Abandoned Villages You Can Actually Stay in Overnight

2. Craco, Italy

Craco is what you imagine when you hear the words “Italian ghost town”—a jaw-dropping medieval village clinging to a cliff, with towers and stone homes that seem to defy gravity. Abandoned due to landslides and seismic instability, Craco has stood empty since the 1960s. What remains is haunting: skeletal buildings baked by the sun, a church bell tower frozen in time, and a landscape that looks like it belongs in a post-apocalyptic film—because it has been. (Craco’s dramatic appearance has made it a favorite filming location for movies like The Passion of the Christ.) While the town itself is fenced off for safety reasons, there are designated observation areas and trails surrounding it where wild camping is permitted. The elevated location and lack of light pollution create the perfect stage for nighttime stargazing—expect sweeping views of the Milky Way and a near-total absence of artificial light. Helpful Tip: Visit in late spring or early fall for mild weather and fewer tourists. Bring extra water and gear suited to rocky terrain—the approach can be steep, but the views are worth every step.