These 10 Beautiful Italian Towns Are So Affordable, You’ll Think You’re Dreaming

Dreaming of Italy? You picture ancient cities and rolling hills. But then, you picture the price tag.

I, too, thought living the Italian dream meant emptying your savings. Turns out, that’s not true.

I’ve wandered past the tourist traps and found towns that feel straight out of a movie, without the movie price tag.

These ten small, beautiful Italian towns let you live la dolce vita for less. Come see which ones surprised me.

Spello, Umbria: The Flower-Strewn Roman Jewel

Spello is a vision of honey-colored stone and pink limestone. It cascades down a hillside in Umbria’s green heart.

Every alley is a photo opportunity. This is thanks to its famous city-wide flower displays. It feels like the romantic, quieter neighbor to bustling Assisi.

For savvy travelers, Spello is the smart choice. It offers all the beauty of a major Umbrian destination. Yet it serves as an affordable, tranquil base for exploring the region.

You get the best of both worlds: lower prices and easy access to famous sites!

What to See & Do

Wander through ancient Roman gates. The majestic Porta Consolare and Porta Venere are must-sees. 

Visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. It holds breathtaking Renaissance frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Baglioni Chapel. You can also discover remarkably preserved Roman mosaics at the Villa dei Mosaici.

If you visit in June, don’t miss the Infiorate di Spello. The streets are carpeted with intricate flower designs for this annual festival.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: Hotels are very reasonable. Prices start from around $76–$79 per night.
• Food: A meal at a sit-down restaurant in Umbria averages around €30–€35 per person. A simple lunch can be found for under €15. This makes it one of the most affordable Italian towns.
• Getting There: Spello is accessible by train from Rome, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The nearest airport is Perugia (PEG).

Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche: The Travertine City

Ascoli Piceno is a city of dazzling travertine stone. This gives it a unique, luminous quality. Its main square, Piazza del Popolo, is often called one of Italy’s most beautiful.

The entire Le Marche region is often overlooked by tourists. It offers an authentic experience at a fraction of Tuscany’s cost.

This makes it one of the best affordable Italian towns for an authentic cultural dive.

What to See & Do

Start by people-watching from the historic Caffè Meletti in Piazza del Popolo. Explore the city’s many churches.

The Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio has an impressive crypt worth visiting. Stop by the grand Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo.

You must also indulge in the town’s culinary icon: olive all’ascolana. These are large green olives stuffed with meat and then fried.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: Hotels are well-priced. You can find good options from €75–€101 ($78–$105) per night.
• Food: Dining here is a bargain. A full meal at a local restaurant costs €20–€30 per person. A pizza with a drink can be as low as €10–€20.
• Getting There: A car is recommended to explore Le Marche fully. The nearest airports are Pescara (PSR) and Ancona (AOI).

Tropea, Calabria: The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea

Tropea presents a dramatic picture. Ancient buildings perch on sheer cliffs. They overlook a sea of impossible turquoise.

It is the jewel of Calabria, a southern region known for being more affordable than the north.

The town’s beauty is breathtaking. It offers spectacular beaches and a charming historic center.

What to See & Do

Climb the steps to the iconic Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola. It sits on its own rocky promontory, a symbol of the town.

Relax on stunning beaches like Spiaggia della Rotonda. Its crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming.

Wander the historic center to find the viewpoint at the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It offers breathtaking sunset views over the sea, sometimes showing the Stromboli volcano on the horizon.

Be sure to taste the famous sweet Tropea red onions, a prized local product.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: Prices are very accessible, especially outside of July and August. Hotels can be found starting from $73–$90 per night.
• Food: Dining is incredibly affordable. A meal for two can be around €30–€40. A fantastic dinner for four with wine can cost just €70.
• Getting There: The closest airport is Lamezia Terme (SUF), about an hour’s drive away. Tropea also has a train station with connections to major cities.

Locorotondo, Puglia: The Whitewashed Labyrinth

Locorotondo gets its name from its unique circular layout. “Loco rotondo” means “round place”. Its gleaming white alleys are filled with flowers.

It is a serene and authentic alternative to the more tourist-heavy Alberobello. You can enjoy the beauty of the Itria Valley without the crowds. It is one of the true hidden gems in Italy.

What to See & Do

Get lost in the centro storico. It is a pristine maze of whitewashed lanes and charming houses.

Walk along Via Nardelli, known as the “lungomare” (seafront). It offers panoramic views of the valley dotted with iconic trulli houses.

Visit the impressive Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio and the baroque Palazzo Morelli. And don’t leave without sipping the local crisp white wine, Locorotondo DOC.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: Puglia offers great value. The average daily cost for a trip to the region is around €117, which includes lodging and activities.
• Food: You’ll find excellent value for money. A meal at a good restaurant can average €25–€40 per person. A simple pizza is around €8.
• Getting There: The town is best reached by car to explore the region. The nearest airports are Brindisi (BDS) and Bari (BRI).

Related Read: Italy Has Over 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; These Are 15 You Absolutely Should Not Miss

Castelmezzano, Basilicata: The Dolomite Daredevil’s Dream

Castelmezzano is one of Italy’s most dramatic villages. It is carved directly into the spectacular spires of the Lucanian Dolomites.

This is a place for adventure seekers. It’s for those who love epic mountain scenery. The entire region of Basilicata is a hidden gem, offering deep culture and low prices.

These are some of the most striking small beautiful Italian towns you will ever see.

What to See & Do

Experience the Volo dell’Angelo (Angel’s Flight). It is a high-speed zipline that soars across the valley to the neighboring town of Pietrapertosa.

Hike up to the Gradinata Normanna. This staircase is carved into the rock. It leads to the remains of a Norman castle with incredible views.

You can also walk the Seven Stones Path. This scenic 2km trail connects Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: The town is very affordable. Vacation rentals and B&Bs start from just $67–$91 per night.
• Food: Rustic and hearty Lucanian cuisine is a bargain. A multi-course meal can be had for €25–€35 per person, with pasta dishes around €8–€10.
• Getting There: A car is essential for visiting this area. The nearest major airports are Bari (BRI) and Naples (NAP), both about a 2-hour drive away.

Neive, Piedmont: An Affordable Taste of Wine Country

Neive is the savvy traveler’s entry point to Piedmont’s Langhe region. This area is home to world-famous (and expensive) Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

Neive, however, offers world-class scenery and wine without the premium price tag. It is officially one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (most beautiful villages in Italy).

What to See & Do

Wander the cobbled lanes of the centro storico (historic center). Climb the 13th-century Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio). It offers unforgettable views of the vine-covered hills.

Enjoy an aperitivo at a local enoteca (wine bar). You can taste the four local signature wines: Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Moscato. Use Neive as a base to visit nearby Alba, famous for its white truffles.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: It’s surprisingly affordable for such a prestigious region. Hotels start from $67–$109 per night.
• Food: While high-end dining exists, a meal at a traditional osteria is reasonable. Expect to pay around €16 for a plate of pasta, with average meal prices around €20–€35.
• Getting There: A car is best for exploring the vineyards. The nearest major city and train station is Alba (9 miles away). The closest airport is Turin (TRN).

Certaldo, Tuscany: Boccaccio’s Medieval Hideaway

Certaldo is a wonderfully preserved medieval village. It offers a more authentic and less crowded Tuscan experience than nearby San Gimignano.

The town has two parts. The modern lower town is where most people live. The enchanting upper old town, Certaldo Alto, is where the magic happens.

What to See & Do

Ride the funicular from the lower town up to Certaldo Alto. It’s a charming way to arrive.

Visit the Palazzo Pretorio, the former castle of the Alberti counts. It is adorned with historic coats of arms.

Explore the Casa di Boccaccio. This was the home of the famous Renaissance writer Giovanni Boccaccio.

Stroll the quiet, red-brick streets and enjoy views of the classic Tuscan countryside.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: You’ll find excellent value for Tuscany here. Rooms can be found for as little as $66 per night.
• Food: Dining in Tuscany can be affordable in local trattorias. A meal for two can be around €50–€60. A simple lunch can be found for €20.
• Getting There: Certaldo is very accessible. It has a train station with direct connections to Florence and Siena. The nearest airports are Florence (FLR) and Pisa (PSA).

Camogli, Liguria: The Authentic Riviera

Camogli is the Italian Riviera’s hidden gem. It is a fairytale fishing village with colorful houses stacked against the sea.

It offers all the charm of Cinque Terre with a fraction of the crowds. The town has a relaxed, authentic vibe popular with Italians. This makes it one of the best hidden gems in Italy for a coastal escape.

What to See & Do

Stroll the beautiful seafront promenade (Via Giuseppe Garibaldi). It is elevated just above the pebble beach.

Explore the picturesque harbor, filled with fishing boats. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, which sits right by the water.

Take a ferry to the secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey. This magical monastery is accessible only by boat or a strenuous hike.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: While the Riviera can be pricey, Camogli offers better value. Hotels start from $78–$126 per night.
• Food: Seafood is the star and can be affordable. A cone of fried seafood costs around $8. A sit-down meal averages $30–$35 per person.
• Getting There: The town is very easy to reach by train. It is located on the Genoa-La Spezia line. The closest airport is Genoa (GOA).

Gubbio, Umbria: The City of Stone and Saints

Gubbio is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Italy. It is a “city of stone” stacked against the side of a mountain.

This is a place of ancient legends and dramatic architecture. Exploring its steep, silent streets feels like stepping back in time. It is one of those small beautiful Italian towns that captures the imagination.

What to See & Do

Stand in the magnificent “hanging” square, Piazza Grande. Admire the imposing Palazzo dei Consoli that dominates the view.

Take the thrilling Funivia Colle Eletto. It is a unique open-air “bird cage” cable car. It goes up Mount Ingino to the Basilica of St. Ubaldo.

Discover the quirky legend of the Fontana dei Matti (Fountain of the Madman). Run around it three times to earn your “madman’s license”.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: Gubbio is very budget-friendly. Hotels can be found from $75–$84 per night.77
• Food: You can eat well on a tight budget. A buffet lunch can be just €10. A nice dinner at a restaurant will cost around $25–$35 per person.
• Getting There: The closest train station is Fossato di Vico-Gubbio (20km away). It has connections from Rome. The nearest airport is Perugia (PEG).

Noli, Liguria: The Forgotten Maritime Republic

Noli has a fascinating history. It was once one of Italy’s powerful medieval Maritime Republics.

Today, it is a tranquil and beautiful seaside town. It offers another less-crowded alternative on the Italian Riviera. Its history, beaches, and charm make it a perfect final stop.

What to See & Do

Hike up to the Castello di Monte Ursino. It offers panoramic views of the coast.

Visit the Church of San Paragorio. It is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and a National Monument.

Relax on the Fishermen’s Beach. This Blue Flag beach has soft sand and clear water.

Be sure to explore the historic center with its medieval towers and defensive walls.

The Bottom Line

• Accommodation: The town is very reasonable for the Riviera. Apartment rentals start around $100. Hotels can be found from $80.
• Food: You’ll find great value, especially for seafood. A meal at a beachside restaurant can average just €20.
• Getting There: The nearest train station is Spotorno-Noli. The closest airport is Genoa (GOA).

Where Does Your Italian Adventure Start?

An authentic, unforgettable trip doesn’t have to break the bank. The real magic is often found off the beaten path.

We’ve seen the diversity of these small beautiful Italian towns. From the mountains of Basilicata to the beaches of Calabria, there’s a dream for every traveler.

So pack your bags. Your dream of Italy is closer, and more affordable, than you ever imagined. Which of these hidden gems will you explore first?

*Sources: Expedia, Hotels.com

**Note: Prices are estimates for budget-to-mid-range options and can vary by season. USD prices from sources have been converted to EUR for consistency.