If you think that Milan is the best place to visit in this region, think again. Nearby Bergamo should be high on your list. Just a 15-minute drive from an international airport, it offers all the magic of a hilltop town, and the amenities of a large city. Strategically located in the foothills of the Alps, Bergamo is divided into a medieval walled upper city (Città Alta) and a lower city (Città Bassa), which are connected by a retro funicular. You can make a quick stop at the three churches in the main square, Piazza Vecchia, which are among the city’s oldest and most beautiful buildings.

This municipality is in the province of Enna and is located at an altitude of 1,120 meters above sea level. Framed by the splendid Lake Ancipe, Troina is a treasure trove of nature and slops of the Nebrodi Park.

Even though it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this gem is erroneously overlooked. Ferrara is situated in the Emilia-Romagna, and it is about an hour’s drive from Venice. Tourists seeking tranquility will be pleased to know that this historic hub has a peaceful atmosphere, with frozen-in-time squares, castles and ancient city walls. Just like the locals, you can explore by bike, or take a 5.6-mile hike around the walls to get an overview of this charming Renaissance city.

Civita di Bagnoregio is drop-dead gorgeous. It has been saved from destruction. This small town is just about 74 miles north of Rome. In 2014 and 2015, a series of landslides caused some of its medieval buildings to fall into the ravine below. To recognize the town’s beauty and boost tourism, officials began charging visitors a $5.27 fee to enter the town. These fees are in turn used to abolish municipal taxes for residents and preserve the town’s buildings

With hillsides cradled by clusters of houses, Ascoli Piceno lies at the junction of the Tronto and Castellano rivers in central Italy’s Marche region. Known for its travertine stone from which many of its buildings are crafted, this historic town is best known for its ethereal appearance after dark, when it emits a subtle glow under moonlight. making this storied town an ideal base for exploring the area’s rolling countryside, beautiful beaches, romantic piazzas, churches, and this list goes on.

This beautiful & captivating village is in the central region of Umbria. It is surrounded by olive trees and has gained a reputation as the olive oil capital of the country. There are Gothic churches and art galleries to explore, Roman walls dating back to the 1st century BC, as well as Europe’s first museum dedicated to olive oil. 

Polignano a Mare is dramatically positioned on the edge of a steep, limestone cliffs, on Italy’s enticing Adriatic coast. A whitewashed Puglian town, with small pebble beach, is believed to be the site of the ancient Greek settlement Neapolis of Apulla. The tiny old town is full of charming churches, panoramic terraces overlooking the emerald waters, and winding streets. It is crowded during the summer season, so avoid visiting in the summer if you desire a quieter experience.

Lucca is tucked in northern Tuscany’s beautiful countryside. Tourists flock to Florence and Pisa, but miss out on Lucca, a characterful city with plenty to offer. There are lots of sacred sites to explore, from the Romanesque grandeur of Duomo di San Martino to the vertiginous, arch-laden towers of the church of San Michel, no wonder it is nicknamed ‘the town of a hundred churches’. Here, you can indulge in some of Lucca’s celebrated cuisine – buccellato, the region’s traditional sweet bread. 

With its rainbow-colored houses lining a harbor filled with bobbing boats, it is named a UNESCO listing. Overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia on the Italian Riviera, its steep streets are lined with medieval buildings, with enticing array of shops, restaurants and food stalls. There are plenty of eye-popping coastal views and hiking trails between Porto Venere and Riomaggiore.

The crowning jewel of this lakefront commune is Isola San Giulio. This small island, in the middle of the lake with a remarkable basilica, dates to the 9th century. This charming town sprawls along the shores of Lago d’Orta in northern Italy. There are narrow streets lined with boutique glassware shops, cafés in vibrant little squares, a mix of rustic trattorias, and spots where you can take a dip in the lake’s clear blue waters. You can have a better view of the town from the Sacro Monte, a Catholic complex with many beautiful chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi.

Viterbo is a must for history buffs; mainly due to its well-preserved, remarkable medieval core, The town is pre-Roman Etruscan origin, but owes much of its important architecture to the Middle Ages. It is in northern Lazio in central Italy. For a brief period in the 13th century, it served as the home of the Pope and was considered more important than Rome. Although most of its buildings were unfortunately lost during the Second World War, Viterbo was meticulously reconstructed, and now, its walls, gray stone houses, and bridges make it a memorable place to visit.

This small village is situated on a craggy hilltop in north-eastern Sicily and is robust with charms fit for a storybook. The Byzantine church of San Nicolo and Bar Vitelli inside the 18th-century Palazzo Trimarchi were used as filming locations in the iconic movie The Godfather. Its sparkling Ionian Sea in the background, a maze of narrow and steep cobblestone lanes crawling up and down, makes it a quaint town fit for breathtaking photos and sightseeing.

Located in southern Italy’s Basilicata region, this charming Puglian city has is magical during sunset, with its stone buildings illuminated with arrays of twinkling lights. This is a clifftop settlement featured in the recent Bond film, No Time To Die, and was named a European Capital of Culture in 2019. There are cave dwellings, the Sassi di Matera, which have been in existence for about 9,000 years. You can peek around in its rock-hewn churches and narrow alleyways for a fulfilled day.

Although one of least-known towns in the beautiful region of Tuscany, Sorano is like a maze with pretty courtyards, narrow alleys, winding staircases and cellars carved into the rocks. This medieval town was built almost entirely from warm-hued brown stones, which seems to blend in with the landscape. The imposing 14th-century Orsini Fortress looms over the town, offering a vivid insight into what life was like centuries ago.

Lecce is a rustic Puglian charm with hidden squares, arched walkways and historic sandstone buildings with flower-covered balconies. Located in the stiletto of Italy’s boot, the gorgeous city is home to a Roman amphitheater which once suitable to up to 14,000 spectators across two tiers, although only the lower tier is currently present. Here, you will marvel at this ancient wonder, while you stroll around the old town, and pop into laid-back restaurants and independent boutiques

Trento is the gateway to Italy’s mountainous region of Trentino and is a paradise for hikers in summer and skiers in winter. Here, you will find a perfect mix of history, nature and culture. Begin your exploration at the Piazza Duomo, then proceed to the Fountain of Neptune before immersing yourself in the intricate frescoes dotted around the square. Your next stop should be at the Castello del Buonconsiglio, a 13th-century castle which is only a ten-minute walk from the Piazza Duomo with many collections of art and artifacts. An impressive backdrop to the town is remarkable vistas of the razor-sharp Dolomite mountains, you can gaze at in wonderment.

Tellaro certainly has all the romantic beauty of those famous towns like Cinque Terre, but without the crowds. Tellaro is about an hour south of Cinque Terre on the Ligurian coast and is filled with colorful tiny houses that cling to the cliffs, with narrow alleyways meandering between them. Although there is no beach in Tellaro, there are two inviting bays at Fiascherino, about 0.6 miles (1km) north of the town center where you can take a swim.

Lecce is a rustic Puglian charm with hidden squares, arched walkways and historic sandstone buildings with flower-covered balconies. Located in the stiletto of Italy’s boot, the gorgeous city is home to a Roman amphitheater which once suitable to up to 14,000 spectators across two tiers, although only the lower tier is currently present. Here, you will marvel at this ancient wonder, while you stroll around the old town, and pop into laid-back restaurants and independent boutiques

Cefalu is a sun-drenched island situated on Sicily’s northern coast. With no crowds of visitors compared to popular Palermo and touristy Taormina, its spacious piazzas, rustic streets, and old churches rest beside breathtaking cliffs. The small but well-formed public beach of Kalura is right at the edge of town. If you want to explore further, you can make the ascent up to La Rocca, a craggy mountain home to a ruined Norman castle dated back to 1061 AD.

This town is full of traditional whitewashed houses set amid olive groves and is one of the prettiest towns in Puglia. You can wander through the pedestrian centro storico (town center) with its Baroque buildings, lavish arches and rainbows of shutters. There are many alfresco restaurants to sample the local specialty, u tridde – pasta cooked in turkey broth – and then finish it up with some locally produced PDO sparkling wine. There are gorgeous beaches (Cala Porto, Pilone, Quarto di Monte) less than 30 minutes’ drive from the town, as well as the famous trulli (conical stone hut) village of Alberobello.

Castel Gandolfo is rested dramatically above the volcanic Albano Lake in the central Italian province of Lazio. Just 15 miles from Rome, but far away from the bustling city, with tranquil streets that are lined with alfresco cafés, independent shops, and terrace restaurants such as Pagnanelli and Le Fratte Ignoranti. These align well with the impressive caldera views. Here you will also find the 1620s Papal Palace, a lavish villa and garden complex that served as a summer residence for many popes until 2016, when it was transformed into a museum.

Chioggia will remind you of Venice, but without the crowds. It is located at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon. It is one of the oldest and biggest fishing ports in Italy and boasts 400 fishing vessels. Early in the morning, you can witness its streets bustling with trawlers returning with the night’s catch. At the markets, you will find sea creatures of every shape and size, and at lunchtime, you will be enticed by the smell of frying fish ready to be served at local trattorias.

Castiglione di Garfagnana is a foodies’ paradise. It is nested in the heart of rural Tuscany, and you can indulge your tastebuds here without any guilt. Situated in the province of Lucca, this armlet is famous for its locally grown polenta, used by the town’s restaurants, served with chestnuts and boiled pork bones. Mushrooms, truffles, and potato bread are also staples of the region’s cuisine. Aside from food, this armlet is full of jaw-dropping views, and exceptional medieval walls to explore.

Many Americans have considered buying vacation homes in Europe, especially in Italy because; (1) the real estate market in the U.S. is still very expensive; and (2) the dollar is currently strong against the pound and the euro. Where else could be better to buy a vacation home other than Italy with its convergence of ancient and modern world!

With Greece and the Balkans to the east and France and Spain to the west, the renowned boot-shape peninsula dominates the Mediterranean Sea. The north shares borders with Switzerland and Austria in the Alps, while the south of Sicily is a little over 100 miles from the coast of Africa.

You may think that owning a vacation home in Italy sounds more like a fantasy tale, but it can be more realistic than buying a house in the U.S. It’s a dream that can come true for you, no matter which region you choose for your La Dolce Vita.

In 2008, in over two dozen Italian hamlets and some towns, the adoption of the 1-euro home program came into existence. Buyers from different parts of the world took advantage of it and bought most of the homes, albeit, these homes needed a lot of renovation, but regular individuals now have homes in picturesque, quaint, and historic villages and towns in Italy.

Like in the United States and other countries, prices are higher in the cities than in the rural areas. For example, you find a much cheaper price for a house with the same square footage in Umbria than in major urban cities like Florence in Tuscany.

There are 20 administrative regions that divides Italy, and Umbria and Tuscany are just two. Whichever region you choose for your vacation home will determine the price you will pay to own it. You can find a cheaper house in 16 out of the 20 regions compared to the price you will pay for the same size for a house in the United States. So, yes, vacation homes are affordable in Italy, depending on the location and square footage you want. Plus, you’d get the La Dolce Vita along with your dream home!

An Italian getaway is a lifetime must. Whether you love the lakes, breathtaking landscapes, beaches, charming cities, rich culture, iconic architecture, wine, incredible food, history, friendly and welcoming people, and a slow pace of lifestyle, you will find it all in Italy. To make your visit a memorable one though, you’d need some expert tips and tricks, starting from planning your trip to packing and purchasing your airline tickets.

You know the saying “Rome was not built in a day”. Well, if you don’t, now you know! You can not accomplish seeing or experiencing everything that Italy offers on one visit. Having your stay or starting point in Rome is a wise choice because it has one the largest international airports which offers straight flights. While in Rome, you can either take the bus or train for day trips to places like Pompeii, Pisa, Florence, Siena etc. There are tons to do and see in Rome also. Rome is the Eternal City buzzling with Roman ruins, rich culture, breathtaking architecture, the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, the Basilica etc. It is highly recommended that you wear comfortable shoes when touring Rome and be vigilant against pickpockets. Trust me, you will thank me for this tip!

Italy is spectacular all year round, but most especially in the summertime. However, to avoid the crowd of tourists, and enjoy your dream trip, visit during the off-season period. The best time to visit this beautiful and eternal city is between mid-November and mid-March. The Islands of Sicily and Sardinia as well as some parts of Tuscany are still warm weather-wise during this time to enjoy your visit. Much of central Italy has amazing foliage during autumn and several festivals during off-season to make your stay a memorable one. You can also go skiing in the Alps, the Apennines and the Dolomites around this time of the year.

Temperatures do dip in the evening in places like Rome and the Amalfi coasts during the off-season. Temperatures are much cooler at the beginning of the season in the northern parts, such as Milan, Bologna, and Venice. You may need a rainboot when visiting Venice as it is known to flood during this time of the season. I guess it being a place built on water adds to the flooding! For these reasons, it is highly recommended that you have with you an umbrella, light sweaters and possibly, a light jacket.

Establishments like coffee shops, restaurants and bars with someone at the entrance ushering in patrons often have unreasonably high prices and non-authentic foods and drinks. This is a tourist trap. Always read reviews of shows or tours being promoted before shelling out your hard-earned money for an unimpressive tour or show. Avoid buying fake, high priced souvenirs by shopping at major city areas and busy marketplaces. Most especially, avoid street vendors. There are more pickpockets amongst them than real vendors.

Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone when it comes to foods and drinks in Italy. Italy is known for its cuisines, wine and expressos. Indulge yourself in authentic cuisines like cicchetti, ossobuco, polenta and Fiorentina steak. Do not limit yourself to just pizzas, spaghetti and lasagna. Italy is full of delectable desserts, appetizers, after-dinner drinks and more. Your taste bud will thank you for it later.

When it comes to vino, Italy is renowned for it. There are regions within the region of Tuscany with countless vineyards and wineries to explore. You can book a tour of wine-tasting adventures to drink to your fill. Apart from wine, there are plenty of winding roads, rolling hills, beautiful villas and more to explore in Tuscany. There are also plenty of medieval cities like Siena, Lucca, Montepulciano and more to see.

Italians love their coffee. So, try to blend in, and embrace this coffee culture even if you do not like coffee that much. A one-size-fits-all does not exist here, so expect a single serving cup, as there are no small, medium or large like what you will find in the United States; and always order at the counter. Do not expect to order an ice-coffee, because it isn’t served in Italy. Cappuccinos are considered best for breakfast, Macchiatos are consumed in the afternoons, while black coffee and espressos are best for after dinner. Here, latte simply means milk. If you do not want a glass of milk, make sure your order says Caffe latte.

It is noteworthy to mention that breakfast in Italy is small, simple, sweet and served with coffee, and is usually served between 7 am to 9 am. Lunch is considered the most important meal of the day and is served from 1pm to 2:30pm. It comes with lots of carbohydrate meals (primo, secondo, and a contorno or a side dish). If you are not a big eater, you can have your lunch packed for you to eat for dinner. Most restaurants are closed after lunch until around 7pm. Dinner is mostly served around 8:30pm, and it is light compared to a hearty lunch meal. It is noteworthy to mention that there are no actual sit-down restaurants in Italy, and that dinner can take upwards of 2 hours or more. Advance booking is recommended.

Almost everyone these days prefers the convenience of a credit card. But that piece of plastic can cause major headaches, especially when it is lost or stolen. Have enough euro to spend to spend during purchases. It is best to have your currency exchange in your home country rather than at your destination; especially when you do not speak the language. Not only will you get enough in return, but you will also be able to spread your cash into manageable bills and hidden in places only you know about. Having cash handy is great for when you need a quick bite, cup of coffee, tips, tours, train or bus ride without having to swipe your credit card and misplacing it in the process. Remember though, that pickpockets are always looking for vulnerable travelers; so be smart and do not carry too much cash.

It is highly recommended that you learn a few common phrases in Italian before your trip so you can easily converse with the locals. Greet people with a smile and start with small talk but be courteous and respectful. Italians can be very expressive when communicating, so use hand gestures but not too much. Talking with locals will enable you to blend in and be less seen as the tourist that you are.

Millions of people visit Italy each year and there have been several cases of people vandalizing and disrespecting what the Italians have hold dear for thousands of years. Italians are known for their long tradition of faith, so churches are strict and conservative with their dress codes. Tourists are expected to respect and observe these dress codes when visiting such places. Always stick with the tour guides and do not wander off so as not to encroach on marked-off or restricted areas. The fines and penalties for misbehavior can be very steep.

Now that you are well equipped with these hacks and tips, start planning that dream vacation to Italy and relish in La Dolce Vita. This sweet life is a most to just slow down, focus on all that Italy has to offer, enjoy your trip and let it spill over to your everyday life because you’d have just had a trip of a lifetime. Cioa!!

According to Idealista, the 1-euro properties for sale in Italy are back in 2024. These properties are in the mountains. This opportunity is ideal for anyone who wants to invest in a mountain retreat, tailored to your own personal oasis, peace, tranquility, serenity, spectacular views and the list goes on.

Before I reveal the towns where these properties are located, let me tell you how it works.

Bear in mind that these properties are in the mountains of Italy. The municipalities involved in this scheme want to restore abandoned buildings that are in disrepair and attract the people to repopulate these towns.

With the 1 euro purchase, buyers must commit to a specific period of time to renovate these homes. Each municipality have their own set of rules and guidelines, so be prepared to adhere to these rules. Do your research before embarking on purchasing these homes.

These are the towns/regions that are participating in this year’s 1 euro house project.

Buying your 1 euro house here will offer you amazing scenery and a view of the seaside resorts. Some of the houses being offered are located inland while others are in the mountains with panoramic views.

Towns in Sicily where these houses are:

This municipality is in the province of Enna and is located at an altitude of 1,120 meters above sea level. Framed by the splendid Lake Ancipe, Troina is a treasure trove of nature and slops of the Nebrodi Park.

This municipality is the province of Agrigento, an amazing village that stretches through the foot of Mount Camarata with its narrow alleys that lead to outstanding castles featuring photographic exhibitions. Camarata is known to produce fresh cheese.  

This municipality is also located in the province of Enna, precisely located in Monti Erei which is famous for the Villa Romana del Casale. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Pergusa Lake is nearby, and it is surrounded by pine forest with prehistoric caves.

This municipality is in the hills of Mount Etna, right in the valley of the Alcantara River Park between Randazzo and Taormina. This municipality offers a unique and extraordinary natural environment and both historic and scenic views.

Basilicata and Molise are two regions of Italy with mesmerizing mountain landscapes. Nested between the Matese massif and the Apennine slopes of Lucania, it features a natural paradise-like atmosphere, far from metropolitan noises.

This municipality is in the province of Potenza where you will find the Pollino National Park. It is located at an altitude of 794 meters above sea level and seats on the rocks across the valley of Sinni River and the Serrapotamo stream. It is wrapped in rich historical mercantile antique. One of the town’s delicacies is the local red wine, stored in a barrel that can be seen from the bell tower.

The most significant within the region, this municipality slopes along the majestic extinct volcano Monte Vulture and renowned for the production and cultivation of the Aglianico grapes used to produce the Aglianico del Vulture wine. It is also known for its charming historic center where baronial palaces dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries can be seen.

This municipality is in the province of Campobasso in Molise and it’s synonymous with the Capuchin monastery.

Each region has its own requirements. For the most part, you are required to start renovation within 12 months after being granted permission and the project must be completed within a three (3) year period.