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Associated Press
31-07-2025
- Associated Press
The Renaissance of Sicilian villages drives tourism / Many visitors are experiencing rediscovered heritage
Visiting a 'borgo' entails activating a form of immersion with all five of the senses highly aroused: in a village perched on the Madonie Mountains or stretched out comfortably above the sea, one looks, tastes, touches, smells and, above all, one listens: voices from the earth and from water, community tales, ancestral sounds that can come to life in a chalk cave where stories of kings, ladies and ingenious inventors are told. The five senses, for sure, but one Sicilian village manages to go beyond that, and visitors know it, so much so that an increase in tourism - and not just in the traditional summer months - is tangible, with a rise of over 7 percent last year alone. It attracts people looking for flowery alleys, a family that sets a table for you with products that taste like home, a 'scattered hotel': a word for everyone, a tradition which is not lost in Sicilian villages: an all-round, 360-degree experience. In recent years, Sicily has confirmed its status as a region with strong growth in village tourism, where the focus is on small towns rich in history, art and authenticity. And the clearest evidence of this is in the Rai Il Borgo dei Borghi contest: this year's winner is the baroque historic hamlet of Militello Val di Catania, with 7,000 inhabitants, 21 churches and UNESCO recognition since 2002 along with the Val di Noto; it is the fifth triumph, since the Borgo dei Borghi crown had previously been taken home by Gangi (2014), Montalbano Elicona (2015), Sambuca di Sicilia (2016) and Petralia Soprana (2018). The victory has already had a tangible impact - the mayor of Militello, Giovanni Burtone speaks of a growing influx, 'a flood of visitors at spring weekends'. The Sicilian Region has used this success as a lever for sustainable and culturally aware tourism; but it is the entire Val di Noto -with Modica, Ragusa, Noto, and Caltagirone- that registered a 10 percent increase in overnight stays in extra-hotel facilities (b&b, inns, scattered accommodation) in 2024; and which grew by 15 percent between 2022 and 2025, thanks to demand increasingly oriented to the authentic experience. And there has also been continuous growth (+5%) for Montalbano Elicona (Messina) Borgo dei Borghi winner in 2015; about 40,000 overnight stays in Petralia Soprana (Palermo),which got the award in 2018, while Buccheri (Siracusa), although not winning, received the recognition of 'best culinary destination' in 2021 and its agritourism facilities increasing by over 20%. The villages are not only told by their stones, but also by their flavors: from Bronte pistachio PDO to Monti Iblei oil, PDO cheeses and Pat sweets, each product becomes a spark for an authentic experience. The Borghi dei Tesori network, which unites some 70 small municipalities in all nine Sicilian provinces in a single territorial regeneration project under the aegis of the Vie dei Tesori, one of the largest circuits to promote cultural and landscape heritage, amplifies the link between visits to cultural sites, food and wine tours, and meetings with local communities and artisans each year. The recipe is based in offering a focused but varied product: each itinerary (this year on spring holiday weekends) unfolds with churches, museums, ancient monasteries and traditions, small charming restaurants and artisan workshops. And young people are coming back: both the diverse community of digital nomads who choose places that offer a high quality of life (nature, affordable prices, good food, no metropolitan stress), combined with the possibility of working remotely; and many young people, initially forced to leave the region for study or work, have now decided to play the card of relaunching their family businesses, perhaps with a Third Millennium outlook; driving new investments and boosting local economies, thanks also to regional incentives.
Forbes
30-06-2025
- 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. MORE FROM FORBES: Forbes This Affordable European Country Is Launching A Digital Nomad Visa: Here's What You Need To Know By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Tourists, Beware: Europe Cracks Down With Bans, Fines And Restrictions For 2025 By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Move To Europe: 8 Secret Towns Where You Can Live Well (For Less) By Laura Begley Bloom
Euronews
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
These 5 villages have been crowned the most beautiful in Italy
Italy's countryside is peppered with villages rich in architectural marvels, gastronomic delights and arcane cultural traditions. Each year, these little-known treasures compete for national recognition through 'Borgo dei Borghi' (Village of Villages), a beloved television contest that has become a cultural phenomenon. Organised by RAI, Italy's national public broadcasting company, the annual competition is broadcast in weekly episodes that turn the spotlight on each of the 20 selected villages. The programme has become a form of travel inspiration as it recounts legends, curiosities and rituals that make each village one-of-a-kind. Here are this year's winners - chosen by viewers and an expert jury of historians and tourism professionals - and why you should add them to your next Italy trip itinerary. Lying on the northern slopes of the Iblei Mountains, winner Militello in Val di Catania is an exemplar of Sicilian baroque artistry and urban planning. The village of just under 7,000 inhabitants is included in UNESCO's designation of late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto. Following the devastating earthquake of 1693 that destroyed much of southeastern Sicily, Militello was rebuilt according to the baroque aesthetic principles of the era, resulting in an urban landscape that feels like an open-air museum of 18th-century design. The village is home to more than 20 churches with elaborate stone facades crowded with cherubs, saints, and intricate floral motifs. Militello is also home to numerous aristocratic villas and palaces that once housed the noble families who shaped the village's development. The village's cultural life is also abundant, with saints' day festivals involving processions, traditional music performances, and communal meals. Militello's victory marks Sicily's fifth triumph in the Borgo dei Borghi competition, following previous wins by Gangi, Montalbano Elicona, Sambuca di Sicilia, and Petralia Soprana. Heading up to the northern province of Turin, runner-up Agliè is characterised by both aristocratic grandeur and quotidian village life. The centrepiece is the Castello di Agliè, a palatial complex that forms part of UNESCO's Savoy Residences designation. The magnificent structure of imposing facades, elaborate gardens, and richly decorated interiors served as one of the primary residences of the House of Savoy, the royal family that ruled the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the unified Kingdom of Italy. The castle forms the heart of the village, surrounded by historic piazzas that are still the setting for weekly markets, seasonal festivals, and daily social interactions. The village gained additional fame as the primary filming location for 'Elisa di Rivombrosa', a popular Italian historical drama series. Third spot went to Vignanello, which exemplifies the sophisticated architectural and agricultural traditions of northern Lazio. The village's claim to fame rests primarily on the Castello Ruspoli, a Renaissance masterpiece whose gardens represent some of the finest examples of Italian landscape design from the 16th and 17th centuries. Vignanello is also renowned for its time-honoured winemaking traditions. The volcanic soils of the region, enriched by centuries of natural mineral deposits, provide ideal conditions for viticulture. The annual grape harvest festival is a grand celebration for the village, featuring wine tastings and food pairings as well as historical reenactments. High in the mountains of Calabria, Aieta lies in the untamed wilderness of the Pollino National Park. At over 500 metres of elevation, the medieval village commands lofty views over the Tyrrhenian Sea - its name is appropriately derived from the Greek word for eagle. Aieta's medieval character remains remarkably intact, with narrow stone streets winding between houses built from local stone. The village's 16th-century Renaissance palace stands as a testament to the wealth and cultural sophistication that even small mountain communities could achieve during Italy's golden age of art and architecture. The location within Pollino National Park makes Aieta an ideal base for exploring its ancient forests, deep gorges carved by rushing streams, and mountain peaks that provide habitat for rare wildlife, including wolves, eagles, and endemic plants. While the Amalfi Coast attracts millions of visitors annually to its famous destinations like Positano and Amalfi, Maiori offers a more tranquil alternative. The village has an expansive beach, unusual along a coastline typically characterised by small coves and dramatic cliffs. Behind the sweep of sand rise the village's colourful buildings and lemon groves that climb the steep hillsides threaded through with hiking routes. Visit the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia, a remarkable religious complex carved directly into the coastal rock face. Inside are frescoed chapels and meditation spaces hewn directly from the cliff. Maiori's lemon groves represent not just agricultural activity but a cultural tradition that has shaped the landscape and economy of the Amalfi Coast for centuries. These terraced gardens, supported by stone walls built without mortar, are an extraordinary example of sustainable agriculture that maximises productivity while preserving the natural beauty of the steep coastal terrain.
Local Italy
30-05-2025
- Local Italy
La Bella Vita: Italy's 'most beautiful' villages and essential Italian summer vocab
La Bella Vita is our regular look at the real culture of Italy – from language to cuisine, manners to art. This newsletter is published weekly and you can receive it directly to your inbox, by going to newsletter preferences in 'My Account' or following the instructions in the newsletter box below. If you're seeking inspiration for your next Italian holiday and are prepared to veer off the beaten track, look no further than the latest results from TV competition Borgo dei Borghi ('village of villages'). This much-loved series profiles 20 lesser-known historic Italian towns and villages in weekly episodes, inviting viewers to vote for their favourite at the end. You may be familiar with the Amalfi Coast, but have you ever visited Maiori, one of the coastline's rare spots with a wide sandy beach and a medieval abbey carved into a rock face? And this year's winner, Militello in Val di Catania, in eastern Sicily, is one of the eight UNESCO-listed late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, with its more than 20 historic churches and numerous aristocratic villas making it well worth a visit. With its glittering sands and turquoise seas, there are few summer holiday destinations with broader appeal than Italy: and if you've got plans to spend your summer here, it's worth brushing up on some key vocabulary first. If you're renting equipment from one of the many private clubs on Italy's spiagge (beaches), you'll want to make sure you can tell your ombrellone (beach umbrella) from your lettino (sunbed). Once you've secured your spot in the sun, you'll be able to abbronzarsi (get a tan); just make sure to buy or borrow some crema solare (sun screen) so you don't end up with a scottatura (sunburn). And if your neighbour starts blasting the latest tormentone dell'estate, or summer hit (literally 'big torment') while you're trying to nap? You might not be able to do anything about it, but at least you'll know how to complain to your Italian friends. Depending on where you are in Italy, you might hear its popular, croissant-shaped breakfast pastry referred to by various names. In most southern and central parts of the country, it's a cornetto, though in some fancier establishments, it's sometimes advertised as a croissant. In the north, it's most likely to be known as a brioche. But can something be called a brioche if it's shaped like a cornetto? And is there any actual difference between the two? Our editor Clare investigates. Is there an aspect of the Italian way of life you'd like to see us write more about? Please email us at news@
Local Italy
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Local Italy
The 10 Italian villages voted ‘most beautiful' in 2025
Italy is rightly famed for its historic towns and villages, and nowhere are they better showcased than in the much-loved TV series Borgo dei Borghi ('village of villages'). Starting every autumn, Italian national broadcaster RAI airs weekly episodes profiling 20 different villages, each competing against each other to be named the year's best borgo. Viewers can then vote online for their top choice, with the results – decided with the input of an expert jury – announced in April. Here are the top 10 finalists for 2025. Militello in Val di Catania (Sicily) – Taking the top spot for 2025, this village of just under 7,000 people is perched on the northern slopes of the Iblei Mountains. Part of the UNESCO-listed late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, Militello's historic centre boasts more than 20 historic churches and numerous aristocratic villas. Visitors can admire the intricate Sicilian Baroque architecture and enjoy local festivals that celebrate centuries of tradition. This marks Sicily's fifth win in the history of the contest, following previous victories by Gangi, Montalbano Elicona, Sambuca di Sicilia and Petralia Soprana. Agliè (Piedmont) – In second place, this elegant village in the province of Turin is home to the impressive Castello di Agliè, part of the UNESCO-recognized Savoy Residences. Surrounded by parks and historic piazzas, Agliè blends noble grandeur with everyday Italian life. It also gained fame from the popular Italian TV series Elisa di Rivombrosa, filmed in and around the castle. Castello di Aglie`. Piemonte (Torino) — Ugo Ramella (@RamellaUgo) August 9, 2024 Vignanello (Lazio) – Vignanello is nestled in the volcanic hills of northern Lazio and is known for Castello Ruspoli with its sprawling Renaissance gardens, along with a deep winemaking tradition. The town celebrates the grape harvest each year with a festival featuring music, food and historical reenactments. Aieta (Calabria) – Set within the Pollino National Park, the medieval town of Aieta is known for its 16th-century Renaissance palace and stunning views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The name "Aieta" comes from the Greek word for eagle, and the village is true to its name – soaring over olive groves and deep gorges at an elevation of over 500m. Aieta in Calabria is magical ❤️ #Italy #Travel — Cultural Italy (@culturalitaly) March 6, 2018 Maiori (Campania) – While the Amalfi Coast is no secret, Maiori is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. That makes it an ideal spot for travellers seeking charm without the crowds. Known for its wide beach, lemon groves and the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia carved into the rock face, Maiori is a serene coastal retreat with plenty to offer. Lazise (Veneto) – Located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Lazise has a unique claim: it was the first town in Italy to be granted some degree of autonomy as a villa libera, or free town, meaning it had no feudal lord, in the 10th century. Enclosed by medieval walls and towers, its lakeside charm, colourful buildings and Romanesque church make it a picture-perfect escape. Lazise 💙🇮🇹 Take me back. — AJ (@shadowdancer_8) April 6, 2025 Ischitella (Puglia) – A gateway to the Gargano National Park in the southeast of the country, Ischitella is a hilltop village offering views of the Adriatic and easy access to Puglia's wild forests and ancient trails. Ischitella's old town is divided into two distinct parts: the medieval Terra Vecchia quarter with its narrow alleyways and terraced houses, and the Rione Ponte district, featuring mainly 18th century architecture. Grado (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) – Known as the 'Island of the Sun', Grado sits between the Marano Lagoon and the Gulf of Trieste in northeastern Italy.. Originally a Roman port, its historic center has Venetian-style homes, narrow streets and a stunning basilica with 6th-century mosaics. Buggerru (Sardinia) – This seaside village in southwestern Sardinia is built into cliffs and framed by rugged coastline. Once a hub for mining activity, Buggerru now tells the story of labour struggles and resilience through its industrial archaeology sites and museum. The turquoise waters of nearby Cala Domestica add natural beauty to the historical narrative. #GalleriaHenry, presso #Buggerru, in #Sardegna; un'antica miniera in mezzo al verde, circondata dal mare e dalla magia che custodiscono solo i luoghi incontaminati. — Debora_db (@debora_db4) February 20, 2023 Montechiarugolo (Emilia-Romagna) – A new entry for 2025, this town sits on the border of the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, in the rolling foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. This comune, made up of five hamlets, is known locally as gastronomic hotspot. It sits right in the heart of the "food valley" area known for producing the prized Fragno black truffle, Salame di Felino cured sausages, and of course, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Montechiarugolo is most famous though for its medieval castle, dating from the early fourteenth century, where visitors can take in sweeping views over the river Enza and surrounding forests. It's privately owned, but open to visitors and also used as a venue for weddings and other events.
