From walled hilltop destinations to boho beach spots, these small towns are packed with charm and fun.
Stay at the five-starGrand Hotel Portovenere, a former convent that rises over the town and its marina.
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Boats from Porto Venere take you straight there.
Treia is one of the loveliest, perched amid the undulating hills around Macerata in the Marche region.
The surrounding countryside is full of excellentagriturismiand bed-and-breakfasts.
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Bite into acalcione, a local cheese-filled pastry traditionally eaten around Easter.
Stay outside town atAgriturismo Terra di Michelangelo, located in the hills with sweeping views and an excellent restaurant.
But sunny San Vito dangling into the Mediterranean on Sicily’s northwestern tip offers year-round charm.
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San Vito is perfectly placed for outdoorsy vacations, with two nearby nature reserves: Monte Cofano and Zingaro.
Naturally, there are plenty of beachside hotels and B&Bs for your stay.
Stay at the luxurious 33-roomRosapetra Spa Resortfor gorgeous views and fine dining.
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Book a room atVilla Paola, a 16th-century former convent thats been converted into an adults-only five-star hotel.
Palmanova, Friuli Venezia Giulia
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Seen from the air, Palmanova is a gem literally.
Meanwhile, the elegant town of roughly 5,200 people radiates out in neat wedges from the hexagonal main square.
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Take a guided tour for a chance to step back in time and taste 16th-century Venetian cuisine.
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