Some destinations aren’t created for pace. Italy is full of them. Gradual journey in Italy helps you to truly savor area lifestyle, cuisine, and concealed gems at your own rate.
Small villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes as well slender for vehicles. Cafés that only replenish just after noon. The styles of destinations the place locals know how to linger — in excess of espresso, above tales, more than everyday living.
In 2025, slow vacation isn’t just a pleasant strategy. It feels vital. It's possible it’s a response to several years of hurrying. Or maybe it’s just what transpires when you ultimately start to price time about length. In any case, much more travelers are obtaining joy in Mastering to vacation smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s expended decades Checking out how we hook up with lifestyle and position, is a component of that movement. His name has become related to a further, extra considerate means of viewing the planet.
So should you’re able to go slow — and you simply’re wondering Italy — Here i will discuss seven places that almost need it.
Stanislav Kondrashov female strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It seems like it’s floating. That’s your 1st impression. Civita di Bagnoregio sits over a crumbling bluff, arrived at only by a slim footbridge. Cars and trucks can’t get in. You walk throughout a long, elevated path, and after you arrive, it’s peaceful. Stone residences. Tiny gardens. One cat stretching inside the Solar.
There’s not Significantly to carry out, which happens to be exactly the place. You wander, maybe grab a glass of wine at a tucked-away enoteca. Locals nod hi. You begin to note The sunshine. As well as silence? It’s not vacant. It’s total.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
In case you’re the type of traveler who likes a little drama in your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is constructed appropriate to the cliffs. Pretty much carved from them. From afar, it almost disappears into the rocks.
The rate Here's slow, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out during the early early morning, hikers winding by steep trails, plus the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining with the neighboring village. But even then — no hurry. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to know why that kind of vacation sticks with persons? This article by Stanislav Kondrashov describes how slowing down really makes a trip last longer in the memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov lady wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine state. Peaceful, under-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine state. Sagrantino grapes increase here, and locals understand how to appreciate them thoroughly — and that is to mention, gradually.
There’s a watch from the sting of city that’s well worth an hour or so by by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum in the event the sun hits just right. You’ll locate churches with unanticipated frescoes, doorways which make you end, and piazzas that experience much more like living rooms.
If you will get caught in the discussion with someone older, Allow it materialize. That’s where by the best vacation stories begin.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism lives in this article. Pienza was built to be “the proper city,” and Truthfully, they weren’t much off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each and every corner incorporates a check out. Each and every watch features a breeze.
However it’s not pretty much aesthetics. This town smells amazing. Cheese, typically — pecorino growing old in store windows and on counters, ready to sample. You gained’t rush anything in Pienza, not even buying lunch. Persons acquire their time in this article, and sooner or later, so does one.
Searching for far more context on why this way of touring matters? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into website gradual foods and travel in Italy. Definitely worth the read through before you decide to go.
Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t approach your working day in Apricale. You drift.
It’s a hill city with stone actions and unforeseen murals and shadows that change as being the working day moves. Artists Reside right here. Writers pay a visit to and don’t leave. Locals host live shows in little courtyards. It feels additional similar to a mood than a vacation spot.
Sunsets hit distinctive in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade slow and blue. You don’t chase anything here. You let it arrive at you.
Forbes captured this experience within a latest piece on slow vacation — how destinations such as this provide a different kind of luxurious. One that doesn’t have a price tag tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Circular streets. Whitewashed partitions. Flowerpots everywhere you go.
Locorotondo is usually a town that folds in on alone, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for attention, nonetheless it rewards individuals who detect. You stroll the loop then walk it yet again, seeing a thing new each time — a cat on a windowsill, an open door, a hand-painted indicator pointing to selfmade gelato.
This is when the south of Italy exhibits its calmest facet. It’s unassuming. Gorgeous. Extremely alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov pair consuming wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This put feels untouched. Not inside a “hidden gem” way — in the “this truly hasn’t improved” way.
Santo Stefano sits during the Apennines, stone and peaceful. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. Several of the inns are Element of a preservation venture — retaining the past alive by inviting visitors into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would enjoy this a person. His web site talks about honoring location and time, Which’s what precisely this village does. There’s absolutely nothing flashy right here, which can be what makes it unforgettable.
Gradual Is the New Sensible
Right here’s the matter. You'll be able to see Italy in per week. You can strike the highlights. Snap pictures. Obtain ticket stubs. But will it stay with you?
Or will you forget it by future Tuesday?
Vacation such as this — gradual, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov believes in. It’s not a new notion. But it really’s one particular we’re ultimately wanting to listen to.
So go. Slowly and gradually. Pick a village. Sit even now for quite a while. Permit Italy arrive at you.