The 10 Italian villages voted ‘most beautiful' in 2025
Italy is rightly famed for its historic towns and villages, and nowhere are they better showcased than in the much-loved TV series Borgo dei Borghi ('village of villages').
Starting every autumn, Italian national broadcaster RAI airs weekly episodes profiling 20 different villages, each competing against each other to be named the year's best borgo.
Viewers can then vote online for their top choice, with the results – decided with the input of an expert jury – announced in April.
Here are the top 10 finalists for 2025.
Militello in Val di Catania (Sicily) – Taking the top spot for 2025, this village of just under 7,000 people is perched on the northern slopes of the Iblei Mountains.
Part of the UNESCO-listed late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, Militello's historic centre boasts more than 20 historic churches and numerous aristocratic villas.
Visitors can admire the intricate Sicilian Baroque architecture and enjoy local festivals that celebrate centuries of tradition.
This marks Sicily's fifth win in the history of the contest, following previous victories by Gangi, Montalbano Elicona, Sambuca di Sicilia and Petralia Soprana.
Agliè (Piedmont) – In second place, this elegant village in the province of Turin is home to the impressive Castello di Agliè, part of the UNESCO-recognized Savoy Residences.
Surrounded by parks and historic piazzas, Agliè blends noble grandeur with everyday Italian life.
It also gained fame from the popular Italian TV series Elisa di Rivombrosa, filmed in and around the castle.
Castello di Aglie`. Piemonte (Torino) pic.twitter.com/SH5AQgewak
— Ugo Ramella (@RamellaUgo) August 9, 2024
Vignanello (Lazio) – Vignanello is nestled in the volcanic hills of northern Lazio and is known for Castello Ruspoli with its sprawling Renaissance gardens, along with a deep winemaking tradition.
The town celebrates the grape harvest each year with a festival featuring music, food and historical reenactments.
Aieta (Calabria) – Set within the Pollino National Park, the medieval town of Aieta is known for its 16th-century Renaissance palace and stunning views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The name "Aieta" comes from the Greek word for eagle, and the village is true to its name – soaring over olive groves and deep gorges at an elevation of over 500m.
Aieta in Calabria is magical ❤️ #Italy #Travel pic.twitter.com/c9U8E3AeFV
— Cultural Italy (@culturalitaly) March 6, 2018
Maiori (Campania) – While the Amalfi Coast is no secret, Maiori is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. That makes it an ideal spot for travellers seeking charm without the crowds.
Known for its wide beach, lemon groves and the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia carved into the rock face, Maiori is a serene coastal retreat with plenty to offer.
Lazise (Veneto) – Located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Lazise has a unique claim: it was the first town in Italy to be granted some degree of autonomy as a villa libera, or free town, meaning it had no feudal lord, in the 10th century.
Enclosed by medieval walls and towers, its lakeside charm, colourful buildings and Romanesque church make it a picture-perfect escape.
Lazise 💙🇮🇹
Take me back. pic.twitter.com/sqI6GNDcHX
— AJ (@shadowdancer_8) April 6, 2025
Ischitella (Puglia) – A gateway to the Gargano National Park in the southeast of the country, Ischitella is a hilltop village offering views of the Adriatic and easy access to Puglia's wild forests and ancient trails.
Ischitella's old town is divided into two distinct parts: the medieval Terra Vecchia quarter with its narrow alleyways and terraced houses, and the Rione Ponte district, featuring mainly 18th century architecture.
Grado (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) – Known as the 'Island of the Sun', Grado sits between the Marano Lagoon and the Gulf of Trieste in northeastern Italy..
Originally a Roman port, its historic center has Venetian-style homes, narrow streets and a stunning basilica with 6th-century mosaics.
Buggerru (Sardinia) – This seaside village in southwestern Sardinia is built into cliffs and framed by rugged coastline.
Once a hub for mining activity, Buggerru now tells the story of labour struggles and resilience through its industrial archaeology sites and museum.
The turquoise waters of nearby Cala Domestica add natural beauty to the historical narrative.
#GalleriaHenry, presso #Buggerru, in #Sardegna; un'antica miniera in mezzo al verde, circondata dal mare e dalla magia che custodiscono solo i luoghi incontaminati. pic.twitter.com/sH5bz3adaB
— Debora_db (@debora_db4) February 20, 2023
Montechiarugolo (Emilia-Romagna) – A new entry for 2025, this town sits on the border of the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, in the rolling foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
This comune, made up of five hamlets, is known locally as gastronomic hotspot. It sits right in the heart of the "food valley" area known for producing the prized Fragno black truffle, Salame di Felino cured sausages, and of course, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Montechiarugolo is most famous though for its medieval castle, dating from the early fourteenth century, where visitors can take in sweeping views over the river Enza and surrounding forests. It's privately owned, but open to visitors and also used as a venue for weddings and other events.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Local Italy
4 days ago
- Local Italy
Hotels, travel and beaches: How the cost of a holiday in Italy is rising this summer
The price of a summer holiday in Italy is rising once again this year, with hotels costing as much as 34 percent more in August than the summer season five years ago, according to financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. The average holidaymaker was set to pay 2.3 percent more for an Italy vacation in August 2025 compared to 2024, a study by consumer research centre Altroconsumo found. The increase was far less marked than the hike seen between 2023 and 2024, when prices rose by up to 20 percent, but still maintained the upward trend. Consumer rights watchdog Assoutenti said that high demand was 'encouraging operators to apply continuous increases in tariffs' that 'do not seem justified.' The hikes are upending the longstanding Italian tradition of going away for a long holiday over the August break, said Assoutenti President Gabriele Melluso. Instead, families are 'opting for shorter and more frequent trips spread over the months of June, July and September, when rates are decidedly cheaper,' he added. Flights Flights within Italy and to European countries were more expensive this year than in summer 2024, according to a study by Corriere della Sera newspaper, though the hikes weren't evenly distributed between June and September. Tickets cost significantly more in June (11 percent) and August (nine percent domestic, 10 percent to European countries) of this year compared to the same months in 2024. There were smaller increases in July (three percent domestic, 4.6 percent within Europe) and September (three percent domestic, 2.2 percent within Europe). Flights between Italy and the US, by contrast, were significantly cheaper (up to 24 percent) than a year ago, likely due to concerns around growing political tensions. Hotels For a family of four, the most expensive place to stay in Italy this summer was San Teodoro in Sardinia, where the average price of a week's three-star accommodation in August came to €3,015, a recent survey by Assoutenti found. Cheaper options could be found in Rimini (€1,030) a beach resort in the northeastern Emilia-Romagna region, and the neighbouring town of Riccione (€1,498), according to Assoutenti. The destinations seeing the sharpest hikes in accommodation rates this year were Alpine towns, with costs rising by an average of 16 percent and the price of a week's stay in Valdisotto in the Lombardy region costing as much as 25.1 percent more than in 2024. By contrast, a week in Florence was projected to cost 15.3 percent less than in 2024. Transport costs The steepest increase in transport costs this summer was for ferry journeys, with the average family of four with a car paying €1,343 for a return journey between mainland Italy and the Sardinian port of Olbia, according to Assoutenti. Overall, costs for these types of journeys between the Italian peninsula and major islands rose by an average of 9.7 percent between August 2025 and 2024, the group said. However, travelling by car has become cheaper thanks to a 9.8 percent drop in the cost of petrol over the past year, Altroconsumo found. Beach clubs The cost of renting a spot at one of Italy's private beach clubs rose by around three and five percent over the past year, Assoutent found. The average day rate for two sunbeds and an umbrella €32-€35 during weekends, according to consumer watchdog Codacons, though prices can vary significantly depending on location. In Sabaudia, south of Rome, customers could expect to pay up to €45; in Gallipoli on the southern coast of Puglia, €90; and in parts of Sardinia, as much as €120. The most expensive spot was at a club in Versilia, northern Tuscany, where an 'imperial tent' sets patrons back €1,500 a day.
Local Italy
5 days ago
- Local Italy
Americans in Italy: Retirement planning and is it getting harder to move from the US to Italy?
Welcome to our regular look at everything you need to know about life in Italy for The Local's readers from the US. This newsletter is published monthly and you can receive it directly to your inbox before we publish by going to newsletter preferences in 'My Account' or following the instructions in the newsletter box below. Many people retire to Italy from the US every year in order to enjoy a new, more relaxed lifestyle. If you're planning to do the same in future, you're probably already looking at what you can do ahead of time to make the move as smooth as possible. In that case, you're off to a good start. Readers of The Local who have retired here in Italy consistently tell us that planning well ahead is key, whatever your situation. For example, not everyone wants to go directly from full-time work to total retirement, so you might be planning a change in professional direction such as opening a B&B or running tours or workshops. First, you'll need to know whether you'll be legally able to earn an income in Italy. The elective residency visa – the most popular choice for retirees – does not allow you to work, so what other options are there? We look at this and many of the other practical considerations you may have questions about in the below article. Interest in moving to Italy from the US is on the rise, and the number of American citizens taking up residency here has increased in recent years. Some recent news reports from Italy might suggest so. You may be aware that there were sudden changes to the rules on claiming citizenship via ancestry made in March. The Italian government imposed a two-generational limit for eligibility, which left many would-be applicants around the world dismayed. Having Italian citizenship, or citizenship of any EU member state, would make a move to Italy considerably easier as it removes the requirement for a visa. But it's not the same thing as having residency. Italian relocation experts say that all is not lost: people affected by the change to citizenship rules may have other options to explore.
Local Italy
5 days ago
- Local Italy
What to expect when travelling to Italy this summer
Beaches For many who visit Italy during the summer, beaches are the biggest draw - but you'll need to decide whether you prefer a free public beach or are willing to fork out for a spot at one of the many privately-run beach clubs that dot the coastline. The average cost to rent two sunbeds and an umbrella at a beach club this year is €32-€35 per day during weekends, according to consumer watchdog Codacons, though prices can vary significantly depending on location. In Sabaudia, south of Rome, customers can expect to pay up to €45; in Gallipoli on the southern coast of Puglia, €90; and in parts of Sardinia, as much as €120. Crowds Summer holidays start relatively early in Italy, with schools across the country closed from the second half of June and many families taking the opportunity to cool off on the shores of beaches and lakes. It's not until August, though, that you'll really be competing for a spot to put down your towel, as this is when most Italians head to the sea to escape stifling temperatures inland. Expect to find beaches packed and many cafes, shops and restaurants in cities closed or open for limited hours, particularly during the mid-August Ferragosto break. An estimated 20.7 million visitors are expected to stay in Italy's beach towns between June and August this year, an increase of two percent on the same period in 2024. Though most Italian cities empty out during the summer, the Vatican's Jubilee Year celebrations in Rome are expected to draw additional crowds to the Eternal City. Weather Summer in Italy is always hot, with temperatures in the mid to high 30s (Celcius) in many parts of the country, and this year is expected to be no different. A series of "long-lasting and persistent heatwaves," with mostly sunny weather are currently forecast for July and August, says meteorologist Mattia Gussoni, writing for weather site Though projections are still subject to change, as things stand there aren't expected to be any record-breaking high temperatures. That means it's gearing up to be a summer that will likely be "fully enjoyed by tourists," says meteorologist Alessio Gussoni. Travel direct flight routes from airlines including Easyjet, American Airlines and Vueling. For those who prefer to travel by rail, a a new overnight train linking Marseille to Rome is due to run from July 4th until August 30th, and Italy's Trenitalia plans to resume a popular night train service connecting Rome to Munich, Germany, on July 15th. If you've seen recent headlines about overtourism protests in Spain over or the sudden closure of the Louvre due to staff being overwhelmed by visitor numbers, you may wonder if something similar could happen in Italy this summer. limit the number of visitors who arrive during peak seasons. However, as things stand, anti-tourism protests and walkouts in Italy are on a smaller scale than those taking place in Spain.
