Listen To Article

Quiet Luxury, Italian Edition: Where the Elite Hide Away. Looking for Italy’s most enchanting villages—beyond the crowds and clichés? From cliffside coves to Baroque hilltowns, this collection unveils 11 lesser-known destinations where luxury meets authenticity. Whether you’re dreaming of candlelit dinners in trulli, private yacht tastings in Sicily, or spa rituals above Lake Garda, these escapes offer more than beauty—they offer belonging. Each one whispers of heritage, exclusivity, and moments you’ll replay long after you’ve returned. Ready to travel differently?

1. Marzamemi: Sicily’s Secret by the Sea

Tucked into the sun-kissed southeastern corner of Sicily, Marzamemi is not your typical coastal escape. This enchanting fishing hamlet, brushed by the Ionian Sea and shaped by centuries of maritime heritage, carries a faded grandeur that feels more Greek or Maltese than mainland Italian. Its low-roofed sandstone cottages, vivid wooden fishing boats, and sunlit piazzas make for a postcard-perfect setting where time slows, salt lingers on the breeze, and history hums beneath the surface.

To truly immerse yourself in Marzamemi’s soul, step beyond its rustic charm and into the world of curated luxury experiences that celebrate both land and sea. Begin with a private yacht charter from the village harbour—a sleek vessel waiting to carry you across hidden coves and glassy turquoise waters. Onboard, an expert sommelier pairs crisp local wines with delicate seafood aperitivos, culminating in a candlelit sunset dinner inspired by historic tonnara recipes. As the horizon blushes pink, the sea offers up a soundtrack of gentle waves and distant gulls—Marzamemi at its most cinematic.

Delve deeper into the village’s storied past with an after-hours private tour of the Tonnara di Marzamemi, the historic tuna-processing plant that once sustained the region’s economy. Led by a local historian, this exclusive experience ends with a bespoke tasting session in a restored sandstone hall perched above the sea—pairing robust Sicilian reds with artisanal tuna dishes that echo centuries of culinary tradition.

For those who crave barefoot luxury, book a stay in one of Marzamemi’s restored fisherman’s villas. These private seafront homes blend terracotta floors and timber beams with infinity pools and discreet staff—including a personal chef who crafts menus rooted in the ancient tonnara cuisine. Each stay becomes its own quiet theatre of Sicilian life—intimate, indulgent, and impossibly serene.

Just a short drive inland, the 5-star Il San Corrado di Noto—a Relais & Châteaux retreat—offers yet another dimension of luxury. With private villas, Michelin-level dining, and a tranquil beach club, it’s a sanctuary where heritage meets haute hospitality. Alternatively, check into Eureka Palace Hotel Spa Resort, where lush countryside surrounds a world-class spa, golf course, and opulent suites designed for languid Sicilian days.

Marzamemi may sit far from the well-trodden paths of Rome or Florence, but that’s precisely its appeal. It offers something rare—an invitation to live slowly, taste deeply, and experience Sicily not as a tourist, but as a cherished guest of the sea.

2. Stilo: Where Byzantium Meets the Blue Horizon

Perched delicately on the slopes of Mount Consolino, Stilo is a hidden wonder of southern Italy—a place where Byzantine domes meet Baroque bell towers, and the past clings to the hills like morning mist. Though just 151 kilometres from Reggio Calabria, it feels worlds away: quiet, contemplative, and rich with architectural reverence. At its heart is La Cattolica, a 9th-century Byzantine church whose terracotta domes glow amber in the early light. But to experience Stilo is not merely to visit it—it is to surrender to its silence, its history, its raw, undistilled beauty.

We began our journey at first light. A private guided tour led us through the medieval alleyways while Stilo still slept, the cobbled stones slick with dew. La Cattolica, bathed in gold from the rising sun, stood like a sentinel above the valley. As we ascended higher—this time by helicopter—the scope of Calabria’s wild splendour unfurled beneath us. Vineyards, olive groves, the silvery thread of the Ionian coast—it was like flying through time. We touched down beside a quiet grove where a gourmet breakfast awaited: warm focaccia, fresh ricotta with mountain honey, and espresso strong enough to stir the soul.

Later, we took to the sea. A sleek private motorboat whisked us along Calabria’s unspoiled coast, where jagged cliffs gave way to secret beaches and coves only visible from the water. With masks and fins, we slipped into crystalline waters for guided snorkelling above underwater ruins and coral gardens. Lunch was a barefoot affair—a curated spread of grilled swordfish, heirloom tomatoes, and a chilled glass of Greco Bianco served on fine linen, with Mount Consolino watching from afar.

As twilight approached, we returned for a once-in-a-lifetime after-hours experience: a private tour of La Cattolica with a renowned historian whose stories animated the stone walls. Then, by helicopter, we were flown to a secluded luxury villa tucked among the ruins. There, under a canopy of stars, we dined on Calabrian specialties—slow-cooked lamb, bergamot-scented desserts, rare local wines. The past, the land, the luxury—it all merged into a single, unforgettable evening.

For those seeking repose with refinement, Parco dei Principi Hotel offers an elegant base: five-star sophistication, private beach access, and spa indulgence framed by lush gardens. Meanwhile, TUI MAGIC LIFE Calabria offers a lively counterpoint—an all-inclusive resort for those who prefer their coastal escapes with a side of gourmet abundance and water-bound adventure.

Stilo may be a Byzantine jewel, but it gleams brightest when seen through the lens of modern luxury—layered, timeless, and utterly transportive.

3. Manarola: Riviera Romance on the Edge of the World

Tucked into a jagged slice of Ligurian coastline, Manarola feels like a dream rendered in watercolour. Rows of pastel homes tumble down the cliffs in painterly abandon, each balcony a front-row seat to the sea. It’s easy to imagine Fellini crafting a love story here—one of slow kisses, handwritten letters, and sunsets that make you believe in forever. But beneath its cinematic charm lies an extraordinary playground for those who crave their romance with a dose of exclusivity.

We began inland, on a private guided hike along one of Cinque Terre’s lesser-known paths, where a local botanist led us through lemon-scented terraces and wild thyme groves. The trail ended with a bespoke picnic on a cliffside ledge—bruschetta, chilled Vermentino, and the sun slipping lazily into the Ligurian Sea.

Later, we traded hiking boots for bare feet on teak decking. A private boat awaited in the harbour, its Italian captain greeting us with flutes of Franciacorta. As we drifted past the kaleidoscope cliffs, we stopped for swims in secret coves and dined on a chef-curated seafood tasting—amberjack tartare, lobster pasta, and panna cotta perfumed with local basil. The sea glowed beneath the moonlight, mirroring the sparkle in our glasses.

For the perfect stay, we checked into the pinnacle suite of Il Sogno di Manarola’s iconic Red House. With a terrace hot tub and in-room wine tasting sourced from nearby terraced vineyards, it felt more fantasy than lodging. Further afield, Grand Hotel Portovenere offers sweeping sea views and spa indulgences, while Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino remains the gold standard for Riviera glamour, complete with yacht charters and Michelin dining.

In Manarola, every glance is a postcard, every moment a scene. All you have to do is step into the frame.

4. Santa Maria di Leuca: Where the Adriatic Ends and Elegance Begins

At the southernmost tip of Italy’s heel, where the Adriatic Sea kisses the Ionian, lies a town so poised, so sun-drenched and serenely aristocratic, that it feels like a secret whispered between well-heeled Italians. Santa Maria di Leuca, long adored by the country’s noble families, is a place of quiet grandeur—where palm-lined promenades, Art Nouveau villas, and golden evening light create a postcard scene untouched by mass tourism.

My escape began aboard a sleek yacht, its deck gleaming under the morning sun. We set off from the harbour toward the fabled sea caves that lace Leuca’s coast—Zinzulusa, Terradico, and the spectacular Grotta del Drago. Guided diving sessions revealed luminous underwater cathedrals, while above water, a spa therapist transformed the sun deck into a sanctuary of lavender-scented massages and slow, exhaled bliss. Lunch came paired with cold Prosecco and sea-fresh oysters, their brine cut with lemon and kissed by sea spray.

But it was back on land where the magic deepened. I checked into a private Art Nouveau villa along the promenade, its wrought-iron balconies facing the sea, and its interiors glowing with Puglian tiles and hand-painted ceilings. That evening, under a canopy of palms, our private chef crafted a candlelit dinner of rare Salento ingredients: burrata with fig jam, scampi dusted in fennel pollen, and orecchiette in saffron sea urchin sauce. A violinist played softly in the background. There was no audience—just us, the scent of jasmine, and the stars.

For those seeking elevated hospitality, Palazzo Ducale Venturi offers a 16th-century noble residence reimagined into a 5-star haven—where candlelit spa rituals and private garden dinners capture the spirit of Leuca’s refined seclusion. Alternatively, Villa La Meridiana by Caroli Hotels blends contemporary indulgence with old-world charm, offering tailored wellness treatments and sea-facing suites that shimmer at sunrise.

If you go, don’t miss the coastal drive to Otranto. The route—winding along cliffs and through olive groves—might just be Italy’s most cinematic. But even if you stay put, Leuca has its own rhythm. One of slow walks, sea breezes, and aperitivo served not with a crowd, but with calm. Here, at the edge of two seas, luxury isn’t loud. It simply lingers.

5. Limone sul Garda: Where Citrus Blossoms Meet Cinematic Chic

Perched gracefully on the northwestern shore of Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda is a village of contradictions—intimate yet glamorous, serene yet storied. Once known only for its lemon groves and secluded charm, this jewel of the Lombardy region now sparkles with quiet luxury and a whisper of James Bond mystique. With just over a thousand residents and a shoreline dotted with pastel facades and pebbly beaches, Limone is that rare place where time slows down—without ever losing its sheen.

I arrived at EALA My Lakeside Dream, a 5-star adults-only haven that redefines lakeside serenity. My spa ritual began with an infusion of Garda lemon oils, kneaded into the skin with long, deliberate strokes. The scent—bright, crisp, and deeply grounding—was only rivalled by the view: Lake Garda stretched before me like a silken sheet, its surface catching the morning light. After the treatment, I was led to a private cabana where herbal tea and stillness awaited. In that moment, luxury felt not like excess, but like presence.

Later, I swapped tranquillity for thrill, boarding a sleek private speedboat to trace the same cinematic curves seen in Quantum of Solace. We zipped past craggy cliffs and secret coves, stopping at an empty beach where a curated picnic—Lombardy wines, soft cheeses, and marinated olives—had been laid just for us. As the sun began to dip, Lake Garda turned from sapphire to gold.

For longer stays, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda offers a lush, eco-luxury escape perched above the lake, with infinity pools and panoramic terraces that embrace the elements. Whether you come for the cinematic connection or the spa serenity, Limone sul Garda doesn’t just impress—it soothes, surprises, and stays with you, like the lingering scent of citrus on warm summer skin.

6. Bracciano: Castles, Calm, and Capital-E Elegance by the Lake

Just under an hour from the hum of Rome, Bracciano unfurls like a secret whispered among Italy’s inner circle—a lakeside village where medieval drama meets luxurious calm. With its tranquil waters, storybook castle, and proximity to the Eternal City, Bracciano offers discerning travellers the rare gift of breathing space, dressed in aristocratic flair.

My experience began with a private, after-hours tour of the imposing Castello Odescalchi, its silhouette casting long shadows over the lake. A candlelit path wound through vaulted halls and Renaissance chambers, led by a historian who spoke in hushed reverence. At the tour’s end, we were ushered into a grand dining hall, where a celebrity chef had reimagined ancient recipes into modern marvels—wild boar ragu with saffron polenta, paired with velvety Lazio reds. Dining beneath centuries-old frescoes, I felt the weight of history—and the lightness of an impeccable soufflé.

The next morning, we slipped across Lake Bracciano aboard a private yacht. The water was mirror-still, the air laced with lavender and pine. Our floating lunch featured grilled lake perch and prosecco chilled in hammered copper buckets. Afterward, a vintage Alfa Romeo whisked us to hidden Etruscan ruins, where an archaeologist unveiled millennia-old carvings under olive groves and birdsong.

For those looking to anchor their escape, the Grand Hotel Terme di Stigliano offers thermal spring indulgence in a setting of noble quietude, while Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, just a short drive away, adds another layer of opulence with its Michelin-starred dining and private art collection.

Read More: Capri’s Colourful Masterpiece Refreshed at Hotel La Palma

Bracciano is not just a detour—it’s an immersion into Italy’s regal countryside, where every ripple on the lake feels like a brushstroke on a canvas of timeless beauty.

7. Savoca: Sicily’s Cinematic Soul, Rewritten in Luxury

Perched on a hillside above the Ionian Sea, Savoca is more than a backdrop—it’s a feeling. A village suspended in time, where stone chapels, sun-warmed piazzas, and olive-laced breezes whisper of a Sicily both real and mythical. Immortalised in The Godfather, it’s here that fiction merges with folklore—and luxury finds its own script.

My journey began in true vintage style: behind the wheel of a classic Fiat 1100, gliding up winding roads with the scent of citrus and wild oregano in the air. A private guide led me through Coppola’s iconic filming locations, including exclusive access to Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone courted Apollonia. Inside, over an olive-oil martini crafted just for me, the owners shared untold tales—of actors, old recipes, and the village’s secret life behind the camera.

Then came the drama from above. A helicopter soared across the Ionian coastline, landing at a secluded olive grove where an artisanal lunch awaited. Surrounded by medieval ruins and vines heavy with summer sun, I sipped Etna Bianco, letting time stretch between olive trees and ancient stone.

Though Savoca itself offers rustic charm, elite travellers find their haven nearby at San Domenico Palace, Taormina – A Four Seasons Hotel, or the Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, both offering panoramic terraces, Michelin dining, and bespoke cultural excursions.

In Savoca, the line between cinema and memory blurs—and for a moment, you don’t just visit Sicily. You become part of its legend.

8. Vieste: Wild Romance on the Edge of the Adriatic

Clinging dramatically to the cliffs of Italy’s Gargano Peninsula, Vieste is where untamed nature meets refined escapism. This coastal jewel, with its whitewashed lanes and salt-swept air, seduces you slowly—through sea spray, ancient legends, and the hush of pine forests rolling into aquamarine waves.

Begin with a private boat expedition, tailored for indulgence. Skim across turquoise waters toward the legendary Pizzomunno monolith, its limestone form rising like a myth from the sea. Glide into marine caves carved by centuries of tide, then pause for a snorkel among silvery fish in hidden coves. Onboard, a jacuzzi waits, steaming under the sun, as a chef presents Gargano delicacies—burrata, sea urchin linguine, and rosé chilled to perfection.

For those drawn to the skies, take to the air on a helicopter safari over Gargano National Park. Land amid untouched trails for a luxury-guided hike through pine and myrtle, then arrive at a pop-up table draped in linen, where a gourmet lunch is served in the wilderness. It’s nature—elevated.

After days of adventure, retreat to Pizzomunno Vieste Palace Hotel, a 5-star sanctuary with sea-view suites and private beaches. Or choose the Relais Viesti, where trullo-inspired architecture and bespoke Puglian cuisine meet serene intimacy.

Whether it’s cliffs or cuisine, mythology or modernity, Vieste delivers a rare balance: adrenaline kissed with elegance. A destination not just to see, but to surrender to—completely.

9. Amalfi: Cliffside Glamour and Cathedral Whispers

Amalfi isn’t just a destination—it’s a vertical dreamscape of cascading lemon groves, marble piazzas, and salt-air romance suspended above a sapphire sea. It’s the beating heart of the namesake coast, steeped in maritime legend and soaked in sunlight, where every stairway seems to lead to a secret, and every shadow holds a story.

Begin your escape not on the water—but in the cloisters. A private classical concert, held in the hushed, candlelit arcades beside Amalfi’s 11th-century cathedral, becomes an unforgettable prelude to the night. As the strings swell beneath Byzantine frescoes, sip bespoke limoncello infusions crafted from centuries-old groves above the town. After the performance, indulge in artisan ceramic shopping with a local curator—each hand-painted plate an ode to coastal tradition.

Then take to the sea. A private yacht charter unveils the Amalfi Coast from its most cinematic angle. Drop anchor in secluded coves unreachable by foot, dive into turquoise inlets, and join your onboard chef for a personalised cooking session—learning to fold ravioli with lemon zest or grill octopus just-so. Paired with Campanian wines, it’s coastal cucina at its finest.

For the ultimate Amalfi base, check into Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, a former 11th-century palace now reimagined for modern sybarites. Expect infinity pools hanging over the coastline, Michelin-starred dining, and even helicopter access for arrivals as elevated as the views. Alternatively, the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, carved into a cliffside convent, offers private terraces and spa rituals that echo the serene elegance of its past.

For a final flourish, arrange a private evening concert back at the cathedral, this time paired with a tasting flight of limoncello varieties—some floral, others herbal—each bottle labelled by hand, each sip capturing Amalfi’s sun and soul.

In Amalfi, grandeur is not just seen—it’s felt. In the music echoing off ancient stone, in the quiet perfection of lemon cream, in the hush of twilight as boats drift like ghosts along the horizon. This is la dolce vita, cliffside.

10. Alberobello: A Trulli Surreal Escape

Alberobello feels like stepping into a dream—where the rooftops spiral like pastry peaks and time folds into whimsy. This UNESCO-listed village in the heart of Puglia is famed for its trulli—whitewashed limestone dwellings crowned with conical stone hats. But beyond the fairy-tale façade lies a deeply romantic, ultra-luxurious experience waiting to be unwrapped.

Book a trullo suite at Le Alcove, a five-star resort where history meets indulgence. Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings, private spa amenities, and a rooftop terrace set for two. One magical evening saw me dining under the stars with soft folk music drifting through the air, the scent of baked focaccia and fig blossom curling around the limestone.

At dawn, elevate the enchantment with a private hot air balloon ride, drifting above the trulli rooftops bathed in golden light. Upon landing, a champagne breakfast awaits in a UNESCO-protected vineyard, with fresh ricotta, honeycomb, and stories from the landowners that linger longer than the flavours.

Those craving grander luxury can retreat to Borgo Egnazia, a nearby masseria offering Michelin-worthy cuisine, world-class golf, and a spa sanctuary sculpted from Puglia’s soul.

Alberobello isn’t just beautiful—it’s otherworldly. And utterly unforgettable.

11. Montepulciano: Vineyards, Vaults & Tuscan Majesty

Few places in Italy exude such cinematic stillness as Montepulciano. Perched atop rolling hills, with its honey-hued palazzi, 14th-century Piazza Grande, and commanding cathedral, this village feels like it was paused mid-poem. But beneath the cobbled lanes and Renaissance facades lies a hedonist’s haven—rooted in ritual, ripe with grapes, and wrapped in slow Tuscan luxury.

My journey began deep underground—beneath a centuries-old palazzo, I descended into a candlelit wine vault for a private Vino Nobile di Montepulciano tasting. As we swirled and sipped, the winemaker spoke of ancient varietals and lunar harvests. What followed was a multi-course lunch—pici pasta tossed in wild boar ragu, aged pecorino, and honey-glazed figs—each bite harmonised with a vintage from the estate.

For those seeking a deeper immersion, Borgo San Vincenzo, a restored farmhouse turned five-star boutique retreat, offers vineyard-facing suites, designer touches, and curated experiences. One morning, I joined a truffle hunter and his dog at dawn, walking through dew-drenched woods. We unearthed a black diamond, later shaved generously over tagliatelle by the estate’s chef as the golden Tuscan light spilled across the hills.

Nearby, Precise Tale Poggio Alla Sala, a neoclassical villa reimagined into a sanctuary of pools, wine libraries, and spa treatments, takes indulgence even further. Truffle hunts, vineyard dinners, equestrian adventures—it’s all tailored for those who want to sip Tuscany, not just see it.

Read More: Alpine Summer in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Italy’s Stylish Mountain Retreat

In Montepulciano, time doesn’t pass—it ferments. And whether in a vaulted cellar or under a sun-dappled pergola, every moment feels aged to perfection. ◼

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in July 2025 – World Travel Magazine.