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Category: Italy

Where is Italy? 

 

Italy map

Italy is the most recognizable country on the map of Europe. Shaped like a boot, Italy is a peninsula in Southern Europe, surrounded by calm blue seas: the Adriatic Sea to the East, Ionian Sea to the Southeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the West. The Northern part borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

Italy is a medium-sized country, covering around 116,000 square miles, similar in size to the state of Arizona. This includes over 400 islands, the largest of which are Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia, and Elba. The capital city is Rome. The country was blessed with all types of geographies, one more beautiful than the next: imposing mountains in the North, lush rolling hills in the center, stunning coastlines and beaches, fertile plains in the South and everything in between.

Italy is one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, with a rich history and a prominent tradition in arts and culture revered around the world. Its outstanding centuries-old history and culture are very present throughout the country today, and can be admired in all Italian cities, towns and villages. This makes the country a perpetual favorite tourism destination for people from around the globe.

Top 3 reasons to move to Italy: 

  1. Culturally-rich cities, towns and villages.
  2. Italian people’s love of life and family.
  3. Stunning geography.
Venice Italy
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Countries Italy Living Abroad Real Estate

How much does it cost to buy an apartment in Italy?

by Christopher Woods on November 26, 2023
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Apartments are a great, affordable option for buying property throughout Italy, with the average price of a two-bedroom apartment in Italy around $152,000. You may be surprised that unlike in the United States, you’ll find apartments for sale in big…

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Countries Italy Living Abroad

Weather in Italy by month: what it feels like to live in Italy year-round

by Lara Bianco on November 26, 2023
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Are you looking for a place to live with great weather in addition to world-class culture, beautiful scenery, and soul-pleasing food? If so, Italy is your place. The weather in Italy is variable depending on which region you are in.…

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The best hospitals in Italy, reviewed

by Lara Bianco on November 25, 2023
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Italy’s healthcare system, known for its quality and accessibility, is predominantly publicly funded through a tax-based system, providing universal coverage to its residents. Notably, it’s ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization. The Italian hospital…

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Grotta della Poesia Puglia Italy
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Living in Puglia, Italy: 10 secret spots on the Puglian coastline

by Lara Bianco on November 1, 2023
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Living in Puglia, Italy, or Apulia as it’s known in English, has been a long-time dream as an American. My favorite part about this region of Italy is the Salento area with its lengthy coastline, which offers unbelievable natural beauty…

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Florence Italy autumn
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Florence from January to December: What it feels like and what to do every month

by Lara Bianco on October 31, 2023
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Florence is a beloved city located in Tuscany, Italy. It is known for its incredible Renaissance art and stunning architecture, which you can enjoy in nice weather for most of the year. Florence’s weather is mild with warm temperatures stretching…

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Campo de Fiori Rome Italy
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An American expat’s guide to living in Rome, Italy

by Christopher Woods on October 30, 2023
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Rome is a special place to live in, and there are so many reasons to move here. From the fantastic weather, rich history and architecture, and events happening almost daily, it’s easy to fall in love with the city. It’s…

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Milan Italy
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Apartment rents in Italy in 2023: The most and least expensive places to live in for renters

by My Dolce Casa Team on October 28, 2023
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In 2023, the average rent in Italy per month for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,100 per month, following a 13% increase from a year ago. In Euros, the average monthly apartment rent in Italy is €1,000, equaling a price per…

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Living in Rome Italy
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Rome weather by month: what it feels like to live in Rome year-round

by Lara Bianco on October 27, 2023
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The city of Rome is enjoyable all year round from the weather perspective. The temperatures can range from 39°F (4°C) to 90°F (32°C) depending on the month, according to holiday-weather.com. August is typically the warmest month while February is the…

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Italy expat stories
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A New Orleans native’s story of moving abroad: From reluctant expat to loving life in Rome, Italy

by Christopher Woods on October 25, 2023
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Moving abroad has never been a dream for me like it is for so many. Perhaps that’s because I didn’t travel much outside the United States, my home country, for most of my life. Or perhaps it’s because I love…

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Driving in Italy
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Renting a car in Italy: Pros and cons, things to know, tips and tricks

by Lara Bianco on October 24, 2023
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Italy offers a range of transportation options for travelers, each catering to different needs and preferences.  The country has an extensive and efficient train network, with high-speed options like the Frecciarossa connecting major cities. However, trains are not available in…

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woman on the phone
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Everything you need to know about mobile phones in Italy

by Christopher Woods on October 16, 2023
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If you’re planning a trip or a move to Italy and want to stay connected, you may be wondering about how to set up your mobile phone to work once you get there. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to have…

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Montepulciano Italy
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How to buy real estate in Italy as an expat

by Christopher Woods on October 10, 2023
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As an expat, the idea of owning real estate in Italy is undoubtedly tempting, whether you’re a retiree, an investor, or you work from home. Italy’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture make it a dream destination for many. …

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Parma Italy
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House Hunting in Italy: How Much Space Can You Buy in Italy for $200,000?

by Lara Bianco on September 23, 2023
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Recent research shows that Italy is the most popular homebuying destination for Americans in 2023, out of all countries in Europe and the Americas. The two primary reasons U.S. nationals are contemplating buying real estate in Italy are lifestyle and…

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Market in Italy Rome
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Six things I wish I knew before moving to Italy from the United States

by Christopher Woods on September 17, 2023
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When moving to Italy, there are always aspects of the Italian culture you can’t foresee and some you may never understand. Italy has tons of unwritten rules, a lot of which many people already know. Ordering a cappuccino in the…

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The warmest destinations in Europe: most popular places to enjoy the sun this winter

by Lara Bianco on September 14, 2023
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Europe is known for its cold climate in many regions during the winter season, but there are still plenty of warm winter destinations in Europe to visit or to live in throughout the continent. Looking to soak in the warmth…

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Medication
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Living in Italy: How to get prescription medication as a foreigner

by Christopher Woods on September 13, 2023
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Part of living in Italy as an expat is adapting the practical parts of your life to a new culture and new system. One of these aspects is healthcare in Italy, and medication in particular. Getting a medication prescription in…

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Tax document Italy
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Living in Italy: What is a codice fiscale and how do I get one?

by Christopher Woods on September 5, 2023
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If you plan on living in Italy long-term, one of the essential documents you will have to obtain is a codice fiscale, to insure your legal status, as well as a comfortable, well-adapted life in Italy. You’ll need a codice…

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Couple at the beach under umbrella
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How to get health insurance and medical care in Italy as a foreigner

by Christopher Woods on August 26, 2023
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If you’re interested in moving to Italy for work or to settle into your golden years for retirement, you may be curious about health insurance in Italy. The Italian healthcare system is designed to cover every legal citizen, but does…

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Walking in Rome Italy
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7 Unique things to do in Rome Italy

by Christopher Woods on August 20, 2023
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So you’ve toured the Colosseum, walked through the Pantheon, and explored the vast Vatican Museum. Now what do you do with the rest of your time in Rome? Rome has over 121 museums, from huge art galleries like the Galleria…

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San Felice Ciceo Italy
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These are 5 of the best places to live near Rome Italy

by Christopher Woods on August 19, 2023
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Rome is an amazing city to live in, with so much to offer: ancient architecture, renaissance art, and all the modern comforts and conveniences of a major European city. But for some of us, big city life isn’t ideal. Especially…

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