On arrival at an Italian city airport, I want to just grab my bag, jump in a taxi and get to my accommodation as quickly as possible. My mind and stomach are focused on getting to a restaurant where I can sit outside and enjoy delicious Italian food. A 10-minute journey time is the dream. But is that possible? After doing some research, I have found eight such cities.
A short transfer time from the airport to your overseas home isn’t just for the hungry people among us, it’s an important consideration for anyone buying a property in Italy. A short journey means less time spent in cars and busses and more time enjoying your home. If the property is meant to be a holiday home, it makes it a viable weekend getaway, and much more attractive as a short-term let.
It’ll also means cheaper taxi fares from the airport…
City living doesn’t mean you can’t also reach Italy’s dramatic landscape
Buying a holiday home in an Italian city
Italy’s countryside, with its rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards, has long attracted those looking for a peaceful retreat. However, its cities offer a richer experience, combining history, culture, and modern conveniences in one place.
The historic centres (Centro Storico) of Italian cities are full of character, where every street reveals something new. Traditional trattorias serve regional dishes, cafés spill onto the pavements, and gelaterias offer freshly made ice cream. Local markets, independent shops, and museums sit alongside ancient landmarks and lively piazzas. Even in larger cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, the historic districts are designed for pedestrians, making it easy to explore on foot. Green spaces, such as Florence’s Giardino delle Rose, bring nature into the heart of the city.
Italy’s rail network is well-developed, making travel between cities simple and efficient. High-speed trains connect major destinations in just a few hours, so a weekend in Venice, a day in Bologna, or a visit to the coast requires little effort. This accessibility adds to the appeal of owning property in an Italian city, with new places always within easy reach.
Italian cities also attract a steady flow of visitors, creating strong demand for short-term rentals. A centrally located apartment can generate income when not in use, whether as a holiday let or a more permanent investment. With a property in Florence, Milan, or Venice, owners can enjoy the best of Italian city life while also benefiting from its popularity with travellers.
Pick the right city and you’ll only ever by a short drive from a traditional neapolitan pizza
If you’re feeling it’s time to get away Italy offers a fresh start, a better quality of life, and a more affordable way to live well. Whether you’re seeking a slower pace, a new professional opportunity, or simply a lifestyle upgrade, now is the time to explore your options.
For those still working, Italy’s well-connected airports make balancing a career and a new life abroad entirely realistic. Alongside international routes to major European cities and beyond, frequent domestic flights mean that even if you settle in a more affordable region, you’re never far from Italy’s business and cultural hubs. This makes it easy to work remotely from an area with lower living costs and property prices while staying within reach of Milan, Rome, or other economic centres for in-person meetings.
I know several professionals who have made this lifestyle work. A couple I know lives in Puglia, enjoying the relaxed pace and beautiful surroundings, but still travels to Rome or Milan occasionally to meet clients. With flights from Bari to Milan or Rome available for as little as fifteen euros each way, commuting isn’t just feasible – it’s cost-effective. Living in Italy doesn’t mean compromising on career opportunities. It means having the best of both worlds: an inspiring place to live, a strong work-life balance, and access to everything you need to thrive.
Italian cities 10 minutes from an airport
Tired of walking? Don’t want to use the car? Ride Bergamo’s funicular railway!
Bergamo, Lombardy
About nine minutes by car from Milan Bergamo Airport, the Borgo San Leonardo district is one of Bergamo’s most popular neighbourhoods. Known for its lively streets, independent shops, and excellent dining, it offers a mix of historic charm and modern convenience. From here, it’s an easy 18-minute walk to Porta San Giacomo, a striking marble gateway leading to Bergamo’s historic Città Alta, the hilltop old town.
Thanks to pedestrianised shopping areas and winding cobbled streets along the route, walking often takes no longer than driving. For a more scenic approach, the historic funicular railway offers a quick and effortless ride up to the old town, with panoramic views along the way, for just €1.70 each way.
Milan Bergamo Airport is Italy’s third-largest, serving as a key transport hub with direct flights from 151 destinations across 40 countries, including several in the UK. Its extensive connections make Bergamo an appealing location for international buyers, combining the accessibility of a major airport with the charm of a historic city.
Population: 121,000
Average property prices per square metre: In the Centre 2,970 (€/m²), in the historic upper town 4,968 (€/m²).
Nearby: Lake Iseo 34 mins, Brescia 44 mins, Monza 40 mins, Milan 53 mins, Lake Como 55mins.
There is much more to Pisa than just its (deservedly) famous tower
Pisa, Tuscany
Pisa’s historic centre, known for its traditional Italian atmosphere and relaxed pace of life (though around the tower it can be very busy with tourists), is just a nine-minute drive from the airport. For those looking to stay even closer, the nearest homes and B&Bs on the outskirts of town are within a ten-minute walk of the terminal, making Pisa one of the most accessible cities in Italy for frequent travellers.
While the Leaning Tower, cathedral, and baptistry draw millions of visitors each year, Pisa has much more to offer beyond its famous landmarks. A walk along the city’s ancient walls provides a unique perspective, while the Arno River adds to the city’s charm with scenic bridges and riverside cafés. Borgo Stretto, one of Pisa’s most picturesque streets, is lined with medieval buildings, colourful facades, and elegant iron balconies. The area is alive with independent shops, lively cafés, and street performers, creating an inviting atmosphere that blends history with everyday Italian life.
Pisa International Airport offers direct flights to 83 destinations in 27 countries, including the UK, Ireland, Dubai, Norway, Finland, and Tenerife. With such strong connections, it’s an ideal base for those who want the convenience of international travel while enjoying the character and heritage of a Tuscan city.
Population: 89,000
Average property prices per square metre: 2,700 (€/m²).
Nearby: The sea at Marina di Pisa 15 minutes, Lucca 28 minutes and Florence 1hour 15minutes.
The city’s name literally means ‘happiness’
Olbia, Sardinia
Olbia, on Sardinia’s northeast coast, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and easy access to some of the island’s best beaches. The city’s historic centre is just seven minutes from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, making it an ideal base for those who want both convenience and an authentic Italian lifestyle. In just ten minutes, you can be on the sands of Lido del Sole, enjoying the crystal-clear waters that make this region so famous.
Originally named Olbia by the ancient Greeks, meaning “happiness,” the city lives up to its name with its vibrant atmosphere and enviable location near the Costa Smeralda coastline.
Unlike the exclusive resorts along the coast, Olbia offers a more authentic Sardinian experience, balancing modern amenities with a strong sense of tradition. The historic centre is full of character, with lively piazzas lined with cafés, wine bars and boutiques that attract both locals and visitors. The city’s year-round appeal is further enhanced by a packed events calendar, including the Aquabike World Championships, the Rally Italia Sardegna, and concerts by internationally renowned artists such as Måneskin and Laura Pausini.
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport provides direct connections to 74 destinations in 19 countries, including the UK, Ireland, Dubai, Norway and Sweden. With its excellent transport links, stunning surroundings, and rich cultural life, Olbia is an attractive destination for those looking to enjoy the best of Sardinia beyond the tourist hotspots.
Population: 63,000
Average property prices per square metre: In the historic centre 2,838 (€/m²).
Live in a town sitting in the dramatic shadow of Mount Etna
Catania, Sicily
On the island of Sicily, flights into Catania Airport arrive near the dramatic backdrop of Mount Etna. From here, the historic heart of Catania is just seven minutes away, where landmarks such as the Basilica della Collegiata and Piazza del Duomo showcase the city’s rich heritage. If you prefer to head straight to the coast, the sandy shores of Lido Arcobaleno are only six minutes from the terminal, offering an easy escape to the Mediterranean.
As a bustling working city, Catania has a raw energy that sets it apart from Sicily’s more polished tourist hotspots. Some areas can feel chaotic, but this is part of its charm, with a character shaped by centuries of history and a mix of architectural styles. Roman theatres stand alongside buildings carved from volcanic rock, while grand baroque squares, wide avenues and lively markets add to the city’s distinctive atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, admiring the ornate facades of Via dei Crociferi, or sampling fresh seafood at La Pescheria market, Catania rewards those who take the time to discover its many layers.
Catania Airport connects the city to 93 destinations in 32 countries, including direct flights to New York, the UK, and Dubai. Its strong transport links, combined with the city’s rich history and proximity to both the coast and Mount Etna, make Catania an exciting place to live, work or visit.
Population: 588,000
Average property prices per square metre: Historic Centre 1,351 (€/m²).
Nearby: Mount Etna base 33 mins, Taormina 52 mins, Augusta 35 mins (which has been part of the one-euro house project.)
The beautiful city sits on the shores of the Adriatic
Pescara, Abruzzo
Situated on Italy’s Adriatic coast, Pescara’s airport is just an eight-minute drive from the city’s historic centre, where the Cathedral of San Cetteo stands as a reminder of its cultural heritage. If you prefer to go straight to the coast, the beach is even closer – just seven minutes away – offering miles of sandy shoreline and a vibrant seaside atmosphere.
Although much of Pescara’s old town was rebuilt after World War II, giving it a more modern appearance, the city retains a strong sense of history and tradition. Its charming squares, churches and museums provide a glimpse into its past, while shopping streets and waterfront cafés welcome you in. The promenade is a hub of activity, perfect for cycling during the day and transforming into a social hotspot in the evening, when bars, restaurants and summer events bring the seafront to life. Pescara Vecchia, the city’s old town, is another focal point for nightlife, known for its intimate wine bars, live music venues and authentic trattorias.
Pescara has a youthful energy, thanks to its large student population, but it remains an appealing destination for all ages. With its mix of coastal beauty, cultural attractions and modern conveniences, it offers an excellent balance of lifestyle and accessibility. Pescara Airport connects the region to 25 destinations in 12 countries, including the UK and Spain, making travel to and from this Adriatic city straightforward for both residents and visitors.
Population: 383,000
Average property prices per square metre: Centre 2,557 (€/m²). We’ve found buying Property in Abruzzo can be very affordable.
Nearby: Pescara Springs 39 mins, Cerrano Tower 29 mins, the Majella National Park 1 hour.
If you’re up to the task, you can walk all the way to Rome
Brindisi, Puglia
Brindisi Airport is just a ten-minute drive from Castello Federiciano, one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks, and only eleven minutes from the scenic waterfront. Here, palm-lined promenades, restaurants and cafés create look out at the yachts dotting the marina. One of Brindisi’s iconic sights is the pair of ancient Roman columns that mark the end of the Appian Way – the legendary road that once connected Rome to this port city. The columns stand at the top of the Virgil Steps, offering panoramic views over the harbour. During events such as concerts and food festivals, the steps provide a natural seating area, making them a lively gathering spot.
Brindisi offers a balance of history and modern convenience. The city centre has two main shopping streets lined with boutiques and local stores, while a larger shopping centre on the outskirts, near the hospital, provides additional retail options.
Brindisi Airport connects the region to 43 destinations in 14 countries, including the UK, Iceland, Ireland and Sweden. Its strong international links, combined with the city’s coastal charm and historic significance, make Brindisi an appealing location for both visitors and those looking to settle in southern Italy.
Population: 83,500
Average property prices per square metre: Historic Centre 1,172 (€/m²), in the Casale residential area, nearer to the airport prices average 1,307 (€/m²).
Nearby: The nearest beach to the airport is 9 minutes’ drive at Lido Cala Materdomini. Ostuni 32 mins.
A city steeped in tradition, you can see people making pasta in the streets of Bari
Bari, Puglia
Bari Airport is just seven minutes from the sea and a seventeen-minute drive from the city’s historic centre. As the capital of Italy’s Puglia region, Bari offers a blend of old and new, where elegant neighbourhoods sit alongside winding alleyways, and modern university life coexists with age-old traditions like local women making fresh pasta in the streets. The city’s coastal setting means you can start your day at work and spend your afternoon by the sea, while the evenings bring a calendar filled with cultural events and festivals.
Bari’s districts each offer something different. Murat, home to the university, is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Umbertino is known for its elegant architecture and is one of the city’s wealthier neighbourhoods, while Japigia offers a more affordable option. For those drawn to history, Bari Vecchia – the city’s old quarter – is filled with character, where centuries-old churches, traditional bakeries and charming piazzas create the traditional Italian atmosphere you may be looking for.
Bari’s strong transport links make it an accessible base for both residents and visitors. Neo Air will launch direct flights from New York JFK to Bari every Sunday from 1st June to 21st September 2025, adding to the city’s international connections. In total, Bari Airport offers flights to 103 destinations in 31 countries, making travel easy whether you’re commuting for work or welcoming visitors from abroad.
Population: 316,000
Average property prices per square metre: Historic centre 2,769 (€/m²), waterfront area 2,173 (€/m²).
Nearby: Molfetta 18 mins, Mola di Bari 27 mins and the beautiful Polignano a Mare 36 mins.
Home of the neapolitan pizza, you will never be far from good food in Naples
Naples, Campania
Just ten minutes from Naples Airport, Porta Capuana stands as a striking entry point to the city’s rich history. This grand gateway, with its triumphal arch and two imposing stone towers, marks the transition into Naples’ historic heart. Five minutes beyond, the city’s bustling port connects to Mediterranean destinations, while a 22-minute drive takes you to Bagno Elena beach, a scenic stretch of coastline offering a break from the city.
Naples is home to one of the largest historic centres in Europe, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Its streets are lined with grand piazzas, ancient monuments and formidable castles, each telling a story of the city’s layered past. Alongside its historic core, Naples offers a mix of vibrant neighbourhoods, from the elegant shopping streets of Via Chiaia to the hilltop district of Vomero, known for its panoramic views and lively atmosphere. Posillipo, overlooking the bay, is one of the city’s most sought-after residential areas, combining tranquility with stunning coastal scenery.
Naples Airport is well-connected internationally, with direct flights to 131 destinations in 37 countries. This includes five cities in the United States – New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Montreal – as well as multiple UK airports, making it easy to travel between Naples and major global hubs.
Population: 912,000
Average property prices per square metre: The most elegant areas of Chiaia/Mergellina near the waterfront 4,929 (€/m²), and Posillipo 5,025 (€/m²). A little further back from the sea is Vomero 4,262 (€/m²).
Nearby: From the airport it is a 35 minute drive up to Mount Vesuvius National Park, and Pompei is 23 minutes.
