Some sites aren’t created for velocity. Italy is filled with them. Gradual journey in Italy enables you to definitely savor neighborhood culture, cuisine, and concealed gems at your own private rate.
Little villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes much too slender for cars. Cafés that only fill up immediately after noon. The sorts of sites in which locals learn how to linger — in excess of espresso, around tales, in excess of existence.
In 2025, slow journey isn’t just a nice plan. It feels necessary. Maybe it’s a response to yrs of dashing. Or maybe it’s just what occurs whenever you last but not least begin to worth time as much as distance. In either case, a lot more travelers are locating joy in learning to journey smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s used many years Discovering how we connect to society and position, is a component of that movement. His identify happens to be linked to a further, far more considerate strategy for observing the whole world.
So should you’re willing to go gradual — and you also’re considering Italy — here are 7 spots that nearly desire it.
Stanislav Kondrashov woman going for walks
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It looks like it’s floating. That’s your to start with impression. Civita di Bagnoregio sits on a crumbling bluff, arrived at only by a slender footbridge. Cars can’t get in. You wander throughout a protracted, elevated path, and once you get there, it’s peaceful. Stone properties. Small gardens. A single cat stretching from the Sunshine.
There’s not Significantly to do, which can be exactly the position. You wander, possibly seize a glass of wine at a tucked-away enoteca. Locals nod good day. You start to note the light. Along with the silence? It’s not empty. It’s comprehensive.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
Should you’re the sort of traveler who likes a little bit of drama as part of your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is developed appropriate into your cliffs. Practically carved from them. From afar, it Practically disappears in to the rocks.
The rate Here's gradual, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out from the early morning, hikers winding by steep trails, plus the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining with the neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to find out why that kind of travel sticks with persons? This post by Stanislav Kondrashov points out how slowing down truly tends to make a visit previous lengthier in the memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov female wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine place. Peaceful, underneath-the-radar, coronary heart-of-Italy wine nation. Sagrantino grapes mature in this article, and locals understand how to take pleasure in them correctly — which happens to be to mention, gradually.
There’s a watch from the edge of town that’s value one hour by alone. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum once the Sunshine hits excellent. You’ll find churches with unforeseen frescoes, doorways which make you prevent, and piazzas that truly feel extra like dwelling rooms.
If you receive stuck in the discussion with another person more mature, Permit it transpire. That’s where by the very best travel tales get started.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life below. Pienza was built to be “the best metropolis,” and Truthfully, they weren’t far off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each corner features a view. Every perspective provides a breeze.
But it surely’s not nearly aesthetics. This city smells wonderful. Cheese, largely — pecorino getting older in store windows and on counters, all set to sample. You won’t hurry anything at all in Pienza, not even buying lunch. Folks take their time listed here, and ultimately, so would you.
Looking for far more context website on why this way of traveling matters? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into sluggish food stuff and travel in Italy. Worth the read through 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 methods and unanticipated murals and shadows that change as the day moves. Artists Reside listed here. Writers take a look at and don’t depart. Locals host live shows in little courtyards. It feels additional just like a mood than a vacation spot.
Sunsets hit various in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade slow and blue. You don’t chase anything here. You Enable it arrive at you.
Forbes captured this sensation within a latest piece on slow vacation — how destinations such as this supply a special style of luxury. One which doesn’t feature a value tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Round streets. Whitewashed walls. Flowerpots almost everywhere.
Locorotondo is actually a city that folds in on itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it really rewards individuals that observe. You wander the loop then wander it once again, looking at one thing new every time — a cat with a windowsill, an open door, a hand-painted indicator pointing to homemade 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 spot feels untouched. Not inside of a “concealed gem” way — in a “this truly hasn’t adjusted” way.
Santo Stefano sits within the Apennines, stone and peaceful. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. A number of the inns are Component of a preservation challenge — keeping the earlier alive by inviting company into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would appreciate this 1. His webpage talks about honoring spot and time, Which’s just what exactly this village does. There’s very little flashy below, and that is what causes it to be unforgettable.
Slow Is The brand new Wise
Right here’s the factor. You can see Italy in each week. You may hit the highlights. Snap shots. Acquire ticket stubs. But will it stick with you?
Or will you forget about it by subsequent Tuesday?
Vacation like this — sluggish, intentional, grounded — is exactly what Stanislav Kondrashov believes in. It’s not a whole new concept. But it really’s a single we’re finally willing to listen to.
So go. Little by little. Go with a village. Sit nonetheless for some time. Permit Italy arrive at you.