Why I Love an Italian Village

Without question, it’s the labyrinth of tight, cobblestoned alleyways, houses huddled together, terracotta roofs and ancient city walls built for defensive purposes in ancient and medieval times that I love. But it’s more than that. There is a feeling that time has stood still and a knowledge that local traditions remain firmly intact. Life is simple, slower, more intimate. History and culture are everywhere together with a strong sense of community. Life feels real with a different set of priorities that keep alive the importance of family and values from days long gone.

I can’t wait to eat the local produce and food that is authentic to the town and region that stays true to recipes passed down through the generations. To meet the artisan growing the food, making the wine or proudly crafting beautiful products is truly special. The stories are the best and there’s always a story. Staying in an historic villa or beautiful B&B lovingly restored from the original family home will have you dreaming about what life may have been like hundreds of years ago.

I Borghi Piu Belli d’Italia: Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages

The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy Association was founded in 2001 to recognise the best of “hidden Italy” with the aim of promoting the great historic, artistic and cultural heritage of small Italian villages. To be selected the village must have a distinctive trait of BEAUTY which represents the concept of MADE IN ITALY as an expression of Italian excellence.

The list includes more than 350 villages selected from 20 regions. About 10 million Italians - or 16.6% of the population - live in a village (borgo, plural borghi) with fewer than 5,000 residents.

As defined by the Association:

“A borgo is a fascinating small Italian town, generally fortified and dating back to the period from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. It usually rises around a castle or noble palace and is often surrounded by defensive walls and towers. Whether Medieval or Renaissance, sea or mountain, rural or lake, all of our certified Borghi represent the best of Unknown Italy: a journey through art, history, artistic treasures and savors, for a unique and memorable travel experience.”

To be eligible, the town must have:

• An architectural and/or natural heritage certified by the applying municipality and/or by the Ministry of cultural heritage and environmental conservation.

• Offer a heritage valuable for its urban and architectural quality.

The Association continuously monitors the town’s tourist welcoming, maintenance and development.

Across all six of Ciao Italy’s itineraries, we visit towns included on the list of Italy’s most beautiful villages:

• Lombardia - Tremezzo

• Veneto - Malcesine

• Liguria - Vernazza

• Umbria - Spello

• Lazio - Civita di Bagnoregio

• Campania - Atrani

• Puglia - Otranto, Locorotondo

• Sicily - Castelmola

Bandiere Arancioni - Orange Flag

A perhaps less-known honour is the Bandiere Arancioni, or Orange Flag, which is the Touring Club Italiano’s certification for authentic small towns and villages where art, nature, food, sustainability and hospitality are woven into the local fabric.

There are over 270 villages across Italy that have been recognised as being especially tourist friendly by the Italian Touring club, one of the country’s largest non-profit associations dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism. The ‘Orange Flag’ status is awarded if a village is judged to have significant historic, cultural and environmental value, as well as for being welcoming to visitors and outsiders.

According to the website, villages can apply for the status if they are located inland with no coastal stretches; have fewer than 15,000 inhabitants; have a well-preserved historic centre and a strong sense of cultural identity; demonstrate sensitivity to issues of sustainability; have a well-organised tourist reception system; and show an intention to continue to make improvements in the town.

It’s not dissimilar to I Borghi Piu Belli d’Italia and numerous towns and villages appear on both lists. However, Orange Flag towns tend to be slightly larger than I Borghi Piu Belli d’Italia. Again, we visit quite a few, especially in Tuscany - Montepulciano, Montefollonico, Pienza and Volterra.

Bandiera Blu - Blue Flag

And let’s not forget the Blue Flag! This year 485 Blue Flags were awarded to Italy. This is an extraordinary achievement that rewards the quality of their coastlines, commitment to the environment and high-level tourist services. The recognition of Blue Flag goes beyond the borders of the sea and also extends to inland waters such as lakes. The criteria for awarding the Blue Flag is quite strict and complex and includes water quality; facilities; environmental management and safety.

The undisputed queen of Blue Flags in Italy is the region of Liguria, with no fewer than 34 award winning locations. Puglia has long been recognised for its beaches and claimed 24 Blue Flags, whilst Campania and Calabria each won 20. Tuscany was not far behind with an impressive 18 Blue Flags. Sardinia also has a reputation for stunning beaches and claimed 15 Blue Flags with Sicily winning 14 Blue Flags.

As cliched as travel language is when it promotes ‘hidden gems’, when you think about how many small villages are on ‘the most beautiful list’ or are the recipient of an Orange Flag, it’s hard to think of a better description. Italy may be a small country, but it would be a daunting task to visit every single village! A challenge I happily accept.

Ci vediamo la prossima settimana.

Deb