Camper as an ally of slow tourism: cultural routes to celebrate Collodi and Dario Fo

The camper as a way to discover small towns

Rome. Assocamp is promoting the camper as a tool to foster slow tourism and better distribute visitors across small Italian communities, leveraging 2026 cultural milestones: the 200th anniversary of Carlo Collodi and the 100th anniversary of Dario Fo. Ministry data referenced by the association show that visitor flows remain concentrated on a small portion of the territory, while many historic villages receive few arrivals.

Recommended routes

Suggested itineraries combine theatre, literature, art and landscape. Notable stops include:

• For Dario Fo: Sangiano (VA), home of his birthplace; Porto Valtravaglia, host of the Festival dei Mezarà; and Umbrian spots such as Santa Cristina di Gubbio, the Libera Università di Alcatraz and the village of Montone.
• For Collodi and Pinocchio: Vernante (Piedmont), famous for murals dedicated to the puppet, and the village of Collodi (Tuscany) with the Parco di Pinocchio and the historic Villa Garzoni.

Why choose a camper

Traveling by camper offers autonomy and flexibility, making it easier to reach lesser-known routes. Camper communities commonly share practical information via apps and forums, helping travelers find parking areas, attractions and local tips.

Practical tips for sustainable travel

• Plan stops and campsites using up-to-date maps and databases of equipped areas.
• Travel outside peak seasons to reduce pressure on local communities.
• Support local economies by visiting shops, restaurants and cultural activities in small towns.
• Observe local rules on parking and waste management to minimize environmental impact.

The proposal highlights how a slow-tourism approach, combined with thematic routes and digital tools, can help bring visibility to Italy's small towns, offering visitors more authentic experiences while benefiting local cultural and landscape heritage.