Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)–People tend to visit famous cities, such as Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples, when traveling to Italy.
But there are many beautiful villages in the European country that are worth visiting, largely unknown, even among some Italians.
In fact, there are more than 5,000 villages in the country, known for their great food, beautiful landscapes, and small population.
Below, here are 8 amazing Italian villages that you may not have heard of.
Castel de Tora
One of the best kept secrets of the Latium region, it’s a great place to visit for a day from Rome.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the artificial Lake Turano, built by Italian fascist leader, Benito Mussolini, the town has locals relaxing on stone benches in the sun, or swimming in the sparkling turquoise waters.
The small town square is perfect for lunch or a quick espresso.
Fresh fish is served at the lakeside taverns, which feature open panoramic verandas.
Fraso Sabino
There are some challenges to reach this village, because you may get lost in the country roads, or end up in a Buddhist sanctuary on the way.
However, the medieval village of Frasso Sabino is definitely worth a visit.
Located deep in the Italian region of Latium, near the city of Rieti, it is a return to simpler times.
Forget the bustling bars and restaurants, the Sfilata Frasso – Moda e Riciclo show will probably be the only big event in town.
It is reported as an eco-fashion show featuring dresses made from recycled items such as plastic bottles and empty coffee pods.
Campiglia Marittima
This village is located on a hilltop in Tuscany, overlooking the beautiful beaches of the famous Etruscan coast.
Day trippers head to the village of Campiglia Marittima in search of tranquillity, nature and great wine.
Rocco’s medieval walled castle overlooks this town, surrounded by greenery, while its old district is a maze of narrow cobbled alleys and lanes.
Lucerna
High in the Alps in the Trento region, Lucerna is a unique place that is hard to believe.
The small village is home to regarding 200 villagers who speak an ancient and unfamiliar dialect with Bavarian roots, known as Cimbro, brought by settlers in the Middle Ages.
Lucerna has great ski runs, and visitors can also enjoy winter activities such as dog sledding and snowshoeing.
bobby
This village, located in Emilia-Romagna, looks like the filming location of the TV series “Game of Thrones”.
Visitors are greeted by the majestic view of Ponte Gobu, an ancient stone bridge that crosses the Trebia River to connect Popio to the main road.
Popio features beautiful lanes that lead into a maze of winding alleys, lined with aristocratic mansions.
There is also the Bobbio Cathedral, an attractive cathedral that houses valuable ancient manuscripts, among other treasures. As for the town’s activities, small fairs are often held that serve delicacies such as snails, grapes and truffles.
petitoli
Its name may come from an old word that translates to “burial place” in the local dialect, but Petritoli is actually a sought-following wedding destination nowadays.
Petritoli overlooks green hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards and mulberry trees, and offers wonderful views of the Adriatic coast.
Bocheri
The most picturesque sites to visit are the ancient snow caves, which are natural refrigerators built to preserve ice and snow.
Not only that, but the village also houses a group of chapels and houses in the Damoso style.
Civita Castellana
Among the village’s main attractions are the mosaic-clad Civita Castellana, as well as its imposing fortress.
There are also many ceramic shops, as well as fresh ricotta cheese and premium ham, which visitors can buy directly from the farmers.
