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8 Small Towns in Italy That Are Worth a Detour

Break up your visits to Italy’s blockbuster destinations with small-town day trips from Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Brisighella, Italy
Hi, I'm Rebecca!

Rebecca’s first visit to Italy was a coup de foudre and her affection for Il Bel Paese has only grown over almost 30 years of living here, during which time she has mastered the art of navigating the sampietrini cobblestones in heels but has yet to come away from a plate of bucatini all’amatriciana with an unsullied blouse. She covers Italy travel, culture, and cuisine for a number of print and online publications.

Italy’s “Big Three” (Rome, Florence, and Venice) top most travelers’ must-see lists, and it’s no mystery why. Together, these spectacular cities are home to the lion’s share of Italy’s cultural treasures, from ancient sites to Renaissance art. And that's not to mention some of the best food and wine the country has to offer.

But Il Bel Paese is also home to countless small towns that also offer world-class art and architecture, along with genuine trattoria dining, postcard-perfect views, and an authentic atmosphere that captures the true la dolce vita spirit. Here are eight of the best day trips from Rome, Florence, and Venice to charming Italian villages and beautiful towns.

1. Frascati

Exterior of the basilica in Frascati near Rome.
The basilica in Frascati, an easy day trip from Rome.Photo Credit: Ragemax / Shutterstock

20 miles (32 kilometers) from Rome.

Romans have been escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a jaunt to the Castelli Romani since the time of Caesar Augustus. Even now, the villages in this region are some of the best excursions near Rome. Located just south of Italy’s capital, these verdant hills are known for their two volcanic lakes, papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, and a smattering of pretty hilltop towns with panoramic views.

Visiting any of these charming villages from Rome is a must, but the most famous of them is Frascati, just a 30-minute regional train ride from the city center. In this vibrant town, you can admire beautiful Renaissance and baroque Tusculum Villas, as well as sample the area’s flagship white wine.

2. Orvieto

Visitors tour the streets of Orvieto.
Charming Orvieto has small town appeal in spades.Photo Credit: canadastock / Shutterstock

75 miles (120 kilometers) from Rome.

Set along the main train line and highway between Rome and Florence, Orvieto makes for a convenient and picturesque stop on a Rome day trip. You can’t miss this clifftop city, looming from its perch atop a volcanic butte 1,000 feet (304 meters) above the surrounding plain.

The headliner here is the duomo (cathedral), arguably one of the most dazzling in Italy. Try to time your visit for late afternoon when the setting sun makes the facade mosaics glitter golden. Don’t miss what’s going on below the surface where you can also tour the warren of tunnels, chambers, and wells beneath the narrow streets and historic buildings of the town center.

Related: 9 Amazing Underground Attractions Around the World

3. Pienza

Diners sit at a restaurant at The Piazza di Spagna in Pienza, Italy.
The Piazza di Spagna in Pienza, Italy.Photo Credit: Marco Rubino / Shutterstock

115 miles (185 kilometers) from Rome and 70 miles (112 kilometers) from Florence.

One of the best day trips from both Florence and Rome, the UNESCO-listed Pienza is beautiful inside and out. The compact town center is a treasure trove of stately Renaissance architecture, including the Cathedral, Papal Palace, and Town Hall lining the main square.

Turn your gaze outward and you’re rewarded with views over the Val d’Orcia, Tuscany’s most picturesque countryside. Then, browse the local shops—stocked with everything from high-end antiques to fragrant wheels of pecorino (sheep cheese)—before relaxing over lunch with a bold red from the wineries in neighboring Montepulciano.

4. San Gimignano

A view of San Gimignano near Florence.
Medieval San Gimignano is rising in popularity these days.Photo Credit: canadastock / Shutterstock

35 miles (56 kilometers) from Florence.

Once a sleepy village, today San Gimignano is one of the most famous small towns in Tuscany. Visitors flock to see its UNESCO-listed walled old town and 16 medieval towers (what remains of more than 70) during the peak summer months, so visit during spring for a more relaxed vibe.

Just an hour from the city, this “medieval Manhattan” is a popular Florence day trip. It's often paired with a wine tour from Florence and scenic horseback ride in the Chianti hills. For the best views over the surrounding Val d’Elsa, climb Torre Grossa (Great Tower) or take the 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) walk around the perimeter of the 13th-century city walls.

5. Brisighella

A view of the old clock tower in Brisighella.
The scenic streets of Brisighella are more than worthy of a detour.Photo Credit: ermess / Shutterstock

55 miles (88 kilometers) from Florence.

Most day trips from Florence head south into the Chianti countryside, but there are plenty of equally delightful small towns to explore north of the Renaissance capital. The gem of Brisighella—largely overlooked by tourism—offers a particularly refreshing departure from the crowds.

This medieval village is known for its Via del Borgo (or Via degli Asini), a 14th-century covered walkway, and its atmospheric maze of cobblestone lanes lined by pastel-hued palazzi. Take the Via della Rocca trail through olive groves to reach the Rocca (medieval military fortress) and the Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower). From here, the view stretches for miles.

6. Ferrara

Exterior of the Ferrara Cathedral.
The Ferrara Cathedral is a particular highlight.Photo Credit: Maja Peirano / Shutterstock

100 miles (160 kilometers) from Florence and 70 miles (112 kilometers) from Venice.

Ferrara is a striking Renaissance town—perhaps one of the most picturesque Italian towns—but one that most travelers have never heard of. A stronghold of the powerful Este dynasty from the 13th to the 16th centuries, this UNESCO-listed treasure is often overshadowed by the star power of nearby Venice. But its proximity to the canal-riddled city makes it one of the best day trips from Venice, particularly when you want to escape the crowds.

You’ll feel like the only tourists in town while taking in its sights—including the moat-lined Este Castle, intact medieval city walls, and the ornate cathedral—or exploring its historic center, bustling with locals on bicycles going about their day with loaves of star-shaped coppa ferrarese bread poking out of their baskets.

7. Padua

Visitors walk the streets of Padua.
Treat yourself to an alfresco lunch in Padua, Veneto.Photo Credit: Catarina Belova / Shutterstock

25 miles (40 kilometers) from Venice.

Unsung Padua is home to the Scrovegni Chapel, brilliantly frescoed by Giotto in the 14th century, and one of Italy’s artistic masterpieces that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. Conveniently, it's easily visited on a Venice day trip—it's less than 30 minutes away by train.

Other highlights in this small art city, pilgrimage destination, and vibrant university town situated just 30 minutes from Venice include the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua and the 16th-century Botanical Garden, the first of its kind in the world.

Insider tip: To visit the Scrovegni Chapel, book in advance. Viewing time inside the chapel is about 15–20 minutes.

8. Bassano del Grappa

A view of the Ponte degli Alpini bridge in Bassano del Grappa.
Bassano del Grappa is the ideal spot for fans of local tipples.Photo Credit: Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

55 miles (88 kilometers) from Venice.

If you need a break from the throngs in Venice but even Padua is too big to satisfy your small-town craving, head to Bassano del Grappa. As its name suggests, this picturesque town in Veneto’s Alpine foothills is most famous for its fiery grappa—a distilled spirit made from grape must. A number of landmark distilleries offer tours and tastings in town.

Teetotalers have plenty to do here, too, including strolling over the 16th-century Palladian-covered bridge that spans the Brenta, meandering the streets of the medieval old town, and visiting World War I museums.

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