Plucked from the pages of a fairytale, these enchanting Italian towns are made for budding photographers, with a dreamy shot around virtually every corner.
ATRANI
Underrated and undiscovered by the masses, Atrani is one of the gems of the Amalfi Coast. Retaining its traditional fishing village vibe, it has the same steep cliffs, beaches, colourful houses, and sea views as the popular towns of Amalfi, Ravello and Positano – but the coffee is sipped slowly, and siestas are still sacred…as they should be.
URBINO
Located in Italy’s underrated Le Marche region, Urbino at sunset is a sight to behold when the late-day’s light hits the palatial buildings of the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed old town.
CIVITA di BAGNOREGIO
Reminiscent of a mysterious storybook island, the fact Civita di Bagnoregio can only be reached via a footbridge only adds to its other worldly charm.
BELLAGIO
Part of Italy’s breathtaking Lake District, Bellagio lies in a picture-perfect landscape between Lake Como, Lecco, and the magnificent alps. Chosen as the setting for many a Hollywood blockbuster, including Star Wars and Ocean’s Eleven, Bellagio is beloved by the royalty and the rich and famous – and it’s not hard to see why.
MONTEPULCIANO
If looking out over the rolling hills of Tuscany is your idea of heaven, then Montepulciano is the lookout you’ve been waiting for. Known for its winemaking traditions, Renaissance palaces, 16th century cathedral and endless tiny shops peddling cheese, pasta and wine, the views over the surrounding countryside are best enjoyed with a glass of local red in hand.
SAN MARINO
Dramatic is the best way to describe San Marino, thanks to its striking castles perched on mountainous peaks in what seems an unbelievable feat of ancient architecture. Arrive via picturesque cable car and check out the changing of the guard in front of the Palazzo Pubblico for a step-back-in-time dose of pomp and ceremony.
RAGUSA
Sicily is feted for its old-school Italian ambience and traditional towns, and Ragusa is one of the highlights. Boasting beautiful Baroque architecture and plenty of character, it’s easy to lose track of time with a gelato in hand wandering its cobbled laneways. For an iconic photo, take the plunge and conquer a serious number of steps to the lookout between the new city and the old town, Ragusa Ibla.
POLIGNANO A MARE
With a glamorous clifftop location overlooking the brilliant blue Adriatic Sea, Polignano a Mare is one of Italy’s prettiest seaside villages. Home to ancient winding streets, whitewashed houses with striking views and a heap of history to discover, don’t miss Blue Flag Beach, handmade local ice cream and if visiting in summer – watching the heart-stopping cliff diving!
CEFALU
If sun-drenched days and swimming in turquoise waters sounds like your idea of the perfect getaway, then book a stay in Cefalu. Enjoying an idyllic location in the north of Sicily, highlights include a drop-dead gorgeous cathedral, medieval streets, traditional restaurants dishing up the day’s fresh catch and unrivalled views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
GUBBIO
If medieval architecture, gothic houses, rustic palaces, and churches float your boat, then Gubbio in Umbria will be right up your cobblestoned alley. Take the ‘birdcage’ cable car to the top of the mountain behind the town for a memorable view over the ancient buildings below.
VERNAZZA
As lively as it is pretty, Vernazza is renowned for its divine gelato, charming marina, tasty pizza and plenty of chic spots to sit and enjoy with view with an Aperol spritz. Stretch your legs and wander to the top of the Monterosso walking trail to capture a great photo over the entire town.
BURANO
Colour is king in Burano, a brightly hued island town in the middle of the Venetian lagoon. Famous the world over for its artisan glass blowing, its painted buildings are equally worth a visit. Less than an hour by ferry from Venice, an overnight stay on the island will give you plenty of time to enjoy the colours (and cafes) in all their glory at different times of day – including sunrise and sunset.
CASTELMEZZANO
Tucked behind the stone and spires of the Dolomites in southern Basilicata, the pretty pastel houses of Castelmezzano look even more magical at daybreak, dusk and under the floodlights which illuminate its craggy profile at night, making it the perfect spot for romance.
RIOMAGGIORE
When it comes to choosing good-looking towns, the Cinque Terre punches above its weight, with colourful villages clustered together competing for the prettiest town title. Riomaggiore is a definite contender thanks to its 13th century roots, dramatic cliffs and lush vines spring into beautiful bloom if you get the season right. Don’t miss the traditional local snack – fresh calamari, fish and chips served in a paper cone.
CAPALBIO
Sitting pretty with views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, the walled village of Capalbio is a town full of secret squares, alleyways, arches, and doorways just waiting to be discovered.
ALBEROBELLO
Looking like something plucked from the pages of an old English fable, the quirky whitewashed conical-roofed trulli of Alberobello would fit right into a fantasy film where the characters are fairies, gnomes, and elves…not local Italians. And yet, here they are, still standing after centuries, in the heart of Puglia.
