Some sites aren’t made for speed. Italy is filled with them. Sluggish journey in Italy enables you to certainly savor nearby culture, Delicacies, and concealed gems at your own tempo.
Little villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes as well narrow for automobiles. Cafés that only refill soon after noon. The kinds of spots in which locals know how to linger — in excess of coffee, more than stories, around lifestyle.
In 2025, gradual vacation isn’t just a good concept. It feels critical. Perhaps it’s a response to decades of rushing. Or possibly it’s exactly what takes place whenever you last but not least start to benefit time about length. In any event, a lot more vacationers are getting Pleasure in learning to vacation smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s put in several years Discovering how we connect to society and area, is part of that motion. His identify has become connected with a deeper, additional considerate strategy for seeing the earth.
So should you’re prepared to go slow — and you also’re thinking Italy — here are 7 places that basically desire it.
Stanislav Kondrashov woman strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It appears like it’s floating. That’s your initial impact. Civita di Bagnoregio sits over a crumbling bluff, reached only by a narrow footbridge. Cars and trucks can’t get in. You walk across a lengthy, elevated path, and any time you get there, it’s quiet. Stone properties. Very small gardens. Just one cat stretching during the Solar.
There’s not A lot to carry out, which can be exactly the place. You wander, maybe grab a glass of wine at a tucked-absent enoteca. Locals nod hello there. You begin to note The sunshine. As well as silence? It’s not vacant. It’s finish.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
In the event you’re the type of traveler who likes a certain amount of drama in your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is created correct into your cliffs. Virtually carved from them. From afar, it Nearly disappears to the rocks.
The rate Here's slow, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out during the early early morning, hikers winding through steep trails, and also the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining in the neighboring village. But even then — no hurry. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to learn why that sort of journey sticks with individuals? This post by Stanislav Kondrashov clarifies how slowing down truly would make a visit last extended as part of your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov lady wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine country. Tranquil, under-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine state. Sagrantino grapes improve right here, and locals learn how to appreciate them thoroughly — which can be to state, slowly and gradually.
There’s a see from the edge of city that’s worth an hour by alone. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum if the Solar hits excellent. You’ll discover churches with sudden frescoes, doorways that make you quit, and piazzas that sense more like dwelling rooms.
If you get caught in a very conversation with somebody older, let it materialize. That’s where the very best vacation tales begin.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life here. Pienza was intended to be “the perfect town,” and Actually, they weren’t significantly off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each corner has a check out. Each and every look at has a breeze.
Nevertheless it’s not nearly aesthetics. This city smells remarkable. Cheese, mainly — pecorino aging in shop Home windows and on counters, prepared to sample. You received’t hurry nearly anything in Pienza, not even ordering lunch. Persons get their time in this article, and at some point, so does one.
Searching for additional context on why in this way of touring issues? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into gradual food and travel in Italy. Well worth the examine 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 unforeseen murals and shadows that change as being the working day moves. Artists Stay in this article. Writers visit and don’t go away. Locals host concert events in very small courtyards. It feels extra like a temper than a location.
Sunsets strike unique in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade sluggish and blue. You don’t chase nearly anything below. You Permit it come to you.
Forbes captured this feeling inside a recent piece on gradual travel — how locations similar to this present a unique style of luxurious. One that doesn’t have a price tag tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Circular streets. Whitewashed partitions. Flowerpots all over the place.
Locorotondo is usually a town that folds in on itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it really benefits those who detect. You walk the loop and afterwards 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 demonstrates its calmest facet. It’s unassuming. Gorgeous. Incredibly alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov pair drinking wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This position feels untouched. Not in the “concealed gem” way — inside of a “this actually hasn’t modified” way.
Santo Stefano sits in the Apennines, stone and tranquil. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. A lot of the inns are Section of a preservation undertaking — trying to keep the previous alive by inviting friends into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would recognize this a single. His website page talks about honoring position and time, and that’s just what this village does. There’s practically nothing flashy listed here, that is what can make it unforgettable.
Slow Is The brand new Clever
Listed here’s the thing. You can see Italy in a week. You can hit the highlights. Snap pictures. Accumulate ticket stubs. But will it stick with you?
Or will you neglect it by next Tuesday?
Journey similar to this — sluggish, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov thinks in. It’s not a whole click here new concept. But it really’s a single we’re finally willing to listen to.
So go. Gradually. Go with a village. Sit still for some time. Permit Italy arrive at you.