Italy is a land of large cities, but it is in the small villages that its true beating heart hides. In recent years, more and more travelers have chosen distant destinations from traditional circuits, looking for authenticity, postcard landscapes and slow rhythms. But what are the most desired Italian villages of 2025? Let’s find out with Holidu, the famous booking portal of holiday homes, which has drawn up a ranking based on online searches, identifying the 30 small towns with less than 5000 inhabitants more clicked by the Italians.
Maratea dominates the ranking, followed by San Vito Lo Capo and Positano
On the top step of the podium we find Maratethe pearl of Basilicata, who with over 111 thousand average monthly research is confirmed one of the most loved destinations. Crystalline sea, breathtaking cliffs and an atmosphere of the past: it is difficult to resist the charm of this Lucanian jewel.
In second place we find San Vito Lo CapoSicilian icon with its very white beaches and the famous Cous Cous Festival.
To close the podium there is Positanowho earns two positions compared to 2024, touching 91,500 searches: the typical colored houses overlooking the sea continue to enchant tourists from all over the world.
Between confirmations and surprises: who goes up and who descends into the 2025 ranking
If the podium sees any variation, in the rest of the ranking there are interesting changes of routes. Portofinoalways high in preferences, loses a position and slips to fourth place, but remains one of the most exclusive destinations with over 91 thousand research.
Amalfiwith its famous coast, salt of two seats and closes the top 5.
The big surprise is Favignanafirst in 2024, which slips to the sixth position. Followed by Sperlonga, enchanting Lazio Borgo on the sea, and Courmayeur, one of the most sought after winter destinations, which recorded a slight drop compared to last year. The top 10 is completed with Pienza, a small Renaissance masterpiece in Tuscany, and Bormio, the most famous spa in Lombardy.
The most loved regions: Lombardy in the lead, followed by Tuscany, Lazio and Puglia
Holidu’s ranking confirms the Lombardy Like the region with more villages among the first 30. Six places present, including Bormio, Bellagio and Limone on Garda, very appreciated destinations both in the summer and in winter.
Follow Tuscany, Lazio And Pugliaall with three representatives. Among the Tuscan villages, Pienza, Peccioli and Pitigliano stand out, while in Lazio Sperlonga, Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponza shine. Puglia is noticed with Castel del Monte, the Tremiti and Peschici islands, which are confirmed very appreciated destinations.
Between the regions with two locations we find Sicily And Campania: the first with San Vito Lo Capo and Favignana, the second with Positano and Amalfi, both firmly in the top 5.
Finally, eight regions place only one village in the standings. Among these, Basilicata with Maratea, Liguria with Portofino, Abruzzo with Roccaraso and Veneto with Malcesine stand out.
How much does a holiday cost in the most loved villages?
Those who dream of an escape to one of these enchanting villages must keep an eye on the budget. Some destinations are decidedly exclusive:
Positano confirms the most expensive with an average of 814 euros per night, followed by Portofino (423 euros) and Amalfi (317 euros). Courmayeur is also no different, with an average of 300 euros per night.
For those looking for cheaper solutions, there are interesting options.
The cheapest destination is Castel del Monte, with an average price of 100 euros per night. Peschici (101 euros), Scilla (128 euros) and Pitigliano (119 euros) also offer accessible stays without sacrificing charm.
How was the ranking drawn up?
Holidu analyzed the average monthly research volume on Google in 2024 through Semrush, considering the research related to “what to do to” and “what to see a” for all Italian municipalities with less than 5000 inhabitants. Istat data provided the demographic base, while the average price of the accommodation was calculated on the basis of the offers available on the platform.
Here is the classification general:
- Maratea, Basilicata
- San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily
- Positano, Campania
- Portofino, Liguria
- Amalfi, Campania
- Favignana, Sicily
- Sperlonga, Lazio
- Courmayeur, Valle d’Aosta
- Pienza, Tuscany
- Bormio, Lombardy
- Roccaraso, Abruzzo
- Castel Sant’Angelo, Lazio
- Bellagio, Lombardy
- Peccioli, Tuscany
- Stresa, Piedmont
- Limone sul Garda, Lombardy
- Ponza, Lazio
- Varenna, Lombardy
- Pitigliano, Tuscany
- Moena, Trentino-Alto Adige
- Canazei, Trentino-Alto Adige
- San Teodoro, Sardinia
- Malcesine, Veneto
- Ponte di Legno, Lombardy
- San Pellegrino Terme, Lombardy
- Andalo, Trentino-Alto Adige
- Castel del Monte, Puglia
- Tremiti islands, Puglia
- Peschici, Puglia
- Scilla, Calabria
To consult the complete ranking, which reports in detail the data on searches, such as the number of inhabitants, the cost of the accommodation and the variations compared to the 2024 ranking, you can visit the Holidu Small Cities 2025 page.
Small villages, great emotions
The small Italian centers continue to conquer the heart (and research) of travelers. From the crystal clear sea of ​​Basilicata to the snowy peaks of Lombardy, passing through the Tuscan villages and the Sicilian islands, Italy once again proves to be a timeless destination.
And you, have you already chosen which of these villages to visit in 2025? Maybe it’s time to suitcase some curiosity and start discovering Italian beauties!
