The cute town of Solitano in the Netflix show Emily in Paris doesn't exist in reality, but we stumbled upon places that are just like that in Italy.
We quickly discovered that it reminded us of other fantastic places that we visited in Italy!
Emily in the show is walking around a charming old town, but they actually shot it in an archeological park called Ostia Antica near Rome.
I was a bit disappointed to learn that this wasn't a real town, to be honest.
Yet, I do know that Italy has places that look just like the Solitano of Emily in Paris, and I really wanted to share them with you guys!
More Like This: Towns in Central Italy That Feel Just Like Montezara from La Dolce Villa Netflix
Borghetto at Valeggio sul Mincio
We stumbled upon Borghetto at Valeggio sul Mincio accidentally as we took the wrong turn while we were getting back to our Agriturismo.
Known as a small fishing village, it is surrounded on both sides by the river Mincio, creating a reflection of the hamlet's stone structures in the serene river waters.
A fascinating detail of Borghetto is the fact that most water mills are still operational today, which is pretty remarkable in today's time.
A little wooden bridge connects the fisher village to the larger Valeggio sul Mincio.
While entering the village, we were blown away by the serene village live that we ended up hanging out there for the rest of the evening.
Borghetto is for you to discover, if you seek idyllic unspoiled rustic villages in Italy.
Bellano
Bellano is a hidden gem on the eastern edge of Lake Como, and it's one of the 5 most beautiful towns on lake como.
The village, with its narrow, winding streets and lakefront promenade, feels like a world apart—untouched by the usual tourist hustle.
It’s a little off the main track, but this is what drew us to Bellano in the first place, and besides, getting there by the ferry further contributes to the appeal.
What really sets Bellano apart is the breathtaking Orrido di Bellano gorge, a natural wonder you can explore with an easy hike just behind the village.
It’s the kind of place where you can feel the pulse of nature without the distractions of crowded towns.
Bellano is perfect for you if you crave genuineness and repose on your Lake Como trip.
Limone sul Garda
When we got to Limone, we were greeted by a town that held true to its name.
Lemon trees are omnipresent, but that isn't everything that Limone sul Garda has to offer!
A stroll along the pebbled beach revealed the true Italian beauty of Limone.
The town is perched along the steep cliffs of the Garda lake. It will give you the impression that you discovered a unique setting because spoiler alert, it is a rather unusual scene, even for Italy.
Pink Bougainville, raw stone architecture, fresh lemons, small vibrant fishing boats, this is Limone in all its idyllic splendor.
Imagine walking along the small streets of Limone holding the hands of your big love, and you have a picture-perfect story to tell to your family and friends back home.
Bergamo
Bergamo is a city in Northern Italy, a day trip away from Milan and while it isn't a quaint little town or village, I felt the need to add it to this list of wonderful Solitano-like towns.
Here is why. Bergamo is split into a newer town and a much more captivating old town on a hill top.
The historical part of the town is not all too big, and it's entirely protected by thick fortification walls.
Therefore, the former ancient roman settlement with a medieval square has been well-preserved and will leave you in awe.
We couldn't stop walking around, and at every corner we came across an equally stunning setting.
Truthfully, the pictures don't give the place enough justice, but our walking tour video of Bergamo will help you find a compelling excuse to book a ticket to Bergamo ASAP!
Tirano
Tirano is Italy's northernmost, biggest little secret. History made the town famous and people forgot about it over the ages.
We walked across the town, crossed the river and were greeted by an unexpected sight: Age-old stony walls, cryptic towers, and narrow cobbled streets surrounded by colorful crumbling buildings.
Every second building seemed to have been a palace of a grand trader's family at some point, and the backdrop of vineyards perched against mountains just added to the dramatic scenery.
While Tirano isn't the busy Solitano that you would imagine, it certainly attracts the lonesome type of people. The stark contrast of crumbling buildings, is definitely not for everyone, but it's at least a brutally honest setting.
If you want to escape people and if you would like to have a serene Italian town to yourself and your better half, you will be drawn to Tirano.
Besides, did I mention that Tirano is the departure point for the world-renowned Swiss Bernina Express train ride?
Ostuni
Ostuni, commonly referred to as the “White City,” is a picturesque town in the province of Apulia in southern Italy.
It is mostly famed for its whitewashed structures and medieval aesthetic of the south.
Perched on the hill and surrounded by olive groves, you will most likely revel in the panoramic views of the southeastern coast of the region.
The old town of Ostuni is a maze of winding alleys lined with different architectural styles of the last centuries, creating a magical atmosphere that you won't be able to escape that easily.
As an added bonus, the stunning town of Alberobello with its conical trulli roofs of the region, is just a day trip away.
Varenna
Varenna at Lake Como has long been the inspiration for weddings and special celebrations, all thanks to the colorful setting of the town.
And yes, we can attest, we saw a few weddings and photo shoots that were taking place there during our extended stay along lake como.
We understood that this is a place where dreams come true.
Romance is in the air, and you will fall for the place as you make your way across the floating platform from the ancient port of Varenna.
Boutiques tucked away at the shores caught our attention, and the maze of stone stairways and narrow streets helped us get blissfully lost in Varenna.
You will undoubtedly gravitate towards Varenna if you dream of hanging out at the doorstep of the rich and famous.
Sirmione
For several years, I had family and friends tell us that we should visit Sirmione on Lake Garda, as it is truly distinctive and captivating.
We finally made our way there last autumn and quickly understood why everyone loved Sirmione.
Located on a half-island at the southern end of Lake Garda, Sirmione is a thin strip of a fortified town. The Scaligero Castle at the entrance sets the tone of the surrounding area.
The ancient Roman elite knew to value the unique location of Sirmione. What are today Roman ruins must have been magnificent villas with a priceless view.
Olive tree groves and hot, rejuvenating springs add to the appealing qualities of this town.
I'm not going to lie, Sirmione is popular. But if you travel to Sirmione on a weekday in autumn or spring, you will find the perfect ambiance with little cafés, Trattoria and Osteria to ensure an unforgettable memory of your Italian escapade.
Arco
Arco is a picturesque town extension of Riva del Garda on Lake Garda beneath the Italian alps.
In the evening hours, the community comes to life, and a stroll across the Via Vergolan street takes you to the heart of the old town.
We loved the light ambiance emitting warmth the Mediterranean plants in a mountainous region, combined with the medieval raw stone structures.
The fort on the hilltop captivated our imagination, and it equally had us engrossed during the daylight hours.
Extend your Italian village exploration trip with a visit to the nearby hamlet of Canale di Tenno in Ville del Monte. You will be amazed by the bare stone houses and steep passageways.
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