Designated Hidden Gems ‘Off the Beaten Path’
I Borghi più belli d’Italia is a non-profit private association of small Italian towns (not-so-well-known hamlets) that have strong historical, cultural, and artistic background. These “hidden gems off the beaten path” have been given a special designation as the most beautiful “Borgos” of Italy.
What is unique about these borgos is that these take you away from the popular towns where the tourists flock to—they allow you to experience “authentic Italy” at its best—at a much slower pace which means you can really embrace the meaning of “Dolce Far Niente” first hand in these gems away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. These borgos have an authentic charm, and preserve the beauty of the Italian culture. These towns typically boast of stunning Italian architecture, and share local cuisine/traditions that have been literally passed down over many centuries. A borgo is a special and unique place that is not just another village—it typically refers to a unique historic settlement dating back to the Renaissance or even back to the Middle Ages.
So, when traveling around Italy if you see the “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” RED flags hung around the town (flag as shown above) you will know why. Sometimes they have QR codes on boards around the town with information to learn about the town’s history when visiting. Be sure to allow extra time to experience “dolce far niente” when visiting these special gems!