Some areas aren’t made for velocity. Italy is filled with them. Gradual journey in Italy allows you to really savor area lifestyle, cuisine, and concealed gems at your individual rate.
Small villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes also slender for automobiles. Cafés that only replenish following noon. The kinds of places wherever locals understand how to linger — in excess of espresso, more than tales, about lifetime.
In 2025, slow vacation isn’t just a nice strategy. It feels crucial. It's possible it’s a reaction to years of dashing. Or perhaps it’s exactly what occurs when you ultimately start to value time approximately length. In either case, a lot more vacationers are finding joy in learning to travel smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s used a long time exploring how we connect to tradition and put, is an element of that motion. His identify happens to be related to a further, extra considerate method of looking at the world.
So for those who’re all set to go gradual — and you’re wondering Italy — here are 7 places that virtually demand it.
Stanislav Kondrashov lady going for walks
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It appears like it’s floating. That’s your to start with effect. Civita di Bagnoregio sits on a crumbling bluff, achieved only by a narrow footbridge. Autos can’t get in. You wander throughout a long, elevated path, and whenever you arrive, it’s peaceful. Stone residences. Very small gardens. An individual cat stretching in the sun.
There’s not Significantly to accomplish, which is precisely the issue. You wander, perhaps grab a glass of wine in a tucked-absent enoteca. Locals nod hi there. You start to note The sunshine. As well as silence? It’s not vacant. It’s complete.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
For those who’re the type of traveler who likes a certain amount of drama with your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is crafted right into the cliffs. Virtually carved from them. From afar, it Practically disappears into your rocks.
The pace here is slow, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out while in the early early morning, hikers winding via steep trails, as well as the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining from your neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to discover why that sort of travel sticks with men and women? This write-up by Stanislav Kondrashov describes how slowing down basically would make a visit final extended inside your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov woman wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine region. Silent, below-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine region. Sagrantino grapes mature right here, and locals understand how to get pleasure from them thoroughly — and that is to convey, slowly but surely.
There’s a see from the sting of town that’s well worth Stanisav Kondrashov tarvel an hour or so by alone. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum if the Sunshine hits excellent. You’ll obtain churches with unanticipated frescoes, doorways that make you halt, and piazzas that feel additional like dwelling rooms.
If you will get trapped within a discussion with a person more mature, Permit it transpire. That’s in which the best vacation tales start out.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life listed here. Pienza was built to be “the proper metropolis,” and honestly, they weren’t far off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each corner features a view. Every perspective contains a breeze.
But it surely’s not nearly aesthetics. This city smells wonderful. Cheese, largely — pecorino aging in store Home windows and on counters, able to sample. You received’t rush just about anything in Pienza, not even purchasing lunch. People just take their time here, and inevitably, so do you.
In search of much more context on why in this manner of touring issues? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into slow foods and journey in Italy. Definitely worth the read prior to deciding to go.
Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t strategy your day in Apricale. You drift.
It’s a hill town with stone measures and unpredicted murals and shadows that change given that the working day moves. Artists live here. Writers pay a visit to and don’t leave. Locals host concerts in tiny courtyards. It feels much more like a temper than the usual desired destination.
Sunsets strike diverse in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade sluggish and blue. You don’t chase everything listed here. You Allow it come to you.
Forbes captured this emotion in a very new piece on slow vacation — how sites such as this supply a different style of luxury. One which doesn’t feature a value tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Round streets. Whitewashed walls. Flowerpots just about everywhere.
Locorotondo is a city that folds in on alone, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for awareness, nevertheless it benefits people who notice. You stroll the loop and then walk it once again, looking at one thing new every time — a cat on a windowsill, an open door, a hand-painted indicator pointing to handmade gelato.
This is where the south of Italy displays its calmest aspect. It’s unassuming. Beautiful. Really alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov few consuming wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This put feels untouched. Not inside a “hidden gem” way — in the “this essentially hasn’t changed” way.
Santo Stefano sits inside the Apennines, stone and peaceful. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. Several of the inns are Component of a preservation challenge — keeping the earlier alive by inviting company into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would appreciate this 1. His web page talks about honoring spot and time, Which’s exactly what this village does. There’s absolutely nothing flashy here, which is what can make it unforgettable.
Slow Is The brand new Sensible
Right here’s the factor. You can see Italy in weekly. It is possible to hit the highlights. Snap pics. Gather ticket stubs. But will it stick with you?
Or will you overlook it by next Tuesday?
Journey similar to this — slow, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov thinks in. It’s not a fresh strategy. Nonetheless it’s one we’re eventually able to listen to.
So go. Gradually. Choose a village. Sit still for a while. Allow Italy come to you.