While the battle against overtourism rages in the great art cities, it is the small medieval town centers, with their history, events, and postcard-perfect panoramas, that attract tourists. Among the corners of Italy most clicked online are precisely these small villages, as shown by the Telepass Observatory which produced the study “Borghi italiani online 2026”, in collaboration with Moveo, Seed Digital and Change Media. With 106.4 million online searches in 2025 and a +13% compared to the previous year, this trend marks a record not seen in five years.
What is the Italian village most searched online?
Claiming the top spot is Otranto, in Puglia, which for the second year in a row confirms itself as the Italian village most searched on the web, with an average of 194,500 monthly searches. And it’s not hard to understand why. Overlooking the Adriatic, this gem of the Salento has everything you need for an unforgettable weekend: a historic center enclosed by ancient walls, characteristic alleys, the Aragonese Castle, and a sea with incredible hues.
The top 10 Italian villages most searched online
After the first place of Otranto, we move to Puglia with Tropea, a locality that takes the second rung on the podium and enchants with its cliff-top position above the sea. Third place goes to Limone sul Garda (in the province of Brescia) with its scenic overlook of Lake Garda and an invitation to slow down.
Fourth place is Locorotondo, in Puglia. Its circular historic center is a small labyrinth of white houses, flowering balconies and distinctive cummerse, houses with sloping roofs. A destination particularly scenic even during the Christmas season.
Fifth place for Malcesine, in Veneto, also on Lake Garda. Between the Castello Scaligero, the lakeside promenade and the cable car to Monte Baldo, it is perfect for those who love mixing tranquil walks and outdoor adventures. The ranking continues with Castel Gandolfo, in Lazio, in sixth place: perched on Lake Albano, it is known mainly for the Papal Palace and for its elegant atmosphere. In seventh place we find Cefalù, in Sicily: a village where the sea meets a historic center rich in charm, dominated by the famous Cathedral, part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Umbria takes two consecutive spots: eighth is Spello, famous for its flower-filled alleys and the spectacular Infiorate; ninth is Rasiglia, a tiny jewel crossed by streams and canals that earned it the nickname “Little Venice of Umbria.” The top ten is closed by Erice, in Sicily: perched on a hill above Trapani, this medieval village offers stone alleys, ancient traditions and spectacular views of the Egadi Islands.
Here is the complete ranking with the average monthly volume of online searches in 2025:
- Otranto (LE) – 194,500 clicks;
- Tropea (VV) – 188,300 clicks;
- Limone sul Garda (BS) – 173,400 clicks;
- Locorotondo (BA) – 158,200 clicks;
- Malcesine (VR) – 149,600 clicks;
- Castel Gandolfo (RM) – 125,900 clicks;
- Cefalù (PA) – 114,000 clicks;
- Spello (PG) – 112,000 clicks;
- Rasiglia (PG) – 109,400 clicks;
- Erice (TP) – 106,000 clicks.
Trending villages with a boom in searches
There aren’t just the most famous destinations. The study also identifies villages that are experiencing a real boom in online popularity. The standout is Militello in Val di Catania, in Sicily, with a 179% rise in searches. The Borgo dei Borghi 2025 recognition has spotlighted this Baroque center, rich in churches and historic palaces. Right behind are Lingueglietta, in Liguria, with +163%, and Corenno Plinio, on Lake Como, with +130%. Completing the quintet are Ceriana, inland Liguria (+106%), and Sottoguda, at the foot of the Marmolada (+88%).
The Italian villages most searched abroad
Abroad, everyone is crazy for Italian villages as the study shows, and Tropea surely triumphs, winning the hearts of France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Switzerland. The United States, meanwhile, loves the Cinque Terre with Vernazza topping the searches, while Germans prefer Limone sul Garda and Malcesine.
