These Are 10 of the Most Beautiful Towns in Italy

I Borghi più Belli d'Italia, an Italian association aimed at preserving and promoting towns with fewer than 15,000 residents, has bestowed the distinction of "most beautiful" on 335 Italian destinations to date. Towns have to apply for inclusion on the association's list and demonstrate they have the artistic, historical, and cultural heritage merit. They must also take measures to protect the environment, offer tourist accommodations, and find ways to preserve local traditions. Each town on the list earned its spot because of its unique and fascinating nature, according to the association, making any of the chosen spots a perfect destination to consider for your next Italian sojourn.

Among the villages listed is Tropea, the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town is famous for both its red onions and gorgeous coastline. Another is Monte Sant'Angelo, located in Italy's Puglia region and home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites — the fifth-century sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo and Foresta Umbra.

Monteleone d'Orvieto in Umbria earned a spot on the list, thanks to its medieval walls, churches, and a castle that dominated the town in the 1300s. And Casoli scored its spot with vineyards, olive trees, and nature reserves that serve as the perfect backdrops for an aperitivo.

Meanwhile, Bassano in Teverina made its way onto the list for the town's perch overlooking the Tiber Valley, its rich Etruscan history, and the existence of several abandoned villages nearby that are ripe for exploring.

Montechiarugolo is one of the smallest towns to earn a spot on the list. It's home to fewer than 100 residents and revolves around an opulent former residence of members of the Marchi family, a group that includes director Antonio Marchi.

Over in Tuscany, Montaione is known for its greenery and medieval history — and it's truffles! It's also notable for having a reproduction of Jerusalem built in the woods by Franciscan friars in the early 16th century.

The picturesque Mediterranean spot, Castelsardo made its way onto the list for its timeless atmosphere and its megalithic and Nuragic sites, particularly the "Elephant Rock," one of the best known natural monuments in Sardinia.

Ingria, a province of Turin, joined the list because of the old stone walls that line the streets depicting a series of panels with black and white images, accompanied by captions in Franco-Provençal and Italian patois, of family groups, schoolchildren from a hundred years ago, religious processions, and the old tavern.

The Sicilian town of Buccheri is known for its excellent food and wine tradition — the origin of its name is similar to the Sicilian word for "butcher" — as well as a wooded adventure park complete with wooden logs, nets, ropes, Tibetan bridges, and zip lines.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a Travel + Leisure contributor who has visited 50 countries on six continents and 47 U.S. states. She loves historic plaques, wandering new streets, and walking on beaches. Find her on Twitter and Instagram.