Italy’s most beautiful villages of 2024 revealed
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 17
- 13 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Italy's rich history and culture are showcased not only in its famous cities but also in its charming villages.
Since 2002, the «Borghi più belli d'Italia» association has selected 375 exceptional villages out of 940, highlighting their unique beauty and heritage.
Italy's rich tapestry of history and culture is not only reflected in its renowned cities but also in its charming villages. In 2002, the non-profit organization «Borghi più belli d'Italia» (The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) was established to highlight the beauty and heritage of these lesser-known locales. Since its inception, the association has evaluated 940 villages, selecting 375 for their exceptional character.
In 2024, after assessing 32 candidates, 13 villages were honored with inclusion in this prestigious list. Here are the newly recognized gems:
Cividale del Friuli
Cividale del Friuli is located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, near the border with Slovenia.
Inhabitants: Approximately 11,000.
Known for: A historic Lombard town famous for its UNESCO-listed Lombard Temple, the medieval Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo) over the Natisone River, and its well-preserved historic center.
Short history: Founded by Julius Caesar as Forum Iulii, which later gave its name to Friuli. In 568 AD, it became the first Lombard duchy in Italy. Over the centuries, it was an important religious and cultural center under the Patriarchate of Aquileia.
Distance from Rome: About 650 km (404 miles) north of Rome. To get to Cividale del Friuli:
By car: 1 hour from Trieste (85 km) or 20 minutes from Udine (15 km).
By train: Regional trains from Udine take about 20 minutes.
By bus: Buses from Udine take around 30 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport, 40 km away.
Spilimbergo
Spilimbergo is located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, along the Tagliamento River.
Inhabitants: Approximately 11,500.
Known for: The Mosaic School of Friuli (Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli), one of the world’s most renowned mosaic art schools. The town is also famous for its medieval castle, Duomo di Santa Maria Maggiore, and well-preserved historic center.
Short history: Founded in the 12th century, Spilimbergo developed under the Counts of Spengenberg, from whom it takes its name It later became an important cultural and artistic hub, particularly for mosaic craftsmanship.
Distance from Rome: About 600 km (373 miles) north of Rome. To get to Spilimbergo:
By car: 1 hour from Trieste (90 km) or 40 minutes from Udine (40 km).
By train: Regional trains from Udine take about 30 minutes.
By bus: Buses from Udine take around 45 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport, 70 km away.
Bagolino
Bagolino is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, in the province of Brescia, nestled in the mountains of the Alps.
Inhabitants: Approximately 3,000.
Known for: Its rich traditions in alpine culture, including the famous Bagolino Carnival, which features masks, costumes, and folk dances. The town is also known for its cheese production, particularly Bagòss cheese, a local specialty.
Short history: Bagolino has origins dating back to the Medieval period, with evidence of settlement as far back as the Roman era. It has long been a rural and mountain community, preserving its traditions and local crafts through the centuries.
Distance from Rome: About 570 km (354 miles) north of Rome. To get to Bagolino:
By car: 2 hours from Verona (120 km) or 1 hour from Brescia (50 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Brescia, then a bus or car rental is required to reach Bagolino.
By bus: Buses from Brescia take about 1.5 hours.
By plane: Nearest airport is Verona Villafranca Airport, about 100 km away.
Rassa
Rassa is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, in the province of Vercelli, within the Val Mastallone valley in the Alps.
Inhabitants: Approximately 300.
Known for: Its picturesque alpine landscapes, charming stone houses, and traditional mountain culture. The village is also known for being a starting point for hiking and skiing in the surrounding mountains.
Short history: Rassa dates back to the Middle Ages and was once an important agricultural center.
It has maintained its rural character, with a focus on pastoral life and seasonal activities like cheese production and woodworking.
Distance from Rome: About 650 km (404 miles) north of Rome. To get to Rassa:
By car: 2 hours from Milan (160 km) or 1 hour from Domodossola (70 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Domodossola, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Rassa.
By bus: Buses from Domodossola take about 1 hour.
By plane: Nearest airport is Milan Malpensa, about 140 km away.
Ceriana
Ceriana is located in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy, in the province of Imperia, in the Hinterland of the Italian Riviera.
Inhabitants: Approximately 1,500.
Known for: Its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The town is also famous for its olive oil production, a key part of its local economy and culinary traditions.
Short history: Ceriana has origins dating back to the Middle Ages and was an important settlement for the surrounding rural area. It grew as a defense point in the region due to its strategic position on the hills.
Distance from Rome: About 500 km (311 miles) northwest of Rome. To get to Ceriana:
By car: 1 hour from Sanremo (25 km) or 1.5 hours from Nice (90 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Imperia, then a bus or car rental is required to reach Ceriana.
By bus: Buses from Imperia take about 30 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, about 90 km away.
Bertinoro
Bertinoro is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northeastern Italy, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, on the rolling hills of the Romagna region.
Inhabitants: Approximately 13,000.
Known for: Its historical center, Medieval castle, and famous for producing high-quality Sangiovese wine. The town also boasts beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Short history: Bertinoro dates back to the Middle Ages, with its name derived from the Roman family of the Bertini.
Over the centuries, it has been a key center for wine production and played an important role in local trade and agriculture.
Distance from Rome: About 300 km (186 miles) northeast of Rome. To get to Bertinoro:
By car: 1 hour from Bologna (80 km) or 30 minutes from Forlì (25 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Forlì, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Bertinoro.
By bus: Buses from Forlì take about 30 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, about 70 km away.
Mulazzo
Mulazzo is located in the Tuscany region of central Italy, in the province of Massa-Carrara, near the Tuscany-Emilia Romagna border.
Inhabitants: Approximately 2,500.
Known for: Its Medieval castle, the ancient village center, and beautiful views of the Tuscany Apennines. Mulazzo is also famous for its association with the author Dante Alighieri, who is believed to have stayed here during his exile.
Short history: Mulazzo was a strategic settlement during the Middle Ages and served as a stronghold for local feudal families. It was once the seat of the Malaspina family.
Over time, the town became known for its agricultural production and historical significance in the region.
Distance from Rome: About 350 km (217 miles) northwest of Rome. To get to Mulazzo:
By car: 1.5 hours from Pisa (100 km) or 45 minutes from La Spezia (45 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Aulla, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Mulazzo.
By bus: Buses from Aulla take about 20 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Pisa International Airport, about 100 km away.
Ripatransone
Ripatransone is located in the Marche region of central Italy, in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the hilly area of the southern Marche.
Inhabitants: Approximately 4,000.
Known for: Its historic medieval center, spectacular panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, and well-preserved buildings. Ripatransone is also famous for its vineyards and local wines, especially the Rosso Piceno.
Short history: Ripatransone has ancient roots, with evidence of settlement dating back to Roman times. The town developed during the Middle Ages as a strategic point for defense and trade. It later became an important religious center. Distance from Rome: About 190 km (118 miles) northeast of Rome. To get to Ripatransone:
By car: 1 hour from Ancona (80 km) or 30 minutes from San Benedetto del Tronto (20 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Grottammare, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Ripatransone.
By bus: Buses from San Benedetto del Tronto take about 20 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Ancona Falconara Airport, about 80 km away.
Scheggino
Scheggino is located in the Umbria region of central Italy, in the province of Perugia, nestled in the Valnerina valley near the Nera River.
Inhabitants: Approximately 500.
Known for: Its picturesque medieval center, the Nera River and its surrounding natural beauty, and the historical church of Santa Maria. Scheggino is also famous for the Sagrantino wine, produced in the region.
Short history: Scheggino was founded in the Middle Ages and has remained a small rural town with a rich tradition in agriculture and craftsmanship. It was historically important for local trade and agriculture, particularly for its forests and the river.
Distance from Rome: About 130 km (81 miles) north of Rome. To get to Scheggino:
By car: 1.5 hours from Perugia (90 km) or 30 minutes from Spoleto (20 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Spoleto, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Scheggino.
By bus: Buses from Spoleto take about 30 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, about 90 km away.
Capranica Prenestina
Capranica Prenestina is located in the Lazio region of central Italy, in the province of Rome, situated in the Prenestini Mountains.
Inhabitants: Approximately 1,000.
Known for: Its historical center with narrow streets and stone houses, as well as its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The town is also known for its medieval castle and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Short history: Capranica Prenestina has origins dating back to Roman times. It became a prominent settlement during the Medieval period, serving as a strategic point in the Prenestini Mountains. Over the years, it maintained its rural and agricultural character.
Distance from Rome: About 40 km (25 miles) east of Rome. To get to Capranica Prenestina:
By car: 40 minutes from Rome (40 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Zagarolo, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Capranica Prenestina.
By bus: Buses from Zagarolo take about 30 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Rome Ciampino Airport, about 30 km away.
Introdacqua
Introdacqua is located in the Abruzzo region of central Italy, in the province of L'Aquila, nestled in the hills of the Majella Mountains.
Inhabitants: Approximately 1,500.
Known for: Its well-preserved medieval center, scenic views of the Majella range, and its historic architecture. Introdacqua is also known for its local olive oil production and traditional crafts.
Short history: The town’s origins date back to the Middle Ages, and it developed around the Abbey of San Giovanni. It grew as an agricultural and strategic center, with a focus on pastoral life and local craftsmanship.
Distance from Rome: About 130 km (81 miles) east of Rome. To get to Introdacqua:
By car: 1.5 hours from Pescara (100 km) or 30 minutes from Sulmona (20 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Sulmona, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Introdacqua.
By bus: Buses from Sulmona take about 30 minutes.
By plane: Nearest airport is Pescara Abruzzo Airport, about 100 km away.
Forza D’Agrò
Forza D’Agrò is located in the Sicily region of southern Italy, in the province of Messina, set in the hills of the Ionian coast.
Inhabitants: Approximately 1,500.
Known for: Its historic medieval center, stunning views of the Ionian Sea, and ancient Norman castle. Forza D’Agrò is also famous for its citrus fruit orchards and local olive oil production.
Short history: Forza D’Agrò was founded in the Middle Ages and played an important role as a defensive stronghold during the Norman period. The town has preserved much of its medieval character, with narrow streets and historic buildings.
Distance from Rome: About 650 km (404 miles) south of Rome. To get to Forza D’Agrò:
By car: 1 hour from Messina (40 km) or 1.5 hours from Catania (90 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Messina, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Forza D’Agrò.
By bus: Buses from Messina take about 1 hour.
By plane: Nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa Airport, about 90 km away.
Gravina
Gravina is located in the Apulia region of southeastern Italy, in the province of Bari, set in the Murgia plateau.
Inhabitants: Approximately 45,000.
Known for: Its historic cave dwellings, the Gravina Gorge, and the Norman-Swabian Castle. The town is also famous for its archaeological sites, including ancient rock churches and the Roman bridge over the Gravina River.
Short history: Gravina has ancient roots, with evidence of settlement dating back to prehistoric times.
It grew in importance during the Roman era and later under the Norman and Swabian rulers, becoming a key town in the region during the Middle Ages.
Distance from Rome: About 380 km (236 miles) southeast of Rome.
To get to Gravina:
By car: 1 hour from Bari (40 km) or 1.5 hours from Matera (70 km).
By train: The nearest train station is in Altamura, then a bus or car rental is needed to reach Gravina.
By bus: Buses from Bari take about 1 hour.
By plane: Nearest airport is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, about 45 km away.
Inclusion in «I Borghi più belli d'Italia» often leads to increased tourism, with villages experiencing an average growth of 8% post-recognition. This initiative not only celebrates Italy's diverse heritage but also supports the preservation and revitalization of these enchanting locales.
Key facts - «I Borghi più belli d'Italia»
«I Borghi più belli d'Italia» (The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) is a non-profit organization established in 2002 to promote and preserve Italy’s most picturesque and historically significant small villages. It is part of a broader European initiative that includes similar organizations in France, Spain, and Belgium.
Purpose and mission
The organization aims to:
Protect cultural heritage: Ensuring the preservation of Italy's small villages with architectural, historical, and artistic significance.
Promote sustainable tourism: Encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known destinations beyond Italy's famous cities.
Support local economies: Boosting small businesses, artisans, and traditional industries in rural areas.
Selection process
To be included in the official list, villages must meet strict criteria, including:
A population of fewer than 15,000 residents.
A well-preserved historical center with cultural or architectural importance.
A commitment to heritage conservation and tourism management.
Out of 940 candidates, only 375 villages have been officially recognized, highlighting the exclusivity of the designation.
Impact of the recognition
Villages that receive the title often see:
Increased tourism (on average, an 8% rise in visitors).
Greater funding for restoration projects.
More media attention, helping them gain national and international recognition.
This initiative has successfully positioned Italy’s small villages as must-visit destinations for travelers looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
