5 Hidden Villages in Northern Italy You Need to Visit in 2025
Escape the crowds and uncover Italy’s best-kept secrets.
When people think of Northern Italy, they often picture the glamour of Milan, the romance of Venice, or the dramatic cliffs of Lake Como. But tucked between the mountains, lakes, and vineyards are small villages that most travelers overlook—and that’s exactly why they’re worth discovering.
Here are 5 charming villages in Northern Italy that we at Destifinder absolutely love, and why you’ll fall for them too:
1. Orta San Giulio (Piedmont)
On the shores of the lesser-known Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio is a peaceful escape full of old-world charm. Its pastel-colored buildings, flower-filled balconies, and winding cobblestone streets make it feel like a living postcard.
The star attraction is Isola San Giulio, a tiny island just offshore that you can reach by a short boat ride. It’s home to a serene Benedictine monastery and a walking path called the “Way of Silence.” In the main square, you can sip an espresso while listening to the bells chime from the old church.
💡Destifinder Tip: Visit in the shoulder seasons (May or September) for fewer crowds and golden light over the lake.
2. Canale di Tenno (Trentino-Alto Adige)
Canale di Tenno is a tiny medieval village tucked into the mountains above Lake Garda. With its narrow stone lanes, arched passageways, and wooden balconies, it looks like it hasn’t changed in centuries.
What makes Canale extra special is its artistic spirit. Local painters, sculptors, and writers often take up residence here, and the village hosts seasonal art festivals. Just nearby is Lago di Tenno, a turquoise mountain lake perfect for swimming and hiking.
💡Don’t Miss: Try the local polenta dish at one of the rustic trattorias and hike to the lake for breathtaking views.
3. Brisighella (Emilia-Romagna)
Brisighella is an olive-growing hill town surrounded by vineyards and limestone cliffs. It’s most famous for the Via degli Asini (Donkey’s Alley), a covered walkway that was once used by donkeys transporting goods up the steep terrain.
You can explore a trio of hilltop landmarks: a clock tower, a castle, and a sanctuary—all offering panoramic views of the Romagna countryside. The village itself is full of life, with weekly markets, family-run bakeries, and colorful houses.
💡Foodie Highlight: Brisighella is known for its award-winning olive oil. Bring home a bottle—or two.
4. Apricale (Liguria)
Perched in the hills near the French border, Apricale is one of the most beautiful villages in Liguria—but few international tourists make it here. Its name means “exposed to the sun,” and it’s easy to see why: the village is built into a sun-drenched slope, offering spectacular views of the valley below.
The narrow alleys are filled with art—murals, mosaics, and quirky sculptures—thanks to Apricale’s reputation as a creative hub. In the summer, the entire village transforms for outdoor theater performances and music festivals that light up the ancient stone square.
💡Destifinder Tip: Spend a night in one of the charming B&Bs run by locals—you’ll fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up to mountain air and homemade focaccia.
5. Glorenza / Glurns (South Tyrol)
Glorenza (also called Glurns) is a perfectly preserved walled town in the far north of Italy, near the Austrian border. With just a few hundred residents, it’s the smallest town in South Tyrol, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in storybook charm.
Its Renaissance-era walls, arched gates, and pastel townhouses look like something out of a fairy tale. The surrounding valley is filled with apple orchards, alpine peaks, and biking trails, making it an ideal base for exploring the outdoors.
💡Fun Fact: Glorenza is part of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” (The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy)—and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
✨ Why These Villages Matter
Italy’s magic isn’t just in its famous landmarks. It’s in the quiet corners, the conversations with shopkeepers, and the slow pace of village life. These hidden villages offer a more meaningful, less crowded travel experience, without sacrificing beauty or authenticity.
💡 Want to Explore Them All?
Let us design a custom itinerary that weaves these gems into your dream Northern Italy trip. Whether you’re into history, food, nature, or simply peace and quiet—our guides are made for you.
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