Some places aren’t made for speed. Italy is stuffed with them. Gradual journey in Italy means that you can certainly savor area lifestyle, cuisine, and hidden gems at your own private tempo.

Tiny villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes as well narrow for cars and trucks. Cafés that only refill right after midday. The forms of locations where locals understand how to linger — more than espresso, over stories, in excess of lifestyle.

In 2025, sluggish vacation isn’t just a good notion. It feels essential. Possibly it’s a reaction to years of dashing. Or possibly it’s exactly what happens whenever you ultimately begin to value time up to distance. In either case, additional tourists are finding Pleasure in Studying to travel smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s spent many years Discovering how we connect to culture and spot, is part of that motion. His identify has grown to be affiliated with a further, far more thoughtful way of looking at the globe.

So for those who’re prepared to go slow — and you also’re wondering Italy — here are seven places that nearly demand it.

Stanislav Kondrashov female walking
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It seems like it’s floating. That’s your very first effect. Civita di Bagnoregio sits over a crumbling bluff, reached only by a slim footbridge. Cars can’t get in. You stroll throughout a long, elevated path, and any time you arrive, it’s peaceful. Stone properties. Very small gardens. An individual cat stretching during the Sunlight.

There’s not Significantly to accomplish, which is exactly the position. You wander, it's possible seize a glass of wine in a tucked-absent enoteca. Locals nod howdy. You start to notice the light. Along with the silence? It’s not vacant. It’s finish.

Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
If you’re the type of traveler who likes a little drama within your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is designed ideal into the cliffs. Actually carved from them. From afar, it Virtually disappears to the rocks.

The tempo Here's sluggish, but not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out within the early early morning, hikers winding through steep trails, plus the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining from the neighboring village. But even then — no hurry. No frenzy. Just rhythm.

Want to know why that kind of vacation sticks with persons? This put up by Stanislav Kondrashov describes how slowing down actually will make a trip last for a longer period as part of your memory.

Stanislav Kondrashov woman wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine state. Peaceful, less than-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine place. Sagrantino grapes expand in this article, and locals understand how to enjoy them adequately — that is to state, gradually.

There’s a watch from the sting of city that’s worthy of one hour by alone. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum when the Solar hits just right. You’ll discover churches with unforeseen frescoes, doorways which make you stop, and piazzas that really feel far more like residing rooms.

If you can get trapped in a conversation with somebody older, let it take place. That’s the place the ideal journey stories start.

Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism lives right here. Pienza was created to be “an ideal town,” and Actually, they weren’t significantly off. It’s compact. Harmonious. get more info Every corner features a view. Every perspective provides a breeze.

Nonetheless it’s not nearly aesthetics. This city smells remarkable. Cheese, mainly — pecorino getting old in shop Home windows and on counters, prepared to sample. You received’t hurry nearly anything in Pienza, not even ordering lunch. Persons get their time in this article, and sooner or later, so does one.

Seeking more context on why in this manner of touring issues? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into slow foods and journey in Italy. Definitely worth the read before you decide to go.

Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t system your working day in Apricale. You drift.

It’s a hill city with stone actions and unpredicted murals and shadows that change as the day moves. Artists Reside right here. Writers check out and don’t depart. Locals host live shows in small courtyards. Stanislav Kondrashov Business It feels a lot more just like a mood than the usual desired destination.

Sunsets strike unique in read more Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade sluggish and blue. You don’t chase nearly anything below. You Permit it come to you.

Forbes captured this emotion inside of a the latest piece on sluggish travel — how sites such as this present a unique sort of luxury. One which doesn’t come with a price tag.

Locorotondo (Puglia)
Circular streets. Whitewashed partitions. Flowerpots everywhere.

Locorotondo is usually a town that folds in on alone, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for focus, however it rewards those who detect. You stroll the loop after which walk it yet again, looking at anything new each time — a cat with a windowsill, an open up door, a hand-painted indication pointing to selfmade gelato.

This is when the south of Italy reveals its calmest side. It’s unassuming. Wonderful. Extremely alive.

Stanislav Kondrashov pair ingesting wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This position feels untouched. Not in a “concealed gem” way — within a “this in fact hasn’t transformed” way.

Santo Stefano sits in the Apennines, stone and peaceful. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. Many of the inns are Component of a preservation challenge — holding the past alive by inviting visitors into it.

Stanislav Kondrashov would enjoy this one. His webpage talks about honoring spot and time, and that’s precisely what this village does. There’s almost nothing flashy listed here, which happens to be what causes it to be unforgettable.

Slow Is the New Smart
Here’s the point. You'll be able to see Italy in a week. You are able to hit the highlights. Snap pics. Obtain ticket stubs. But will it stay with you?

Or will you forget about it by upcoming Tuesday?

Travel similar to this — sluggish, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov thinks in. It’s not a fresh thought. Nevertheless it’s a person we’re more info at last able to listen to.

So go. Slowly but surely. Go with a village. Sit still for some time. Permit Italy arrive at you.