26 Surreal Places in Italy You Have to See to Believe

This picture-perfect town in northern Lazio is a fairy tale come to life. Perched on a tufa rock hill in the Tiber River Valley, it was founded by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago but over the centuries was largely abandoned due to its friable terrain slowly eroding, earning the town its nickname la città che muore (the dying town). The Civita is connected to the mainland by a footbridge and famously has fewer than 15 residents year round, though tourism is thriving thanks to its position and charm.

The fabled Cinque Terre (five villages) are cliffside fishing towns located in the northwest region of Liguria. They comprise Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, each of which has its own unique history and charm. Although they are all stunning in their own way, Vernazza is often touted as the loveliest town for its quaint, photogenic harbour.

Reschensee, in the Italian Alps, is a man-made lake that’s known for the steeple sticking out of the water. It belongs to a 14th-century church, which was submerged when the lake was created in 1950: a dam was put in place by an electricity firm in order to generate seasonal electricity, and a number of towns, including Graun and Reschen, were flooded in the process. The church steeple is all that remains visible and can be reached on foot when the lake freezes over in winter.

Puglia’s conical trulli, reminiscent of hobbit homes set in a fantasy world, were constructed as dwellings and storehouses in the 19th century. The distinctive roofs are made of limestone, arranged in a tilted fashion so they are waterproof, then topped with a closing stone. Most trulli have one room beneath each roof and additional rooms in arched alcoves within the structure.

The Grotta della Poesia (the Cave of Poetry), is a water-filled sinkhole on the Adriatic Sea in Puglia. According to legend, it was the favourite watering hole of an ancient princess and the sight of her swimming there inspired poets to write about her. Today, it is mainly used for cliff jumping and scuba diving, thanks to its crystal-clear water, underground caves and natural scenery.

The Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) is a tiered cliff in southern Sicily, made of soft limestone and white marl – a sedimentary rock. This stretch of coastline has withstood millennia of lapping ocean waves and salty breezes that have created natural steps on the cliff, giving the formation its name. It is also named after Turkish pirates who invaded Sicily numerous times over the centuries.

Sammezzano, a stately palazzo near Florence, was built at the beginning of the 17th century by a Spanish nobleman, Ximenes of Aragon. An extensive property with 365 rooms, it is notable for its Moorish revival architectural style and Arabesque decorative details. The prismatic Peacock Room, featuring intricate patterns and colours, is one of many highlights of the castle.

Arriving at the landscaped Gardens of Ninfa, you may feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a secret world of nymphs and fairies. Described as the most romantic garden in the world, this evocative oasis, created in 1921 in the English garden style, features thousands of exotic plants and trees, medieval ruins integrated into the natural landscape, a crystalline river with water fresh enough to drink and an ancient stone bridge.

Once considered the shame of Italy, Matera is now one of its pride and glories. The ancient city is comprised of hundreds of Sassi (stone dwellings) that date back to prehistoric times when the country was full of troglodyte settlements. These homes were dug out of the calcareous rock and hollowed out to create rooms for entire families to reside in. The evocative city has often been used for filming and represented ancient Jerusalem in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ (2004).

Rocca Calascio, a mountaintop fortress in the Apennine mountains in central Italy, dates back to the 10th century and resembles something you might see in Game of Thrones. The fort was damaged during an earthquake in 1703 but this only adds to its mystique. It’s quite a dramatic sight, especially when set against the snowy mountains of Abruzzo.

Inside the impressive Frasassi caves, a karst cave system with stalactites and stalagmites, the Tempietto del Valadier is a neoclassical temple tucked into a sanctuary-cum-chapel. Built in 1828 by the Italian architect Giuseppe Valadier, it echoes the Tempietto del Bramante he designed within the San Pietro in Montorio church on the Gianicolo Hill in Rome. The temple is intended as a pilgrimage site where sinners can seek forgiveness.

The entire island of Capri is a feast for the senses, but its famous Blue Grotto is a truly mystical sight to behold. The blue that lights up the cavernous rock formations is caused by sunlight passing through a deep underwater cavity, then reflected back up through the water. The mouth of the sea cave is only 1m (3ft) high, so you can only enter the Blue Grotto by a small boat when the tide is low enough.

Since its cultural renaissance in the 15th century, artists have flocked to the centre of Urbino in the pretty Marche region. Some of Italy’s most famous painters and architects were born there: Federico Barocci, Sandro Botticelli and Raffaello Sanzio (aka Raphael), to name a few. Towering castle-like buildings reach dizzying heights, peeping over mystic mountains for miles around. This cultural capital is a real undercover treat and a must-visit for those who want to experience a small slice of age-old Renaissance Italy. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Sandwiched between Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana in a little corner of Tuscany, Montepulciano is the perfect viewing platform from which to enjoy the Tuscan countryside. Streets are lined with Renaissance palazzos, and a cathedral has watched over from the highest point of the town since the 16th century. It’s not just a treat for the eyes, though; it’s one for the tastebuds, too. Montepulciano is renowned for being one of the finest winemaking regions on the planet. Its Vino Nobile, produced from the grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards, is a must-try and one of Italy’s most reputable reds. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

The mountainous Aosta region is at the core of the Alps. Perched on the Italian border with Switzerland and France that peek over from either side, it’s a hotspot for keen skiers and snowboarders. Snow-dusted mountains make for picture-perfect scenery, and Disney-esque castles pop up throughout the region. Cycle routes are in abundance here, and the hiking opportunities are endless. Aosta is a real nature lover’s paradise. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Set in the heart of the Italian Alps, Trento sits just below the Unesco World Heritage-listed Dolomites along the Adige River. It may be a wonderland in winter, but it’s a treat to visit no matter the season, with the landscape offering something different month after month. You can get lost in the alpine woods, meander between the snow-sprinkled mountains or take a hike around one of the nearby sparkly lakes. Trento is really rather special. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Sat atop a limestone cliff overlooking the dazzling Adriatic Sea, Polignano a Mare is one of those straight-out-of-a-movie spots. Said to date back to the 4th century BCE, this pretty village is rich in history, which is easy to reimagine while wandering through its old-world streets. A pocket of beach is flanked by craggy cliffs, and whitewashed houses are planted delicately along the clifftop, many of which boast terraces with ocean views. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

This ancient Italian city, Chieti in Abruzzo, is a secluded spot between the valley of the Pescara River and the Alento River. Views of the city below can be admired from the surrounding Maiella and Gran Sasso Mountains – some of the highest peaks in the whole of the Apennine range. Greek mythology writes that this magical city was created by the hero Achilles, and it’s said to date all the way back to 1181BCE. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

A small, regal city with two Unesco World Heritage sites to its name, Tivoli is an unmissable Italian town 20km (12mi) west of Rome. Famed for its immaculate gardens and fountains, Tivoli was once a summer hotspot for Romans and the rich. Renaissance architecture, emerald green pools of water and perfectly manicured gardens are just a handful of the delights that draw visitors to this spectacular town year after year. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Packed with elegant architecture and inviting stony lanes, Ferrara is a delightful city situated in northern Italy just above Bologna. As though it’s been taken straight out of a fairy tale, a towering castle stands proudly in the city centre, which also links to a 13th-century palazzo via a connecting passageway. The city used to be protected by an ancient moat and walls, most of which are intact today. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

The Unesco-listed Castel del Monte is an isolated medieval castle in the pretty region of Puglia. Surrounded by miles of nature, it would make a perfect home for Snow White. Built in the 13th century, in the shape of an octagon, it’s known as one of the most beautiful castles in the whole of Italy and is a must-see if you’re down in this part of the country. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Cefalù, a coastline town in northern sun-drenched Sicily, is the ideal place to visit if you want to bask in the sun or go for a swim. But there’s more to this town than just sun and sea. Restaurants serving freshly caught seafood line the medieval streets, and its cathedral might just rival any other cathedral in the country. Magnificently beautiful, it’s embellished with meaningful carvings and depictions, and if you make your way to one of the viewing points inside the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Tyrrhenian Sea. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

For those who live for mountain escapes, look no further than the Alpine resort, Courmayeur. Situated inside a natural valley near the border of France, Courmayeur is abundant with mountainous walking trails complete with spectacular views for as far as the eye can see. With more than 160km (100mi) of snowy slopes to race down, it’s no surprise that avid skiers flock here to enjoy the fresh pow. If you’re feeling brave, you can even zoom down Mont Blanc, Italy’s highest peak. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Dubbed the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a dainty town in the northern Italian province of Belluno. Sheltered by soaring mountains, this pretty hamlet is a perfect place to venture if you’re craving fresh air and nature-fuelled pursuits. Skiing, cycling, kayaking and even horse riding are among some of the most popular activities you can enjoy here, and the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites offers a gateway to countless scenic walking trails. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Retrace the steps of the ancient Romans in the historical town of Gubbio. Dating back to the Etruscan era, it was once known as the city of Iguvium and is renowned for its medieval architecture. Rustic palaces, cathedrals and churches line the cobbled streets along with gothic-style houses complete with signature wonky roofs. Grab your camera and hop aboard the cable car to get an insta bird’s-eye view of the town. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Perched atop a cliff along the Mediterranean Sea, Sorrento is a romantic coastal town with magnificent views of Mount Vesuvius. Famed for its lemon trees, Sorrento produces the best limoncello in the world. Legend has it that the mythological Sirens used to reside here, too, tempting passing sailors in with their melodic song and causing shipwrecks on the rocky shorelines. Recommended by Jessica Dellow.

Dreaming of a magical Italian adventure? Whether you’re inspired to visit one of the many wonderful places in this article, or fancy looking further afield, our extensive collection of multi-day tours in Italy has plenty to get excited about.