Italy's Best-Kept Secret Is A Fairytale Region Of Cliffside Vineyards And Castles In The Alps

Picture this: a weekend spent basking in the sun, sipping delicious wines, hiking past incredible scenery, and exploring more than 800 castles in one of Italy's best-kept secret destinations. Sound too good to be true? Luckily, such a place exists for travel enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, a short two-hour drive from Venice, South Tyrol (or Alto Adige) is a beautiful region where medieval castles share cliffsides with terraced vineyards. This fascinating blend of historical architecture and winemaking creates a fairytale-like experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in culture, history, and nature. 

Backed by the towering peaks of the Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) this region is spectacular in any season. Winters bring about mountain activities and Christmas markets, while spring through early fall is a great time to hike, bike, or learn about the region's history. Visitors can even bike along The South Tyrolean Wine Road, a 94-mile route winding through lush hills and past beautiful vineyards, all nestled alongside the striking Italian Alps. Whether your ideal vacation is exploring over 8,000 miles of hiking trails, visiting medieval towns and castles, or sipping on delectable wines, South Tyrol is a hidden gem waiting for your arrival.

A visit to one of the castles sweeping South Tyrol is like stepping back in time, each more majestic than the next. These historic sites are found scattered throughout the region, nestled in valleys, surrounded by lush vineyards, or perched on cliffsides. However long your trip is, you probably won't have time to visit all 800; if you do, what kind of coffee are you drinking? For those who aren't heavily caffeinated, here is a quick guide to some of the best castles visitors can see during a trip to this stunning fairy-tale destination. First up is Tyrol Castle. Built during the 11th century, this medieval time capsule remains the most historically significant castle in the area as it holds the ancestral seat of the Counts of Tyrol and some of the region's most important historical artwork and relics. A visit to this castle requires a 30-minute hike, but the views of the valley below are well worth it.

Standing tall in the valley just below Tryol Castle is another important monument; Brunnenberg Castle. In 1250, The Counts of Tyrol commissioned the fortress to be built to defend Tyrol Castle from invaders. Through the years, the castle has changed from a fortress to the more romantic setting of now, enticing visitors from all over to walk its halls. Literary lovers may be interested to know that Poet Ezra Pound spent many years residing here with his daughter, crafting arresting poetry like The Cantos. Today, a trip to Brunnenberg is a pleasant walk downhill from the village of Dorf Tirol, the same path visitors will take to arrive at Tyrol Castle. Surrounded by forest and vineyards, a walk to each of these castles is a sight to behold.

A must-visit for wine lovers, South Tyrol is home to over 200 wineries, each crafting unique wines with an eclectic blend of flavors. Visitors looking to combine a day filled with nature and wine should visit the South Tyrolean Wine Route, which connects the 16 wine villages by way of the road. The road begins in Nalles and winds through vineyards and quaint villages until ending in Salorno. At one of the many wineries, visitors can indulge in one of the lesser-known alpine wines native to South Tyrol, such as lagrein, vernatsch, or gewürztraminer. 

The area is, of course, beautiful year-round. However, spring through early autumn offers the best weather. September and October mark the harvest of new wine and several wine festivals including Törggelen, an age-old tradition in which wineries open their doors for visitors to try different wines and regional dishes. The best way to experience South Tyrol and the wine road is by car, as it allows explorers to visit castles and wineries freely. However, for those who don't want to rent a car, bike rentals and organized wine tours are also available. Public transportation is also an effective method of seeing the sites, as the villages are connected by buses and trains. No matter if you are seeking an adventure back in time, a vacation for the senses, or simply just want to relax, South Tyrol is a beautiful destination with something for every traveler in mind.