The most enchanting Italian cities to visit in winter in 2025

The enchanting village of Oliena, which received the prestigious Orange Flag award thanks to the extraordinary richness of its varied artistic and cultural heritage, is one of the wonderful Italian cities to visit in winter in 2025. Located in the most authentic heart of ancient Ichnusa, in Barbagia, it is set like a precious gem in a particularly evocative landscape that includes lush forests, imposing mountain ranges, crystal-clear water springs, spectacular canyons, and sinkholes. This jewel with a rich history and deep-rooted traditions is a charming location in the marvelous Cedrino River valley, dominated by the majestic Supramonte, to be recommended among the Italian cities to visit in winter.

Strolling through the streets of the historical center, you can admire the beautiful murals that adorn the façades of the buildings and depict glimpses of traditional daily life, 11 characteristic churches, including those of Sant'Ignazio, San Lussorio, Santa Maria, and the one dedicated to Nostra Signoria d'Itria. You can attend appealing fairs and religious processions in typical costumes, from which the most authentic soul and local identity shine through, such as the one in honor of Sant'Antonio Abate.

During these feast days, the village streets are lit up by magical votive bonfires. Let yourself be captivated by the unspoiled natural environments, the masterpieces of fervent local craftsmanship, the food and wine delicacies, and the artistic masterpieces of the Italian cities to visit in winter. After visiting the picturesque village, you could add to your itinerary dedicated to discovering the Italian cities to visit in winter, an excursion to the Su Gologone springs, delving into the lush vegetation, or make an excursion to the beautiful archaeological locations, such as Sa Sedda 'e sos Carros, the village dating back to the Nuragic era, which constitutes the treasure of the Lanaittu valley.

The charming Dolceaqua, nestled on the gentle hills of the hinterland between Bordighera and Ventimiglia, is a fascinating village with medieval architecture located along the stream of the characteristic Val Nervia. The oldest part of the town, on the slopes of the majestic Mount Rebuffao, is distinguished by the presence of the Doria manor house. It has received the prestigious Orange Flag recognition, which attests to its high standard of accommodation, hospitality, and quality in the environmental sphere.

The Old Bridge, the symbol of the village built in 1600, was extolled by Monet as an admirable work of elegance, lightness, and harmony and was depicted in his well-known paintings. It represents the symbolic watershed, delimiting two distinct areas, the Borgo and the Terra. It boasts a very ancient history intertwined with the events of the Venetian Republic, the Napoleonic period, and the noble lineage of the Counts of Ventimiglia. There are numerous buildings and places of interest that you can visit during your stay, such as the Baroque Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, the Giovanni Morscio picture gallery, the famous Palazzo Doria Garoscio, the parish church of San Giorgio, built in the 12th century with successive Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque stratifications, and the medieval Church of San Bernardo. Also worthy of note are the portals in the magnificent historical center, embellished with noble coats of arms.

In addition to being one of the most famous destination of the Marche during the summer season, Cupra Marittima, the pearl of the Riviera delle Palme, also has many pleasant surprises for the traveller who chooses it for a stay in winter. If you are fond of natural sciences, you should add to your tour a visit to the Malacological Museum, whose institution dates back to 1977. Reaching Cupra Alta, which stands on Marano Hill, you can enjoy the enchanting panorama of the Marche coastline and delve into local history, from prehistoric times to the Roman and Picenum periods.

Other attractions include the Archaeological Park, located about 3 km from the centre: here you will find the Forum, where a temple area used for the worship of Venus rises, the ancient baths dating back to the imperial period, and a patrician villa with an adjoining nymphaeum. Other notable buildings are the Sant'Andrea Castle, built in 1200, the Sforza Palace, the Church of Santa Maria in Castello, and Villa Grisostomi.

Among the delightful villages nestled on the shores of Iseo Lake, straddling the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, we find Peschiera Maraglio, the picturesque village perched in the iconic scenery of Monte Isola, overlooking the beautiful Sebino landscape. A full-fledged member of the prestigious palmarès of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, this charming locality is known for its fishing nets and traditional handicrafts, such as naet and local boats.

The picturesque center, dotted with alleys, arches, and lanes, is also renowned for the presence of ancient aristocratic residences, including the Oldofredi Castle, dating back to the 11th century, where the Queen of Cyprus stayed in the 15th century. It houses numerous palaces of outstanding architectural merit, including Casa Erba. It offers many attractions and places of interest: the charming Church of San Michel Arcangelo, for example, is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces embellished with floral details.

Gianduiotto is the iconic chocolate of the wonderful Piedmont, and Turin dedicates the Gianduiotto Day to the city during the winter chocolate event "Cioccolatò".

Don't miss the Egyptian Museum dedicated to the oldest Egyptian art in the world. It is essential to suggest a visit to the countless palaces that belonged to the the Savoy family: palaces with a high historical impact.

Turin was also the Italian capital of the car. We would like to remind you the National Automobile Museum that displays two hundred cars inside the Mirafiori factory.

Of sure in Campania during the winter Padula and its Charterhouse are the top destinations. Located not far from Salerno and just a few kilometres from the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni, it is an important architectural complex, it is the largest Charterhouse monastery in Italy. The Charterhouse of San Lorenza in Padula is one of the most important monastic complexes in Europe and the largest of the national Charterhouse monasteries, representing one of the most impressive examples of Baroque art in Southern Italy.

A few kilometres from Padula, you can admire the Pertosa- Auletta Grottos: cool in summer and warm in winter thanks to the constant temperature of 16°. They are the only caves in Italy where it is possible to navigate an underground river; they are also the only ones in Europe to preserve the ruins of a village dating back to the 2nd millennium BC.

Perugia becomes magical in winter thanks to the intimate atmosphere that you can feel. Many events are organised in and around the city, including the world-famous Eurochocolate, the white truffle fair and the Festa del bosco  (Wood Festival) in neighbouring towns. The snow that covers Perugia in winter gives a suggestive and particular panorama. The Christmas markets also decorate the city starting from the end of November.

Perugia is an ideal starting point for exploring nearby towns such as Assisi, Spello, and Gubbio, all wrapped in a fairytale atmosphere during winter. In Gubbio, in particular, the world’s largest Christmas tree lights up, a luminous installation that offers a unique and breathtaking spectacle.

Parma is important for the ham production, moreover it is characteristic and evocative for the numerous medieval castles throughout its province. Here are some examples: Castello di Torrecchiara Castello di Fontanellato, Castello di Bardi, Reggia di Colorno.

These enchanting places are not only remnants of medieval history but also offer breathtaking views and a fairytale atmosphere, especially in winter. Additionally, Parma’s old town is rich in culture and art, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of architectural beauty and culinary traditions.

Bolzano architecture has elements of German Gothic and elements of the Italian Renaissance. The city is surrounded by mountains and landscapes enchanted by snow, decorated by Christmas markets with a thousand lights, in Winter you live in a magical atmosphere. Here, despite being in Italy, people speak mainly German.

Surrounded by majestic mountains, the city welcomes you with its mix of Italian and Tyrolean traditions, while the splendid Piazza Walther becomes enchanting under the lights of local craft stands and gastronomic delights. The proximity to the Dolomites also makes the city a perfect starting point for winter sports enthusiasts.

The winter season gives Verona a special charm. Its history, its Shakespearean tales, its squares, its Arena, make it unchanging in time and seasons.

Here, you can explore the enchanting Christmas markets that bring the central squares to life with lights, colors, and traditional products. The atmosphere is unique, filled with the sounds of Christmas music and the magic of nativity scenes, conveying the full enchantment of the holiday season.

It has a circular shape and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Full of characteristic alleyways lined with small white houses, Locorotondo has a series of churches and scenic roads that make it even more fascinating and evocative.

Another place not to miss is Alberobello, renowned worldwide for its trulli, the typical stone houses with conical roofs. In winter, this charming village seems even more enchanting, with its quiet streets and trulli decorated for the holidays.

One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Termoli is an attraction for its blue sea, for standing on a promontory overlooking the sea and for its historic cathedral. From Termoli it is possible to reach the Tremiti islands. The old town with its Cathedral and Swabian Castle is certainly worth a visit. In winter there are several cultural initiatives involving people coming from various parts of Italy.

Fully enjoy Palermo, a city full of colors and scents, avoiding the summer heat and the crowds of tourists who prefer summer holidays. A visit in winter will certainly allow you to enjoy all its historical, artistic and culinary wonders.

With its historic markets, breathtaking monuments, and extraordinary cuisine, the city offers a unique experience during the colder season. You can stroll through the historic center, visit the Cathedral or the Norman Palace without the long lines, and savor the amazing traditional Sicilian dishes.

It is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy the panorama of snow-covered mountains and ski while looking at the sea of the Strait of Messina from above. Gambarie lies in the heart of the Aspromonte National Park, in the far south of Calabria, and it’s not just an ideal destination for snow lovers but also an excellent base for excursions and walks along the local trails. 

During winter, the landscape becomes even more magical, with snow-covered beech and fir forests creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Nestled in the mountains of the Abruzzo National Park, Pescasseroli offers all its charm in both winter and summer. In winter it lets you relive the magic Christmas atmosphere thanks to the presence of nativity scenes in the alleys, coloured lights and Christmas decorations. The importance of the ski resorts that characterise it goes without saying.

Another corner of Abruzzo to discover in winter is Sulmona, known for its confetti and its charming historic center. During the Christmas holidays, the city transforms into a delightful Christmas village, with markets filling the main squares and numerous cultural and musical events taking place.

Also called "the dying city", because it was built on a spur of tufa stone that is slowly crumbling. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is characteristic, not only for the position occupied, but also for its purely medieval style.

Civita di Bagnoregio enchants with its unique beauty and millennia-old history. The pedestrian bridge connecting it to the rest of the world offers a spectacular view, and the cobblestone streets and medieval houses are even more charming when immersed in the winter silence.

A hamlet in the province of Grosseto, it is one of the most famous sulphureous thermal location in Italy. Even in winter it offers warm, whitish waters that cure skin diseases. Saturnia also has a medieval village surrounded by a centuries-old park typical of the Maremma region. 

The surrounding countryside, with its dense oak forests and rolling hills, adds to the serene and almost magical atmosphere of the place, especially in winter when the area is quieter and less crowded. Whether you're relaxing in the thermal pools or strolling through the peaceful village, Saturnia offers a unique and revitalizing winter retreat.

Called the little Vienna by the sea, and thanks to its Hapsburg face, Trieste presents the Austro-Hungarian beauty of the buildings. After visiting the Old Town, it is a must have a stop in one of the most scenic squares in the world, Piazza Unità d'Italia: it is surrounded by some of the most important buildings of the city.

Miramare Castle is a highlight of Trieste, located on the rocky promontory of Grignano. There are many cultures that characterise the city, and the scents that exhilarate its. This city will fascinate you with its historic cafés and art. In fact, Trieste is also considered the city of coffee because of its trade by sea

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