Venice has trialled an entry fee, Florence has banned new Airbnbs and Rome’s public transport is unbearably crowded. Overtourism is hitting Italy’s cities hard and the result is a stressful experience for those who holiday there. The good news is, for masterful artworks, excellent food and a dynamic cultural scene, you don’t have to stick to the cities. 

Italy has a non-profit association called ‘I Borghi più belli d’Italia’ (‘The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’) which safeguards and preserves the heritage of the country’s hamlets. Visitors can use the list of these most beautiful villages to create an itinerary away from the crowds - a type of slow travel which also supports struggling rural communities.