conde nast traveller liguria

The most beautiful coastal towns in Italy

When it comes to the ultimate vacation to Italy, towns on the coast may immediately come to mind. With roughly 7,900 kilometres of coastline, the Italian peninsula offers vastly different flavours of sun, sea and sand all over the European boot: the lemon-scented beauty of Positano; the handsome elegance of verdant Portofino ; the rustic and laidback vibes of Med-side communes in Puglia, the breathtaking higgledy-piggledy buildings in all five settlements of Cinque Terre, and the big yachtin’-in-Capri energy of Italy's glamorous island resorts.

In Italy , it’s always a good time to head to the ocean – even in the off-season . It’s just a matter of which coastal town to visit and fall in love with. The bustling restaurants of Rome, the sleek hotels of Milan, and the historic museums of Florence can wait; as much we adore the great cities and rolling hillsides of Italy, towns on the coast have plenty to offer all types of travellers, whether visiting for the first time or marking their tenth passport stamp from Rome-Fiumicino.

Below, see 15 of the best Italian coastal towns, from Sicily to Manarola, as well as Condé Nast Traveller -approved recommendations of where to stay. These coastal havens have Mediterranean views, pristine beaches, excellent seafood, and well-preserved architecture – all of them well-worth a stop on your next trip. Warning: You may never want to come back.

Ravello, Campania

Ravello, located high on a mountain three miles from the town of Amalfi, isn’t just a pretty face. Here you'll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, museums, and charming villas galore. Don’t forget to visit the 13th-century Villa Rufolo , which offers sublime views of the coast, a garden that is forever in bloom, and a musical legacy – German composer Richard Wagner spent some time here in the 1800s; an outdoor concert series inspired by him and his work takes place every summer.

Where to stay: Almost all guest rooms at the Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast have private terraces or gardens, and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendour.

Cefalù, Sicily

Wedged between mountains and coastline, just an hour’s drive east of Palermo, the idyllic town of Cefalù in Sicily is tiny but popular – especially among sun-seekers from other parts of Italy. It’s now perhaps best known as one of the filming locations for the second season of The White Lotus , but beyond its set-jet appeal, the place has gorgeous beaches, great restaurants and a hip nightlife scene, particularly in the summer months when its population triples.

Where to stay: Book a room on the higher floors of Alberi Del Paradiso , set up the hill and away from the beach crowds, for sweeping views of the Thyrrenian Sea.

Portoferraio, Elba Island, Tuscany

You may know Elba Island as the former home of exiled Napoleon Bonaparte – his summer house, Villa San Martino , is currently open to the public – but the site also happens to be one of the least-touristed islands in Italy, at least for now. Though it’s the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago, Elba looks more like the lush island of Corsica in France than its rocky sister islands, thanks to underground springs, which keep the island green year round. Its largest city, Portoferraio, welcomes ferries from Italy’s mainland with its dense vegetation, beautiful hidden beaches, and well-preserved Medici forts.

Where to stay: Just a 15-minute drive away from the town’s port, the Hotel Villa Ottone has multiple dining options: a poolside restaurant and another in a park; there’s also a piano bar in the summer. The gym and tennis courts are perfect for staying active too.

Portofino, Liguria

A haven for the aristocracy of Europe since the 19th century – and a perennial hot spot for today’s jetsetters – the coastal town of Portofino is one of the most beautiful European ports. In addition to its radiant coastline, it has plenty of great shopping, seafood restaurants a plenty, and many glamorous places to rest your head at the end of the day. (But it’s also easy to a day trip; Genoa is a mere 50-minute drive away.)

Where to stay: It really doesn’t get more indulgent than the extravagant 70-room Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino , installed in a 16th-century monastery overlooking the town’s iconic turquoise waters. But if there’s no room up the hill, head to the harbour and see if any of the 16 rooms of the Splendido Mare, an extension of the property, are available.

Sperlonga, Lazio

Sperlonga was the former hideaway of many Roman emperors, and it’s no wonder: The tiny town’s pristine beaches, lush greenery, and proximity to Rome – just an hour by train – makes it the perfect weekend escape. The town also has an excellent museum, Museo Archeologico di Sperlonga , which is set amongst the ancient ruins of Emperor Tiberius’ old villa. The Torre Truglia, located at the tip of the promontory on which Sperlonga is built, has the best views in town.

Where to stay: The digs at Hotel Marconi are simple and clean, though of course what you’re really here for is the easy access to the beachfront. The rooms are categorized by size and views – “city” or “sea.” It’s pretty obvious which one you should spring for.

Positano, Campania

It seems like everyone is trying to visit Positano these days, and if you’ve ever opened a social media app in the summertime, it’s easy to see why. This fishing village-turned-global destination is famous for its beautiful harbour and elegant Moorish-style architecture – all set gorgeously along the cliffs of the Italian coast. Bear in mind that crowds in the peak season can be suffocating, and that a visit in the off-season can help local businesses during periods of low foot traffic; not to mention, you’ll avoid the hordes.

Where to stay: The obvious answer here is the iconic Le Sirenuse , which recently unveiled its stunningly redesigned pool. Perhaps less ubiquitous on Instagram but just as magnificent is Il San Pietro di Positano , serenely perched on a silver cliff outside of the main drag of the town.

Aci Trezza, Sicily

Aci Trezza, a tiny fishing community on the Ionian coast of Sicily, is often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Acireale and Catania. But its diminutive size offers a level of tranquillity not found in more popular tourist spots. The town is best known for the isole dei ciclopi – three jagged rocks that jut out of the water, right off the coast – which, according to legend, are the rocks that the Cyclops hurled at Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey . The oceanfront is also home to some of the coast’s best seafood restaurants, like Il Covo Marino , where the menu changes daily, depending on the morning's catch.

Where to stay: There are a number of small hotels in town, but Airbnb has some worthy options for spending the night, including this terraced penthouse less than a block away from the water.

Praiano, Campania

Also along the Amalfi Coast lies the town of Praiano, conveniently sandwiched between Positano and Amalfi, making it a perfect base from which to visit both. The comune is packed with white-sand beaches like Marina di Praia and Gavitella – and lots of culture to boot. For all the history nerds, come here for stunning ancient churches like the 12th-century Church of San Luca Evangelista, which has Renaissance paintings attributed to Giovanni Bernardo Lama.

Where to stay: Watch the Amalfi sunrise over the bountiful breakfast buffet at the Hotel Tramonto d’Oro , situated on the western end of town, along the Via Gennaro Capriglione.

Manarola, Liguria

Manarola is one of the oldest towns in the Cinque Terre , and arguably one of the most beautiful. It’s known primarily for its fishing, wine-making and excellent hiking in the hills and vineyards above the town. Don’t miss the famous walking trail called Via dell’Amore – literally translated: the road of love –that connects the town to nearby Riomaggiore. It’s been closed due to damage incurred during landslides, but the flat half-mile path is set to reopen in the summer of 2024 .

Where to stay: Well-equipped hotels in the towns of Cinque Terre are pretty slim. There are guesthouses and Airbnbs to be found, but it’s recommended to base yourself in La Spezia, where you can book The Poet Hotel , and visit the small towns along the coast via rail and ferry.

Sorrento, Campania

Despite the lack of a beach, tourists love Sorrento, which straddles the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. The old town – with Piazza Tasso, a square bustling with cafes, and the 14th-century the Chiesa di San Francesco – makes a great base for exploring surrounding areas: the Amalfi Coast to the east, Pompeii to the north, and the island of Capri offshore. Get here by driving or by ferry from Naples.

Where to stay: Check into the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria for Italian opulence as well as convenience. This five-star property, with its Michelin-starred restaurant Terraza Bosquet and La Serra spa, sits just a ten-minute walk away from the Porta di Sorrento, where boats and ferries can take you all over the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Castelsardo, Sardinia

Sardinia is best known for its pristine beaches and mind-blowing culinary scene, both of which you can find easily in the vicinity of Castelsardo, on the island’s northern coast. But Castelsardo is also a remarkably well-maintained piece of a history that dates back to the Nuragic civilisation that made Sardinia its home during the Bronze Age, almost 4,000 years ago. Remnants of that ancient legacy can be found in the area, in the region’s signature nuraghe ruins, but you can also fast-forward a few millennia and take in sweeping views of the ocean from the town's cathedral, built in the 16th century.

Where to stay: The Riviera Castelsardo Hotel and Spa has everything you need for a stay on the island, including proximity to Porta di Castelsardo as well as Castello dei Doria , a fortified castle that offers magnificent views of the sea.

Camogli, Liguria

This small Italian fishing village nestled on the Italian Riviera isn’t just pretty – it’s surprisingly happening, too. In addition to rows of candy-coloured homes, there’s a small harbour with shops and restaurants, a carousel near the water, and a large piazza that’s a perfect spot for sipping coffee and people-watching. Given its short distance from Genoa just thirty minutes away by car, it’s a lovely alternative (or addition) to a trip to Portofino.

Where to stay: Make a beeline for the pool area at Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi ; its deck area directly faces the ravishing Ligurian Sea, with only a balustrade, a small strip of verdant land, and a two-story drop to separate the two.

Polignano a Mare, Apulia

Thirty minutes away by car from the city of Bari, the picture-perfect town of Polignano a Mare rises out of a cliff face on the Adriatic Sea. In addition to breathtaking views over the Adriatic, the town is also filled with charming, white-washed streets, enchanting old churches, and beaches with warm turquoise waters, like the white-pebble strip called Cala Porto, fenced by an ancient Roman bridge.

Where to stay: With a name like Sei Stelle Mama – in Italian, loosely, “six-star mother” – this small but polished bayside guest house promises warm hospitality and stellar service. For more urban digs, there are plenty of options in nearby Bari.

Atrani, Campania

Tucked between two cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the village of Atrani is the Amalfi Coast’s best-kept secret. It’s often bypassed en route to the larger and more famous towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento, and this is a good thing – you’ll almost always have its beautiful churches, piazzas and charming trattorias (the fresh seafood and smoked mozzarella at A’Paranza is to-die-for) all to yourself. Added bonus: It’s an easy 30-minute stroll from Amalfi.

Where to stay: Hotel Luna Convento is housed in, you guessed it, a former monastery. (The Italians sure do love their convents-turned-hotels.) It’s situated on a parcel of land that juts out into the sea, on a spot equidistant from both Amalfi and Atrani. Because why not do both?

Levanzo, Sicily

With a population of around 450 and a total area of 6 square kilometres, Levanzo is the smallest of the three Aegadian Islands, off Sicily’s western coast – and it’s worth a visit for anyone trying to get away from all the noise of modern life. The island’s town of the same name is the launching point to explore the whole island, best experienced by following the extensive hiking trails as they pass through fertile agricultural plains, and gently climb towards peaks that offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, stop for a dip on one of the island’s many beaches, like Cala Tramontana, an isolated bay walled in by limestone cliffs.

Where to stay: There aren’t many spots where you can overnight on the island of Levanzo itself, so you're better off booking a room on nearby Isola di Favignana, which has a handful of options. Stay at Il Baglio sull’Acqua , a resort just a five-minute draft from the Porti di Favignana.

This story was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller US

• Link to Twitter - Opens in new window
• Link to Facebook - Opens in new window
• Link to Instagram - Opens in new window
• Link to LinkedIn - Opens in new window
• Link to Pinterest - Opens in new window
• Link to YouTube - Opens in new window

Luxury Hotels, Spas and Venues in Liguria

See our selection of luxury hotels in Liguria, Italy . The Condé Nast Johansens team of  Local Experts  inspects each property year-on-year, so you can be sure to receive a premium experience.

Liguria, home of pesto, stretches from Tuscany to the French Riviera and is blessed with sun-soaked beaches, beautiful cliff walks, colourful fishing villages, vineyard-clad mountain slopes, pretty villas, palm trees and gelato. The region’s capital is Genoa, a busy port city with an atmospheric old quarter; a labyrinth of steep, ancient streets. Stay at one of Liguria’s charming luxury hotels.

Please use our site to send a booking enquiry directly to a property and enjoy savings, special offers, a warm welcome on arrival, room upgrades and VIP privileges.

• Regions in Italy
• Change Country
• Emilia Romagna 3
• Florence & Tuscany 9
• Friuli Venezia Giulia 1
• Milan and Lombardy 2
• Rome and Lazio 8
• Sicily & Aeolian Islands 5
• Trentino - Tyrol and Dolomites 8
• Venice and Veneto 5
• WORLDWIDE 367
• Mauritius 2
• South Africa 3
• Indonesia 5
• Philippines 6
• Republic of Singapore 1
• Saudi Arabia 2
• Sri Lanka 2
• Thailand 10
• Channel Islands 2
• Montenegro 1
• Northern Ireland 1
• Portugal 38
• Scotland 12
• Costa Rica 5
• Guatemala 1
• The Caribbean 10
• Property Type (All) --> Full Collection Hotel Exclusive Use Spa Villa Day Out Find

I'm going on a trip for...

• Boutique Retreat
• Corporate Day
• Countryside
• Eco Friendly
• Exclusive Use
• Family friendly
• Food & Drink
• Island Hopping
• Meeting/Conference
• Party/Celebration
• Pet Friendly
• Private Dining
• Sightseeing
• Sports & Adventure
• Walking Holiday
• Walking holiday Weekend break
• Weekend Break

In a place with...

• Audio visual equipment
• Beach access
• Canal views
• Children's playground
• Electric car charging point
• Entertainment
• Exclusive use
• Guided tours
• Horse riding
• Hydrotherapy
• Medical spa
• Michelin starred restaurant
• Pet friendly
• Picnic area
• Rasul room/pool
• Refreshments
• River views
• Spa boutique
• Spa cuisine
• Spa on-site
• Special group rates
• Syndicate rooms
• Technician on-site
• Thalassotherapy
• Translation services
• Visit by appointment
• Walking routes
• Water sports
• Wedding licence
• Wheelchair accessible
• Yoga/Pilates
• Sort (Our Favourites) A - Z Most Popular Our Favourites What's New Update
• Total Results: 3

Please visit the Condé Nast Publications Ltd. Privacy Policy to know more about how Condé Nast Publications Ltd will process your personal data.

Golfo dei Poeti Relais & SPA

Liguria , Italy , Liguria , Italy

From the green embrace of Montemarcello Natural Park, Golfo dei Poeti Relais & SPA presides above the Gulf of La Spezia. This stunning coastline has been an inspiration for artists over centuries, with the likes of Lord Byron, D H Lawrence and Percy Bysshe Shelley drawing upon its beauty and earning it the moniker, ‘Gulf of Poets.’ It's also a prime position for visiting the islands of... More info

Villa Porto Rapallo

Liguria , Italy

The elegant Villa Porto Rapallo has resided beside the Italian Riviera for over a century. Originally a grand family home before transforming into a full-service hotel and well-renowned entertainment mecca for Italy’s most successful musical stars during the 1960s/1970s, a 30-year period of neglect saw this early 20th-century piece of history fall into disrepair. Miraculously, a recent and... More info

Villa Edera e La Torretta Boutique Hotel

Villa Edera e La Torretta Boutique Hotel is a paradise found for food and wine lovers. From its Michelin-starred à la carte restaurant to traditional Ligurian cooking classes and indulgent wine tastings, there's nowhere quite so welcoming and immersed in the local culture. This adults-only, family-run hotel is nestled in over 2,000m² of Mediterranean gardens filled with roses and fruit trees,... More info

Golfo dei Poeti Relais & SPA Hotel

Villa Edera e La Torretta Boutique Hotel Hotel

Villa Porto Rapallo Hotel · Villa

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

The best hotels in Lake Como

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Few can resist the distinctive magic that radiants from Italy's grandest lake. Virgil called Como “the greatest lake”, and Pliny the Younger had a villa here where he said the porch was “always like spring.” Once home to the gilded palaces of princes, bishops and painters, it is now the playground of the world's rich (the fictional Roy family from Succession tells you everything you need to know) and famous (George Clooney has owned a villa here for over 20 years). Many of the historic villas lining the lake remain private abodes, while those that have been converted into hotels are revered as some of the grandest in the world.

How we choose the best hotels in Lake Como

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.

What area of Lake Como is the best to stay in?

Lake Como is undoubtedly best visited by road, with many of the hotels on this list proving worthy stops on your itinerary, whether for a stay or for a long leisurely lunch. The top addresses tend to be gathered towards the south western end of the lake, near the town of Como itself. In terms of other towns to visit nearby , Bellagio in the middle and Varena on the eastern side, are beloved highlights.

From unassuming family-run stays to glossy recent arrivals, this is our edit of the best hotels in Lake Como, all reviewed by an expert on the Condé Nast Traveller team. For a private stay, see our pick of the best villas in Lake Como .

Il Sereno Arrow

Featured in our Gold List of the best hotels in the world 2024

When it launched a few years ago in Torno, Il Sereno, Lago di Como caused a sensation. It was the first hotel in the area of Lake Como to be designed by a world-renowned architect – and Patricia Urquiola, the Spanish starchitect and a longtime resident of Milan , did a fabulous job. The hotel blends into its surroundings thanks to the “light” building, with its many windows awash with sunlight reflected by the lake. The garden, with around 183 varieties of plants, creates a gorgeous floral landscape that syncs up with the environment. Even the Brazilian quartzite heated infinity pool and the ashwood deck become one with the lake in a continuous line: harmony. From inside the hotel, you can often glimpse the waters of the Lario, the other name by which Lake Como is known, an iconic part of Italian culture and the backdrop of Alessandro Manzoni’s 19th-century novel The Betrothed, where star-crossed lovers Renzo and Lucia manage to finally reunite and get married. Il Sereno’s lobby is elegant, soft, and welcoming, filled with the best of Italian design – furniture by Cassina, Moroso, and B&B Italia – as are the 40 rooms, all with a view, and the exquisite vertical garden by Patrick Blanc. The delicious and simple (albeit Michelin-starred) food is courtesy of Raffaele Lenzi and features local freshwater fish and vegetables, served alongside sensational cocktails (even the alcohol-free ones). As if so much contemporary beauty were not enough, there’s still the wooden motorboat, a beautiful Riva, ready to take you around the lake or to Villa Pliniana, a 16th-century palace with another 17 bedrooms – a perfect setting for listening to the music of the villa’s beautiful grand piano while gazing upon the waters of Lago di Como. Maddalena Fossati

Price: Rooms from around £647 per night

Passalacqua Arrow

Featured in our Hot List of the best new hotels in the world 2023

From a pale-amber estate, seven acres of olive groves, roses, mimosa, jasmine, and magnolia descend to the glittering waters of Lake Como, wafting their fragrance into the sleepy air. A perfectly confected 24-suite hotel born of a 1787 neoclassical villa, Passalacqua is the second Como hotel for the De Santis family, after their beloved Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The suites in the villa have baroque details like original frescoes and ceiling carvings. Como silks, etched Barbini mirrored cabinets, and Bordoni leather ottoman tables. The Palazz contains a small spa stocked with Dr. Barbara Sturm products, with hand-painted wallpaper that replicates that of Portaluppi Herbarium in Milan’s Atellani House. Guests congregate on the colourful swimming terrace for unfussy Lombardy lunches. There, the sage green 200-year-old greenhouse and jaunty La DoubleJ – designed floral parasols offer a cheeky riposte to the formal villa interiors. Passalacqua deliciously recaptures the lost art of villeggiatura, or taking to a country villa and revelling in la dolce far niente – sweet idleness. Lydia Bell

Price: Rooms from around £670 per night

Mandarin Oriental Arrow

Once the lakefront estate of Italian opera singer Giuditta Pasta, Mandarin Oriental took over this 75-room grand dame in 2018. Milan-based designer Eric Egan made over heavy interiors (also behind the Belmond Hotel Caruso revamp), sharpening the meticulous gardens and floating swimming pool. Mandarin Oriental added a lounge for afternoon tea and a spa in the basement, bringing in Italian chef Massimiliano Blasone to oversee the resort’s restaurants and bars. This was the Mandarin Oriental's first European resort and a rare new arrival on the lake – yet it slotted into the scene seamlessly.

Most of the rooms have at least partial views of the lake, and balconies. With muted tones, luxurious textiles and custom wood furniture, the effect is cocooning, although not particularly Italian, which isn't entirely surprising considering the brand. I loved my marble bathroom and terrace, where I could hear the birds from the landscaped gardens and watch the ripples on the lake. The spa here is a standout – notably the amazing new floating swimming pool on the lake with its hard-to-believe engineering. Ondine Cohane

Price: Rooms from around £738 per night

MUSA Lago Di Como Arrow

Hugging the manicured shore of Como's west shore, Villa Musa stands proudly – a whitewashed modern  villa  with only 12 rooms, all with balconies overlooking the handsome backdrop of the lake. Elegant guests arrive by boat at the private jetty or via the meandering road, a 30-minute drive from Como town. Interiors are sleek, with neutral and monochrome furnishings that run throughout the hotel. Bedrooms follow suit: white washed linen bedding, contemporary artwork, white marble bathrooms with a deep bath and spacious shower, cosy seating areas and balconies revealed by heavy curtains that we couldn’t wait to draw every morning. Wake up to the cinematic views dotted with eager paddle boarders and bobbing boats easily lost amongst the glittery morning waters.

Food is a big thing here, which makes sense – the hotel and restaurant are run by two acclaimed Italian chefs, Robert Moretti and Matteo Corridori, after al. Dine at the glass-fronted restaurant or on the outdoor terrace, which has an artistic Italian menu – think poached eggs with carbonara sauce for breakfast. Later, lounge by the lakefront pool, sip a creative cocktail at the makeshift boat bar or unwind in the spa facilities. With only a few guests, it’s a rather relaxing affair. Sophie Knight

Price: Rooms from around £520 per night

Grand Hotel Tremezzo Arrow

Featured on our 2022 Gold List of the best hotels in the world In an increasingly rapacious Italian hotel scene, some iconic family-owned properties retain that made-in-Italy, one-of-a-kind elixir that the bigger players can only dream of. The decadent Grand Hotel Tremezzo is decidedly one of these: It has been in family hands since opening in 1910 and comes with Grand Tour charm in spades. Sitting a little back from Lake Como, looking out onto Bellagio, the Liberty-style building conjures a  Grand Budapest Hotel  set, an impression that grows when you enter the formal lobby with its sweeping red-carpet staircase, antique gilt-framed mirrors, and marble-encased bathrooms. I also love the flowers in abundance all over the property. But the hotel still manages to feel intimate thanks to its smaller cosy spaces: a cocooning spa with a heated swim-in, swim-out pool and Santa Maria Novella products; an outdoor pool surrounded by a forest of trees and blooming flowers; and tucked-away bars and corner banquettes in the restaurant (be sure to try the gold-leaf risotto). he hotel effortlessly pulls multiple punches, with a covetable shop stocking brands like Bric’s Milano, Borsalino, and Chez Dede, and a beautiful vintage wooden boat for lake excursions and to avoid road traffic. But the true pièce de résistance is the floating pool sitting on the lake – cinematic grandeur incarnate with a Lido-like beachfront, bright orange and white umbrellas, and chic custom loungers. Ondine Cohane

Price: Rooms from around £860 per night

Villa Lario Arrow

With 18 suites (all with views over the lake) accessed sharply from Como's one road, this place feels definitively private, set apart, very much on its own picturesque high pinnacle hanging over the water. Part of a 19th-century property previously owned by the Lombardi family, it has something no other five-star hotel around here can quite claim: a very secluded pontoon that guests can swim off directly, bothered by nothing but the occasional boat dropping somebody off for lunch. (Inexplicably, most hotels don't encourage swimming in Como itself). It's worth coming to eat – just-caught fish; tomatoes from the hotel gardens – even if you don't stay, but there is something particularly authentic about this side of the lake and it would feel a shame to not sleep here too.

Price: Rooms from around £562 per night

Villa d'Este Arrow

Preposterously and hilariously grand, this is where Elizabeth Taylor came to hide out at the start of her affair with Richard Burton. As the great director Mike Nichols later recalled, so long as she wore a large-ish hat, nobody gave her a second glance. Built in 1568 as a summer residence for a wealthy cardinal with a passion for art, the hotel has an immense 17th-century shelled grotto, decorative gardens lapped by water so clear you can see pebbles fall to the distant bottom, and chefs in high white hats inspecting the engraved glass on bridal tables. In the morning, breakfast of Sicilian cannolis and iced espresso is taken as the sun starts its journey across the lake, settling on a flower-plumed promontory beyond. Boats cut through the water, leaving a fizzing trail behind. Everybody sits and watches – wondering where reality leaves off and dreaming begins.

Price: Rooms from around £529 per night

Discover the Best European Region for Slow Travel

Hero Image Credit: Franz Gerdl / Carinthian Tourist Office, Jošt Gantar / Slovenian Tourist Board, Aleksandar Gospić / CNTB

Modern life can feel overwhelmingly chaotic. We are over-scheduled, over-stimulated, and often under-vacationed. There are few mechanisms for slowing down in our fast-moving digital world, and the appetite for a change of pace is becoming more and more appealing. It makes sense, then, that a new movement has taken hold in recent years, inviting travelers to move about the world differently than they do at home: slow travel.

Far more than a lay-around-and-do-nothing beach vacation, slow travel is about moving with intention; it’s about making the most of the precious time you get to spend seeing the world by being entirely present during your exploration. It’s about noticing the vibrant shade of green carpeting the forest floor and savoring the complex flavors of a just-harvested wine grape. No strict itineraries, no major rush.

While you can practice slow travel anywhere, an emerging region in Central Europe provides the consummate backdrop for such a trip: Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia, or the Alps to Adriatic region. From boundless natural wonders and shifting landscapes to a thoughtful food and wine culture that enables deeper connection to the land, this deliciously underexplored region begs to be savored slowly. The region beckons travelers with friendly, welcoming locals, along with cities and towns that are easy to navigate. Together it makes for a region that is safe to explore for all types of travelers, including those traveling solo. In fact, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia are consistently ranked among the top destinations for solo female travelers due to their modern and lively atmosphere, welcoming communities, and commitment to safety. Whether you're wandering through Austria's scenic trails, enjoying a peaceful day by Slovenian lakes, or exploring Croatia's historic towns, you can do so with confidence, knowing that these countries prioritize the well-being of all visitors.

While there is plenty to do in the region, travelers can pick and choose which activities and regions resonate most and go from there, taking time to savor both the planned stops and the serendipitous surprises discovered along the way.

Easily Accessible, Year-Round Appeal One of the best parts about the Alps to Adriatic region is its seasonally agnostic appeal. With every turn of the calendar’s page, a new energy emerges, always in sync with the natural rhythms of the land. A slew of fresh produce, landscapes tinted with new colors, and a shifting array of activities mark the turn of a season, from sailing in the Adriatic sun to skiing over powder-covered Alpine mountains.

It would take about 12 days to properly explore the region, though that timestamp could easily be extended or compressed depending on pace and appetite. Getting around is intuitive and can be done via a combination of flights, drives, and train travel.

Mountains and Seascapes: The Expansive Outdoors Different types of travelers feel drawn to different types of landscapes and scenarios, whether it be to feel small in front of a towering, snow-capped mountain range or letting yourself be swept away by the glory of a rushing river. The beauty of the Alps to Adriatic region is the vast diversity found within its landscapes. Here, you need not choose between forest and sea, mountain and river.

Take Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost province, as an example. Speckled with 200 sparkling Alpine lakes and surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and gorged valleys, the rugged landscape is suited for both the adventurous spirit and the nature enthusiast alike. The Carinthian Lake Loop Trail is ideal for leisure cyclists, winding around 20 of the region's most picturesque lakes with abundant sunshine and beautiful views along the way. There are also hikes to satiate every appetite, from the network of Slow Trails winding along wide, scenic lakeshores to the ambitious Alpe Adria Trail. Traversing the southern side of the Alps, the trail winds through charming villages, past mountain ranges and glistening lakes, leading all the way to Slovenia.

On the other side, Slovenia’s Juliana Trail can be explored on foot or on bike, through blooming meadows and green forests. An abundance of crystal clear waterways elegantly flows through the landscape, Soča River amongst the most celebrated. Soča cascades across waterfalls, carved-out canyons, and pools, making it something of a natural waterpark. Wildwater kayaking and rafting satisfy adventurers, while Soča trout fishing slows things down in the best way possible.

When it comes to waterways, Croatia reigns supreme in its diversity, boasting rushing rivers and an ambient sea dotted with more than 1,200 spectacular islands. The UNESCO-designated Plitvice Lakes National Park looks like something straight out of a postcard, with surging waterfalls and crystal clear lakes surrounded by forests and meadows. For an authentic, unspoiled Mediterranean experience, sail through the serene seas of the Kvarner and Zadar archipelagos, passing dramatic cliffs and hidden crystalline bays along the way. Through this journey, ancient Roman ruins tell the story of centuries past, while the scattered islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Farm to Fork: The Culinary Landscape In the Alps to Adriatic region, there is no such thing as fast food. Instead, culinary traditions are an homage to the bountiful land from which they come. Local producers are at the centerfold, and visitors have the rare opportunity to reconnect with those farmers, producers, and chefs who operate with the utmost integrity for the sake of quality and care. Such interactions offer a vital reminder of where our food actually comes from.

While culinary trends come and go, Croatia’s lively markets have been championing organic, locally grown produce for centuries. Experiencing a Croatian market is the best way to introduce yourself to the flavors of the country, from Dolac Market in Zagreb to the City Market in Rijeka. The culinary journey only gets more nuanced as you discover each region’s specialties. Sip the world-famous maraschino liqueur from Zadar, and feast on traditional dishes like black cuttlefish risotto or fresh langoustines from Kvarner, paired with local žlahtina white wine. For a sweet treat, drizzle fresh honey from Gorski Kotar onto a delicious Rab cake, a festive, fragrant almond pastry from the island of Rab. If counting Michelin stars is on your travel itinerary, Croatia is certainly worth a trip.

Austria’s Carinthia is no stranger to hyper-local sourcing. A pioneer of the slow-food movement, the region shines a spotlight on 16 designated slow-food villages that prioritize using ingredients from regional producers, working together to promote agricultural sustainability and a circular local economy. For visitors, this dedication manifests in a slew of charming culinary experiences that educate and delight—sampling homemade ice cream from a dairy farm, watching beekeepers harvest their honey, and producing cheese with local dairy, among others. Though there are plenty of outstanding restaurants to choose from, the real magic is in the farm shops, inns, Alpine huts, and other quaint establishments that tell the story of this enchanting country and its producers.

Slovenia may be a newly emerging culinary destination, but its deep-rooted food and winemaking traditions have always yielded quality products. With 24 distinct gastronomic areas and three different winegrowing regions, the country’s natural bounty fuels its culinary community, from innovative young chefs to traditional inn owners to talented winemakers. Traditional dishes like žlikrofi, or tiny dumplings, and potica, a sweet holiday pastry, reflect the local terroir and the culinary traditions that stem from it. Whether you visit a traditional inn or a Michelin-starred restaurant, every Slovenian meal is served with fresh mineral water. In fact, the right to clean drinking water is so crucial to Slovenia’s DNA that it is part of the country’s constitution.

Unexpected Delights: Sites, Cities, and Culture Slow travel isn’t only about becoming connected with the natural landscape; it is also about connecting with the local culture by way of history and art. The Alps-to-Adratic region delivers on the European promise of beautiful castles, intriguing museums, and charming small towns that culminate in rich local lore. In Slovenia, the old and new seamlessly coalesce, from the fairytale-like Otočec Castle perched on an island at the center of Krka River to the Cukrarna Gallery showcasing contemporary works in a former sugar refinery in Ljubljana.

A land with one of the longest lists of protected cultural heritage sites in Europe, Croatia has its fair share of captivating cultural stops. Not far from the country’s capital, Slunj is a rural gem celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and landscape preservation. Recognized on the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s 2023 list of the best tourist villages in the world, Slunj offers visitors a glimpse into traditional local life amidst stunning natural surroundings. The area is known for its beautiful rivers, waterfalls, and historical mills, all carefully preserved to maintain the village's authentic charm and ecological balance. In Zagorje, visitors will find a pristinely green region brimming with regional culinary delights, artistic charm, and centuries-old traditions that are lovingly upheld by the local community, offering a deep connection to Croatia's cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Austria’s Carinthia is not only known as the land of lakes, but as the land of castles—there are more than 400 spread throughout the region. A prime example is Hochosterwitz Castle. Built around 860 AD, the medieval masterpiece is perched high on a formation of dolomite rock, offering panoramic views and a peek into Carinthia’s history.

For an unforgettable European voyage bookmarked by natural beauty, fresh food, and compelling culture, the Alps to Adriatic region awaits. To learn more and begin planning your trip, visit Austria , Croatia , and Slovenia’s websites.