Italy

Italy: La Dolce Vita Is More Affordable Than You Might Think

Italy is no secret to those of us who love culture, great food and wine, and the beauty of the Old World.

This popular European destination is a haven for expats searching for a dreamy, sunshine-filled retirement.

Italy is often nicknamed stivale, or ‘the boot’, due to the country’s uncanny resemblance to a boot. The country juts out into the Mediterranean Sea, giving it 7,600 kilometers of dazzling coastline.

Along with this generous stretch of coastline, Italy offers one of the most varied landscapes on Earth, including scenic mountain ranges like the Alps and the Apennines, and stunning lakes such as Lake Garda and Lake Como.

Home of the Roman Empire, Italy maintains a solid connection to its past, with hundreds of ruins still visible in many cities and towns.

The Renaissance can also be felt in modern-day Italy. Cities like Florence preserve the beautiful Renaissance architecture in buildings such as the Duomo Cathedral.

Italy’s historical and cultural side offers hours of discovery and enjoyment through art galleries, museums, and city tours.

Today, Italy’s ancient cities are booming with life. Cities such as Rome and Venice are popular tourist destinations, with many expats relocating to these cultural hubs.

Like most popular tourist destinations, these cities are expensive.

Choosing a lesser-known destination such as Abruzzo, to the east of Rome, or Bologna, in the north, will reward you with lower prices and a more authentic Italian experience.