Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Italy
Italy, the land of pasta, pizza, and prosecco, has long been a favorite destination for travelers and digital nomads alike. With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, it's no wonder that many digital nomads choose to call Italy home. In this article, we'll explore seven cities and towns in Italy that offer the perfect blend of digital nomad-friendly amenities, cultural attractions, and recreational activities.
Bologna
Bologna, often referred to as the "food capital of Italy," is a must-visit destination for digital nomads. This vibrant university town is known for its delicious food, including its famous ragù sauce and tortellini. Bologna also boasts a lively arts scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the bustling markets offer a great place to pick up local ingredients for cooking at home..
Cost of Living: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around €700-€900 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person comes in at around €30-€40. Dining out for a moderate dinner and drink costs around €20-€25.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss a visit to Mercato delle Erbe, the city's main market, where you can find fresh produce, local specialties, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Quadraro or Borgo San Donato neighborhoods, where you'll find a good selection of furnished rentals. For dining, check out Trattoria da Me or Osteria dell'Orsa.
Florence
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a must-visit destination for any digital nomad with an appreciation for art and history. The city is home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, where you can see works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. The city's beautiful piazzas and charming streets offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Cost of Living: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around €1,000-€1,300 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person comes in at around €40-€50. Dining out for a moderate dinner and drink costs around €25-€30.
Nomad Tip: Be sure to check out the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's iconic bridge, and the nearby Boboli Gardens for stunning views of the city and the Arno River.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Santo Spirito or Oltrarno neighborhoods, which offer a more local and authentic experience than the touristy center. For dining, try La Giostra or Trattoria da Burde.
Turin
Turin, Italy's former capital city, is a hidden gem for digital nomads. The city is known for its elegant architecture, beautiful parks, and delicious chocolate. Turin is also home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Cinema. The city's vibrant café culture offers plenty of opportunities for working and socializing.
Cost of Living: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around €600-€800 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person comes in at around €30-€40. Dining out for a moderate dinner and drink costs around €20-€25.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss a visit to the Parco del Valentino, a beautiful park along the Po River, where you can find plenty of green space, a picturesque castle, and stunning views of the city.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Quadra carra or Borgo Vittoria neighborhoods, which offer a good selection of furnished rentals. For dining, try Bicerin or La Rosta.
Ravello
Ravello, a picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast, offers digital nomads a stunning coastal escape. The town is known for its beautiful gardens, breathtaking views, and charming streets. Ravello is also home to numerous cultural attractions, including the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone.
Cost of Living: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around €800-€1,200 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person comes in at around €50-€60. Dining out for a moderate dinner and drink costs around €30-€40.
Nomad Tip: Be sure to check out the Ravello Festival, an annual music festival that takes place in July, for a unique cultural experience.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the historic center of Ravello, where you'll find a good selection of furnished rentals. For dining, try Da Vittorio or Ristorante Belmond Caruso.
Lake Como
Lake Como, one of Italy's most beautiful lakes, offers digital nomads a serene and scenic escape. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountains and picturesque towns, including Bellagio and Varenna. Digital nomads can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and boating.
Cost of Living: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around €1,000-€1,500 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person comes in at around €50-€70. Dining out for a moderate dinner and drink costs around €30-€45.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss a visit to the stunning Villa Carlotta, a beautiful botanical garden and museum located in Tremezzo.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the towns of Bellagio or Varenna, which offer a good selection of furnished rentals. For dining, try La Pergola in Bellagio or Trattoria Vecchia Posta in Varenna.
Siena
Siena, a charming medieval town in Tuscany, offers digital nomads a unique and authentic Italian experience. The town is known for its stunning piazzas, beautiful architecture, and rich history. Digital nomads can enjoy plenty of cultural attractions, including the Piazza del Campo and the Palazzo Pubblico.
Cost of Living: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around €700-€1,000 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person comes in at around €40-€50. Dining out for a moderate dinner and drink costs around €20-€30.
Nomad Tip: Be sure to check out the Palio di Siena, a historic horse race that takes place twice a year, for a unique cultural experience.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the historic center of Siena, where you'll find a good selection of furnished rentals. For dining, try Trattoria La Carraia or Osteria Le Logge.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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