ferries, chartering private boats, and white-knuckling behind the wheel of a rental car along mountainous coastal roads, in pursuit of the country's 10 UNESCO-listed sites.
But on our weeklong voyage, we visit a half-dozen of these heritage sites, without having to manage any logistics. That leaves plenty of time for scenic sailing and invigorating swims in hidden coves. And while yacht-style travel may sound extravagant, 2026 departures on this itinerary start at $2,595 U.S. per person — within the range of typical pricing for Mediterranean cruises.
In the
city of Split
, we dock a 10-minute walk from the famed Palace of Diocletian, built as a sprawling seaside retirement complex for its namesake Roman emperor. Our local guide, Hrvoje Sarun, who works weekdays as a teacher, leads us through the gates of the fortified compound, highlighting its pastiche of architectural styles — a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sphinx here, 4th-century Roman mosaics there — while sharing historical tidbits that would captivate even hard-to-impress high-schoolers.
'Diocletian was a ruthless leader and widely unpopular,' he explains animatedly, and we all draw near. 'In the end, even his wife and children left him, trading their life of luxury for this,' he adds, gesturing dramatically toward the streets.
The cruise itinerary included visits to Split's Palace of Diocletian, left, and the Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik.
Thanks to our ship's small size, we are able to reach places most travellers skip altogether, like the postcard-perfect island of Korcula and the sleepy village of Mali Ston on the Peljesac Peninsula, where we visit a family-owned farm, Bota Sare, cultivating award-winning European flat oysters.
Even in
Hvar
, one of Dalmatia's busiest ports, we veer away from the crowds, devoting the morning to the island's northwestern side. We drive past the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, where vineyards and olive groves have been cultivated since the 4th century B.C. It's considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Greek agricultural planning in the Mediterranean, with its dry-stone walls and
chora
(field layout) still intact.
Afterwards, we visit the island's family-owned Tomic Winery to sample the fruits of that terroir. Learning about the island's agricultural legacy makes our dinner back in Hvar town that night all the more satisfying.
The next day, as we approach the port of Pucisca on the island of Brac, our cruise director invites us to gather on the top deck. We're passing one of Brac's seven main quarries, which have produced a luminous, marble-like limestone for over 2,000 years. This same stone was used to build many landmarks we'd seen on the trip, including the Palace of Diocletian and the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik.
The port of Pucisca on the island of Brac, left, and the Klesarska Skola stonemasonry school.
After docking, we walk along the waterfront to the island's Klesarska Skola stonemasonry school, where 17-year-old student Leon Gogic welcomes us into his classroom. Showing us how to use traditional tools like chisels and mallets, he shares his ambition of becoming a professional mason.
The school isn't on UNESCO's list, and it certainly wouldn't have been on my self-guided itinerary. But standing in that bright, dusty classroom, watching Gogic bring milky slabs of Brac stone to life with centuries-old hand tools, I'm reminded of something Dobric suggested at the start of our time in Croatia: Most people miss the best parts. I'm glad I haven't.
Siobhan Reid travelled as a guest of Cruise Croatia, which did not review or approve this article.
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Travel + Leisure
21 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Boutique Italian Hotel Is Located in Historic Limestone Caves—and It Has an Underground Spa and Gorgeous Sunset Views
The cave suites offer a glimpse into Matera's lifestyle, while the Noble suites provide stunning views of the town. From the rooms to the reception, contemporary Italian art pieces curated by hotelier Elsa Russo, catch the eye. catch the eye. The spa, also built into a cave, has a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, cold plunge pool, and an outdoor relaxation area with spell-binding views. A network of hiking trails that snake through Alta Murgia National Park is just a short walk from the hotel. Enthusiastic local guides lead private walking tours of Matera and the nearby town of Altamura. Filmmakers have long been enamored with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed limestone tufa cave houses of Matera, which have made the southern Italian hilltop town a magnet for culture and history buffs. But it wasn't always this way. In 1952, the Italian government ordered the evacuation of 20,000 residents from these hollowed-out underground abodes, inhabited continuously for over 2,000 years, due to unsanitary living conditions. They were relocated to modern apartment buildings in the surrounding suburbs. Matera was branded " la vergogna nazionale ," or "the shame of the nation." In the '50s and '60s, renowned Italian directors flocked here to shoot dramas such as Pier Paolo Pasolini's 1964 biblical epic "The Gospel According to St. Matthew." Then, in 2004, Mel Gibson's highly controversial "The Passion of the Christ" introduced Matera to an international audience. More recently, Matera's tangle of alleyways and stone-built stairways served as the backdrop for Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond in "No Time to Die." However, the town, situated in the Basilicata region, bordering Puglia, Calabria, and Campania, had already been drawing visitors since Matera earned UNESCO status in 1993. Its two districts, known as the Sassi, together with the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, constitute houses, churches, and monasteries built into the natural caves of the Murgia. In 2019, Matera rose to prominence as one of two European Capitals of Culture (alongside another ancient city, Plovdiv, Bulgaria). Visiting in May, I was among the first to stay at Vetera Matera. An Italian dentist had gradually acquired a series of neighboring buildings, including cave houses, in Matera over the years, with the dream of creating a hotel. When he formed a partnership with the Russo-Attanasio family, who are behind Italian hospitality company Bellevue Group, his vision began to take shape. Eight years of thoughtful restoration later, Vetera Matera is one of the few hotels to have joined the rarefied ranks of Relais & Châteaux before opening. It's the only five-star luxury albergo diffuso, or diffused hotel—a term used to describe hotels spread across multiple historic buildings—affiliated with the global, culture-focused not-for-profit association. Named after the neighborhood, or rione , in which it's located, Vetera Matera comprises 23 rooms, including eight suites. I initially booked an upper-floor Noble suite, assuming my photographer husband would prefer all-hours access to views of Matera's cornsilk-hued rock dwellings. In the end, I selected a Hypogeal suite. I wanted the full experience of sleeping in a cave dwelling, like the inhabitants of Matera have done since the Paleolithic era. Entering the cool, soothing subterranean master suite, I quickly realized why Vetera Matera's accommodations are so unique. Master Suite 5, as it's simply known, is set on three softly-lit, cream-hued levels, each one gradually descending deeper underground. While I can be slightly claustrophobic, high ceilings alleviated any concerns. A fellow guest told me she opted for a Noble suite because she didn't feel comfortable with the thought of staying in a cave room. Wondering who might have once resided here, I found our temporary abode mysterious, beguiling, and incredibly romantic. Here's what it's like to stay at Vetera Matera. Entering our 1,044 square-foot Hypogeal (which means "underground" in Greek) suite, it was hard to fathom that, for centuries, people lived in these caves. Even more impressive is that, according to hotelier Adda Attanasio, daughter of Elsa Russo, minimal intervention was needed to convert it into a hotel room. Limestone brick arches alternate with smooth tuff walls, some pockmarked, while others are chiseled with geometric shapes. On the first level of our suite was a sofa bed and a bathroom. A few steps lead down to an open-plan bedroom with a king-size bed, a sprawling bathroom with twin vanities, and an amply sized closet. Enhancing the vibe were two clay female busts, one with sea sponge for hair, crafted by artist Paolo Sandulli and set in two gently illuminated alcoves. On the third and final level, there was a hot tub and a daybed. 'There, a bell-shaped niche etched into the wall by previous inhabitants marked where excavation could continue into the earth, while maintaining a steady stream of light into the home,' Attanasio, who has invested enormous effort to bring this project to fruition, tells Travel + Leisure . In a separate building, Noble suites on upper floors offer views of Matera through breezy windows, some with vaulted ceilings and terraces. Interiors are inspired by contemporary Italian style, featuring timber, iron, and travertine crafted by local artisans. Bathroom design varies from stone to monochrome marble tiles. Executive chef Eduardo Estatico, whose grandmothers sparked a passion for cooking his native Neapolitan cuisine when he was just eight years old, takes great pride in showcasing the raw materials from Basilicata and Puglia. All meals are served in the underground dining room, Artema. Breakfast delights include focaccia Barese, while Matera's famed sourdough bread pairs well with Lucanian black pig salami, stracciatella cheese from Murgia, and buffalo ricotta. For lunch, I sampled handmade orecchiette with turnip greens sautéed with garlic, chilli, anchovies, and E.U.-classified PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Senise peppers, a delightful blend of flavors and textures. My Roman husband, a talented home cook, approved of the spaghetti with four tomato varieties and fresh basil. Rum-soaked baba with vanilla cream and black cherries proved a boozy way to end a meal. Tasting menus for dinner change frequently and follow the seasons. Expect delicate, delicious starters, such as a savory eclair with red prawns from Porto Santo Spirito, spring onion panna cotta, and Beluga caviar with smoked sabayon and tarragon. Vesuvian peas dominate a surprisingly rich dish featuring Pastificio 28 Pasta from Campania's Gragnano, 24-month aged Caciocavallo Podolico cheese from Puglia, Lucanian black pork jowl, and pink grapefruit. Estatico loves to work with seafood, turning out dishes such as rockfish soup with sweet and sour spring ciaudedda (regional vegetable stew) and seaweed and Matera bread cubes. (But he's also adept at vegetarian fare.) There is an indoor bar, while an al fresco wine and cocktail bar is scheduled to open this summer on an elevated terrace. At sunset, when Matera is cast in a mesmerizing golden glow, the views are sublime. A museum exhibit seen on a tour. General manager Marco Cagnetta is very selective about the experiences offered to guests. 'I prefer to handpick guides, rather than rely on agencies, for private tours,' he says. Cagnetta arranged for Di Modugno, whom I found instantly engaging, to introduce us to the Sassi of Matera, namely the districts of Caveoso and Barisano. We pored over frescoes in the ninth-century Santa Lucia alle Malve church, dating to the settlement of Benedictine monks in Matera. Passing by a sign pleading 'Siate gentili con i Sassi' (Be gentle with the Sassi), I wondered how busy these stone-paved streets must be in the thick of summer. Tour guide Vincenzo Di Modugno led us into a cave house filled with original furniture, terracotta vases, and agricultural tools, recreating the humble life the Materani once lived, even sharing space with livestock. Entrance was free, but a donation to keep these cultural treasures alive is welcome. At Studio d'Arte, we chatted with artist Christian Andrisani as he crafted a vibrant cucù whistle from clay, an ancient good-luck charm and symbol of prosperity. One afternoon, Vetera Matera's deputy manager, Desirèe Rappazzo, showed us around her native Altamura, a nearby Puglian town buzzing with locals and few travelers, at least in May. There, we visited Antica Tipografia Portoghese, one of Italy's oldest printing presses still in operation, dating to 1891. At Caseificio Dicecca, we met cheesemaker Vito Dicecca and sampled Amore Primitivo, a berry-topped blue cheese that was pure ambrosia. Amore Primitivo, a berry-topped blue cheese. 35 Most Beautiful Places in Italy How to Visit Matera, Italy Retreating to the subterrestrial Elysium Spa, I couldn't quite believe we had it all to ourselves. Hewn from rock, this is a spa set in an actual cave and one of the finest I've experienced. In the calidarium, a generously-sized hot tub, powerful hydromassage jets pummeled away at weary muscles. Moving from there to a steam room and sauna, then onto the frigidarium, I barely dipped a toe in the cold plunge pool. I adored the essential oil-infused rain showers that alternated between tropical scents and refreshing menthol. I then tested the Zerobody system, floating on a soft bed filled with warm water while following a meditation via headphones. Afterwards, I brewed some Florentine herbal tea and spent time reveling in my newfound relaxed state, lounging on day beds at the outdoor relaxation area, looking out over Matera. There are also massage rooms, including one for couples. Signature body treatments include the Vetera Ritual, which entails a foot bath, hydrating body pack, facial massage with a blend of essential oils, a face mask, and scalp massage. Vetera Matera feels especially suited for couples, but the hotel welcomes families, offering sizable suites, connecting rooms, a children's menu, and early dinner. Babysitting services are available at an additional cost. While the landscapes of Matera pose considerable accessibility challenges, the hotel has two rooms for guests with disabilities and a wheelchair ramp. Vetera Matera observes Relais & Châteaux's sustainability requirements, notably a commitment to preserving local cultural heritage and architecture. Most of the staff members I spoke to were from Matera or surrounding towns. The hotel subscribes to the tenets of the global Slow Food movement, founded in Rome. Seasonal products for the restaurant and bar are sourced from small-scale artisan producers, including cheesemakers and vintners, in the wider region. Bathrooms are stocked with Vetera Matera-branded refillable bitter almond-scented organic body wash, hand wash, and body lotion, produced by a Milan-based company. At the spa, Essentia Puglia, a Puglia-based organic beauty product line enriched with extra virgin olive oil and grapes, takes pride of place. An outdoor patio overlooking the city. Courtesy of Relais & Châteaux Situated in Matera's Sasso Barisano district, the hotel is 39 miles, or about a 50-minute drive depending on traffic, southwest of Bari International Airport (BRI) in Bari, Italy. The hotel can arrange transfers for guests. Nearby, you'll find Murgia National Park, which has a network of trails that pass by caves and churches carved out of rock. Excursions and activities in northern Basilicata can be arranged, such as white truffle hunting and focaccia baking in a wood-fired oven in the forest. Coastal Polignano a Mare is just over an hour's drive east. Rent a car to explore independently. The hotel is a member of Relais & Châteaux, which has a Guest Recognition Programme. Mention your Relais & Châteaux Guest Number at the time of booking and upon arrival at the hotel to receive personalized service and exclusive benefits. Nightly rates at Vetera Matera start at 300 Euros ($345 USD) for a classic room. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
From Yellowstone to the Garden of Eden, climate change puts majority of world heritage sites at risk
Paris — Almost three quarters of the globe's cultural and natural heritage sites are threatened by too little or too much water, the UN's cultural agency said on Tuesday. As a result of rising temperatures, extreme weather events including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, scientists warn. Seventy-three percent of all 1,172 non-marine sites on the UNESCO Heritage List are exposed to at least one severe water risk — including water stress, drought, river flooding or coastal flooding, UNESCO said. "Water stress is projected to intensify, most notably in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, parts of South Asia and northern China — posing long-term risks to ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the communities and tourism economies that depend on them," it added. This photograph taken on July 18, 2023 shows flooded banks of river Yamuna along the Taj Mahal in Agra. PAWAN SHARMA/AFP/Getty Cultural sites were most commonly threatened by water scarcity, while more than half of natural sites faced the risk of flooding from a nearby river, the UNESCO study showed. In India, the Taj Mahal monument in Agra, for example, "faces water scarcity that is increasing pollution and depleting groundwater, both of which are damaging the mausoleum," the study said. In the United State, "in 2022, a massive flood closed down all of Yellowstone National Park and cost over $20 million in infrastructure repairs to reopen." The Gardner River weaves a new channel through washed out sections of North Entrance Road following historic flooding in Yellowstone National Park that forced it to shut down, June 19, 2022, in Gardiner, Montana. Getty The report gave four more examples. Iraq's southern marshes — the reputed home of the biblical Garden of Eden — "face extremely high water stress, where over 80 percent of the renewable supply is withdrawn to meet human demand," it added. And competition for water is expected to increase in the marshes, where migratory birds live and inhabitants raise buffalo, as the region grows hotter in coming years. On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls — originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya ("the smoke that thunders") before it was renamed by Scottish explorer David Livingstone — has faced recurring drought and is sometimes reduced to a trickle. Remains of the historic city of Chan Chan near Trujillo in Peru. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the capital of the Chimu Kingdom which reached its apogee in the 15th Century. iStockphoto In Peru, the pre-Colombian city of Chan Chan and its delicate 1,000-year-old adobe walls face an extremely high risk of river flooding, UNESCO said. In China, rising sea levels driven in large part by climate change are leading to coastal flooding, which destroys mudlands where migratory waterbirds find food, it added. The specific warning over flooding and drought comes about a decade after an independent scientific study found that 720 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Statue of Liberty and the Tower of London, could be consumed by rising seas within 2,000 years if the climate continues warming at current rates. The study calculated that 136 sites would be in danger if global average temperatures rise to 3 degrees Celsius above pre-Industrial levels — a figure well within the range projected in the latest U.N. report on climate change, which projected that without significant policy changes, there's a 97% likelihood of a 2-degree Celsius warming, and a 37% chance of 3-degree Celsius average warming.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
The 20 Most Beautiful (And Undiscovered) Villages In Italy—Winners Of A 2025 Contest
Aerial view of Grado, a colorful seaside village on the Adriatic that is featured on the 2025 list of Italy's most beautiful villages. getty What are the most beautiful villages in Italy? Every year, a popular TV contest in Italy crowns the winners. Launched in 2014, and broadcast annually on Italy's national TV channel, Borgo dei Borghi (which translates to 'The Village of Villages') spotlights the country's most beautiful small villages—places that still feel like hidden gems. Each year, 20 villages (one from each region in the country) compete for the coveted title. The winners are chosen by both public vote and a panel of experts in history, art and culture. The goal is to celebrate Italy's rich regional diversity and promote sustainable tourism in places that might otherwise be overlooked—perfect at a moment when overtourism is reshaping travel across Europe. The 2025 list has just been revealed, spotlighting 20 villages across Italy that stand out for their beauty, culture and charm. From seaside escapes to medieval hill towns and foodie havens, each one offers a unique slice of Italian life—without the crowds. This year's winning village is Militello in Val di Catania in Sicily. The town is set in at the foot of Mount Etna and was originally founded in the Middle Ages. After being destroyed in a 1693 earthquake, the village was rebuilt in a Baroque style that eventually earned it a UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Today, the village is home to more than 20 historic churches and a collection of noble palaces. A scenic view of Maiori on the Amalfi Coast, with terraced hills, colorful buildings, and boats on the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea—named one of Italy's most beautiful villages of 2025. getty The second village on the list is Agliè, in the Piedmont region—it's got manicured gardens, weekly markets and a UNESCO recognized castle. Coming in third is Vignanello, a Lazio village set among volcanic hills and lush vineyards. Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Aieta takes fourth place. Rounding out the top five is Maiori, one of the unsung stars of the Amalfi Coast and a quieter, more affordable alternative to places like Positano. Why You Need To Go Now Many of these spots on the list are surprisingly affordable, offering boutique hotels, local trattorias and artisanal experiences for a fraction of what you'd pay in Italy's big name cities. Best of all: In these small villages, the food is just as good, the history runs just as deep and the pace of life invites you to slow down and savor your surroundings. In some cases, villages are going even further to attract visitors and new residents. Aieta, which ranks fourth on this year's list, was part of a Calabrian initiative back in 2021 offering newcomers up to $33,000 to relocate. Other small towns and villages across Italy have offered houses for as little as €1 to revive shrinking communities. But here's the catch: Once a village wins, it's no longer a secret. Just look at Peccioli in Tuscany, which won the contest in 2024. Set on a hilltop, this once-sleepy town has seen a surge in visitors, thanks to its title, with travelers now flocking to see its cutting-edge contemporary art installations and stunning Palazzo Senza Tempo. Which is why you want to see these enchanting spots before they hit the big time. Here are the 20 most beautiful Italian villages to visit before everyone else does. The Nymph Zizza fountain in Militello Val di Catania, Sicily—Italy's most beautiful village of 2025. getty Ranked: The 20 Most Beautiful Villages In Italy 1. Militello in Val di Catania, Sicily: The winning town is Militello in Val di Catania, which feels like a living museum with more than 20 churches, ornate palaces and lively festivals. Don't miss the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella and its famed marble Madonna. An aerial view of Agliè Castle in Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage site. getty 2. Agliè, Piedmont: The gem in the north of Italy used to be a summer retreat for the House of Savoy. It has manicured gardens, weekly markets, stately piazzas and a laid-back vibe. Its main castle is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. A street in the medieval village of Vignanello—one of the most beautiful villages of Italy. getty 3. Vignanello, Lazio: Set amid volcanic hills and vineyards, this village is a favorite for wine lovers and history buffs. Time your visit with the annual grape harvest festival, when the whole town celebrates with tastings, music and local specialties. A view of Aieta, a hilltop village in Calabria. getty 4. Aieta, Calabria: Located more than 1,600 feet above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Aieta combines Renaissance elegance with wild mountain scenery. Explore its 16th-century palace and wander medieval streets that feel untouched by time. The charming town of Maiori on the Amalfi Coast, with its hillside castle. getty 5. Maiori, Campania: On the Amalfi Coast, Maiori is often overshadowed by the big-name towns like Amalfi and Positano—but it has the longest beach on the coast and is quieter and more budget-friendly. The picturesque town of Lazise on the shores of Lake Garda. getty 6. Lazise, Veneto: Set on the southeastern shore of Lake Garda, Lazise is all about medieval charm with lakeside relaxation. The town's stone walls, bustling harbor and thermal spas make it ideal for a romantic getaway. A church in Ischitella, one of Italy's most beautiful villages in Puglia. getty 7. Ischitella, Puglia: Ischitella has stunning Adriatic views, whitewashed houses surrounded by olive groves and is a gateway to the Gargano National Park and nearby coastal beaches. Don't miss local specialties like orecchiette and fig jam. The coastal village of Buggerru in Sardinia, framed by cliffs and turquoise sea. getty 8. Buggerru, Sardinia: Once a mining town, Buggerru is now a coastal retreat framed by cliffs and turquoise waters. It's perfect for surfers, hikers and anyone craving a wilder side of Sardinia. Grado, a colorful seaside town in Friuli-Venezia Giulia with Venetian-style canals and Adriatic charm. getty 9. Grado, Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Nicknamed 'The Island of the Sun,' Grado has a mix of beaches, lagoons and Roman ruins. The village also has thermal spa tradition dating back to the 19th century. A view through the window of Castello di Montechiarugolo. getty 10. Montechiarugolo, Emilia-Romagna: Not far from Parma, this riverside town is a place for foodies and history buffs. Visit the 15th-century castle and stop at a trattoria for local prosciutto and Parmigiano. The medieval village of Corenno Plinio on the shores of Lake Como. getty 11. Corenno Plinio, Lombardy: This tiny hamlet on Lake Como is pure medieval magic with winding stone stairways and ancient churches. Far quieter than nearby Bellagio, it's ideal for travelers seeking stunning lake views without the crowds. Montalbano Jonico, perched above the dramatic badlands of Basilicata. getty 12. Montalbano Jonico, Basilicata: Set between two ravines and surrounded by dramatic clay badlands known as calanchi , Montalbano Jonico has an otherworldly landscape. View of the rooftops in Penne, a historic hill town near the Gran Sasso mountains. getty 13. Penne, Abruzzo: This hilltop red-brick village—the gateway to the Gran Sasso mountains—has sweeping countryside views and a well-preserved historic center. Visit in fall for truffle season. The village of Scarperia in Tuscany, just north of Florence. getty 14. Scarperia, Tuscany: Scarperia is famous for its handmade knives. The village also has tons of motorsport energy, thanks to the nearby Mugello Circuit, a favorite of Formula 1 fans. A view of the countryside just outside the walls of San Gemini in Umbria. getty 15. San Gemini, Umbria: San Gemini is a wellness haven with healing mineral springs and Roman ruins. Don't miss the ancient Roman cisterns or the peaceful Benedictine abbey just outside town. The hilltop village of Agnone in Molise, known for its ancient bell foundry. getty 16. Agnone, Molise: This village is home to amazing artisan cheesemakers, as well as one of the world's oldest bell foundries, where bells have been cast for centuries. The village of Ala in Trentino-Alto Adige, surrounded by vineyards and Alpine hills. getty 17. Ala, Trentino-Alto Adige: Set in the Vallagarina wine valley, this village is known for its aristocratic past. Hiking trails nearby lead into the Dolomites, and local red wines are worth a taste. A view of Sirolo, overlooking the Adriatic. getty 18. Sirolo, Marche: This clifftop village is a stunning a coastal escape without the crowds. Its white stone streets overlook pebble beaches and turquoise waters. The coastal village of Deiva Marina in Liguria, a peaceful alternative to Cinque Terre. getty 19. Deiva Marina, Liguria: Just up the coast from Cinque Terre, Deiva Marina is a much quieter alternative with much of the same beauty. The beaches are wide and relaxed, and the surrounding trails offer dramatic views of the Ligurian coastline. Nus Castle in the Aosta Valley, overlooking the Alpine village of Nus. De Agostini via Getty Images 20. Nus, Valle d'Aosta: Surrounded by castles and vineyards, Nus is a scenic base for exploring the Aosta Valley. Don't miss the rare Vien de Nus red wine, grown on terraced mountain slopes. 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