Some spots aren’t created for pace. Italy is stuffed with them. Gradual journey in Italy allows you to definitely savor regional lifestyle, cuisine, and hidden gems at your own pace.
Very small villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes as well narrow for vehicles. Cafés that only replenish soon after midday. The kinds of destinations in which locals learn how to linger — in excess of espresso, over stories, more than life.
In 2025, sluggish journey isn’t just a pleasant concept. It feels vital. Maybe it’s a response to yrs of dashing. Or perhaps it’s just what comes about once you eventually begin to benefit time approximately length. In any event, a lot more tourists are discovering joy in Understanding to travel smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s invested many years Checking out how we hook up with society and location, is part of that motion. His name is becoming affiliated with a further, a lot more considerate way of viewing the entire world.
So for those who’re ready to go slow — and you simply’re considering Italy — Here's seven places that basically demand from customers it.
Stanislav Kondrashov girl strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It looks like it’s floating. That’s your 1st effect. Civita di Bagnoregio sits on the crumbling bluff, arrived at only by a narrow footbridge. Autos can’t get in. You walk throughout an extended, elevated path, and if you get there, it’s peaceful. Stone homes. Very small gardens. A single cat stretching during the Solar.
There’s not much to try and do, and that is precisely the point. You wander, perhaps seize a glass of wine at a tucked-away enoteca. Locals nod hi there. You start to notice the light. And also the silence? It’s not vacant. It’s finish.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
Should you’re the type of traveler who likes a little bit of drama in your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is built proper into the cliffs. Actually carved from them. From afar, it Just about disappears into the rocks.
The rate Here's slow, but not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out inside the early morning, hikers winding via steep trails, as well as the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining through the neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to learn why that sort of travel sticks with individuals? This post by Stanislav Kondrashov clarifies how slowing down essentially can make a trip very last more time in the memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov female wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine region. Quiet, underneath-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine region. Sagrantino grapes develop in this article, and locals understand how to take pleasure in them effectively — that is to convey, slowly and gradually.
There’s a look at from the edge of town that’s truly worth an hour by by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum in the event the Sunshine hits good. You’ll discover churches with unpredicted frescoes, doorways that make you stop, and piazzas that truly feel far more like dwelling rooms.
If you get caught in a dialogue with a person older, Allow it transpire. That’s in which the top journey stories commence.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life below. Pienza was designed to be “the best city,” and Actually, they weren’t significantly off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Just about every corner provides a look at. Every single perspective provides a breeze.
But it surely’s not nearly aesthetics. This city smells remarkable. Cheese, generally — pecorino aging in shop Home windows and on counters, willing to sample. You won’t hurry just about anything in Pienza, not even purchasing lunch. People acquire their time below, and ultimately, so does one.
On the lookout for more context on why in this manner of touring issues? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into gradual foods and vacation in Italy. Worth the read through prior to deciding to go.
Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t plan your working day in Apricale. You drift.
It’s a hill town with stone steps and unexpected murals and shadows that shift because the day moves. Artists Stay here. Writers take a look at and don’t depart. Locals host live shows in small courtyards. It feels more like a mood than a spot.
Sunsets strike distinct in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade sluggish and blue. You don’t chase anything at all right here. You Permit it come to you.
Forbes captured this experience within a recent piece on gradual vacation — how destinations such as this supply a different sort of luxurious. One which doesn’t come with a rate tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Round streets. Whitewashed walls. Flowerpots everywhere you go.
Locorotondo is usually a city that folds in on itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it really benefits people who discover. You stroll the loop after which you can walk it yet again, looking at one thing new each time — a cat on the windowsill, an open door, a hand-painted sign pointing to selfmade gelato.
This is where the south of Italy shows its calmest aspect. It’s unassuming. Attractive. Extremely alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov pair consuming wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This area feels untouched. Not in a “hidden gem” way — in a “this in fact hasn’t improved” way.
Santo Stefano sits while 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 A part of a preservation task — keeping the previous alive by inviting attendees into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would appreciate this just one. His page talks about honoring spot and time, and that’s what exactly this village does. There’s nothing website flashy right here, that's what makes it unforgettable.
Gradual Is the New Intelligent
Right here’s the factor. You'll be able to see Italy in per 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?
Journey similar to this — gradual, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov believes in. It’s not a new plan. Nevertheless it’s one we’re last but not least ready to hear.
So go. Bit by bit. Pick a village. Sit even now for a while. Permit Italy arrive at you.