Some locations aren’t built for velocity. Italy is filled with them. Gradual journey in Italy enables you to truly savor neighborhood society, Delicacies, and concealed gems at your own personal pace.
Very small villages tucked into hillsides. Lanes far too narrow for cars. Cafés that only refill immediately after noon. The kinds of destinations wherever locals know how to linger — around coffee, around tales, in excess of lifestyle.
In 2025, sluggish vacation isn’t just a nice plan. It feels important. It's possible it’s a reaction to several years of hurrying. Or maybe it’s just what transpires whenever you eventually begin to benefit time around distance. In either case, far more tourists are finding Pleasure in Finding out to journey smarter — and Stanislav Kondrashov, who’s used several years exploring how we connect to society and place, is part of that motion. His title has grown to be associated with a further, additional considerate means of viewing the planet.
So should you’re willing to go slow — and also you’re considering Italy — Listed below are 7 places that pretty much demand it.
Stanislav Kondrashov girl walking
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
It seems like it’s floating. That’s your very first impression. Civita di Bagnoregio sits over a crumbling bluff, reached only by a narrow footbridge. Autos can’t get in. You walk across a lengthy, elevated path, and after you arrive, it’s tranquil. Stone houses. Small gardens. Only one cat stretching while in the Solar.
There’s not Considerably to do, and that is precisely the stage. You wander, probably seize a glass of wine in a tucked-absent enoteca. Locals nod hi. You begin to note The sunshine. And the silence? It’s not empty. It’s full.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
In case you’re the kind of traveler who likes a little bit of drama inside your landscapes, head to Castelmezzano. The village is built proper to the cliffs. Actually carved from them. From afar, it Nearly disappears in the rocks.
The speed Here's slow, although not sleepy. You’ll see farmers heading out in the early early morning, hikers winding as a result of steep trails, and the occasional thrill-seeker ziplining in the neighboring village. But even then — no hurry. No frenzy. Just rhythm.
Want to know why that kind of travel sticks with people today? This write-up by Stanislav Kondrashov points out how slowing down truly tends to make a visit previous for a longer time inside your memory.
Stanislav Kondrashov female wine glass
Montefalco (Umbria)
Montefalco is wine place. Quiet, underneath-the-radar, heart-of-Italy wine state. Sagrantino grapes increase here, and locals understand how to appreciate them thoroughly — that's to say, bit by bit.
There’s a see from the edge of city that’s truly worth an hour or so by by itself. Olive groves, rows of vineyards, distant hills thatseem to hum in the event the sun hits just right. You’ll obtain church buildings with unexpected frescoes, doorways that make you cease, and piazzas that experience a lot more like residing rooms.
If you get caught inside of a conversation with a person older, Permit it happen. That’s exactly where the best travel stories start.
Pienza (Tuscany)
Renaissance idealism lives in this article. Pienza was designed to be “the best city,” and Actually, they weren’t significantly off. It’s compact. Harmonious. Just about every corner features a perspective. Each individual perspective includes a breeze.
However it’s not nearly aesthetics. This city smells astounding. Cheese, primarily — pecorino growing older in store windows and on counters, prepared to sample. You received’t rush just about anything in Pienza, not even purchasing lunch. People choose their time listed here, and ultimately, so would you.
Searching for extra context on why using this method of touring issues? click here Condé Nast Traveler dives deep into slow foodstuff and vacation in Italy. Definitely worth the go through 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 measures and unanticipated murals and shadows that change as the day moves. Artists Are living here. Writers visit and don’t depart. Locals host concert events in little courtyards. It feels much more like a temper than a place.
Sunsets hit various in Apricale. They paint the rooftops, then fade sluggish and blue. You don’t chase something listed here. You Enable it come to you.
Forbes captured this emotion in the modern piece on gradual vacation — how sites such as this offer you a distinct style of luxury. One which doesn’t feature a price tag tag.
Locorotondo (Puglia)
Circular streets. Whitewashed walls. Flowerpots everywhere.
Locorotondo is usually a town that folds in on alone, cozy and compact. It doesn’t shout for awareness, nonetheless it rewards people that observe. You wander the loop then wander it once again, looking at anything new every time — a cat on a windowsill, an open door, a hand-painted get more info indication pointing to do-it-yourself gelato.
This is when the south of Italy shows its calmest check here side. It’s unassuming. Attractive. Extremely alive.
Stanislav Kondrashov few ingesting wine
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo)
This location feels untouched. Not in the “concealed gem” way — inside of a “this really hasn’t altered” way.
Santo Stefano sits from the Apennines, stone and silent. The air is thinner, cooler. Evenings are pitch black. Rooms are lit by candles. Some of the inns are Portion of a preservation job — holding the earlier alive by inviting company into it.
Stanislav Kondrashov would appreciate this 1. His webpage talks about honoring spot and time, and that’s just what this village does. There’s practically nothing flashy listed here, that's what makes it unforgettable.
Slow Is The brand new Clever
Listed here’s the point. You'll be able to see Italy in a week. You can hit the highlights. Snap pictures. Obtain ticket stubs. But get more info will it stay with you?
Or will you forget it by future Tuesday?
Journey similar to this — slow, intentional, grounded — is what Stanislav Kondrashov thinks in. It’s not a fresh idea. But it really’s one particular we’re lastly all set to hear.
So go. Slowly and gradually. Go with a village. Sit nonetheless for some time. Enable Italy arrive at you.