A Charming Medieval Town In The Italian Alps Offers A Unique European Fairytale Escape

As soon as you arrive in the tiny Italian village of Lillianes, you'll begin to feel as though you've somehow wandered into the pages of your favorite book of fairytales. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, the charming town consists of traditional stone houses. A babbling stream meanders through the heart of town, adding to the magical ambiance. If you're looking for the perfect small-town Italian getaway for a romantic vacation, look no further than Lillianes.

Lillianes is nestled within the Italian Alps, internationally known for their breathtaking natural beauty. The region is a prime destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventure. During your visit you can soak up the nature on hikes, dine on traditional Italian cuisine, or wander through the village taking in the historic architecture.

Traveling to the peaceful village is ideal for tourists in search of relaxation, communion with nature, history, and a little bit of fairytale magic all rolled into one. Lillianes is sure to leave you charmed and enchanted long after your Italian vacation comes to an end.

Lillianes is located in northwestern Italy in the Aosta Valley Region close to the border with France and Switzerland. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Lower Lys Valley. The Lys River flows through the region, flanked by a scenic road that connects lovely little villages including Lillianes. The town itself is at an elevation of just under 2,200 feet above sea level. Only about 450 people call Lillianes home, but despite its small population it's a lovely place to base yourself as you explore the Aosta Valley region. Hikers will love the stunning Italian destination, which is about an hour from Gran Paradiso National Park. 

The history of Lillianes runs deep — it's been inhabited since ancient times, and the region was once inhabited by Celtic-Ligurian tribes. During the Middle Ages, the area was part of a crucial trade route between Italy and Switzerland. Merchants would cross between the two regions via the Great St Bernard Pass.

The architecture in town consists of traditional alpine architecture and structures are primarily crafted from natural stone. There's a charming bridge constructed in the 1700's with four arches that crosses the river and leads to the Saint Roch Parish Church. The church itself was built during the 17th century, and its bell tower was built during the Medieval period. Plan des Sorcières is one of the most fascinating historic sites, and is well worth visiting during your time in Lillianes. Its name translates to "the witches' plateau" and the site is believed to date back to 4800 BC.Located there are some large boulders with carvings believed to represent the Pleiades constellation as it would have looked over 5,000 years ago.

If you're traveling from out of the country, the easiest way to reach Lillianes is by flying into the city of Milan, home to Italy's second-largest international airport. Milan Malpensa International Airport has direct flights to over 200 destinations around the globe. Milan is the largest city in the northern part of Italy, and is one of the world's most famous shopping cities. If you're spending time visiting Milan, Lillianes makes a perfect side quest.

Despite its remote location in the mountains, it's easily accessible from the city. Renting a car and driving is the quickest way to Lillianes from Milan. The travel time by car is just under two hours, and you can find rental cars in Milan for around $30 per day. Alternatively, you can take a train from Milan to Biella and then hire a cab the rest of the way. The journey takes just over three hours and costs under a hundred dollars. The most affordable option is taking the bus, which will take about four hours and cost $15-20.

Since Lillianes is such a tiny town, there aren't a ton of accommodations. If you want to stay in the heart of town, there's a small hostel called Ostello Ou Crierel withshared dorm rooms for solo travelers, double rooms, and family rooms. The dormitory rooms start at $40 per night, so they're a great option if you're exploring Italy on a shoestring budget. Private rooms cost around $90 per night. You can also find some apartment options on AirBnb. If you're willing to stay outside of town, there are plenty of inns, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses with prices starting around $100 per night.