Your property in Italy
Superb properties in stunning locations can be found all over the culturally rich country of Italy, making it one of the most popular destinations in Europe to buy property.
Whether it’s a large wine estate in Tuscany, an upscale apartment in Milan’s creative Tortona neighbourhood or central Rome’s bustling Monti, a luxurious villa on the shores of Lake Como or on the exquisite Sardinia, or an Umbrian farmhouse, Italy has the answer to every property search.
Inside Italy
Italy is all about passion; whether it’s art, culture, history, food or fashion, the country prides itself on enjoying the very best life has to offer.
The perfect work-life balance the Italians insist on is intoxicating and has most likely encouraged the nearly 4 million expats who now call Italy home.
Besides its agenda-setting cities, such as Rome and Milan, Italy boasts some of the most enviable countryside in Europe, in areas such as Tuscany, and has picturesque coastlines in places such as Liguria. And for true escapism, Sardinia, off Italy’s western coast, offers an even more laid-back version of the mainland, surrounded by national parks, rugged mountains and a spectacular coastline.
Landscape
Italy conjures up images of ancient cities like Rome, packed with jaw-dropping architecture around every corner, and Florence, with its world-famous art.
But Italy’s rich culture runs beyond its inspiring cities, with areas like rural Umbria carrying on the nation’s culinary traditions in medieval villages, while Liguria and Lake Como provide a taste of luxury in captivating settings.
Italy is also home to a vast array of dramatic natural scenery in the form of its various national parks and the Alps in the country’s north-west corner.
Education
Italy has a wealth of excellent international schools with teaching normally conducted in either English or French, although each institution must satisfy the requirements of the Italian education system.
The nation’s best universities are generally spread across the northern half of the country, with the University of Bologna ranked as the country’s best, and the oldest in the world having been founded in 1088, and others in Pisa, Rome and Milan ranking highly.
The country’s further education system has four main types of qualification, ranging from the basic three-year laurea through to the dottorato di ricerca, a doctoral programme usually offered in the leading graduate schools.
Activities and Entertainment
Italy’s pristine countryside is increasingly becoming a major factor behind people buying property in Italy, with areas like Umbria offering amazing scenery to explore by hiking, cycling, rock climbing and rafting in places such as Mount Sibillini National Park.
Fantastic coastlines also draw people to the country, with Liguria and Livorno among the destinations providing excellent beaches and convenient harbours to sail from.
For waterside living, Italy is also home to some of the most compelling and exclusive locations, including Lake Como and Venice, which offer quintessential Italian culture in jaw-dropping settings.
Arts and Culture
Italy is truly a world leader when it comes to culture, with cities such as Rome, Florence and Milan playing host to some of the most internationally acclaimed works of art, architecture and sculpture in the world.
Fashion is ingrained in the Italian way of life with most towns and cities hosting plenty of upmarket boutiques from domestic up-and-coming designers to established names, while the nation is obsessed with sport, most notably football and rugby.
In more rural areas, long-established traditions, often around cooking and the growing of produce, are maintained, as is the Italian focus on family time.
Food and Drink
Nobody has truly tried pizza or pasta until they have eaten it in Italy. The country’s excellent and varied locally grown produce means even its seemingly simple dishes are packed full of freshness and flavour.
The country’s deep and rich understanding of food means that the smallest independent restaurants can deliver unforgettable meals, while at the fine dining end, Italy is fast becoming a dominant force with 371 restaurants now boasting Michelin stars.
And as the world’s largest wine producer, the country makes some increasingly sought-after wines, including Barollo, Chianti and Montepulciano, while it is also home to some excellent spirits, such as Amaretto, Campari, Limoncello and Martini.
Accessibility
Italy is a truly international destination, with airports such as Rome-Fiumicino welcoming more than 43.5 million passengers a year from across the globe.
Several cities beyond the capital also have major airports, such as Milan and Pisa, serving destinations in one or more of Europe, Asia, America and Africa.
Within Italy itself, the high-speed train network offers a quick way to traverse the country, with the fastest Frecciarossa trains reaching speeds of up to 190mph or 350km/h.