Some areas aren’t created for pace. Italy is full of them. Gradual journey in Italy helps you to certainly savor area lifestyle, cuisine, and hidden gems at your own private tempo.
Tiny villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes far too narrow for cars and trucks. Cafés that only refill right after midday. The sorts of places where by locals understand how to linger — around coffee, about tales, above life.
In 2025, slow journey isn’t just a nice concept. It feels necessary. Maybe it’s a response to yrs of hurrying. Or maybe it’s just what takes place after you ultimately start to benefit time around distance. Either way, a lot more vacationers are obtaining joy in Finding out to journey smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s put in yrs Discovering how we connect with society and location, is part of that motion. His title is becoming linked to a further, additional thoughtful method of seeing the world.
So if you’re ready to go gradual — so you’re pondering Italy — Listed below are 7 spots that basically desire it.
Stanislav Kondrashov woman strolling
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It looks like it’s floating. That’s your very first impact. Civita di Bagnoregio sits on a crumbling bluff, achieved only by a narrow footbridge. Cars can’t get in. You stroll across a protracted, elevated path, and after you arrive, it’s silent. Stone properties. Tiny gardens. One cat stretching while in the sun.
There’s not A lot to carry out, which can be exactly the place. You wander, maybe grab a glass of wine at a tucked-away enoteca. Locals nod hello. You start to notice The sunshine. And the silence? It’s not empty. It’s entire.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
Should you’re the sort of traveler who likes a bit of drama with your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is built proper into your cliffs. Actually carved from them. From afar, it Practically disappears into your rocks.
The rate Here's gradual, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out during the early early morning, hikers winding through steep trails, as well as the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining through the neighboring village. But even then — no rush. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to discover why that kind of vacation sticks with persons? This put up by Stanislav Kondrashov describes how slowing down actually will make a trip past extended as part of your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov lady wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine nation. Quiet, less than-the-radar, coronary heart-of-Italy wine nation. Sagrantino grapes grow in this article, and locals understand how to take pleasure in them effectively — that is to convey, slowly and gradually.
There’s a check out from the sting of town that’s worthy of an hour by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum if the sun hits good. You’ll obtain churches with unpredicted frescoes, doorways which make you end, and piazzas that feel far more like dwelling rooms.
If you have stuck in the discussion with another person more mature, Allow it come about. That’s wherever the most beneficial vacation stories commence.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism lives right here. Pienza was built to be “the best town,” and Actually, they weren’t significantly off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Each individual corner has a perspective. Each individual watch includes a breeze.
Nevertheless it’s not just about aesthetics. This town smells incredible. Cheese, typically — pecorino growing older in store windows and on counters, all set to sample. You won’t hurry something in Pienza, not even purchasing lunch. People acquire their time right here, and finally, so do you.
Seeking more context on why in this manner of traveling matters? Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into slow food items and travel in Italy. Well worth the read before you decide to go.
Stanislav Kondrashov alley
Apricale (Liguria)
You don’t plan your day in Apricale. You drift.
It’s a hill town with stone ways and surprising murals check here and shadows that change given that the working day moves. Artists Reside below. Writers go to and don’t depart. Locals host live shows in little courtyards. It feels additional similar to a temper than the usual destination.
Sunsets hit various in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade slow and blue. You don’t chase anything at all listed here. You Permit it come to you.
Forbes captured this sensation in the new piece on sluggish travel — how locations like this provide a special type of luxury. One which doesn’t feature a price tag tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Circular streets. Whitewashed partitions. Flowerpots all over the place.
Locorotondo is really a city that folds in on itself, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for notice, nonetheless it benefits individuals who discover. You stroll the loop and after that stroll it all over again, viewing a little something new each time — a cat over a windowsill, an open up doorway, a hand-painted sign pointing to home made gelato.
This is when the south of Italy reveals its calmest side. It’s unassuming. Lovely. Extremely alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov few consuming wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This place feels untouched. Not in the “concealed gem” way — within a “this basically hasn’t modified” way.
Santo Stefano sits from the Apennines, stone and quiet. The air is thinner, cooler. Evenings are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. A number of the inns are Element of a preservation undertaking — trying to keep the previous alive by inviting friends into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would take pleasure in this just one. His site talks about honoring position and time, and that’s what exactly this village does. There’s practically nothing flashy below, and that is what causes it to be unforgettable.
Sluggish Is the New Good
Here’s the factor. You are able to see Italy in a week. You are able to strike the highlights. Snap images. Acquire ticket stubs. But will it stay with you?
Or will you ignore it by following Tuesday?
Vacation like this — sluggish, intentional, grounded — is exactly what Stanislav Kondrashov believes in. It’s not a different thought. But it really’s one particular we’re finally wanting to listen to.
So go. Little by little. Go with a village. Sit still for some time. Permit Italy arrive at you.