10 towns that will make you move to Italy

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 3/11 by Valerie Alvarez

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 4/11 by Valerie Alvarez — Venice

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 5/11 by Valerie Alvarez — Capri

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 6/11 by Valerie Alvarez — Sardinia

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 7/11 by Valerie Alvarez — Verona

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 8/11 by Valerie Alvarez — Baia delle Zagare

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 9/11 by Valerie Alvarez — Santa Margherita Liguria

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 10/11 by Valerie Alvarez — Compiano

Photo of 10 towns that will make you move to Italy 11/11 by Valerie Alvarez — Assisi

It is hard not to fall in love with Italy. From it’s strong history to its heritage, and its vast art collections, there is also its natural and intrinsic beauty. Along the coastline of Italy there are places where the mountains touch the sea. Places where the palm trees, pine trees and cacti grow together in the mild climate. Places where the aroma of the food is so robust that the Italians call it ‘the fragrant kitchen of Italy.’ And, not too far over the mountains there are places where the land is lined with villages, and the rolling hills that will have you reminiscing of Napa Valley. Places where the food and wine has you pinching yourself to kindly remind you that ‘no, you are not dreaming.’ These are all places in that are oh-so charming and will make you want to move to Italy to live la dolce vita. Touring Italy can be done in 12-14 days. Here are major stops not to be missed (in no particular order).

Sestri Levante

The best way to see and experience Liguria is driving along the coastline feeling the sun and the salty breeze on your face. Stop at any one of the seaside towns like Sestri Levante, to experience a unique seaside version of the sweet life. Here shops still close at mid-day and locals can and will spend an entire day sun-bathing.

Burano

Just a short ride from Venice lays a multi-colored town, Burano, the lesser known town as most people go to Murano to visit the colored glass makers. Burano is a sleepy town filled with multi colored buildings and worth a walk around.

Venice

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Italy, and some might even consider it to be the most romantic city in the world. There are only four bridges that cross the Grand Canal in Venice, and Ponte dell’Accademia is one of them.

Capri

The Amalfi Coast offers solitude and beauty unmatched, and personally I feel it is a great spot to reflect after roaming through Italy much like people did twenty centuries ago. After an amazing lunch in the town center of Capri, including fresh seafood pasta and Limoncello made in town, take a stroll down to Marina Piccolo to take in more of the wonderful sights and sounds of the blissful Amalfi Coast. Belissima!

Sardinia

There are few places that blend dramatic scenery, old-world history, and stellar food culture as beautifully as Sardinia. In early summer, wildflowers color the island, cherries are at their juiciest, and many regions are surprisingly tourist free. Several new small hotels complement the setting.

Verona

Verona is often buried in its Romeo & Juliet lore, however the city has much more than a classic romance to offer. Truly shaped under Roman rule, at times it can seem like a younger sister to Rome, especially with the Colosseum-esque Arena in the center of the city. Verona is a beautiful Italian city full of history and amazingly preserved. Explore the city on foot during the day, eat dinner and grab drinks in Piazza dei Signori, and view an open-air opera in the Arena di Verona at night.

Baia delle Zagare

Baia delle Zagare, near Pugnochiuso. This is a typical view of the Gargano Coast with the green of the trees, the white of the cliffs and the blue of the sea.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Hot days and comfortable nights. One of the most beautiful places is the picturesque seaside town of Santa Margherita. Enjoy the day walking the gorgeous ‘passagiata’ along the ocean, eating lunch in a small trattoria directly on the water, and then meandering down to the dock across from the fish market at quarter to four (you will know where to stand – just look for the gathering crowd of locals).

Compiano

Compiano is a small town of about 1,096 inhabitants in the province of Parma. (Yes, like the cheese. Parma is famous for its prosciutto and Parmesan cheese.) The town of Compiano develops inside the walls of the castle. The Castle of Compiano, dates back before the year 1000 B.C., is surrounded by one the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy.

Assisi

Best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, Italy’s patron saint, the historic town of Assisi is a must-see on any trip through Umbria. Assisi is beautiful in so many ways, from its well-known Basilica of San Francesco (the burial place of St. Francis) to its views of the gorgeous rolling hills surrounding the town.