The German speaking village of Sauris, in Italy’s far north east, is remote, reached via a steep mountain road and a thousand switchbacks. While a devastating earthquake 40 years ago saw many of the region’s beautiful wooden houses abandoned, the Albergo Diffuso – ‘widespread hotels’ – programme has rebuilt and updated a number of these in the mountain top Sàuris di Sopra, and its lower counterpart, Sàuris di Sotto. All have great facilities (full kitchens, open fires, expansive balconies and modern bathrooms) but most importantly, give you the rare opportunity to taste Friulian village life in a pristine, and persistently rural, alpine setting. albergodiffusosauris.com
