A Complete Guide to Italy for Those Who Dream of a Property by the Sea, in the Mountains, or in an Authentic Italian Town
Italy isn’t just Tuscany, Sicily, or crowded tourist destinations. Every region has its own atmosphere, culture, architecture, and lifestyle.
And choosing the right region is one of the most important decisions when buying property.
Some people prefer a quiet, authentic Italy, others are looking for a luxury coastline, and others want a year-round life by the sea or an investment property for renting out.
We’ve put together a short overview of Italy’s regions and their atmosphere for you.
Liguria – a romantic coastline close to France
Liguria is one of Italy’s most iconic coastal regions. You’ll find well-known towns here such as Sanremo, Genoa, and Cinque Terre.
Liguria is known for its small, colourful towns built on coastal hills, stunning sea views, and the romantic atmosphere typical of the Italian Riviera. The region offers a unique combination of life between the sea and the mountains, which makes it feel very picturesque and authentic.
However, keep in mind that property prices by the sea tend to be higher than in more southern regions.
Who is Liguria suited for?
- for couples
- for people looking for a lifestyle destination – Portofino, Savona, Deiva Marina, La Spezia
- for lovers of the coastline
- for clients who want to be close to France
Liguria combines sport, luxury, and romance in the unique atmosphere of the Italian Riviera.
Tuscany – postcard Italy
Tuscany is a dream for many people. Vineyards, stone houses, cypress trees, and historic towns create a unique atmosphere.
Tuscany is especially popular with people who long for a calmer life and love the countryside, vineyards, and an authentic Italian atmosphere. The region is also attractive for those interested in agritourism or rental investment in popular tourist locations.
What makes Tuscany special?
- iconic Italian landscape
- historic towns and villages – Pisa, Florence, Follonica, Grosseto
- gastronomy and wine
- strong tourist potential
Some locations are among the most expensive in Italy.
Sardinia – turquoise sea and the dolce vita lifestyle
Sardinia offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. / La Pelosa, Cala Brandinchi, and Spiaggia del Principe
It’s ideal for those who:
- want life by the sea
- love nature
- are looking for peace and quiet
- are considering a tourist rental
Price differences between the north and the interior of the island are significant.
Advantages of Sardinia
Sardinia is known for its beautiful beaches, a more relaxed lifestyle, and the atmosphere of classic holiday living. The region also has strong tourist potential, which makes it attractive to people considering an investment property for rental.
Sicily – authenticity, history, and southern energy
Sicily is a completely different world.
The region offers stunning architecture, a rich history, excellent cuisine, and an authentic atmosphere typical of southern Italy. The streets of its towns are full of life, local markets, cafés, and traditional Italian energy.
Why do people love Sicily?
- authentic atmosphere
- lower prices in some locations
- strong culture
- a long summer season
Many properties are more affordable than in northern Italy, but when buying, it’s important to pay close attention to the technical and legal inspection of the property.
Abruzzo – mountains and sea at more affordable prices
Abruzzo is often an underrated region, and that’s exactly why so many people fall in love with it.
It offers a quieter lifestyle, beautiful nature, a combination of beaches and mountains, and more affordable property prices compared to many well-known Italian regions.
What makes Abruzzo interesting?
- a combination of sea and mountains
- fewer tourists
- quieter towns
- more favourable prices
It’s especially suited for people who want an authentic Italy without mass tourism.
Puglia – whitewashed towns and southern charm
Puglia has become very popular in recent years. It’s known for its extensive olive groves, stone houses, and white historic towns with narrow streets. The region is also known for its turquoise sea, authentic southern atmosphere, and traditional architecture.
Who is Puglia ideal for?
- for lovers of southern Italy
- for people looking for atmosphere
- for rental investments
- for clients looking for traditional Italy
Some areas are seeing significant price growth due to strong interest from foreign buyers, such as Monopoli or Polignano al Mare.
Veneto – a combination of history, sea, and good connections
It’s suited for people who want Italy to be relatively close by car, and who love history, the sea, and a relaxed pace of life.
The Veneto region offers:
- beautiful historic towns
- good infrastructure
- proximity to Slovakia
- popular coastal areas
The region offers good accessibility from Slovakia, well-known cities such as Verona and Venice, as well as popular coastal areas and beaches on the Adriatic Sea.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia – a peaceful northern Italy close to Slovakia
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the closest Italian regions to Slovakia and is especially popular thanks to easy access by car. It offers a combination of sea, mountains, authentic towns, and options for long weekends, hiking, or a quick ski trip.
The area around Trieste is interesting for its combination of:
- the sea – Sistiana, Grado, Lignano, Bibione, Caorle
- the mountains – hiking and skiing
- Austro-Hungarian influence
- a quieter lifestyle
Many Slovaks also appreciate the shorter distance from Slovakia. The region is especially suited for people looking for a combination of northern Italian dolce vita, a touch of history, sea air, and an authentic lifestyle just a few hours from home.
Lazio – more than just Rome
Lazio offers more than just Rome and its historic sites. This region is also interesting for people looking for a combination of the sea, year-round living, and good access to services.
Here you’ll find coastal towns such as Anzio, Terracina, and Sperlonga, as well as quieter locations suited to long-term living or a second home by the sea. Lazio is especially attractive for clients who want to be close to the capital, the airport, and still enjoy the Italian lifestyle away from the tourist chaos.
Calabria – wild coastline and lower prices
Calabria offers stunning sea views and still relatively affordable property prices. The region is known for its dramatic coastline, authentic small towns, and a slower pace of life that’s especially loved by people looking for peace and the true atmosphere of southern Italy.
It’s typical for:
- an authentic southern atmosphere
- more affordable prices by the sea
- beaches and small towns – Paola, Belvedere Marittimo, Scalea, Tropea
The region also benefits from airports in Lamezia Terme and Reggio Calabria, which improve accessibility for visitors from abroad.
Every region of Italy is completely different
That’s exactly why, when buying property, it’s not enough to look only at the price or the photos.
What matters is:
- how you want to live in Italy
- whether you’re looking for an investment or a new lifestyle
- how often you’ll use the property
- what atmosphere you prefer
At Sole Consulting, we help clients understand the differences between the individual regions and find a location that matches their vision and their budget.
Because Italy isn’t just one destination.
It’s a multitude of different worlds, and we’re happy to help you choose.
