While Italy’s city life thrums with energy and history, there’s something quietly captivating about the countryside. Think rolling hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards that seem to stretch for miles, and rural villages where every neighbour knows your name. For many, seeking out the best places to live in Italy means looking beyond the obvious, trading urban pace for a more grounded way of life.

Expats find themselves welcomed into rural communities where local traditions run deep. The cost of living in rural Italy is often surprisingly reasonable, with homes in these Italian villages offering more space and often a patch of land. Where you decide to settle really comes down to the kind of scenery you fancy: from forested mountains and hidden lakes to sunbaked fields and medieval lanes.