Italy offers many great places to buy property, from charming hilltop villages to elegant city apartments. The landscape is so varied and beautiful, the dilemma is whether to buy a chalet in the mountains, a farmhouse in the countryside or an apartment with sea or lake views.
So, where will you start your New Year property search? We’ve selected 10 great places to buy in Italy in 2025 to get you started.
1. Village – Orvieto, Umbria
Where is Orvieto?
Orvieto is a village in the province of Terni, in southwest Umbria. It is conveniently located less than two hours’ drive from both Rome and Florence. It’s also possible to arrive by train, followed by funicular tram up to the historic centre, perched atop a rocky mount. The closest airport to Orvieto is at Perugia (about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive).
What will I love about it?
In Orvieto, you will walk through history, particularly the Etruscan and medieval eras. It’s an atmospheric maze of stone alleyways, leading to stunning views of the Umbrian countryside. Intriguingly, it is the underground world that is the biggest surprise, with a secret labyrinth of tunnels under the rock and a 50-metre-deep well, accessed by two spiral staircases.
The population of 19,367 people ensures Orvieto and its traditions thrive through events that celebrate local produce, wine and religious festivals. Small shops, restaurants and artisan workshops also add to the charm.
What’s nearby?
Favourite places to visit in the area include Lake Bolsena, where the waterfront is lined with restaurants and cafés. There are also other lovely hilltop towns nearby, such as Montefiascone, with its large cathedral and central piazza.
How much is property in Orvieto?
A two-bedroom apartment in the old town costs from €180,000. A three-bedroom stone town house costs from €300,000. View property for sale in Orvieto.
Orvieto is an atmospheric maze of stone alleyways
2. Countryside – Cortona, Tuscany
Where is Cortona?
Cortona stands on a hill in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. From here you can see the entire Val di Chiana countryside all the way to Lake Trasimeno. Perugia airport is about a 45-minutes-drive away.
What will you love about it?
The approach road winds through vineyards and olive groves, past villas, farmhouses and monasteries. Cortona boasts some spectacular countryside views, especially the panoramic view from the top of the bell tower of San Domenico.
In the Val di Chiana, you can experience the beauty of nature while hiking through the hills. There are also scenic cycle paths, and the possibility to go horse riding in the tranquillity of the landscape.
What’s nearby?
There are several pretty villages to visit near Cortona. A must-see are the famous towers of San Gimignano. In addition, Pienza, Montalcino and Monteriggioni are well worth exploring.
How much is property in Cortona?
In the Cortona countryside it is possible to find villas, farmhouses and ex-monasteries divided into apartments. Often, they have a shared garden and pool, and cost from €170,000 for one bedroom and €265,000 for two bedrooms. A detached house needing renovation costs from around €200,000, but one ready to move in might cost from €300,000. See property for sale in Cortona.
3. City – Milan, Lombardy
Where is Milan?
Milan, is the capital city of the Lombardy region, located in Northern Italy, just north of the Po River. The city centre is 20 minutes’ drive from Linate airport, 40 minutes from Malpensa airport and 45 minutes from Bergamo.
What will you love about it?
Milan is a hub for finance and business, as well as being the capital of fashion and design. It is also known for its exclusive restaurants and architectural sights, such as the Gothic-style Duomo and the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco “The Last Supper”. In addition, the city has good hospitals, schools, parks and shopping, and ranked top of the 2024 Quality of Life Study.
What’s nearby?
When you want a break from the city, visit Lake Como, for beautiful lake scenery. Alternatively, discover the art-rich city of Monza or the historic charm of Bergamo.
How much is property in Milan?
Property for sale in Milan varies greatly in price, depending on location. A two-bedroom apartment in the best city districts can cost well over a million, while in the suburbs you could be looking at around €200,000. For businesspeople, Milan a great place to buy in Italy.
4. Seaside town – Sanremo, Liguria
Where is San Remo?
San Remo is located in the Liguria region, on the Italian Riviera of northwest Italy. It is just a 35-minute-drive from the French border, hence the closest airport being Nice d’Azur (just under an hour’s drive away). Another travel option from London is a train from London St Pancras International station.
What will you love about it?
San Remo is well known as the city of flowers and the home of the annual Italian song contest. Being sheltered by the mountains, it has a pleasant year-round microclimate and many flower nurseries and gardens thrive here. You can find property for sale with beautiful sea views.
What’s nearby?
You’ll love the charming old town, and the casino with its Art Nouveau architecture. Your mornings could be spent taking a pleasant stroll along the Passeggiata Imperatrice, followed by shopping in Via Matteotti. Then, after a coffee on the waterfront watching the boats, you could take a walk along to the Fort of Santa Tecla.
How much is property in San Remo?
A two-bedroom apartment with a distant view of the sea costs from €200,000. A two-bedroom seafront home costs from €500,000. Properties tend to be finished to a high standard, with large windows and balconies that make the most of the sea views. Search for property for sale in San Remo.
San Remo: ‘The City of Flowers’
5. Good place to retire to – Cisternino, Brindisi, Puglia
Where is Cisternino?
Cisternino is to be found in the gentle rolling hills of the Itria Valley, in the southern region of Puglia. It is centrally located between Ostuni, Fasano, Locorotondo and Martina Franca. When looking at flights, you have the choice of Brindisi airport just 45 minutes’ drive away, or Bari airport about an hour away. It’s also only a 20-minute drive to the sea.
What will you love about it?
Cisternino is a lovely town, with a good community of mostly working age and retired people. It has stone streets to explore, whitewashed houses, a weekly market and lovely countryside views. Although on a hill, it’s a fairly flat walk around the historic centre. This is Trulli country, where you will see those conical shaped stone roofs dotted around the countryside, in amongst olive groves.
As its population only numbers 11,083, it is a good place to consider for those looking to retire to a village where they can apply for the 7% flat tax rate. There are several expats in the area that you can turn to for advice through their Facebook page. There are shops, restaurants, bars and a community hospital in the town.
What’s nearby?
Near Cisternino, there are some really interesting towns and villages to visit. Such as the “White City” of Ostuni, and Alberobello, with its Trulli. The Zoo Safari at Fasano and the Castellana Grote caves are also a short drive away, and there are some lovely countryside walks.
How much is property in Cisternino?
In Italy, you can buy a two-bedroom trullo for as little as €180,000. However, while they make charming holiday homes, most retirees opt for a villa suitable for year-round living. Simple countryside villas start at around €190,000. Town houses in the historic centre of Cisternino start at €260,000.
6. By a Lake – Como, Lombardy
Where is Como?
Como is an elegant city located on the southern shore of Lake Como, on the Italian Swiss border. The closest airport to Como is Milan Malpensa (45 minutes’ drive). The other two Milan airports are Linate (an hour away) and Bergamo (just over an hour away).
What will you love about Como?
Como is an excellent place to buy in Italy. You will love its Gothic-style cathedral and lakeside walkway. A special experience is the trip up to Brunate on the funicular railway to see the breathtaking views.
Equally exciting is a trip out on the lake. Whether you hire a boat or take a ferry to another shoreside town, it is an experience not to be missed. Como is perfect for year-round living. Find out more about Lake Como in the wintertime.
What’s nearby?
As well as many lakeside villages to visit, there are also ski resorts and cities to explore. The best places to take a walk are at Villa Olmo and the Spina Vere park.
How much is property in Como?
There are some elegant looking buildings in Como city and very grand villas along the shoreline. A two-bedroom apartment in the city starts at €210,000, but for one in a historic building or a desirable area expect to spend more than €600,000. Some of the prestigious villas overlooking the lake are priced at several million, but if you go further up the west coast, they start to become more affordable. See Lake Como properties for sale.
7. The Mountains – Belluno, Veneto
Where is Belluno?
Belluno is a one-hour drive from Treviso airport, north of Venice, in the Veneto region of northeast Italy.
What will you love about Belluno?
Belluno is an elegant city where you can breathe the fresh mountain air. The centre is almost entirely pedestrianised and combines the Alpine atmospheres with Venetian elegance. The are some beautiful buildings and lively squares, where open-air events take place.
What’s nearby?
The surrounding scenery is breathtaking, boasting green valleys, alpine lakes, villages and ski slopes. Nearby is Cortina d’Ampezzo, which offers 120 kilometres of ski slopes, cross-country skiing, snow parks, 36 ski lifts, a children’s amusement park and sledging slopes.
How much is property in Belluno?
An elegant apartment near the cathedral costs over a million. However, in some areas you can still find houses needing some renovation and apartments for less than €100,000. For an apartment in a charming chalet near the ski slopes you should expect to pay more than €520,000. A three-bedroom chalet in the alpine area can cost more than a million. Browse property for sale in Belluno.
Breathe fresh mountain air in Belluno
8. Island escape – Santa Margherita di Pula, Sardinia
Where is it?
Santa Margherita di Pula is a beautiful section of coastline in southern Sardinia. It is 48 kilometres from Cagliari, where there is an airport. The nearest town is Pula, which is 15 minutes’ drive away.
What will you love about it?
Santa Margherita di Pula, is a natural paradise of almost 10 kilometres of coastline, made up of a series of bays and sandy beaches, with small rocky promontories. The water is so clear, it’s an amazing place to go snorkelling.
What’s nearby?
There is a lovely tree-lined avenue leading to Nora where you can discover the archaeological park, and Nora lagoon, which is home to typical Mediterranean vegetation and many species of birds.
Evenings out in Pula are spent dining or relaxing with an aperitif in the piazza. Alternatively, you could spend time in Cagliari. As the capital of the island, it has a lot to offer, including history, art, parks and good food.
How much is property in Santa Margherita di Pula, Sardinia?
There are some lovely holiday villas for sale with beautiful gardens. Some of these are in gated communities with some shared facilities, such as tennis courts. A three-bedroom detached property costs from €395,000. However, it is possible to find holiday cottages for €180,000. See property for sale on Sardinia.
9. Cheap property – Messina, Sicily
Where is it?
Messina is a port city on the northeastern tip of Sicily, separated from the mainland region of Calabria by the Strait of Messina. At its closest point the distance is only three kilometres. Plans for a bridge have been a hot topic for a while. In fact, the nearest airport to Messina, is Reggio Calabria (REG) Airport, which is only 16 kilometres away, and requires a short ferry crossing. Another airport option is Catania (91 kilometres away).
What will you love about it?
This lively city is rich in cultural and recreational activities, with numerous events organized throughout the year, such as the “Ride of the Giants” in August. City highlights include the Norman Cathedral, which houses the second largest organ in Italy, and the largest mechanical astronomical clock in the world.
What’s nearby?
The province is home to the beautiful village of Taormina, famous for its pedestrian streets, Greek theatre and breathtaking views. You can also visit the lovely villages of Novara di Sicilia, Tindari and Milazzo.
How much is property in Messina?
Messina is one of the cheaper places to buy in Italy. The Piazza Duomo area and the San Martino District are among the smarter areas of Messina. Even within these areas the condition and price of apartments vary greatly. You can find a small two-room apartment for as little as €55,000. In the countryside there are even more bargains to be found for less than €100,000. Although they may need some renovation, you can still find sea views at low prices. Indeed, across the island of Sicily there are still many cheap properties. Here is a selection.
10. Luxury properties – Volterra, Pisa, Tuscany
Where is it?
If you have a healthy enough budget to look for a luxury home, you are probably already familiar with Florence. But how many people overlook the Pisa countryside when they fly into Pisa airport? Pisa is in central-western Tuscany, just 20 minutes from the sea.
Volterra countryside (pixel creator / Shutterstock.com)
What will you love about it?
Aside from the famous leaning tower, Pisa is an authentic working Italian town with excellent transport links. In the Pisa countryside, you can buy a huge farmhouse or prestigious villa. You could even have a vineyard and produce your own wine. There are also some really beautiful villages, and the stunning Tuscan scenery alone makes this a great place to buy in Italy.
What’s nearby?
Within Pisa province is the town of Volterra, which attracts tourists to see the Palace of the Priors, Medici Fortress and Roman Theatre. The surrounding countryside has rolling hills and houses for sale with beautiful views.
How much is property in Pisa province?
In the province of Pisa, €795,000 could buy a two-bedroom farmhouse with a pool and views. For €985,000 you could get four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a pool. If you prefer to be in a town, take a look at this incredible palazzo in the historic centre of Volterra, with breathtaking frescoes worthy of a royal palace. The asking price is only €590,000. View property for sale in the province of Pisa.
Once you have an area in mind, feel free to contact one of our property consultants on 0044 207 898 0549, Whatsapp, Facebook messenger or [email protected]. As well as, answering your questions regarding the property buying process, they can introduce you to an expert that covers that part of the country.
