Italy is famous for pasta, art, and sunny piazzas. But it has a spooky side too. Across the country, there are hilltop villages left empty, cliff towns slowly falling into the valley, and streets where the only sound is the wind. This guide covers the best haunted towns to visit in Italy, with real places you can actually walk through, plus safety tips that most guides skip.
Many articles online mix up three things: haunted places, ghost towns, and places you are not allowed to enter. That causes problems for travelers. This guide keeps it simple. It tells you where you can go, how to get there, and what to expect when you arrive.
Why Italy Has So Many Haunted and Ghost TownsItaly has hundreds of empty villages. Most are in the south, where earthquakes, landslides, and poverty pushed families to leave. Some towns were slowly eroded by weather. Others were hit by sudden disasters. Over time, locals started telling stories about the people who used to live there.
So are they truly haunted? No one can prove it. Treat the ghost stories as folk tales mixed with real history. That is what makes these places fun to visit.
Civita is the most famous of all. It sits on a thin rock of soft volcanic stone that keeps wearing away, which is why people call it “La Città che Muore,” or “The Dying City.” The writer Bonaventura Tecchi gave it that nickname, as explained in this guide to 18 Italian ghost towns.
You can only reach it on foot, by a bridge about one kilometre long. Only a handful of people live there now, and tourism keeps it alive, as the Italo travel blog explains. Go early or in foggy autumn weather for the spookiest mood.
Craco is a ghost town in ruins, and it looks like a movie set. It was left empty after landslides made it unsafe. Visits are usually done on a guided tour, so you do not wander alone. The nearest big town is Matera, so many visitors combine the two.
The name means “five fingers,” because the rock above the village looks like a hand. It was empty for many years. Now artists and local groups use it for murals, wine fairs, and music, as noted in a Travel and Tour World roundup.
This village was left behind after the land under it kept moving. Many guides call it “a village suspended in time.” The streets, church, and houses are still there, but few people are. It is a quiet stop for travelers who like slow, peaceful places.
An earthquake destroyed this hill village on the Ligurian coast. Years later, artists moved into the ruins and made it a living, creative community. It feels spooky and welcoming at the same time.
Turin is a real city, not a ghost town. But it has a strong reputation for the supernatural. Life in Italy calls it a cradle of both white and black magic, with many spooky places to visit. It works well if you want a city trip with a ghostly twist.
Poveglia is often named the most haunted place in Italy. It was a plague quarantine island and later a mental hospital, as Sos Italian also describes. But it has been closed to visitors for decades. Some articles list it as a place to visit, which can mislead people. The urbex site Urbex Maps reports that in August 2025 a local association won a concession over part of the island to turn it into a public park. Rules may change, so check current news before you plan anything. Do not try to land on the island on your own.
Most articles are long lists of creepy names. Here is what they usually leave out.
A ghost town is an empty village. A haunted place has ghost stories. Some places are both. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right trip.
Many abandoned buildings are unsafe. Roofs can fall and floors can break. Some are private property, so entering can get you in trouble. Only visit places that are officially open, or join a local guided tour.
Most of these towns are small and far from train stations. Civita has bus tours from Rome, as noted in the Visit Italy guide above. For Craco, Pentedattilo, and Roscigno Vecchia, a rental car makes life much easier. Plan your drive before you go, since mountain roads can be slow.
Autumn is the best season for mood. Fog, low light, and fewer crowds make these towns feel spooky. Summer is hot, and some ruins have little shade.
What are the best haunted towns to visit in Italy?
Civita di Bagnoregio, Craco, Pentedattilo, Roscigno Vecchia, and Bussana Vecchia are the most popular. Turin is a good city choice for supernatural history.
What is the most haunted place in Italy?
Poveglia Island near Venice is often called the most haunted place in Italy, but it has been closed to visitors for many years.
Is Civita di Bagnoregio really a ghost town?
It is often called one, because only a handful of people live there. It is still open to visitors and reached by a long foot bridge.
Can you visit Craco?
Yes, usually on a guided tour, since parts of the town are unsafe to explore alone.
Are Italian ghost towns safe to visit?
Official sites and guided tours are safe. Abandoned buildings outside those areas can be dangerous, so stay away from them.
When is the best time to visit haunted towns in Italy?
Autumn is best for atmosphere. Summer can be very hot, and spring is a good choice for mild weather.
You do not need to be a ghost hunter to enjoy Italy’s spooky side. Pick one or two places, check the rules before you go, and travel with a local guide where needed. Start with Civita di Bagnoregio for an easy trip, and add Craco if you want something wilder. Whichever you choose, the best haunted towns to visit in Italy show you history, strong views, and a side of the country most tourists never see.
For more Italy ideas, explore our full Italy destinations section. If you are travelling alone, read our guide to the best solo travel destinations in Italy for women. Our cultural journeys page covers more history focused trips, and our city breaks guides help with stops like Rome and Turin. Spooky season fans can also read our guide to the best haunted castles to visit in England.
Why Muskoka Is Known for Luxury Spa TravelMuskoka has been a retreat for city dwellers since the early 1900s, when wealthy families from Toronto and beyond built summer cottages along its lakes. That history shaped the region into one of Canada’s top spots for relaxed, nature based luxury. Today, the best luxury spa resorts in the Muskoka region combine that old cottage charm with full service spas, lakeside dining, and treatments designed around the quiet of the forest.
Set on a rocky bluff above Lake Rosseau in Minett, this is the flagship luxury property in the region. The onsite Amba Spa offers massages, facials, and a full hydrotherapy circuit with steam rooms designed to ease tired muscles after a day on the water or the trails. It is about two and a half hours from Toronto and open year round.
Trillium is known as a quiet, adult focused retreat near Port Carling. It skips the big resort crowd in favor of calm, nature immersed relaxation, with a dedicated spa centre offering body treatments and esthetic services. This is a strong pick if you want rest without the noise of a family resort.
Deerhurst sits in the northeastern part of Muskoka near Huntsville and stays open all four seasons. Its full service spa and indoor pool make it one of the few resorts in the region built for a proper winter spa getaway, not just a summer visit.
Taboo blends spa relaxation with more active options, including golf and watersports on Lake Muskoka. It is a good fit if part of your group wants a spa day while others want to stay active outdoors.
Located in Gravenhurst, this resort pairs modern luxury with one of the best golf courses in the region. The spa here works well as part of a longer stay rather than a quick day visit, since the resort is built around a full weekend experience.
One of Muskoka’s most historic properties, sitting on Lake Rosseau since the 1800s. The onsite spa blends classic charm with modern wellness treatments, making it a romantic choice for couples who want history alongside relaxation.
Most existing guides are simple ranked lists based on star ratings. Here is what they usually leave out, and what this guide covers instead.
Most Muskoka resorts sit between two and two and a half hours from downtown Toronto by car. This matters for planning a weekend trip, since traffic on Highway 400 can add significant time on Friday evenings in summer.
Not every resort in Muskoka runs a full winter season. Deerhurst Resort and JW Marriott The Rosseau both stay open year round, making them better picks if you want a winter spa escape with snow outside the window. Smaller lakeside inns sometimes reduce hours or close for part of the off season, so always confirm before booking a winter trip.
Several Muskoka resorts offer day spa packages for visitors who are not staying overnight, often at a lower cost than a full room and spa package. This is a good option if you are visiting Muskoka for the day or staying nearby in a rented cottage rather than the resort itself. Always call ahead, since day pass availability depends on how full the resort is that weekend.
Trillium Resort and Windermere House lean toward a quieter, couples focused experience. JW Marriott The Rosseau and Deerhurst have more space and activities, making them a better fit for families or larger groups who still want spa access.
What is the best luxury spa resort in Muskoka?
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa is widely considered the top choice, known for its lakeside setting and full hydrotherapy spa circuit.
How far is Muskoka from Toronto?
Most Muskoka resorts are about two to two and a half hours from downtown Toronto by car, depending on traffic and the exact location.
Are Muskoka spa resorts open in winter?
Some are. Deerhurst Resort and JW Marriott The Rosseau both operate year round, while some smaller lakeside inns reduce hours during the off season.
Can I visit a Muskoka spa without staying overnight?
Yes. Several resorts offer day spa packages for non overnight guests, though availability depends on how busy the resort is that day.
What is the best time of year to visit a Muskoka spa resort?
Summer, from June to September, is the most popular season, but fall foliage season in late September and October offers a quieter, scenic alternative.
Which Muskoka resort is best for couples?
Trillium Resort and Spa and Windermere House Resort and Hotel are both known for a calmer, couples focused atmosphere compared to larger family resorts.
Muskoka is one of the easiest luxury spa escapes to reach from Toronto, with resorts suited to almost every kind of trip. Choose JW Marriott The Rosseau or Deerhurst if you want a year round option, Trillium or Windermere House if you want a quiet couples retreat, and Taboo or Muskoka Bay if you want spa time paired with golf and outdoor activity. Book ahead for summer weekends, and Muskoka will feel like a proper escape just a short drive from the city.
For more relaxing escapes across our site, check out our full guide to luxury and relaxation getaways. If you are planning a wider Canadian trip, our Canada destinations page has more ideas, and our guide to fall and Halloween road trips in Canada pairs well with a Muskoka stop in October. If you want to add a city stop before or after your trip, our city breaks guide can help, and you can always reach out to us with specific trip questions.
Why Muskoka Is Known for Luxury Spa TravelMuskoka has been a retreat for city dwellers since the early 1900s, when wealthy families from Toronto and beyond built summer cottages along its lakes. That history shaped the region into one of Canada’s top spots for relaxed, nature based luxury. Today, the best luxury spa resorts in the Muskoka region combine that old cottage charm with full service spas, lakeside dining, and treatments designed around the quiet of the forest.
Set on a rocky bluff above Lake Rosseau in Minett, this is the flagship luxury property in the region. The onsite Amba Spa offers massages, facials, and a full hydrotherapy circuit with steam rooms designed to ease tired muscles after a day on the water or the trails. It is about two and a half hours from Toronto and open year round.
Trillium is known as a quiet, adult focused retreat near Port Carling. It skips the big resort crowd in favor of calm, nature immersed relaxation, with a dedicated spa centre offering body treatments and esthetic services. This is a strong pick if you want rest without the noise of a family resort.
Deerhurst sits in the northeastern part of Muskoka near Huntsville and stays open all four seasons. Its full service spa and indoor pool make it one of the few resorts in the region built for a proper winter spa getaway, not just a summer visit.
Taboo blends spa relaxation with more active options, including golf and watersports on Lake Muskoka. It is a good fit if part of your group wants a spa day while others want to stay active outdoors.
Located in Gravenhurst, this resort pairs modern luxury with one of the best golf courses in the region. The spa here works well as part of a longer stay rather than a quick day visit, since the resort is built around a full weekend experience.
One of Muskoka’s most historic properties, sitting on Lake Rosseau since the 1800s. The onsite spa blends classic charm with modern wellness treatments, making it a romantic choice for couples who want history alongside relaxation.
Most existing guides are simple ranked lists based on star ratings. Here is what they usually leave out, and what this guide covers instead.
Most Muskoka resorts sit between two and two and a half hours from downtown Toronto by car. This matters for planning a weekend trip, since traffic on Highway 400 can add significant time on Friday evenings in summer.
Not every resort in Muskoka runs a full winter season. Deerhurst Resort and JW Marriott The Rosseau both stay open year round, making them better picks if you want a winter spa escape with snow outside the window. Smaller lakeside inns sometimes reduce hours or close for part of the off season, so always confirm before booking a winter trip.
Several Muskoka resorts offer day spa packages for visitors who are not staying overnight, often at a lower cost than a full room and spa package. This is a good option if you are visiting Muskoka for the day or staying nearby in a rented cottage rather than the resort itself. Always call ahead, since day pass availability depends on how full the resort is that weekend.
Trillium Resort and Windermere House lean toward a quieter, couples focused experience. JW Marriott The Rosseau and Deerhurst have more space and activities, making them a better fit for families or larger groups who still want spa access.
What is the best luxury spa resort in Muskoka?
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa is widely considered the top choice, known for its lakeside setting and full hydrotherapy spa circuit.
How far is Muskoka from Toronto?
Most Muskoka resorts are about two to two and a half hours from downtown Toronto by car, depending on traffic and the exact location.
Are Muskoka spa resorts open in winter?
Some are. Deerhurst Resort and JW Marriott The Rosseau both operate year round, while some smaller lakeside inns reduce hours during the off season.
Can I visit a Muskoka spa without staying overnight?
Yes. Several resorts offer day spa packages for non overnight guests, though availability depends on how busy the resort is that day.
What is the best time of year to visit a Muskoka spa resort?
Summer, from June to September, is the most popular season, but fall foliage season in late September and October offers a quieter, scenic alternative.
Which Muskoka resort is best for couples?
Trillium Resort and Spa and Windermere House Resort and Hotel are both known for a calmer, couples focused atmosphere compared to larger family resorts.
Muskoka is one of the easiest luxury spa escapes to reach from Toronto, with resorts suited to almost every kind of trip. Choose JW Marriott The Rosseau or Deerhurst if you want a year round option, Trillium or Windermere House if you want a quiet couples retreat, and Taboo or Muskoka Bay if you want spa time paired with golf and outdoor activity. Book ahead for summer weekends, and Muskoka will feel like a proper escape just a short drive from the city.
For more relaxing escapes across our site, check out our full guide to luxury and relaxation getaways. If you are planning a wider Canadian trip, our Canada destinations page has more ideas, and our guide to fall and Halloween road trips in Canada pairs well with a Muskoka stop in October. If you want to add a city stop before or after your trip, our city breaks guide can help, and you can always reach out to us with specific trip questions.
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