Best places to go for a summer weekend getaway featuring the beach, nature, and art Five small places where summer still feels like an adventure
Summer always seems like the season when everyone else has a better plan than we do. Some people are off to Portugal, others are spending ten days in Istanbul, and some are answering emails from a terrace in the Cyclades, making remote work look like a lifestyle choice rather than a necessity. Then Friday rolls around, the calendar is packed, the bank account brings everyone back to reality, and the only thing that's actually booked is brunch. Luckily, you don't need to catch a three-hour flight to feel like you're on vacation. Italy is full of charming villages, small art cities, and islands that can deliver in a single summer weekend what ten days elsewhere often can't. They let us slow down, eat incredibly well, and remember that a slow summer isn't just a TikTok trend, it's a state of mind. From Camogli to Salina, via Urbino, Borghetto sul Mincio, and Locorotondo, here are five perfect destinations for switching off without using up all your vacation days.
Camogli, Liguria
@sagelining 5 things to do in Camogli 1. Start your day by strolling on the Passeggiata Lungomare di Camogli, admire the iconic colorful facades, the beaches and lighthouse as you approach 2. Focacceria Revello. Don’t miss their Focaccia semplice and Focaccia di Recco. 3. Head to the harbor and hop on a Boat tour to San Fruttuoso bay. The cost is around 15€ for a round trip. I recommend the company Golfo Paradiso. @sagelining ୨୧ travels 4. Stop by Gelateria Paradiso and treat yourself to a granita or gelato while you take your time strolling around the Porticciolo area, admiring the fishing boats and the romantic wooden hearts tied up to the fishing nets by couples. 5. Lastly, walk up to Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. From here, not only you’ll be able to visit the insides of this stunning church for free, but you will also have 2 amazing panoramic points, one on Camogli Harbor and the other on Dragonara Castle. #camogli #italy #travelguide #camoglithingstodo #italianriviera Cabin Music - Rick James
A small seaside village where it's easy to lose yourself among the narrow alleyways, laundry hanging overhead, and cafés overlooking the harbor, while local fishermen still mend their nets as if time moved just a little more slowly here. It's worth climbing up to the Dragonara Castle, taking a boat trip, or hiking, to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, and, if the sea is calm, enjoying a swim or even a dive in the coves of the Portofino Regional Park. When it comes to food, you can't go wrong with trofie al pesto, pansotti, Ligurian focaccia, and Camogliesi, small chocolate-and-rum pastries that are practically a local rite of passage.
Urbino, Marche
Urbino in a few words? Small, intimate, and effortlessly elegant, but also buzzing with university students who turn its squares and cafés into an open-air living room. The Ducal Palace, one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture, and Raphael's House are must-see attractions, but the real pleasure lies in wandering leisurely through its brick-lined streets, charming piazzas, and winding lanes that open onto sweeping views of the Marche hills. The university gives the town a surprisingly youthful atmosphere. When lunchtime arrives, order a crescia sfogliata stuffed with local cured meats and cheeses, paired with a glass of Verdicchio. It's a simple meal, but one with a level of satisfaction that no €20 brunch could ever match.
Borghetto sul Mincio, Veneto
@welove.italy Nobody talks about this tiny medieval village in northern Italy Borghetto sul Mincio is a 13th century hamlet built on a river island, with old watermills, cobblestone streets and views that look straight out of a painting. One of Italy's most beautiful villages and almost nobody knows it exists. Would you add this to your Italy bucket list? #borghettosulmincio #villagesofitaly #northernitaly #lombardia #hiddengems original sound - Natalie’s Vinyl Corner
If someone claimed Borghetto sul Mincio had been designed by the illustrator of a children's storybook, it would be hard to disagree. Watermills, canals weaving through the village, and the impressive Visconti Bridge create an almost fairy-tale setting. The best way to experience it is by strolling through its medieval lanes, visiting the Scaligero Castle, or renting a bike and following the scenic cycling path along the Mincio River all the way to Peschiera. Before leaving, there's one unwritten rule: try the famous nodi d'amore ("love knots"), the paper-thin tortellini from Valeggio sul Mincio that are nothing short of a local institution.
Salina, Sicily
@wilbertspace 5 must-visit spots in Salina & the perfect base to explore them Salina is an island of breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and crystal-clear waters. If you’re planning a trip, here are five places you shouldn’t miss: Pollara – Famous for its dramatic cliffs and golden sunsets, this is where Il Postino was filmed. Malfa & Punta Scario – Malfa is a little village with stunning views, while Spiaggia dello Scario is a rocky beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for a swim. Rinella – A unique black sand beach with a small and colorful fishing harbor. Lungomare di Lingua – A scenic waterfront promenade where you can enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere. Where to Stay: @Hotel Ravesi in Malfa – A boutique hotel with infinity pool views over the sea, where the staff and the owners will warmly take care of you. Its peaceful atmosphere and central location make it the perfect base to explore all these spots with ease. Save this for your next trip to Salina! #aeolianislands #isoleeolie #sicily #italy Il cielo in una stanza - Gino Paoli
Green, peaceful, and fragrant with capers, Salina is the perfect island for anyone dreaming of a summer holiday filled with hiking, swimming, and sunsets instead of beach club playlists. Don't miss Pollara Bay, made famous by the film Il Postino, take time to explore the island's picturesque villages, and hike up Monte Fossa delle Felci, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over the entire Aeolian archipelago, and, on clear days, even Mount Etna. If, on the other hand, your idea of a hike is simply "walking to the next food stand," no one will judge you. After all, food is an essential part of the experience here. Pane cunzato, Salina's renowned capers, incredibly fresh seafood, Malvasia wine, and granita served with brioche are almost worth the price of the ferry alone.
Locorotondo, Puglia
@odettestravels Welcome to one of Puglia’s prettiest towns, Locorotondo. Situated in the heart of the scenic Valle d’Itria, here you’ll find a quaint old town filled with plants and flowers. An unmissable stop on any Puglia itinerary. Save this post for your trip and follow for more recommendations #puglia #italy #locorotondo #travel original sound - Odette I Travel and Hotels
Everyone knows Alberobello, but those who make it to Locorotondo often end up preferring it. Its whitewashed houses with sloping roofs, the distinctive cummerse, flower-filled balconies, and immaculately kept streets make you want to leave your phone in your pocket and simply wander. After a walk to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Itria Valley and a visit to the Church of San Giorgio, there's only one thing left to do: sit down for a leisurely meal. Between orecchiette, creamy burrata, bombette pugliesi, and a glass of Locorotondo DOC wine, you'll quickly understand why every weekend in Puglia should include at least one dinner that ends with the inevitable promise, rarely kept, of "I'll eat light tomorrow morning." And honestly, that's exactly how it should be.
