There are many reasons why expats are drawn to Italy. It has a reputation as a country of art and culture, great food and wine, and warm, lively people that believe in living life to the fullest. Here are five good reasons that just might convince you to move to Italy.
Cuisine
One of the things Italy is most famous for is its food. Whether it’s the espresso, the myriad pasta dishes or the cheeses, Italian cuisine is perhaps the most popular cuisine in the world. Countries across the world have embraced Italian food and blended it into their own culinary culture, and with good reason.Italians see food as an integral part of their lifestyle. They cook and eat with passion and love to share food, whether at the local café or at a fine dining restaurant. There are considerable variations in cuisine from one region to another in Italy. For instance, meat, potatoes, butter and different types of cheese are the main ingredients used in the northern part of the country, while in the south, the focus is on olive oil, fresh fish and tomatoes. The people also like to eat different foods in different seasons. But the emphasis is always on fresh produce and simplicity.
Italians also pay a great deal of attention to their wines. It is customary to have a glass of wine with most meals, and even good wine can be bought at an economical price in the country. For Italians, wine is not just another alcoholic beverage, but an essential accompaniment to an evening of good food and great company.
Climate
The climate in Italy is one of the best in Europe, although there can be many variations. Winters can mean fog and damp weather in places like Milan.
But it’s also when the Italian Alps come to life with beautiful blue skies and a good amount of snow that draws throngs of skiers. The Amalfi coast, the Italian Riviera. Sicily and Sardinia also enjoy mild winter weather. Summers can be quite hot in the deep south of the country.
Culture and heritage
Since ancient times, Italy has been a hub of history, art and culture. One can find much evidence of this in Italy’s many museums and archaeological sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. In fact, the country has the highest number of cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other nation in the world. The cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, Pisa, Florence and Assisi are renowned for their artistic character. A quick statistical survey reveals that Italy has 95000 monumental churches, 20000 historical cities, 5600 museums and 36000 archives and libraries. There are also several art, culture and music events taking place all the time across the country. Thus it can be safely said that you can never really get bored in Italy, especially if you’re a culture buff.
Local Markets
The local markets in Italy are a meeting point for many people. Whether it’s the stalls of seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses or local wines; these bustling markets exude the real flavor of the country. Some of the famous local markets include Piazza Campo del Palio in Asti where you can by anything from sparkling wine to chestnuts; Rialto Fish Market in Venice, where you get the freshest catch of the day if you’re early; and Mercato Centrale in Bologna, which has the best of the local cured meats, vinegars and pastas on display. Apart from food, there’s also the Antique Market in Arezzo, which you can find some of the most rare and unique antiques. In Florence, there’s the San Lorenzo market, a lively market where you can shop for leather goods and souvenirs.
Lifestyle
Italians love good food, but they realize that the experience is incomplete without good company. It’s customary to get the whole family together as much as possible, from the oldest grandmother to the tiniest tot. It’s rare to see Italian people alone and most live in small apartments along with extended families. Social ties are celebrated and it gives the people a reason to shift their attention from work to family, friends and fun. Simple living and the emphasis on things that truly matter go a long way in promoting a sense of happiness and well-being.