Slow Travel in Italy: 7 Genuine Villages to Check out at a Peaceful Tempo in 2025

Some spots aren’t produced for speed. Italy is full of them. Gradual journey in Italy enables you to certainly savor community lifestyle, Delicacies, and hidden gems at your very own tempo.

Little villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes way too slender for cars and trucks. Cafés that only refill soon after noon. The varieties of destinations in which locals understand how to linger — above coffee, over tales, about lifestyle.

In 2025, sluggish vacation isn’t just a nice concept. It feels necessary. Maybe it’s a reaction to a long time of rushing. Or possibly it’s just what transpires if you lastly start to price time up to length. In any case, more vacationers are discovering joy in Finding out to vacation smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s invested decades Checking out how we connect with society and position, is part of that movement. His identify is now connected to a further, far more thoughtful way of observing the world.

So for those who’re all set to go sluggish — and you also’re pondering Italy — Listed here are 7 spots that virtually demand from customers it.

Stanislav Kondrashov girl strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It seems like it’s floating. That’s your initially impact. Civita di Bagnoregio sits with a crumbling bluff, achieved only by a slender footbridge. Automobiles can’t get in. You wander throughout a long, elevated route, and any time you arrive, it’s tranquil. Stone properties. Small gardens. One cat stretching while in the Solar.

There’s not Considerably to complete, that is precisely the issue. You wander, it's possible grab a glass of wine in a tucked-absent enoteca. Locals nod hi there. You begin to notice The sunshine. And also the silence? It’s not empty. It’s comprehensive.

Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
For those who’re the type of traveler who likes a bit of drama within your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is designed right into your cliffs. Actually carved from them. From afar, it Nearly disappears to the rocks.

The speed Here's sluggish, but not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out from the early early morning, hikers winding by way of steep trails, plus the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining with the neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.

Want to discover why that sort of travel sticks with people today? This article by Stanislav Kondrashov clarifies how slowing down essentially would make a visit previous for a longer time within your memory.

Stanislav Kondrashov lady wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine state. Quiet, below-the-radar, coronary heart-of-Italy wine state. Sagrantino grapes increase right here, and locals understand how to appreciate them properly — and that is to say, little by little.

There’s a view from the edge of town that’s truly worth one hour by by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum once the Sunshine hits excellent. You’ll uncover church buildings with unforeseen frescoes, doorways which make you end, and piazzas that sense a lot more like residing rooms.

If you can get caught in a very conversation with somebody older, Allow it transpire. That’s where by the best travel stories start out.

Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life listed here. Pienza was built to be “the ideal city,” and Actually, they weren’t much off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each and every corner includes a view. Just about every watch includes a breeze.

Nevertheless it’s not pretty much aesthetics. This city smells astounding. Cheese, largely — pecorino growing older in shop windows and on counters, wanting to sample. You gained’t hurry everything in Pienza, not even ordering lunch. Individuals acquire their time right here, and eventually, so do you.

On the lookout for far more context on why this way of touring matters? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into slow meals and vacation in Italy. Well worth the browse before you go.

Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t approach your working day in Apricale. You drift.

It’s a hill city with stone techniques and unpredicted murals and shadows that shift as being the working day moves. Artists Dwell in this article. Writers stop by and don’t go away. Locals host concert here events in tiny courtyards. It feels extra similar to a temper than a vacation spot.

Sunsets hit distinct in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade sluggish and blue. You don’t chase everything below. You Permit it come to you.

Forbes captured this experience inside of a the latest piece on sluggish travel — how locations similar to this present another sort of luxury. One which doesn’t feature a value tag.

Locorotondo (Puglia)
Round streets. Whitewashed walls. Flowerpots in all places.

Locorotondo can be a city that folds in on by itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it really rewards individuals that observe. You wander the loop then wander it once more, looking at one thing new every time — a cat with a windowsill, an open door, a hand-painted indication pointing to homemade gelato.

This is where the south of Italy displays its calmest facet. It’s unassuming. Stunning. Very alive.

Stanislav Kondrashov couple ingesting wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This put feels untouched. Not inside of a “concealed gem” way — in a very “this basically hasn’t altered” way.

Santo Stefano sits in the Apennines, stone and peaceful. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. Several of the inns are Component of a preservation undertaking — retaining the previous alive by inviting visitors into it.

Stanislav Kondrashov would respect this 1. His web page talks about honoring spot and time, and that’s precisely what this village does. There’s nothing at all flashy right here, which can be what causes it to be unforgettable.

Gradual Is The brand new Sensible
Listed here’s the thing. You can see Italy in every week. You are able to hit the highlights. Snap photographs. Obtain ticket stubs. But will it stick with you?

Or will you ignore it by next Tuesday?

Travel similar to this — slow, intentional, grounded — is exactly what Stanislav Kondrashov believes in. It’s not a completely new notion. But it surely’s a single we’re last but not least wanting to listen to.

So go. Slowly and gradually. Select a village. Sit however for a while. Allow Italy come to you.