I responded recently in another thread to a poster who is planning part of her trip around the list of I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia - the Most Beautiful Small Villages of Italy. I just want to highlight this idea for others. Italy, and some other European countries, have associations which recognize especially cute, well-preserved and well-maintained historic villages. Sure, it’s a marketing device to get people to consider smaller places, but this is an especially good idea in our new world order. Just like people started looking for more green space to live in last year, small villages offer visitors more space to relax and enjoy good food and wine with great views and fewer crowds. Or back doors, as Rick would say.
The villages have to meet certain criteria to be listed, and maintain the standards to remain listed. They offer tourist- and resident-friendly events, somewhat supported by the association’s marketing budget and publicity channels. There is a gorgeous online travel magazine that highlights various regions and villages in each issue.
I was also inspired to post this by an announcement today that my own “most beautiful village”, Caramanico Terme and neighbouring Abbateggio, will be hosting the annual Borghi Più Belli festival next September. I’m not sure what events will be part of the festival, but for sure there will be lots of good things to eat and drink. We’re inside a national park, so there are lots of hikers, bikers, kayakers and horseback riders who come to experience it. And there are lots of castles, steep villages and rocky ruins to explore. With a bit of luck, the historic spa will reopen next year after the bankrupt management company is replaced with a new manager.
Abruzzo never had Florence’s wealth, so the art and architecture is by less famous names and much less grand. But there are lots of more intimate spaces to explore. I don’t want this to sound like a marketing hard sell, but if you have “done” Venice-Florence-Rome, but aren’t “done” with Italy yet, I hope this can be a lead on some new ideas. I’m just beginning my own explorations after a year in lockdown, so I’m certainly not an expert, but I’m enjoying the pace and the lifestyle. I’ll try to answer any specific questions but only if I have first-hand experience.
I am just a retired person starting a new life here with my family. I don’t have any affiliations to any service providers. I’ve been a forum regular (though not overly frequent poster) since 2009 and I love what I’ve learned here. Hope to do my bit to pay it forward.