Some sites aren’t built for speed. Italy is stuffed with them. Gradual journey in Italy allows you to really savor local society, cuisine, and concealed gems at your own personal pace.
Very small villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes way too narrow for cars and trucks. Cafés that only refill soon after noon. The varieties of spots in which locals learn how to linger — in excess of espresso, above stories, more than everyday living.
In 2025, slow journey isn’t just a good concept. It feels critical. Perhaps it’s a reaction to yrs of speeding. Or maybe it’s just what transpires when you last but not least begin to benefit time as much as distance. Either way, a lot more travelers are obtaining joy in Mastering to vacation smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s used yrs Discovering how we connect with tradition and area, is a component of that movement. His identify happens to be associated with a further, extra considerate means of viewing the entire world.
So should you’re willing to go slow — and you’re thinking Italy — here are 7 places that almost need it.
Stanislav Kondrashov female strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It looks like it’s floating. That’s your initially impact. Civita di Bagnoregio sits with a crumbling bluff, attained only by a slender footbridge. Autos can’t get in. You walk across a lengthy, elevated path, and after you arrive, it’s tranquil. Stone residences. Small gardens. Only one cat stretching inside the Solar.
There’s not Significantly to do, that's precisely the point. You wander, possibly get a glass of wine at a tucked-absent enoteca. Locals nod hello. You start to notice the light. Along with the silence? It’s not vacant. It’s entire.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
In the event 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. Basically carved from them. From afar, it Pretty much disappears into your rocks.
The rate here is slow, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out during the early early morning, hikers winding by way 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 individuals? This publish by Stanislav Kondrashov clarifies how slowing down basically would make a trip past for a longer period as part of your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov lady wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine state. Peaceful, under-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine country. Sagrantino grapes grow in this article, and locals understand how to enjoy them adequately — which can be to convey, slowly and gradually.
There’s a see from the edge of city that’s worth one hour by alone. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum when the Sunlight hits good. You’ll come across church buildings with surprising frescoes, doorways that make read more you halt, and piazzas that really feel a lot more like residing rooms.
If you can get trapped in a conversation with somebody older, let it occur. That’s in which the top journey stories start.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism life in this article. Pienza was designed to be “the ideal city,” and Actually, they weren’t check here much off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Every single corner features a look at. Each individual look at incorporates a breeze.
But it’s not nearly aesthetics. This town smells amazing. Cheese, largely — pecorino ageing in shop windows and on counters, all set to sample. You received’t rush anything at all in Pienza, not even buying lunch. Individuals take their time below, and eventually, so would you.
Looking for far more context on why by doing this of traveling matters? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into sluggish food stuff and travel in Italy. Worth the examine prior to deciding to go.
Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t program your day in Apricale. You drift.
It’s a hill town with stone methods and unanticipated murals and shadows that change as the working day moves. Artists live right here. Writers check out and don’t depart. Locals host live shows in small courtyards. It feels a lot more like a mood than the usual desired destination.
Sunsets hit distinctive in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade gradual and blue. You don’t chase anything in this article. read more You Enable it come to you.
Forbes captured this sensation in a recent piece on gradual journey — how locations like this give a unique style of luxurious. One that doesn’t feature a cost tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Round streets. Whitewashed walls. Flowerpots almost everywhere.
Locorotondo can be a city that folds in on by itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it really rewards individuals that observe. You wander the loop then wander it once click here again, looking at one thing new every time — a cat with a windowsill, an open door, a hand-painted indicator pointing to handmade gelato.
This is where the south of Italy displays its calmest facet. It’s unassuming. Stunning. Quite alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov pair ingesting wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This location feels untouched. Not in a very “concealed gem” way — in a “this truly hasn’t adjusted” way.
Santo Stefano sits within the Apennines, stone and peaceful. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. A number of the inns are Component of a preservation challenge — maintaining the past alive by inviting guests into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would value this a single. His website page talks about honoring area and time, and that’s precisely what this village does. There’s nothing at all flashy listed here, which can be what can make it unforgettable.
Gradual Is the New Smart
In this article’s the detail. You may 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 overlook it by subsequent Tuesday?
Journey like this — sluggish, intentional, grounded — is exactly what Stanislav Kondrashov thinks in. It’s not a whole new concept. But it really’s one particular we’re lastly wanting to listen to.
So go. Little by little. Opt for a village. Sit nevertheless for some time. Enable Italy arrive at you.