The Most Charming Towns in Italy

Formerly the capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna is now most renowned for its intricate mosaics. These historic artworks are so detailed and well-preserved that eight of them have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Ravenna is also home to the final resting place of the great poet Dante Alighieri. Each evening at dusk, a bell tolls thirteen times in his honor, echoing the emotion of one of his most poignant verses: “It was the hour that turns seafarers’ longings homeward / the hour that makes their hearts grow tender / upon the day they bid sweet friends farewell / the hour that pierces the new traveler / with love when he has heard, far off, the bell / that seems to mourn the dying of the day.”

Sicily’s seaside town of Taormina has long been a favorite summer vacation spot for Italians, but it recently exploded in popularity as the setting of the second season of the hit series The White Lotus.

Taormina’s enviable clifftop location offers incredible views from its ancient theater, Teatro Greco, main piazza, and the church atop Monte Tauro. Winding roads and paths lead down to the crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches waiting below.

In the heart of Riolo Terme, a historic 14th-century fortress still watches over the town. However, in a nod to modernization, one of the fortress’ towers has been converted into a wine bar, offering an unforgettable setting for an aperitivo.

But the true allure of Riolo Terme lies in its natural thermal waters. The town is famed for its three distinct types of hot springs, each believed to offer its own unique healing properties. This charming spa town continues to attract visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in its therapeutic waters.

Although Lake Como can get overrun with tourists in the summer, the small town of Varenna remains a quieter, lesser-known gem. It’s an ideal home base for those seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, but the more lively towns of Bellagio and Bellano are just a short ferry ride away when you’re ready for a bit more action.

Varenna is home to one of Lake Como’s most stunning landmarks, the Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle perched on a bluff offering sweeping views of the lake below.

Arriving in Brisighella feels like stepping back in time. One of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages, Brisighella is surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and the “Three Hills”—a centuries-old castle, a clock tower, and the Monticino church—each offering breathtaking views of the countryside.

Brisighella is also renowned for producing what many consider the finest olive oil in Italy—and perhaps the world. Thanks to its uniquely mild microclimate, the region has nurtured olive trees since Roman times. The town’s prized olive oil proudly bears Italy’s prestigious DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) label, guaranteeing it's made exclusively from local olives.

Bursting with color and creativity, Dozza is one of Italy’s most vibrant towns. Home to just over 6,000 residents, this small village doubles as an open-air museum, with more than a hundred murals painted directly onto its buildings. Using a special fresco technique, the artists have created vivid, enduring works that transform every cobblestone alley into a gallery.

At the heart of town, a historic fortress stands proudly, anchoring Dozza’s artistic spirit with a touch of medieval majesty.