Italy is a country that makes you dream. Romantic decor, amazing local food and wine, fascinating culture and art… The country seems to have it all. It is certainly one of my favorite places in Europe and if you ever have the opportunity to visit, you should jump on it!

Italian cities have some of the most beautiful architecture and captivating history I’ve ever seen. But the Italian countryside has some of the best hidden gems you’ll discover. The charm of nature and small towns will make you fall in love with the Italian countryside.

Here are 4 must-see villages to explore while visiting the Italian countryside and tips on where to eat, sleep and drink in each of them.
♥️ Just click on their names to save these places on TWISPER.

Matera

In the UNESCO World Heritage village of Matera in southern Italy is the” Sassi”, the oldest area that’s also called “the underground city”. The Sassi is a complex of hundreds of caves that served as houses that date back to the stone and bronze ages!
The city has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years and is today a must-visit jewel of Italy.

Eat: Ristorante Francesca
A romantic restaurant in the caves of the Sassi where you’ll be able to taste delicious local dishes and discover fresh pasta recipes.

Sleep: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita hotel
Located in the Sassi, the rooms are beautiful spacious underground caves that will make you feel like you went back in time!

Drink: Malto & Luppolo
A local favorite specialized in Italian craft beer. Great place to hang out with friends in a welcoming atmosphere.

Alberobello

Located in the southern Italy region of Apulia, the town of Alberobello distinguishes itself with its unique “trulli”, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. Trulli were first built in the XIVth century as temporary housing to be demolished easily for tax reasons. Still inhabited today, these charming and beautiful small houses are of increasing historical importance.

Eat: Trattoria Terra Madre
This amazing restaurant has an organic garden that it gets its ingredients from! The flavors are the freshest you could have, and the warm atmosphere makes you feel at home.

Sleep: Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso
Experience living like a local in a real trullo to fully enjoy the magic of the place and the history contained within the walls of this unique Italian hut.

Drink: Trulli e Puglia Wine Bar
Have a wine tasting in a trullo. You’ll drink amazing wines from the Pugliese region accompanied by local cheeses and other treats!

Civita di Bagnoregio

This hilltop medieval village can only be accessed via a pedestrian bridge that starts from the nearby town of Bagnoregio. It is a stunning walk of 300 meters with breathtaking views of the Italian countryside. The continuous erosion of the hill has created this surreal effect of a citadel suspended in the air. A truly magical place!

Eat: Osteria al forno di Agnese
A cozy place with a beautiful terrace that serves authentic dishes of the region. The restaurant was opened by the grandmother of the current owners who continue to prepare delicious home-cooked meals based on their grandmother’s old recipes.

Sleep: Corte della Maestà
Time seems to have stopped in this gorgeous family-owned hotel… Unique art pieces and rustic furniture create a dream-like atmosphere that makes you want to never leave.

Drink: La Piazzetta
Great place to stop by during your visit of the village. Have some wine and bruschetta to recharge your batteries!

San Gimignano

On top of a Tuscan hill, San Gimignano is famous for its skyline of stone towers. During the Middle Ages, the village used to have around 72 towers that were built to display wealth and power. Fourteen of them still stand today, and they provide a peek into the area’s grandeur back in those days. Visiting this place is like walking around a medieval New York!

Eat: Locanda La Mandragola
A traditional Tuscan restaurant, perfect to have a taste of the local cuisine. The garden terrace is beautiful in the summer!

Sleep: Agriturismo Mormoraia
Former convent converted into a farm, it’s a great place to enjoy the panorama of the Chianti region. The hotel is surrounded by fields and vineyards and has elegant rustic rooms.

Drink: Enjoy
Admire the sun setting on the Italian countryside while enjoying a cocktail with the mouth-watering smell of wood-fired pizza.

These four villages are truly unique and should not be missed. If you’re looking for more places to visit, check out these too:
– Ostuni: a coastal village known for its pretty whitewashed old town.
– Montepulciano: a Tuscan medial town known for its delicious red wine.
– Castelmezzano: one of the most beautiful villages of Italy, nestled on the side of steep peaks.
Enjoy your Italian adventures!