Italy’s small towns and villages are set to draw unprecedented interest in 2026, confirming a long-term shift in travel habits toward slower and more authentic experiences. Forecasts suggest that more than 21 million tourists will choose Italy’s smaller municipalities next year, marking one of the strongest results ever for this segment of the tourism sector. Once considered secondary destinations, these communities are now emerging as major engines of growth.
Total arrivals in small towns are expected to reach approximately 21.3 million, an increase of about 5% compared with 2025. Overnight stays are projected to approach 80 million, up nearly 7% year over year. The average length of stay is estimated at around 3.7 nights, indicating that visitors are spending several days in these areas rather than treating them as short stops.
