The 17 greatest Italian villages to maneuver or retire to
The idea of buying an Italian property as a home, second home or for investment got a real boost in the UK when rural Italian villages, their populations decimated due to younger residents moving to the cities, started offering properties for just one euro.
Such properties are few and far between and, of course, once you factor in restoration costs may not represent such a bargain after all.
But, fortunately, Italy does have lots of gorgeous properties for sale at a fraction of the cost in the UK.
The best known areas of the country with long established markets may have reached their peak, rendering little scope for great price increases, but there are plenty of lesser-known pockets with untapped property potential .
With the help of local property experts and estate agents, we’ve identified 18 of the best up-and-coming towns and villages to invest in Italy right now – offering homes for as little as £41,000.
Volterra, Pisa, Tuscany
Volterra in Tuscany is near historic San Gimignano, Pisa airport, the coast, Siena and Florence
Yours for €98,000/£82,000, this one-bedroom apartment in a former monastery shares a communal swimming pool
History buffs will love the beautiful hill town of Volterra (population 10,000), with its Etruscan and Roman archaeological sites, medieval streets, castles, cathedral and churches. Pisa airport, with direct flights to London, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, is an hour away.
‘Volterra is one of Tuscany’s most well-known towns, famous for its alabaster, but not as expensive as Florence, Siena, the coast, Chianti or Val d’Orcia,’ says Karen Roos of Casa Tuscany. ‘You can find reasonably priced properties in this area but it’s still a very attractive area and not far from San Gimignano, Pisa airport, the coast, Siena and Florence.’
Average price: €350,000/£293,000
On the market: This one-bedroom apartment in a former monastery boasts traditional beamed ceilings, large windows and terracotta floors and shares a communal swimming pool. €98,000/£82,000 with Casa Tuscany.
Salemi, Trapani, Sicily
Salemi was first to offer ‘one euro’ houses to encourage development in rural Italy
One of three apartments on offer in the centre of town. Priced at €170,000/£142,000
Located in the interior of Sicily, the historic town of Salemi boasts narrow cobblestoned streets, charming little churches and a castle. Palermo airport, with direct flights to London, is an 80-minute drive away.
‘Salemi was the origin of the ‘one euro’ houses,’ says Easter Weiss of Renovita, a platform that supports economic redevelopment in rural Italy. ‘It is about 20 minutes from the coast, was also named one of the Most Beautiful Villages In Italy and featured in the BBC show Amanda And Alan’s Italian Job.’ Perched on a hill and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Salemi has a population of around 10,000.
Average price: (all average prices are for three-bed properties): €170,000/£142,000
On the market: Located in the centre of Salemi, this renovated property features three independent apartments, a roof terrace and five balconies. €50,000/£42,000 with Renovita.
Atri, Teramo, Abruzzo
Atri in Abruzzo has Roman ruins, culture, art and buzzing restaurants
This six-bedroom house with views to the Adriatic is on the market for €350,000
Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso Massif, the medieval town of Atri has an attractive centre and remains of the Roman city are in the vicinity. In just a five-minute car journey is Calanchi di Atri Regional Nature Reserve, with its 600 hectares of nature, flora and fauna. The nearest airport, Abruzzo, which has direct Ryanair flights to London, is a 40-minute drive away.
‘Atri is a magnificent town which is considered to to be one of the most important historical, cultural and artistic centres in Abruzzo,’ says Keith Purdie, Director of Abruzzo Property Italy. ‘With excellent restaurants, bars and cafes and fantastic views to the Gran Sasso massif and proximity to the coast, it is an excellent place to live.’
Average price: €120,000
On the market: This six-bedroom house is situated within a large olive tree-filled hillside plot surrounded by beautiful countryside and views to the sea. €350,000 with Abruzzo Property Italy
Palermo, Sicily
There is growing international interest in properties in Sicily’s capital Palermo
This three-bedroom penthouse (€480,000/£402,000) in Palermo city centre is located in a street of artisan shops in the ancient Jewish quarter
The cultural, economic and tourism capital of Sicily, Palermo is the fifth largest city in Italy and has its own international airport.
‘Palermo remains a predominantly domestic market for prime residential, with approximately 80pc of all buyers being Italian,’ says Danilo Orlando, head of residential, Savills Italy. ‘However, there is a growing interest from international buyers from the United States, UK, and France.
Prime properties stand at €9,600 per sqm – the lowest prices per square metre compared to major Italian cities.’
Average price: €425,000/£356,000
On the market: This three-bedroom penthouse in Palermo city centre is located in a street of artisan shops in the ancient Jewish quarter, in the historic centre of Palermo. €480,000/£402,000 with Savills.
https://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbsroeroe240115
Passignano sul Trasimeno, Perugia, Umbria
Passignano sul Trasimeno is a boulevard town to one of Umbria’s biggest lakes, ideal for sailing
Two-bedroom Villa Riccieri (€355,000) has many attractive features and lots of natural stone
With around 5,000 inhabitants, Passignano sul Trasimeno is an attractive village with a pretty historic centre and medieval fortress. Perugia airport, with direct flights to London, is just 30 minutes away.
‘Italy’s green heart, Umbria, hosts its fourth-largest lake: ideal for sailing, a swim, a boat trip to one of the three islands, or just to look at over an aperitif on the boulevard of towns such as Passignano sul Trasimeno,’ says Jeroen Macco of Special Umbria estate agents.
Average price: €1,000,000/£839,000
On the market: Two-bedroom Villa Riccieri has attractive features like bedrooms with herringbone parquet and natural stone in the bathrooms. €355,000 with Greta Estate.
https://www.greatestate.it/en/single-family-villa-for-sale-in-umbria-perugia-villa-riccieri-8890.html
Spoleto, Perugia, Umbria
Famous for its medieval architecture, Spoleto has been a well-kept secret… until now
With original decorations from the 1700s, this two-bedroom apartment is on the market for €235,000/£197,000
Nestled in the heart of Umbria, Spoleto is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, blending historical grandeur with vibrant local culture. Famous for its medieval architecture, including the towering Rocca Albornoziana fortress and the Roman aqueduct Ponte delle Torri, the city’s rich heritage dates back centuries. Perugia Airport, with direct flights to London, is about 35 minutes away.
‘It’s not just its history that captivates – Spoleto has become a hub for the arts, hosting the renowned Festival dei Due Mondi, attracting performers from across the globe,’ says Alasdair Hedley, Head of International at John D Wood & Co. ‘The town’s picturesque surroundings, with rolling hills and lush countryside, offer a serene lifestyle, while its cultural depth makes it a perfect destination for those looking to invest in both a home and a dynamic, artistic community.’
Average price: €350,000/£293,000
On the market: This two-bedroom apartment in the centre of Spoleto features ooden ceilings with original decorations from the 1700s. €235,000/£197,000 with John D Wood.
https://www.johndwood-international.com/properties/17699935/sales/casit-PH6E#/
Cammarata, Sicily
Cammarata town, which has a ruined castle, is part of a nature reserve and is a foodie hotspot
This three-storey house is ripe for renovation and has a balcony with great views of the Sicilian countryside
At around 700m above sea level, Cammarata town is part of the Monte Cammarata nature reserve, and is a foodie hotspot thanks to an abundance of fresh, local produce. With a ruined castle, charming churches and period architecture, visitors feel as though they’ve stepped back in time. It is about 90 minutes from both Palermo and Catania airports and 45 minutes from the coast.
‘Cammarata is located in the mountains with houses built along the face of the hill,’ says Easter Weiss of Renovita. ‘Its nickname is the town with ‘1,000 balconies facing east’. It is one of the stops on the famous Via Francigena ancient pilgrimage route and is known all over Italy for its excellent cheese.’
Average price: €85,000/£71,000
On the market: This large three-storey house is full of traditional Italian features including stunning original, majolica tiles, a balcony with great views of the Sicilian countryside, and an antique pizza oven. However, it needs renovating, which is estimated to cost around €85,000/£71,000. €20,000/£16,700 with Renovita.
Large 3-Level Home with Antique Tiles and Pizza Oven – Casa 19-103
Cefalù, Palermo, Sicily
The beach at Cefalu was one of the glorious backdrops for HBO series The White Lotus
Villa Anna boasts both a spectacular location and an infinity pool for €540,000/£452,000
This ancient town, with a Norman cathedral at its heart, is also a seaside resort with a sandy beach near its centre. Palermo airport is around a 1 hour 45 minute drive away,
‘It’s a liveable town, with narrow alleyways and wide squares filled with cafes and shops, a wonderful fresh food market and plenty going on culturally,’ says Your Overseas Home’s senior editor Christopher Nye. ‘It does get busy in summer, but this is a town and surroundings that you can enjoy all year round.
‘Within the town, if you’re feeling energetic you can climb the 270-metre ‘rocca di Cefalù’ from which you can see the Madonie Natural Park just inland, which has mountains close to 2,000 metres on which live deer, foxes, wild boar and eagles.
‘Cefalù is still so cheap compared to other Mediterranean hotspots. You can buy an apartment to do up for well under €200,000, but equally you can pay €750,000 for something beautiful and central or overlooking the sea. When you get into the mountains you’re close to one-euro property country. Most who try that soon realise the practicalities are quite difficult, but certainly €50,000 will give you options a short drive from Cefalù.’
Average price: €280,000/£234,000
On the market: Villa Anna boasts both a spectacular location and an infinity pool. €540,000/£452,000 with Your Overseas Home.
https://www.youroverseashome.com/property-for-sale/italy/property-detail/870422/
Colpetrazzo, Perugia, Umbria
The quaint village of Colpetrazzo is steeped in history, with its ancient stone houses evoking a sense of timeless beauty
A large parcel of land with olive groves comes with this three-bedroom farmhouse (€590,000/£495,000)
A hidden gem in the Umbrian hills, Colpetrazzo offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking peace and connection to nature. This quaint village is steeped in history, with its ancient stone houses and cobbled streets evoking a sense of timeless beauty. The surrounding landscape, with its lush forests and olive groves, creates a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s 45 minutes and 38 miles from Perugia Airport.
‘Colpetrazzo’s charm lies in its untouched authenticity, making it an ideal location for those looking to invest in a tranquil yet culturally rich Italian lifestyle,’ says Alasdair Hedley, Head of International at John D Wood & Co. ‘With its strong community spirit and breathtaking views, Colpetrazzo is poised to become a favoured destination for relocation and investment.’
Average price: €175,000/£146,000
On the market: This three-bedroom stone farmhouse has lots of land including an olive grove. €590,000/£495,000 with John D Wood.
https://www.johndwood-international.com/properties/19016675/sales/casit-ZJK5#/
Imperia, Liguria
This charming coastal Ligurian city between the French border and Genoa has a bay with a yacht-filled harbour, an attractive old centre and a fishing port. Nice Airport, which has direct flights to a number of UK airports, is an 80-minute drive away.
‘Liguria is a hidden gem in Italy that Brits have yet to fully discover,’ says Leal Ignatius, Head of International at Hamptons. ‘With demand from the UK on the rise, more and more people are looking to settle in this area of Italy for its relaxed pace of life and authentic Italian culture. Liguria has so much to offer its residents, from Blue Flag beaches with crystal-clear water, to beautiful countryside with countless cycling and hiking routes to explore.
‘The French Riviera and Monaco are also close by for those looking to experience a touch of glamour, but Liguria’s prices are just a fraction of those across the border.’
Average price: €200,000/£167,000
On the market: This three-bedroom apartment features stunning ceiling frescoes and interior garden.€370,000/£310,000 with Hamptons.
https://www.hamptons-international.com/properties/19692601/sales/lig-6Q10#/
Cortona, Arezzo, Tuscany
Between Florence and Rome, Cortona is within easy reach of many of Tuscany’s most beautiful and famous areas
Fabulous countryside and a pool to relax in at this five-bedroom property
Made famous by the film Under The Tuscan Sun, Cortona is one of Tuscany’s most attractive towns.
‘This medieval hilltop town has an enduring fascination,’ says Karen Roos of Casa Tuscany estate agents. ‘Between Florence and Rome, it is within easy reach of many of Tuscany’s most beautiful and famous areas and towns, as well as Umbria and Lake Trasimeno.’
Average price: €500,000/£419,000
On the market: This five-bed character property with a pool boasts fantastic views over the historic town and the surrounding landscape. €490,000/£410,000 with Casa Tuscany
Città della Pieve, Perugia, Umbria
This four-storey town house in Città della Pieve boasts a roof terrace with stunning views to Lake Trasimeno
Città della Pieve is a pretty town with a wealth of architecture in its historical centre
With a population of 8,000, this pretty town retains its historical centre with Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassic buildings. Perugia airport is a 50-minute drive away.
‘Città della Pieve is one of the popular and attractive hilltop towns overlooking the lake, alongside the town of Panicale,’ says Jeroen Macco of Special Umbria.
Average price: €1,000,000/£839,000
On the market: This four-storey town house in Città della Pieve boasts a roof terrace with stunning views to Lake Trasimeno and Valdichiana. €440,000/£369,000 with Special Umbria.
https://specialumbria.com/luxury-villa-italy/colibri/
Sambuca di Sicilia, Sicily
Sambuca is one of a number of Sicilian towns that are ‘up and coming’ with property waiting to be snapped up for restoration
This three-bedroom historic two-storey house in the town centre features large rooms with high ceilings
Around an hour from the Palermo and Trapani airports and about 20 minutes from the coast, Sambuca di Sicilia was recently named one of the Most Beautiful Villages In Italy.
‘Sambuca is one of a number of Sicilian towns that are ‘up and coming’,’ says Easter Weiss of Renovita. ‘It has been successful in selling and renovating historic homes, building up an international community, and kick-starting new businesses. Many of the properties have been empty for a long time and typically need some level of restoration. But they retain many special characteristics, such as hand-painted tile floors, wood burning pizza ovens and barrel vaulted ceilings.’
Average price: €50,000/£41,000
On the market: This three-bedroom historic two-storey house in the town centre features large rooms, high ceilings, a typical stone wood stove, and a terrace overlooking the courtyard. It is easily walkable to shops and restaurants. €27,000/£22,000 with Renovita.
Gubbio, Perugia, Umbria
Gubbio offers a wide range of property with wide views overlooking the valley
Three-bed Chiaro has many features including exposed antique chestnut beams and stonework and original terracotta floor tiles
At the foot of Italy’s main mountain ridge, the Appenines, Gubbio is an attractive central Italian medieval town with a population of 30,000.
‘The lively Medieval city of Gubbio offers all one can wish for when in Umbria,’ says Jeroen Macco of Special Umbria. ‘Old castles, small streets, shops and restaurants, lots of history, and wide views overlooking the valley. More north one finds the tranquility of woods, but also the vicinity of the beautiful city of Città di Castello.’ Perugia Airport is a 35 minute drive away.
Average price: €725,000/£645,000
On the market: Three-bed Chiaro has gorgeous features including exposed antique chestnut beams, exposed stonework and original terracotta floor tiles. €390,000 with Special Umbria.
https://specialumbria.com/luxury-villa-italy/chiaro/
Bagni di Lucca, Lucca, Tuscany
Bagni is a stone’s throw from Tuscan gems Lucca, Florence and the ski resort of Abetone
This five-bedroom villa has many original features in an area soaked in history
Close to Lucca (25 km), Pisa (45 km), Florence (70km), the coast and the ski resort of Abetone (both about an hour), Bagni di Lucca has always been a great value place to buy property in Tuscany. Not far from Lucca (25km), Pisa (45 km), Florence (70km), the coast and the ski resort of Abetone (both about an hour).
‘It is a former spa town which in its heyday was visited by Puccini, Byron and Shelley and all those seeking benefits from its thermal waters,’ says Karen Roos of Casa Tuscany. ‘With much history and many amenities including a train station, it’s a great choice for those seeking accessibility and good value.’
Average price: €180,000/£150,000
On the market: This large stone village house has five bedrooms and original Tuscan-style features such as terracotta floors, ceilings with chestnut wood beams and terracotta tiles. €150,000/£125,000 with Casa Tuscany.
Penne, Pescara, Abruzzo
The delightful town of Penne is a 40-minute drive from Abruzzo airport
A one-bedroom apartment in the historic town centre has been fully updated and is being sold fully furnished
Extending over four hills peppered with forest and olive groves, Penne is packed with attractive historic architecture. The nearest international airport is Abruzzo, which is a 40-minute drive away, while the Lake Penne Nature Reserve is nearby to explore.
‘This is a delightful hilltop town,’ says Keith Purdie, Director of Abruzzo Property Italy. ‘As one strolls around the town there are fascinating lanes, characterised by ancient houses and churches, almost entirely made of brick. This makes Penne one of the most historically significant towns of the area. There are breathtaking views to the mountains and for residents there are many shops, restaurants and bars.’
Average price: €90,000/£75,000
On the market: This pretty, renovated one-bedroom apartment in the historic centre of Penne is being sold fully furnished. €50,000/£41,000 with Abruzzo property Italy.
https://www.abruzzopropertyitaly.com/property-search~action=detail,pid=1525
Polignano a Mare, Bari, Puglia
Polignano a Mare is an attractive small town, known for its beaches and cultural heritage, which is becoming increasingly popular with tourists
This recently renovated one-bedroom apartment is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life
Puglia offers picturesque coastal towns, white-washed buildings, and a more relaxed lifestyle at lower prices than Tuscany or Umbria. Polignano a Mare is an attractive small town, known for its beaches and cultural heritage, which is becoming increasingly popular with tourists
The region is well-connected to the UK through Bari’s airport a 40-minute drive away and as well as beaches boasts rolling countryside, and a slower pace of life, which attracts expat families and retirees alike.
‘Puglia provides an affordable alternative to Tuscany, with stunning beaches and a lifestyle centred around food, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for British expats,’ says Danilo Romolini at Christie’s Real Estate.
Average price: €375,000/£314,000
On the market: This spacious one-room apartment with a mezzanine in Polignano a Mare has recently been renovated. €149,000/£124,000 with Remax Italia.
https://www.remax.it/trova/immobile/Appartamento-In-Vendita-Polignano-A-Mare_21260186-110
