19 Hidden European Villages Perfect for an Off-Season, Crowd-Free Getaway

By
Akanksha Sharma
June 26, 2025

19. Wine, Fog, and Time in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Italy

67020 Santo Stefano di Sessanio AQ, Italy. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @trolvag

Perched in the Gran Sasso mountains of Abruzzo, Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a fortified medieval village brought back to life by preservationists. Its restored stone houses and candlelit inns feel suspended in time. Off-season, the village is a hushed labyrinth of foggy courtyards, quiet trattorias, and timeless landscapes. Explore nearby castles, hike in the Apennines, or sip Montepulciano d’Abruzzo by a fire. It’s not just off-the-beaten-path—it’s off the clock.

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Akanksha Sharma
I’m an editor working at the intersection of business, creativity, and thought leadership, shaping complex ideas into clear, impactful content. With a sharp editorial eye and a strategic mindset, I refine narratives that resonate, collaborate with industry leaders, and align storytelling with business goals. Balancing analytical precision with creative depth, I craft content that informs, inspires, and drives influence.

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