Some of the most magnificent homes on the planet are in Italy, but is every vacation villa in Italy a palace on Lake Como? Italy is quite full of amazing small villas. You’ll find cozy vacation homes on the shores of Lake Maggiore, as well as little villas perched above the water on The Amalfi Coast. These are the best small villas in Italy for rent.
Every city in Italy has its share of beautiful history, and you can learn about all of it when you stay in a comfortable and cozy little villa. Some homes will offer a private pool, while others are within walking distance of classic Italian villages. If you’re particularly adventurous, you might try a road trip to explore some of these beautiful Italian villas, especially if you’re keen on seeing as much of Italy as possible.
Whether you stay in a single villa for a week with nothing but your thoughts and sounds of the sea or hop from one villa to the next across the countryside, the following list of small villas in Italy should provide an excellent starting point for your next Italian adventure.
TL;DR
- Best Villa with a Private Swimming Pool: Romantic Villa
- Best Villa for Indoor/Outdoor Living: Villa la Briciola
- Best Villa for Families: The Villa Del Cedro Monza
- Best Villa for Solitude: Beautiful Cottage
- Best Villa for Couples: Romantic Cottage
- Best Villa for Budget Travelers: Villa Klaudia
- Best Villa for Gardens: Capannino
- Best Villa for Terrific Hosts: Positano Apartment
Best Small Villas in Italy to Book Today
1. Romantic Cottage
Address: The Amalfi Coast
Italy is a beautiful country, but the Amalfi Coast stands out as one of its most idyllic areas. If you seek an incredible view from a cute and cozy little seaside villa, the Romantic Cottage near the picturesque village of Minori is an amazing place to stay.
Technically, the villa can host up to three guests, but it’s probably a better stop for a couple than a trio. Guests rave about the incredible view of the water from the terrace. Enjoying breakfast outside with a view of the water is heaven on earth, and you may never want to leave this charming sanctuary within walking distance of so many beautiful sights.
Pros:
- Stunning views of the water with unobstructed views from the terrace
- Ideal for anyone seeking beautiful seaside strolls when they visit Italy
Cons:
- The road near the villa is a little loud sometimes
See Related: Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast, Italy | 10 Best Places to Stay
2. Villa la Briciola
Address: Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is a stunning lake at the base of the Italian Alps and one of the largest lakes in Italy. Around this lake, you’ll find some of the most beautiful Italian villas, and many of those idyllic homes feature the most sublime botanical gardens in Europe.
You might assume that all the villas touching the waters of Lake Maggiore at the foot of the Italian Alps would be huge or extravagant lake mansions, but that’s not the case with Villa la Briciola. This cozy, luxury villa is steps away from the water and has amazing views.
Pros:
- The home is newly built, so it has all the modern conveniences
- The huge patio is amazing for enjoying time outside with a view o
Cons:
- The home lacks the authentic appeal of an old Italian villa
See Related: Villa Owners
3. Romantic Villa
Address: Florence, Italy
If you’d like to explore Florence and its amazing art and culture from the comfort of a small Italian Villa, the Romantic Villa should suit you beautifully. The villa is a quick 12-minute drive from Downtown Florence, and it’s just a few minutes more to reach the trails and outdoor activities near the Arno River.
The best part is that when you’re finished exploring Florence, you’ll get to return to your cozy Italian villa and its amazing private swimming pool. You might assume that only large villas would boast private pools, but that’s not the case with this Romantic Villa in Florence.
Pros:
- The property has its own private heated swimming pool.
- The villa is a beautiful combination of modern ambiance and antique rustic appeal
Cons:
- You may need to take a car from the villa to reach everything you want to see in Florence
See Related: Best Vespa Tours in Florence & Tuscany
4. Villa Klaudia
Address: Naples, Italy
Villa Klaudia was once a nineteenth-century home but was updated for modern guests and is one of the best ways to see nearby Naples on a budget. The cozy villa is very modern, so if you enjoy sleeping in modern accommodations while touring classical architecture during the day, this villa is for you.
Not only is Naples a fun city to explore, but it’s also famous as the city that originated pizza. However, pizza isn’t the only reason to stay near Naples. Did you know Naples is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities? History buffs will love staying at Villa Klaudia, with its convenient location for exploring Italian history.
Pros:
- An affordable Italian villa for travelers on a budget
- The house has lots of parking for travelers with cars
Cons:
- The villa is modern rather than historic
See Related: Best Villas in Lake Como for Rent
5. Beautiful Cottage
Address: Sicily
Italy is surrounded by water on three sides, meaning there are all sorts of villas with Mediterranean views. But how often do those villas offer private access to the seaside? If you stay at the Beautiful Cottage in Sicily, you can walk to the ocean on your private path.
In addition to the dreamy location, this little Italian villa is the ideal destination for anyone seeking peace. The nearest town is over a mile away, so you can luxuriate on the beach with nothing but your thoughts and a glass of wine.
Pros:
- Private access to the seaside from the villa
- Generous check-out time of 11:00 AM
Cons:
- The house is just 485 sq. ft., which is truly tiny and might be too small for some travelers
See Related: The Best Things To Do In Sicily, Italy
6. Capannino
Address: Siena, Tuscany
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an artist, the hills of Tuscany have probably floated through your mind. Known for its culture and artistic legacy, Tuscany is home to the city of Siena, which is where you’ll find the Capannino residence, situated beautifully in the countryside.
This amazing villa was once a barn many centuries ago, and its interior was recently restored to become a welcoming Tuscan villa amongst the region’s rolling hills. Whether enjoying coffee in the garden or exploring the medieval city of Siena, you’ll love staying at Capannino.
Pros:
- This villa is actually an ancient barn that was restored to a bright, modern villa
- The garden is spectacular and perfect for enjoying morning coffee
Cons:
- The town is a little far away and is too far for walking
7. The Villa Del Cedro Monza
Address: Milan
The Villa Del Cedro Monza in Milan is on the larger side, but it’s an excellent place to stay when you’re traveling with kids, family, or friends and need a few extra beds. It’s by no means a huge home worthy of royalty, but it is a beautiful villa with its tranquil atmosphere and peaceful terrace surrounding it.
This family-size villa is the ideal vacation home when you want a taste of Italy but also want to experience some classic Italian architecture and artistry. The villa offers all the modern comforts in an idyllic atmosphere for enjoying food and wine, but it feels authentic and elegant. You’ll also love the shower with its dedicated hydromassage.
Pros:
- Large enough for a family but small enough for a cozy feel
- Will host parties and special events in addition to regular vacation rentals
Cons:
- Some of the beds may be a little small for large adults
See Related: Best Things To Do In Milan, Italy
8. Positano Apartment
Address: Positano
Sometimes, all you want is solitude and privacy, but if you’re interested in interacting with a host who will offer recommendations on local adventures, you’ll want to consider the Positano Apartment, which is owned by a very helpful person.
One of the coolest aspects of this villa in Italy to rent is that it was once only accessible by foot, given its location in the heart of Old Positano. The quiet and rustic residence is a cozy 646 square feet, just enough room for you and your significant other and your amazing Italian vacation.
Pros:
- The helpful host who will help you make the most of your stay
- Wonderful place to stay to feel like you’re in historic Italy
Cons:
- No events are allowed at the villa, so keep the party small
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