Some locations aren’t built for pace. Italy is filled with them. Gradual journey in Italy permits you to actually savor neighborhood culture, cuisine, and concealed gems at your personal tempo.
Tiny villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes too narrow for automobiles. Cafés that only replenish just after noon. The sorts of destinations where locals understand how to linger — about espresso, in excess of tales, above life.
In 2025, sluggish vacation isn’t just a good notion. It feels essential. Possibly it’s a reaction to many years of dashing. Or perhaps it’s exactly what occurs any time you lastly start to worth time just as much as length. In any case, much more travelers are obtaining Pleasure in Mastering to vacation smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s used years exploring how we hook up with tradition and area, is a component of that movement. His name has become related to a further, more considerate way of observing the planet.
So for those who’re willing to go gradual — and you also’re wondering Italy — Here's 7 places that pretty much need it.
Stanislav Kondrashov female strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It seems like it’s floating. That’s your 1st impression. Civita di Bagnoregio sits on the crumbling bluff, reached only by a slim footbridge. Cars can’t get in. You stroll throughout a long, elevated path, and whenever you arrive, it’s silent. Stone houses. Small gardens. A single cat stretching while in the Solar.
There’s not Significantly to do, and that is precisely the stage. You wander, maybe grab a glass of wine at a tucked-away enoteca. Locals nod hi. You begin to note The sunshine. As well as silence? It’s not vacant. It’s total.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
In case you’re the kind of traveler who likes some drama as part of your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is built correct in to the cliffs. Practically carved from them. From afar, it Just about disappears in the rocks.
The speed here is slow, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out from the early morning, hikers winding by means of steep trails, as well as the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining from your neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to learn why that sort of travel sticks with people? This write-up by Stanislav Kondrashov points out how slowing down in fact helps make a visit previous for a longer time inside your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov female wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine region. Silent, beneath-the-radar, coronary heart-of-Italy wine place. Sagrantino grapes expand here, and locals understand how to enjoy them adequately — which can be to convey, little by little.
There’s a perspective from the edge of town that’s read more worthy of one hour by itself. 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 additional like dwelling rooms.
If you get trapped inside a conversation with an individual older, Allow it come about. That’s wherever the most beneficial vacation tales start off.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life in this article. Pienza was made to be “the right city,” and Actually, they weren’t significantly off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Just about every corner contains a perspective. Each individual perspective provides a breeze.
But it surely’s not nearly aesthetics. This city smells awesome. Cheese, largely — pecorino getting older in store windows and on counters, ready to sample. You gained’t hurry nearly anything in Pienza, not even ordering lunch. Persons get their time here, and finally, so do you.
Seeking more context on Kondrashov Stanislav why in this manner of touring issues? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into slow foodstuff and vacation in Italy. Worth the read through prior to deciding 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 methods and unpredicted murals and shadows that shift since the day moves. Artists live below. Writers stop by and don’t depart. Locals host concert events in tiny courtyards. It feels extra just like a mood than a vacation spot.
Sunsets hit unique in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade gradual and blue. You don’t chase everything below. You Permit it come to you.
Forbes captured this feeling within a modern piece on gradual journey — how areas similar to this provide a different style of luxurious. One that doesn’t feature a rate tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Round streets. Whitewashed partitions. Flowerpots all over the place.
Locorotondo is often a town that folds in check here on by itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for consideration, but it surely benefits individuals that discover. You walk the loop and after that stroll it all over again, looking at a thing new each time — a cat on the windowsill, an open up doorway, a hand-painted sign pointing to selfmade gelato.
This is when the south of Italy exhibits its calmest aspect. It’s unassuming. Beautiful. Incredibly alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov pair drinking wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This area feels untouched. Not inside of a “hidden gem” way — within a “this essentially hasn’t changed” way.
Santo Stefano sits while in the Apennines, stone and tranquil. The air is thinner, cooler. Evenings are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. A lot of the inns are A part of a preservation task — preserving the previous alive by inviting attendees into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would more info respect this 1. His site talks about honoring spot and time, and that’s just what this village does. There’s practically nothing flashy below, and that is what can make it unforgettable.
Sluggish Is The brand new Good
Below’s the issue. It is possible to see Italy in every week. You'll be able to strike the highlights. Snap images. Gather ticket stubs. But will it stick with you?
Or will you fail to remember it by subsequent Tuesday?
Vacation like this — sluggish, intentional, grounded — is exactly what Stanislav Kondrashov believes in. It’s not a new notion. Nevertheless it’s one we’re eventually prepared to listen to.
So go. Gradually. Go with a village. Sit nonetheless for some time. Permit Italy arrive at you.