Hi. We are planning an April trip to Italy for our extended familiy (toddler,grandparents) & would like to stay in a village. We would appreciate any suggestions. Our criteria are:
-village suitable for walking to markets, shops, restaurant
- not too touristy
- within driving distance to sights
- decent April weather.

Thanks for any help!

Miriam

My favorite is Spello in Umbria. It's built of the same rosy stone as Assisi and seems almost untouched by time. But it also has markets, shops and restaurants. It's about 10 minutes away from Assisi and within driving distance of many of the loveliest Umbrian villages, such as Bevagna and Montefalco. One can also rent apartments in Spello, which might be convenient for an extended family.

One warning, though: It is a hill town, and it's quite steep to walk from below the town to the top.

1. In WHAT REGION of Italy do you plan to stay? (For example, Umbria, Puglia, Sicily, Le Marche?)

2. Do you really mean a village (a "villaggio" in Italian), or do you mean a town or very small city?

Heat may be a factor with older and younger people--be careful where you stay. I would consider south---Tuscany can still be chilly and the old houses may not have good heat.

Thanks for the good tips! Will definitely look into Spello. I am open to any part of Italy that is not too cold in April (50's/60's F are OK). As for size, any place except for a larger city (like Rome or Florence) is a possiblity. After I narrow it down, I will be looking for a house to rent.