The shrinking local workforce in Italy has been attracting several foreign immigrants for the last decade or so. Many retired American and British citizens have also moved to this country to enjoy its relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. More than 350,000 expats are reported to move to Italy every year, from all across the globe. The larger expat communities are usually found in Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence and Ancona. The cost of living in these regions is on the higher side, because they also attract a large number of tourists.
If you are planning to settle down in Italy for a few years, these are some places you might like living in but have probably not heard of:1. Soverato
Soverato is a small town and commune located in Cantanzaro (Calabria) on the Ionian Sea. This town stretches over 7.7km square (3 square miles) and its population is below 10,000. The closest airport is Lamazia Terme in Cantanzaro. After landing, a 35-minute car or bus ride will get you to Soverato.
The main attraction of this town is its coastline; there are many white, sandy beaches and quaint villages located close to the shore. Other places of interest include The Botanical Garden, The Pieta A Gagini, The Duomo and The Church of the Immaculate. Soverato is also known for its night fair, which takes place during the summer months. The collection of shops and restaurants is quite good here for a town this size. Moreover, because Soverato is quite small, you don’t even need a car to get from one place to another. The main economic driver in this town is tourism.
For more information on Soverato visit www.comunesoverato.it
2. Cianciana
Cianciana is a commune located in Agrigento (Sicily), in the middle valley of River Platani. The area of this town is 37.7km square (14.6 square miles) and the population is 4,580. Cianciana is easily accessible by car from many neighboring towns and communes.
This charming agricultural town is known for the cultivation of olives, grapes and almonds. From June to August, the local produce is exhibited and can be tasted during annual fairs. Apart from the vineyards, olive groves, orchards and woods, places of interest here include Eraclea Minoa, Sant’angelo Muxaro, Sciacca and The Valley of Temples.
Property in Cianciana is quite reasonable as compared to other places in the country. You can purchase a townhouse that requires refurbishment for as little as €10,000 (US$ 13,369). Renting accommodation is also quite easy in this town. For more information about Cianciana visit www.cianciana.com
3. Chiantishire
Chiantishire, located in Central Tuscany, has become a favorite destination for expats relocating from The US and The UK. This area extends from Florence in the north to Siena in the south.
The scenic beauty of Chiantishire is what attracts most expats to this place. The landscape is generously dotted with rolling hills, medieval towns, vineyards and cypress trees. Some of the other attractions include Chianti Faber, Landscape Museum, Chianti Sculpture Park, Ancient Clock Tower and Brolio Castle. Several fairs are also organized here throughout the year. Wine, especially red wine, is the main economic driver of this region.
Because of its huge expat population, property prices are off the charts in Chiantishire. Several British and American celebrities own villas in this picture-perfect Italian town.
4. Ostuni
One of the prettiest towns in Brindisi (Puglia), Ostuni stretches over 223km square (86 square miles) and its population is around 32,316. However, during the winter months this town accommodates more than 100,000 inhabitants, most of whom are tourists.
Ostuni is also known as La Citta Bianca (The White City) because of its whitewashed city walls and buildings. The stark whiteness and architecture of this town will remind you a lot of Greece. There is a lot to see here, but some of the most noteworthy structures include The Bishop’s Palace, San Vito Martire Church, Sant’Oronzo’s Statue and the Fifteenth-Century Cathedral. Walking down the street is also quite entertaining, with all its food, shopping and art. The scenic countryside surrounding Ostuni has a large olive oil and grape industry.
Buying and renting property in this town is quite expensive. For more information about Ostuni visit www.urpcomunediostuni.it
5. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is best described as an Italian Riviera coastline, located in Liguria, west of La Spezia. It gets its name from the five fishing villages it encompasses: Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Corniglia and Monterosso al Mare. The villages, coastline and surrounding hillside are a part of the Cinque Terre National Park and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting to this destination is not very easy, as only a few roads are accessible by car. It is best to drive up to La Spezia and then take a train or a passenger ferry to Cinque Terre. Sentiero Azzurro is the wheelchair-friendly walking trail that connects all the five villages. This place is ideal for those who want to enjoy a laidback lifestyle.
Buying property on this coastline can be quite expensive as compared to some of the other Italian towns.