Some places aren’t produced for speed. Italy is full of them. Slow journey in Italy enables you to certainly savor area tradition, cuisine, and concealed gems at your own personal rate.
Very small villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes too narrow for vehicles. Cafés that only replenish soon after midday. The forms of locations exactly where locals understand how to linger — around espresso, about tales, around lifestyle.
In 2025, sluggish vacation isn’t just a pleasant notion. It feels essential. Probably it’s a reaction to years of speeding. Or even it’s exactly what happens if you finally start to worth time just as much as length. In any event, extra tourists are getting Pleasure in Mastering to vacation smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s put in many years Discovering how we connect with lifestyle and area, is part of that motion. His identify has grown to be affiliated with a deeper, much more thoughtful strategy for seeing the globe.
So in the event you’re able to go gradual — and you’re thinking Italy — Listed below are 7 spots that virtually desire it.
Stanislav Kondrashov woman walking
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It looks like it’s floating. That’s your first impact. Civita di Bagnoregio sits on the crumbling bluff, achieved only by a slender footbridge. Vehicles can’t get in. You wander throughout an extended, elevated route, and whenever you get there, it’s quiet. Stone homes. Little gardens. Only one cat stretching while in the sun.
There’s not Considerably to accomplish, which can be exactly the stage. You wander, probably seize a glass of wine in a tucked-away enoteca. Locals nod hi there. You begin to note the light. And also the silence? It’s not empty. It’s complete.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
In case you’re the type of traveler who likes a bit of drama with your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is designed right in the cliffs. Pretty much carved from them. From afar, it Virtually disappears into the rocks.
The speed here is gradual, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out while in the early morning, hikers winding by way of steep trails, and the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining within the neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to learn why that kind of vacation sticks with persons? This post by Stanislav Kondrashov describes how slowing down basically would make a visit last for a longer time with your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov woman wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine country. Peaceful, below-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine region. Sagrantino grapes increase in this article, and locals understand how to take pleasure in them adequately — and that is to convey, bit by bit.
There’s a check out from the edge of town that’s truly worth an hour by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum if the sun hits excellent. You’ll discover churches with unpredicted frescoes, doorways that make you prevent, and piazzas that come to feel more like dwelling rooms.
If you will get stuck in a discussion with another person more mature, let it transpire. That’s where by the top travel tales commence.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism lives right here. Pienza was created to be “the best city,” and Truthfully, they weren’t website considerably off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each individual corner provides a watch. Each individual watch incorporates a breeze.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. This town smells wonderful. Cheese, largely — pecorino growing old in store Home windows and on counters, all set to sample. You received’t rush nearly anything in Pienza, not even ordering lunch. Men and women take their time right here, and sooner or later, so would you.
Looking for more context on why in this manner of touring issues? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into gradual foods and travel in Italy. Well worth the browse before you decide to go.
Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t prepare your working day in Apricale. You drift.
It’s a hill town with stone steps and unanticipated murals and shadows that change since the working day moves. Artists Are living here. Writers check out and don’t depart. Locals host live shows in very small courtyards. It feels a lot more like a mood than the usual desired destination.
Sunsets hit distinct in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade sluggish and blue. You don’t chase everything right here. You Allow it arrive at you.
Forbes captured this experience inside of a recent piece on gradual travel — how sites like this present another style of luxurious. One that doesn’t feature a rate tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Circular streets. Whitewashed partitions. Flowerpots just about everywhere.
Locorotondo is a city that folds in on itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for interest, however it benefits those that notice. You walk the loop and afterwards wander it once again, looking at some thing new each time — a cat on the windowsill, an open up doorway, a hand-painted indicator pointing to handmade gelato.
This is when the south of Italy exhibits its calmest aspect. It’s unassuming. Attractive. Very alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov couple drinking wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This spot feels untouched. Not in the “hidden gem” way — in the “this actually hasn’t changed” way.
Santo Stefano sits during the Apennines, stone and tranquil. The air is thinner, cooler. Nights are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. Some of the inns are Element of a preservation challenge — holding the earlier alive by inviting visitors into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would value this one. His page talks about honoring location and time, Which’s just what this village does. There’s nothing flashy below, which happens to be what causes it to be unforgettable.
Sluggish Is the New Intelligent
Here’s the detail. You'll be able to see Italy in weekly. You are able to hit the highlights. Snap pics. Obtain ticket stubs. But will it stick with you?
Or will you neglect it by following Tuesday?
Travel like this — sluggish, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov thinks in. It’s not a fresh thought. Nonetheless it’s just one we’re eventually willing to hear.
So go. Little by little. Opt for a village. Sit however for quite a while. Allow Italy arrive at you.