Italy, the enchanting boot-shaped country, is not only famous for its glamorous cities like Rome, Venice, or Florence, but also hides countless beautiful treasures in its peaceful countryside. In particular, the villages nestled on the mountainsides, with their ancient, majestic beauty and rich cultural identity, always have a special attraction for tourists. Join ‘Du lịch khắp thế gian’ to explore the most beautiful mountain villages in Italy, where time seems to stand still, and the beauty of nature blends with unique architecture to create unforgettable experiences.
Visiting these villages, you will not only admire the spectacular natural scenery, from rolling mountains to lush green valleys, but also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the simple life of the locals, discover unique traditional cultures, and enjoy distinctive local cuisine. Each village has its own beauty, its own story, promising to bring you exciting and memorable journeys of discovery.
Pietrapertosa: The “Perforated Stone” Village in the Heart of the Lucanian Dolomites
Pietrapertosa, whose name means “perforated stone” from ancient times, somewhat reveals the uniqueness of this village. Located at an altitude of 1,088 meters above sea level, nestled amidst the majestic Lucanian Dolomites in the Basilicata region, Pietrapertosa appears as a hidden gem amidst pristine nature. The village seems to be “swallowed” by the giant limestone mountains, creating a scene that is both majestic and poetic.
Pietrapertosa village from afar, nestled amongst the majestic rocky mountains
With its rugged mountainous terrain, Pietrapertosa is not only an ideal destination for those who love wild natural beauty, but also a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. The famous zipline “Volo dell’Angelo” (Flight of the Angel) allows visitors to experience the sensation of flying between the two villages of Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano at breakneck speed, admiring panoramic mountain views from above.
Furthermore, Pietrapertosa preserves valuable historical traces, most notably the ancient Saracen Castle. From the fortress, visitors can admire panoramic views of the village and the magnificent limestone mountains surrounding it. The people of Pietrapertosa are always proud of their village, which they believe is “the intersection between earth and sky,” a heavenly place on earth. Visiting Pietrapertosa, you will feel the wonderful harmony between people and nature, between history and modernity, creating a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
Marina Corricella: A Colorful Fishing Village on the Coast of Procida
If Pietrapertosa captivates with the majestic beauty of its rocky mountains, Marina Corricella enchants visitors with the vibrancy and brilliance of its colorful houses. Located on the island of Procida in the Bay of Naples, Marina Corricella is known as the oldest fishing village and also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Houses nestled close together, painted in various colors from purple, yellow, pink, sky blue to green, create a lively and vibrant picture.
Panoramic view of Marina Corricella fishing village with colorful houses and a bustling harbor
Formed in the 17th century, Marina Corricella embodies the simple, rustic beauty of a traditional fishing village. Wooden boats moored side by side, fishing nets drying in the sun, the laughter of fishermen and the calls of street vendors create a lively yet peaceful atmosphere. Strolling through the narrow winding streets, you will feel the slow, relaxed pace of life, in stark contrast to the noise and bustle of big cities.
The highlight of Marina Corricella is the Terra Murata fortress, located on the highest point of Procida island. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the entire Bay of Naples, admiring the vast blue sea and the neighboring islands. In the evening, Marina Corricella becomes shimmering and magical under the golden lights, an ideal time to enjoy fresh seafood at seaside restaurants and soak in the romantic atmosphere of the fishing village.
Ricetto di Candelo: A Medieval “Refuge” in the Piedmont Region
Ricetto di Candelo, located in the Piedmont region, carries a unique and fascinating history. The name “Ricetto” in the local dialect means “refuge,” reflecting the important role of this village in medieval times. Built in the 13th century, Ricetto di Candelo was originally used as a shelter for the population during wars and also as a place to store agricultural products, especially grapes, wine, and wheat.
A corner of the ancient street in Ricetto di Candelo with cobblestone paths and distinctive medieval architecture
Surrounded by high, solid walls, Ricetto di Candelo resembles a sturdy fortress. Inside the rough stone walls is a maze of narrow streets, square box-shaped houses built of distinctive reddish-brown stone. The village has a unique pentagonal structure, with 5 main streets and countless small alleys interwoven, creating a space that is both mysterious and charming.
Today, Ricetto di Candelo still retains its original medieval architectural beauty. Walking through the village, you will feel like you are stepping into another world, where time seems to stand still. Clean cobblestone streets, ancient houses with mossy tiled roofs, small handicraft shops… all create an ancient, peaceful, and romantic atmosphere. Ricetto di Candelo is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the history, culture, and unique architecture of Italy.
Chianalea di Scilla: The “Little Venice” of Calabria on the Turquoise Coast
Chianalea di Scilla, located in the Calabria region, is known as the “Little Venice” of Southern Italy. This unique fishing village is built on rocky outcrops jutting out into the sea, with houses nestled close together stretching along the turquoise coast. The sound of waves lapping day and night becomes a familiar sound in the lives of the people of Chianalea di Scilla.
Chianalea di Scilla fishing village with houses built on rocks over turquoise sea
Unlike the noisy, bustling Venice, Chianalea di Scilla embodies a peaceful, poetic beauty. Instead of cars, the main means of transportation here is boats. Each family owns a few wooden boats, used for fishing and traveling between houses. Local people have a famous saying: “Home is a boat and boat is home,” expressing the close connection between their lives and the sea.
In the early morning, the fishing port of Chianalea di Scilla becomes bustling with the scene of fishermen returning after a night of fishing, bringing in fresh catches of fish, squid, and shrimp. You can stroll around the fishing port, watch the bustling trading scene, enjoy fresh seafood, and sip on a glass of Zibibbo wine, famous in the Calabria region. Chianalea di Scilla is an ideal destination for those who want to experience traditional fishing village life and enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of Southern Italy.
Scanno: A Hidden “Paradise” in the Apennine Mountains
Scanno, known as a hidden “paradise” in the Apennine Mountains of the Abruzzo region, is one of the most beautiful and charming villages in Italy. The village nestles in a peaceful valley, surrounded by majestic high mountains. Scanno is famous for its harmonious combination of Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture, creating an ancient, unique, and captivating beauty.
Simple stone and wooden houses, narrow cobblestone streets, ancient squares… all create a space imbued with Italian character, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a fairy tale. Scanno is also known for the heart-shaped lake Lago di Scanno, located right next to the village. Many believe that this lake possesses magical powers and is a symbol of eternal love.
Scanno is not only captivating for its architectural and natural beauty but also for its unique traditional culture. The people of Scanno still preserve long-standing customs, from traditional costumes to distinctive festivals. Visiting Scanno, you will have the opportunity to discover a very different Italy, a simple, rustic Italy rich in cultural identity.
Conclusion
The most beautiful mountain villages in Italy are not just attractive tourist destinations, but also invaluable treasures of culture, history, and nature. Each village has its own beauty, its own story, promising to bring you unique and unforgettable travel experiences. Take the time to explore these precious gems of Italy, to feel the ancient, majestic beauty and peace that you can hardly find anywhere else. The journey to discover the mountain villages of Italy will surely be a memorable and emotional journey in your life.