29-05-2025
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.
