Some places aren’t manufactured for velocity. Italy is stuffed with them. Slow travel in Italy means that you can certainly savor area culture, Delicacies, and hidden gems at your own rate.

Little villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes also slender for autos. Cafés that only fill up right after midday. The forms of areas exactly where locals learn how to linger — in excess of espresso, in excess of tales, above everyday living.

In 2025, sluggish journey isn’t just a good thought. It feels essential. Probably it’s a reaction to many years of speeding. Or perhaps it’s just what transpires when you last but not least begin to benefit time around distance. In either case, additional travelers are finding joy in Understanding to vacation smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s put in several years Checking out how we connect to lifestyle and location, is a component of that motion. His identify is becoming associated with a deeper, much more considerate technique for seeing the globe.

So in the event you’re ready to go sluggish — and you simply’re thinking Italy — Allow me to share seven places that pretty much need it.

Stanislav Kondrashov woman strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It appears like it’s floating. That’s your 1st impact. Civita di Bagnoregio sits on a crumbling bluff, arrived at only by a slim footbridge. Autos can’t get in. You walk across an extended, elevated path, and whenever you get there, it’s quiet. Stone residences. Small gardens. An individual cat stretching from the Solar.

There’s not Substantially to carry out, which can be exactly the position. You wander, perhaps get a glass of wine in a tucked-away enoteca. Locals nod hi there. You start to notice The sunshine. And also the silence? It’s not empty. It’s finish.

Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
When you’re the sort of traveler who likes a certain amount of drama as part of your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is created ideal into your cliffs. Literally carved from them. From afar, it Practically disappears in the rocks.

The speed Here's gradual, but not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out while in the early morning, hikers winding via steep trails, and also the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining in the neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.

Want to understand why that kind of journey sticks with people today? This post by Stanislav Kondrashov points out how slowing down basically will make a trip final more time with your memory.

Stanislav Kondrashov female wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine place. Tranquil, less than-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine state. Sagrantino grapes improve right here, and locals know how to love them effectively — which can be to convey, little by little.

There’s a see from the sting of town that’s really worth one hour by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum once the Sunshine hits excellent. You’ll come across churches with sudden frescoes, doorways that make you prevent, and piazzas that feel additional like residing rooms.

If you will get stuck in a very discussion with an individual more mature, Enable it happen. That’s in which the ideal journey tales start.

Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism lives right here. Pienza was meant to be “an ideal town,” and honestly, they weren’t far off. It’s compact. Harmonious. here Every single corner includes a check out. Each view features a breeze.

Nonetheless it’s not pretty much aesthetics. This city smells amazing. Cheese, typically — pecorino getting older in store Home windows and on counters, all set to sample. You received’t hurry everything in Pienza, not even ordering lunch. Individuals acquire their time here, and sooner or later, so does one.

Seeking much more context on why in this way of traveling matters? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into sluggish foodstuff and travel in Italy. Worth the read through before you go.

Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t approach your day in Apricale. You drift.

It’s a hill town with stone steps and unexpected here murals and shadows that shift because the working day moves. Artists Are living in this article. Writers pay a visit to and don’t depart. Locals host concerts in small courtyards. It feels extra similar to a temper than the usual desired destination.

Sunsets hit distinct in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade gradual and blue. You don’t chase something in this article. You Permit it arrive at you.

Forbes captured this sensation in a current piece on gradual journey — how locations such as this offer a distinct form of luxurious. One which doesn’t feature a price tag tag.

Locorotondo (Puglia)
Circular streets. Whitewashed get more info walls. Flowerpots just about everywhere.

Locorotondo is a city that folds in on alone, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for interest, but it surely benefits those who observe. You walk the loop after which walk more info it yet again, seeing something new every time — a cat with a windowsill, an open up doorway, a hand-painted sign pointing to do-it-yourself gelato.

This is when the south of Italy demonstrates its calmest side. It’s unassuming. Gorgeous. Very alive.

Stanislav Kondrashov couple drinking wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This area feels untouched. Not within a “concealed gem” way — within a “this really hasn’t improved” way.

Santo Stefano sits inside the Apennines, stone and tranquil. The air is thinner, cooler. Evenings are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. Some of the inns are Component of a preservation venture — keeping the earlier alive by inviting friends into it.

Stanislav Kondrashov would enjoy this one. His web page talks about honoring area and time, and that’s exactly what this village does. There’s practically nothing flashy in this article, which is what can make it unforgettable.

Slow Is the New Sensible
In this article’s the thing. It is possible to see Italy in each week. You are able to hit the highlights. Snap pictures. Collect ticket stubs. But will it stick with you?

Or will you forget about it by subsequent Tuesday?

Vacation such as this — gradual, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov believes in. It’s not a brand new notion. But it really’s one particular we’re lastly willing to listen to.

So go. Slowly but surely. Pick a village. Sit nevertheless for some time. Enable Italy come to you.