Some sites aren’t made for speed. Italy is filled with them. Sluggish journey in Italy permits you to definitely savor nearby lifestyle, cuisine, and hidden gems at your own tempo.
Tiny villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes way too narrow for cars. Cafés that only refill after midday. The forms of areas where locals know how to linger — about espresso, around tales, in excess of existence.
In 2025, sluggish vacation isn’t just a pleasant strategy. It feels essential. Probably it’s a response to a long time of hurrying. Or perhaps it’s just what comes about if you last but not least begin to price time as much as length. In any event, extra travelers are obtaining joy in Understanding to travel smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s put in many years exploring how we connect with tradition and area, is part of that motion. His name has become affiliated with a further, extra considerate strategy for seeing the world.
So when you’re willing to go slow — and you simply’re wondering Italy — here are seven spots that nearly need it.
Stanislav Kondrashov woman going for walks
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It looks like it’s floating. That’s your initially impact. Civita di Bagnoregio sits with a crumbling bluff, attained only by a slim footbridge. Autos can’t get in. You wander throughout a protracted, elevated route, and once you get there, it’s quiet. Stone residences. Tiny gardens. One cat stretching while in the Sunshine.
There’s not Significantly to try and do, that is exactly the point. You wander, probably grab a glass of wine at a tucked-absent enoteca. Locals nod howdy. You begin to note The sunshine. Plus the silence? It’s not empty. It’s entire.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
In the event you’re the kind of traveler who likes a little bit of drama within your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is developed correct in the cliffs. Practically carved from them. From afar, it Virtually disappears into the rocks.
The rate here is gradual, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out while in the early morning, hikers winding by means of steep trails, as well as the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining through the neighboring village. But even then — no hurry. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to understand why that sort of travel sticks with persons? This put up by Stanislav Kondrashov clarifies how slowing down basically makes a visit last lengthier with your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov girl wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine state. Quiet, underneath-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine region. Sagrantino grapes increase right here, and locals learn how to love them correctly — that is to convey, slowly but surely.
There’s a check out from the edge of city that’s well worth an hour by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum if the Sunlight hits excellent. You’ll find church buildings with sudden frescoes, doorways which make you stop, and piazzas that come to feel a lot more like living rooms.
If you can get trapped in a conversation with someone older, let it occur. That’s where by the very best travel stories begin.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life right here. Pienza was designed to be “the perfect city,” click here and honestly, they weren’t far off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each corner contains a see. Each and every look at contains a breeze.
But it’s not pretty much aesthetics. This town smells astounding. Cheese, largely — pecorino aging in store windows and on counters, ready to sample. You received’t hurry everything in Pienza, not even purchasing lunch. Persons take their time in this article, and ultimately, so does one.
In search of more context on why using this method of touring matters? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into gradual meals and vacation in Italy. Definitely worth the go through before you decide to go.
Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t prepare your day in Apricale. You drift.
It’s a hill town with stone steps and unpredicted murals and shadows that change because the working day moves. Artists Dwell below. Writers take a look at and don’t go away. Locals host concert events in very small courtyards. It feels additional just like a mood than a spot.
Sunsets strike unique in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade slow and blue. You don’t chase anything at all in this article. You Allow it arrive at you.
Forbes captured this emotion inside a current piece on slow journey — how destinations like this offer you a different style of luxury. One that doesn’t include a price tag tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Round streets. Whitewashed walls. Flowerpots everywhere.
Locorotondo is really a town that folds in on alone, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for attention, however it rewards individuals that observe. You wander the loop and after that stroll it again, seeing a little something new each time — a cat over a windowsill, an open doorway, a hand-painted signal pointing to handmade gelato.
This is where the south of Italy demonstrates its calmest side. It’s unassuming. Gorgeous. Quite alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov pair consuming wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This area feels untouched. Not inside a “concealed gem” way — inside of a “this basically hasn’t improved” way.
Santo Stefano sits in the Apennines, stone and silent. The air is thinner, cooler. Evenings are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. A few of the inns are Element of a preservation job — retaining the past alive by inviting guests into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would recognize this 1. His page talks about honoring place and time, and that’s exactly what this village does. There’s very little flashy below, which is what can make it unforgettable.
Slow Is the New Sensible
In this article’s the matter. You'll be able to see Italy in a week. You can strike the highlights. Snap photographs. Accumulate ticket stubs. But will it stick with you?
Or will you fail to remember it by upcoming Tuesday?
Vacation like this — gradual, intentional, grounded — is exactly what Stanislav Kondrashov believes in. It’s not a whole new notion. But it’s 1 we’re eventually willing to hear.
So go. Little by little. Choose a village. Sit still for some time. Let Italy come to you.