Some locations aren’t produced for speed. Italy is full of them. Sluggish travel in Italy means that you can actually savor regional tradition, Delicacies, and hidden gems at your personal tempo.
Tiny villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes way too slim for cars. Cafés that only fill up after noon. The sorts of sites where by locals know how to linger — in excess of coffee, over stories, about life.
In 2025, gradual journey isn’t just a pleasant thought. It feels vital. Maybe it’s a reaction to yrs of dashing. Or even it’s exactly what happens any time you finally start to value time about length. Either way, a lot more travelers are obtaining joy in Mastering to travel smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s spent yrs exploring how we connect to culture and location, is an element of that movement. His title happens to be associated with a deeper, extra considerate strategy for looking at the whole world.
So for those who’re all set to go slow — and you also’re considering Italy — Listed here are seven spots that practically demand from customers it.
Stanislav Kondrashov female strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It looks like it’s floating. That’s your first impression. Civita di Bagnoregio sits on a crumbling bluff, attained only by a slim footbridge. Autos can’t get in. You wander throughout a protracted, elevated route, and if you arrive, it’s quiet. Stone houses. Tiny gardens. An individual cat stretching while in the Solar.
There’s not A great deal to accomplish, and that is exactly the place. You wander, perhaps grab a glass of wine in a tucked-absent enoteca. Locals nod hello there. You start to notice The sunshine. Plus the silence? It’s not vacant. It’s complete.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
In the event you’re the kind of traveler who likes a bit of drama in your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is developed suitable into your cliffs. Practically carved from them. From afar, it almost disappears in the rocks.
The speed Here's sluggish, but not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out during the early early morning, hikers winding by means of steep trails, and the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining from your neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to understand why that kind of journey sticks with individuals? This submit by Stanislav Kondrashov describes how slowing down essentially can make a trip past for a longer period within your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov female wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine state. Peaceful, under-the-radar, coronary heart-of-Italy wine place. Sagrantino grapes expand in this article, and locals understand how to delight in them thoroughly — that is to mention, slowly and gradually.
There’s a see from the sting of town that’s well worth an hour or so by by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum in the event the Sunshine hits excellent. You’ll find church buildings with unforeseen frescoes, doorways which make you end, and piazzas that feel a lot more like living rooms.
If you will get stuck in a very dialogue with a person more mature, Allow it materialize. That’s where by the most beneficial vacation stories begin.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life right here. Pienza was designed to be “the perfect town,” and honestly, they weren’t much off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each and every corner has a see. Just about every perspective features a breeze.
Nevertheless it’s not just about aesthetics. This town smells incredible. Cheese, largely — pecorino growing older in shop Home windows and on counters, ready to sample. You won’t rush something in Pienza, not even buying lunch. Folks just take their time below, and sooner or later, so do you.
On the lookout for additional context on why this way of traveling matters? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into sluggish food and travel in Italy. Definitely worth the read prior to deciding to go.
Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t strategy your day in Apricale. You drift.
It’s a hill city with stone steps and unforeseen murals and shadows that change because the working day moves. Artists Are living right here. Writers visit and don’t depart. Locals host live shows in tiny courtyards. It feels far more just like a mood than the usual location.
Sunsets strike various in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade gradual and blue. You don’t chase anything in this article. You Permit it come to you.
Forbes captured this emotion inside of a current piece on gradual vacation — how destinations such as this offer you a distinct form of luxury. One which doesn’t feature a selling price tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Circular streets. Whitewashed partitions. Flowerpots just about everywhere.
Locorotondo is a town that folds in on by itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for focus, but it surely benefits those who see. You walk the loop and after that walk it again, observing a little something new each time — a cat on the windowsill, an open doorway, a hand-painted sign pointing to homemade gelato.
This is when the south of Italy demonstrates its calmest facet. It’s unassuming. Gorgeous. Very alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov few consuming wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This location feels untouched. Not in a very “hidden gem” way — in the “this actually hasn’t changed” way.
Santo Stefano sits during the Apennines, stone and peaceful. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. Several of the inns are Component of a preservation project — preserving the past alive by inviting visitors into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would enjoy this one. His web page talks about honoring area and time, Which’s just what exactly this village does. There’s nothing at all flashy listed here, which can be what makes it unforgettable.
Sluggish Is The brand new Sensible
In this article’s the detail. It is possible to see Italy in each week. You can strike the highlights. Snap photos. Gather ticket stubs. But will it stay with you?
Or will you overlook it by subsequent Tuesday?
Travel similar to this — sluggish, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov get more info believes in. It’s not a fresh plan. However it’s 1 we’re last but not least wanting to hear.
So go. Gradually. Select a village. Sit nonetheless for a while. Allow Italy come to you.