In 2001, Italy had a dream. Tired of hearing the same old Rome, Florence, Venice stories from excited, wide eyed travelers, the Italian Tourism Board and National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) decided to spice things up a bit and broaden the average visitor’s horizons. Born was the Borghi Più Belli Association, a foundation formed to promote smaller, beautiful towns of historical and artistic significance that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
An underground Olive Oil Mill in Presicce
Go down the rabbit hole of beautiful Locorotondo
Originally 100, the list has now grown to 258 little Borghi più Belli (or Most Beautiful Towns) that personify Italy’s culture, people, and delightful beauty that continues to wow and enamor tourists from around the world. And they’re in good company! Now spread to France, Spain and Quebec, this idea of authentic and cultural tourism has inspired many other countries to highlight their secret gems and share their culture for the world to see!
Looking out over Asolo
One of Asolo’s private villa gardens
Get to know more about these stunning towns and consider adding them into your vacation the next time you’re in Italy. May we suggest one of our very favorites and consistently voted the most beautiful in Italy, the coastal city of Otranto in Puglia. Or perhaps Elizabeth’s ancestral town of Gerace in Calabria!
This little Escape Artist playing in her ancestral town of Gerace
The subtle beauty of Gerace
Have you ever been to one of the Borgi più Belli in Italy? Share your photos with us and celebrate, you cultural attaché you!
