Italy's Most Beautiful Villages Festival 2025: Bellano hosts the national event

From September 26 to 28, 2025, slow down and join the National Festival of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy . The 17th edition will take place in Bellano , a splendid village overlooking Lake Como. It is the most eagerly awaited annual event for the association, which brings together over 300 municipalities, with the aim of revealing a unique side of Italy , hidden in places less frequented by mass tourism.

In these villages, wonder lurks around every corner: evocative views, local stories, authentic shops. The three days will feature institutional conferences, debates, shows, tastings, exhibitions, workshops, concerts, guided tours, and outdoor experiences. Key themes of sustainability , local development , and quality of life in small villages will be at the heart of the program.

The Festival of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy

The National Festival of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy is more than just an annual event: it's a collective journey into the soul of small towns , a mosaic of identities that comes together in a different location each year. Created to combat depopulation and restore vitality to forgotten territories , the festival is now a time when administrators, tourism operators, associations, and travelers meet to discuss the future and, at the same time, celebrate the daily life that animates these villages .

The 2025 edition chooses Bellano as the ideal setting. Dozens of events, including reflections, performances, and conviviality, will reveal the true essence of these places, reflecting their discreet beauty, community resilience, and ability to innovate without losing their roots. An opportunity to discover how tradition and the future can coexist , transforming villages into living laboratories of culture and sustainability.

The program for the 2025 edition

The festival will begin on Friday, September 26 , with an opening day dedicated to flavors and culture, including a conference on promoting local food and wine excellence. Oscar Farinetti will be the guest speaker, presenting his latest book, " The Rule of Silence ," adding a touch of reflection to the evening. As the sun sets, the event will move to the sparkling waters of the lake for an inaugural cruise aboard the historic motor vessel Concordia. During the voyage, guests will enjoy an exclusive dinner while admiring the lights of the villages of Tremezzo, Isola Comacina, and the picturesque Corenno Plinio.

On Saturday, September 27, the evocative mayors' procession will take place, symbolizing unity and a shared commitment to protecting Italy's heritage. This will be followed by workshops on best administrative practices and conferences on current topics such as renewable energy and the integration of artificial intelligence to improve life in small towns. Between debates, visitors will be able to enjoy tastings of typical products , attend engaging cooking demonstrations , and participate in the literary festival " Il bello dell'Orrido," which will feature writer Andrea Vitali. The evening will conclude on a high note with musical performances and a concert by Tributo Italiano, one of Italy's most acclaimed cover bands.

Finally, Sunday, September 28th, will be entirely dedicated to outdoor experiences and contact with nature. Trekking enthusiasts can join a guided hike along the famous Sentiero del Viandante , reaching the ancient village of Corenno Plinio . Aperitifs overlooking the lake, craft workshops , and other presentations will enliven the final day. The festival's grand finale will be a truly emotional moment: the flag-giving ceremony to the village that will have the honor of hosting the 2026 edition, followed by a spectacular fireworks display and an open-air film screening under the stars.