Living in Italy

Living in Italy is the quintessential experience of life in paradise. From the Alps to the sun-kissed hilltowns of Tuscany, breathtaking beauty surrounds you at every turn.

Enjoy a slower pace of life in the land of abundant sunshine and quaint villages. You can live or retire in Italy, to the “Bella Vita” without a massive bank account.

If you know where to look.

The most expensive areas are located in the major metropolitan cities such as Rome and Florence. Instead, head to the countryside...

...Where the prices are drastically lower. Here you will discover the best places in Italy for inexpensive housing.

This culturally-impressive country has everything from snow-capped mountains to beautiful beaches and an amazing countryside. Bustling cities boast mouth-dropping art and culture in the most unexpected places.

Known as the Romance Capital of the World, living in Italy means experiencing fantastic weather and a breathtaking landscape.

Retiring in Italy

Would you retire in Italy? Can you imagine living in the land of olive groves and terracota roofs? It is not as difficult as you think. By searching in smaller towns and cities, you will discover affordable living arrangements within a short train ride to most metropolitan areas. Find out more about retiring in Italy here.

Regions and Climate in Italy

Regions of Italy

Italy is made up of 20 regions--From the cooler areas of the Po Valley in the north to the sultry Mediterranean spots of the south. Find them all here.

Climate in Italy

• Climate in Italy is a dream come true. Sunlight graces most parts of the country nearly 300 days a year. Winters are mild and summers are temperate, making the decision to live or retire in Italy a healthy one.
• Choose Northern Italy for skiing and every imaginable winter activity. Head to Southern Italy for a Mediterranean climate and lifestyle.
• Central Italy boasts mild seasons. Here you enjoy 70's (21°Celcius) for a high in the summer and low 40's (5°Celcius) in the winter.
• What you will not find in Italy is drastic temperature fluctuations such as found in the Southeastern United States.

Dining and Holidays in Italy

Dining, Cooking and Foods in Italy
Italians run on a different schedule than westerners. There is a complete lack of hurry when living in Italy.

The day starts and ends late. Most cafes do not open until eight in the morning or later. There is also a break for lunch that lasts between two and three hours, beginning sometime around 2:00 p.m.

Life in Italy is much more laid back. Here, you work to live...not live to work. You will find Italians eating their dinner between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. Which means sleeping in is the norm instead of rushing to a job.

Public Holidays in Italy
Public Holidays in Italy are enthusiastically celebrated throughout the country. It is an essential part of living in Italy.

Many businesses close during the festivities. Find out the dates of public holidays here to avoid an unwanted surprise.

Italian Festivals
Italian Festivals are as varied as the landscape. Watch testosterone-induced combatants donned in period costume in Florence as well as the tender religious holidays of Pasqua in Sicily. Find out which dates you want to enjoy (or avoid) here.

Cruise Packing Tips
Follow these cruise packing tips to avoid ruining your vacation. A pre-departure cruise check list is essential if you want to enjoy your floating holiday. Get more tips here.

First Time Cruise Tips
Learn vital strategies when going on that cruise vacation...Including what you must bring in your carry-on.

Housing and Immigration in Italy

Italy Housing
Italy housing varies, depending on where you live. The same with choosing a retirement location. Some areas tend to be pricey such as Rome and Florence. Yet the larger part of the countryside is incredibly inexpensive.

Italy Immigration
Italy immigration is composed of different factors. It all depends on your length of stay. And whether you plan to come and go, retire or live indefinitely in Italy.

Visitors from the U.S. or Canada do not need an Italian Visa for a stay of 90 days or less. If you plan on living in Italy or spending an extended holiday over 90 days, you will need a Schengen Visa.

Health Care in Italy
Health care in Italy provides a national health plan with hospital and medical benefits. The romance capital of the world ranks second (just behind France) in the list of countries of quality health services of the World Health Organization.

Are you a citizen of Canada or the U.S? You can apply for the plan when you legally reside in Italy. This affords you hospital and medical benefits to you and your dependents.

Jobs in Italy

• Searching for jobs in Italy to fund your extended vacation or retirement? Then you need a working Visa. This is best attained through the Italian Consulate in your home country. It is the only visa you will need, if your intention is to work while living in Italy.


• If you plan to retire in Italy, then there is no need for a work visa. Stick to getting your visa and stay permit instead.

Living in Italy is not synonymous with a hefty bank account.

You can experience the slow pace of La Dolce Vita...in the land of abundant sunshine and quaint villages...on less than you think.

If you know where to look.

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