Every year, a television contest named Borgo dei Borghi (which translates into Village of Villages) highlights 20 villages throughout Italy, spotlighting their best features. The program has become an institution and offers travel inspiration to those wanting to voyage off the beaten track.
Borgo dei Borghi airs on Italy’s national public broadcasting company RAI and made its debut back in 2014. Every year, 20 towns throughout the country are selected to appear in one of the weekly episodes and to compete fo that year’s title of Village of Villages. The villages’ most notorious features, including historic masterpieces and local cuisine, are put at the forefront. As the 2025 competition has come to an end, we share the five winners, just in time for some much-needed holiday inspiration.
1. Militello, Val di Catania, Sicily
This year’s winner is Militello, situated in Val di Catania in southeast Sicily. The Iblei Mountains provide the perfect idyllic backdrop to this historic town, featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Late Baroque Cities of the Val di Noto.
Militello features no less than 20 churches, several aristocratic baroque palaces and villages, and one of Sicilly’s biggest abbeys. That rich architectural heritage is a result of the devastating earthquake of 1693, which destroyed most of the village, leading to its reconstruction in the then-fashionable baroque style.
The festivals of Madonna della Stella and Saint Salvatore are the village’s main events, while the so-called Cassatelle della zia monaca – baskets of shortcrust pastry stuffed with almonds, jams, liqueur, cinnamon, and cloves – seem to be the culinary highlight.
2. Agliè, Piedmont
This Piedmont village situated just outside of Turin, too, can be found on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Namely the Castle of Agliè, part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy – the royal family who once ruled the Kingdom of Sardinia and then the unified Kingdom of Italy. With a history that goes back seven centuries, the historic building and its gardens are well-worth a visit.
Overall, the village is the perfect destination fo medieval architecture lovers, while the region surrounding it will please outdoor enthusiasts. Cinema connoisseurs might recognise Agliè from Elisa di Rivombrosa, a popular Italian historical drama series filmed in the town.
3. Vignanello, Lazio
While Vignanello is situated a mere 60 kilometres from Italy’s buzzing capital, the town has little to do with Rome. Situated at the feet of the Cimini Mountains, the village houses the beautiful Castello Ruspoli, a Renaissance castle and its gardens – seen as one of the finest examples of Italian landscape design from the 16th century.
The volcanic soils of the region have been proven ideal for winemaking. The local wines can be tasted throughout the region or at the yearly grape harvest festival and include the Greek Vignanello, Vignanello Superiore, and Domenico. Moreover, culinary lovers will undoubtedly also be acquainted with local pasta specialties such as Carbonara, Amatriciana, and Cacio e Pepe.
4. Aieta, Calabria
As it features on the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy list, some might already have heard of Aieta in the south of Italy before. Its location within the Pollino National Park, with views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, alone makes it worthwhile but Aieta has many other features. For example, the town has a long and rich history, dating back to the Byzantine era, when it was known as Asty Aetou (which translates into ‘City of the Eagle’). The 16th century Renaissance palace situated in Aieta is a remnant of a different era, when Italy was at the top of its power and when its rich culture even touched the most secluded villages. The entire Pollino National Park offers a wide array of outdoor activity options and the local ‘Nduja sausage is a must-taste.
5. Maiori, Campania
Even though Maiori is situated on the world-famous Amalfi Coast (which includes spots such as Sorrento and Positano), the town is lesser-known and you’re thus less likely to be confronted with tourist crowds. However, this doesn’t mean the village hasn’t got a lot to offer. For instance, Maiori features the longest unbroken stretch of beach on the Amalfi coastline.
Inside the historic town centre, many 13th century buildings can be found. The Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia is worth a visit, as the complex was carved directly into the coastal rock and features frescoed chapels. Colourful houses, lemon groves within terraced gardens, Aperol Spritz, and delicious seafood platters complete the idyllic image.
