Buzz
Nestled amid lush greenery and serene lakes, the brightly colored houses of Portofino create a picturesque scene of tranquility and elegance.
* Burano, situated north of the Venetian Lagoon, stands out as one of Italy's most vibrant villages. Its charming canals are lined with houses painted in vivid hues, making it a sight to behold.
Some argue that the vibrant colors of Burano's houses serve to ward off dampness, while others romantically suggest they make it easier for fishermen to spot their homes and beloved wives from afar.
Since the 13th century, Burano has been renowned for its glass products, with many world-renowned glassmaking workshops calling it home. One of the most popular attractions in Burano is the mesmerizing performances by skilled artisans in the field...
* Atrani, the smallest village in Italy located in the province of Salerno, Campania region, maintains its traditions as night falls, with the coastline aglow with lanterns adorning fishing boats.
Nestled between cliffs and the sea, Atrani captivates distant travelers with the charming beauty of nature and medieval architecture lining its narrow winding streets, along with the central beach at the heart of the village.
Here, visitors have the opportunity to explore one of the world's most famous cliff-hugging roads built since 1840...
* Perched atop a colossal rock formation shaped by ancient volcanic ash in the Tuscany region, the quaint village of Pitigliano is as picturesque as it is steeped in history, earning the nickname 'Little Jerusalem' since the 15th century.
Traces of the past are vividly displayed on Roman ruins, medieval houses lining labyrinthine narrow streets, typical Etruscan caves of old, and the remnants of a Jewish ghetto, all creating an enchanting space for distant travelers.
In August and September, Pitigliano comes alive with vibrant, colorful street festivals. It's also when the influx of tourists almost overwhelms the locals!
* The small village of Tropea perched on a 60m high cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea is a gem of the Calabria region. During summer, the streets, eateries, and beaches of Tropea teem with life.
While renowned as a seaside resort with numerous small bays and crystal-clear waters, Tropea also satisfies culture enthusiasts with its distinctive architectural landmarks and ancient religious relics scattered throughout its 3,000-year-old cobblestone alleys.
Tropea's most famous landmark is the large rocky promontory extending several hundred meters into the sea. Perched atop this promontory is the Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery, dating back to the 7th century.
Cuisine is also a highlight of Tropea, particularly its sweet and mild red onions renowned for their high quality and medicinal properties, celebrated with dedicated festivals.
* Virtually every travel publication recognizes Alberobello in the Itria Valley, province of Bari, Puglia region, as one of Italy's most beautiful villages.
The small houses in the village, with their conical roofs covering mostly intact limestone walls, are a testament to prehistoric architectural techniques. Among them, the Monti district boasts over 1,000 cone-shaped houses lining steep winding alleys, a constant delight for visitors.
* The Puglia region is also home to Polignano a Mare, a picturesque village perched 24m high on limestone cliffs, attracting visitors with its stunning limestone caves directly beneath the village. The white houses against the cliff harmonize with the emerald waters of the Adriatic Sea, creating a perfect picture for Polignano.
Polignano's old town is meticulously preserved, and from its narrow streets to small squares, breathtaking vistas compel travelers to pause.
Grotta Palazzese, boasting nearly 80 naturally formed caves along the rocky cliffs near the village, is the largest and most renowned cave in Polignano. Accessible via a narrow staircase carved into the rock.
Formerly, the lords of Polignano connected the cave to the village center for use as a ballroom, reminiscent of the Versailles Palace in France. Today, the cave is Italy's most romantic restaurant, operating from May to September, with the Grotta Palazzese hotel situated above.
According to Tuoi Tre
***
Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourMay 13, 2016
