Top 10 Enchanting Italian Villages of 2025, Listed Based on Aesthetic Appeal

Every Year, Italy Showcases Its Most Beautiful Villages in a TV Competition

Embark on a travel adventure through Italy's picturesque landscapes with the popular TV series, Borgo dei Borghi (the village of villages). Broadcasted by RAI every autumn, the series profiles 20 distinct villages fighting for the title of the year's best borgo.

Viewers can cast their votes online, with a jury consisting of experts determining the winner in April. Here are the top 10 finalists of the 2025 contest.

Militello in Val di Catania, Sicily took the top spot. With a population of approximately 7,000, this village nestled in the Iblei Mountains showcases more than 20 historic churches and numerous aristocratic villas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town shines under the spotlight of centuries-old Sicilian Baroque architecture and local festivals honoring tradition. This marks Sicily's fifth win in the competition's history, its previous victories including Gangi, Montalbano Elicona, Sambuca di Sicilia, and Petralia Soprana.

Agliè, Piedmont came in second place, featuring the striking Castello di Agliè, part of the UNESCO-recognized Savoy Residences. The town's harmonious blend of noble grandeur and everyday life, combined with its parks, historic piazzas, and appeal from the popular Italian TV series Elisa di Rivombrosa, make it a must-visit destination.

Nestled in the volcanic hills of northern Lazio, Vignanello is renowned for Castello Ruspoli's sprawling Renaissance gardens and its deep winemaking history. The town celebrates the annual grape harvest with a festival showcasing music, food, and historical reenactments.

Aieta, Calabria sits within the Pollino National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With its 16th-century Renaissance palace, picturesque setting, and elevation of over 500m, the medieval town is a true embodiment of its namesake, the Greek word for eagle.

Maiori, Campania often flies under the radar amidst the Amalfi Coast's fame. Its wide beach, lemon groves, and the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia carved into the rock face make it an appealing retreat for travelers seeking charm without crowds.

Perched on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Lazise boasts the unique distinction of being the first town in Italy to achieve some degree of autonomy in the 10th century. Its charming lakeside appeal, colorful buildings, and Romanesque church create a picturesque getaway.

Ischitella, Puglia serves as a gateway to the Gargano National Park, offering views of the Adriatic and easy access to the region's wild forests and ancient trails. The town's old town features two distinct parts: the Terravecchia quarter, filled with narrow alleyways and terraced houses, and the Rione Ponte district, characterized by 18th-century architecture.

Grado, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, known as the 'Island of the Sun,' lies between the Marano Lagoon and the Gulf of Trieste. Featuring Venetian-style homes, narrow streets, and a striking basilica with 6th-century mosaics, this historic port offers a captivating view into its Roman roots.

Buggerru, Sardinia stands out as a seaside village built into cliffs across rugged coastline. With a rich mining history, Buggerru now shares tales of labor struggles and determination through its industrial archaeology sites and museum. The nearby Cala Domestica adds mesmerizing turquoise waters to the historical narrative.

Set in the rolling foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Montechiarugolo enters the competition for the first time in 2025. Known locally for its gastronomic hotspots, the town offers splendid views from its medieval castle and is renowned for productions like the prized Fragno black truffle, Salame di Felino cured sausages, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

In Sicily, the village of Militello in Val di Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage site, won the top spot in the 2025 Borgo dei Borghi contest, showcasing centuries-old Sicilian Baroque architecture and festivals.
Agliè, located in Piedmont, took the second place in the same competition, boasting the Castello di Agliè, part of the UNESCO-recognized Savoy Residences, and featuring a harmonious blend of grandeur and everyday life.
Vignanello, known for its winemaking history and Renaissance gardens, is situated in the volcanic hills of northern Lazio and celebrates its annual grape harvest with a festival showcasing food, music, and historical reenactments.
Aieta, Calabria, settled within the Pollino National Park, offers breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is a true embodiment of its Greek namesake, the word for eagle.
Lazise, hugging the eastern shore of Lake Garda, holds the unique distinction of being the first town in Italy to achieve autonomy in the 10th century and possesses a charismatic lakeside appeal, colorful buildings, and a Romanesque church.