Balancing the Bitter with the Sweet...Italian Style
Making Italy a part of your summer plans. Finding the perfect place to call home. Golf on the Peninsula and more! breathing life into your Italin dreams one day
It’s hard to believe that June is upon us, but the calendar doesn’t lie… and neither does the weather. Spring seemed to come and go with a touch of rain and a whisper of coolness in the air, but all of that has given way to the toasty temps we’re used to on the Peninsula. I hope you’re all gearing up for some summer adventures and that they somehow involve Italy!
You won’t have any trouble finding a celebration to join, as festa season will soon be in full swing. June kicks off with one of Italy’s most significant celebrations, Festa della Repubblica, on the second. This holiday marks Italy's turning away from a monarchy and becoming a republic after WWII. This year, Republic Day falls on a Sunday so Italians won’t get a day off of work (gasp!), but that won’t stop them from squeezing every ounce of celebration out of the holiday.
In a poetic balance of bitter and sweet, June is also significant for a less popular reason: The deadline for paying your personal income tax (Irpef) is on the 30th. If you are a taxable resident in Italy, this is your first installment. The second will be due in November.
With that sobering thought, let’s dive into this week’s issue. Iniziamo!
Podcast Corner - How to Find the Best Place to Live in Italy
Deciding where in Italy to live presents a bit of a delightful dilemma…simply because there are so many amazing options. With 20 distinct regions, each boasting its own personality, choosing where to live can feel overwhelming — but fear not, fellow dreamer! In a recent episode of our weekly podcast, A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson offers expert advice and insights to guide you through this challenge.
From the vibrant energy of Lombardy in the north, known for its fashion capital Milan, to the sun-drenched beaches of Puglia in the south, steeped in ancient traditions, every region has its draws…and some drawbacks, and they offer distinct Italian flavors.
In this episode, Sam provides a little bit of history (so you can understand why Italy is the way it is), and asks you to consider how each area you’re considering fits with your unique lifestyle and personality. Oh, and don’t forget the importance of healthcare, social opportunities, and the cost of living. She covers all of it.
The first thing to consider is what kind of lifestyle do you want of your new life in Italy, and what kind of response from the community are you most comfortable with?
- Samantha Wilson
Don’t miss this episode and be sure to leave a review so we can get this information to as many Italophiles as possible. 😉
Meet Reid, the Digital Nomad 💻 🇮🇹
As most of you know, Smart Move Italy recently announced an exciting opportunity for those aspiring digital nomads out there. We chose 4 lucky community members to assist in the application process for this brand-new visa. Over the next few months, we’ll introduce you to all of them and share updates on their progress. This week, meet Reid, a software engineer from Canada who has dreams of raising goats in the Sicilian countryside. 🐐
Like many of you, Reid doesn’t have family ties to Italy, but he can’t resist the climate, food, language, people, and affordability of living. Ever since falling in love with a property in Sicily that featured rolling hills and a “derelict farmer’s hut,” Reid has been focused on creating a peaceful life that perfectly reflects his vision of la dolce vita.
Why do you want to pursue the DNV?
I've been anticipating this visa for a couple of years. I've had a long-standing dream of getting a bunch of goats and retiring in the Italian countryside (I know I'm a little young to be thinking of retirement, but I'm a dreamer). I'm hoping to use this visa as a path to get permanent residency. I fall short on the other visas available; I don't have the cash for the golden visa route, and my Italian is not at “business fluency” for an Italian company to sponsor me. This visa is a great opportunity to physically uproot my life to Italy while keeping the stability of my current job.
What does it mean to you to be selected as one of the 4 aspiring Digital Nomads walking through this process with SMI?
Being selected by SMI is a huge reassurance when submitting a visa application like this. There are a lot of grey areas in the requirements, and being guided by a team with experience in the field is invaluable.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I found out about it through my partner Ainsley. She's great at doing research into these types of things. She's (mostly) happy that I got selected. I'm hoping most of the knowledge I gain can help her in submitting an application alongside mine.
In addition to his remote work as a software engineer, Reid has a board game company called Whispering Goat Games. Stay tuned to meet the other digital nomad hopefuls and to see how their journies unfold.
FORE! Teeing Off in Italy ⛳️
Italy is a country passionate about sports. We all know that soccer, Formula One, tennis, and cycling are extremely popular but you may be surprised to know that golf quietly cultivates a dedicated following, especially in the verdant North.
The sport actually has a respectable history in Italy. It was introduced back in 1889 when a group of Brits opened the Florence Golf Club just north of the city (it’s now the Ugolino Club). Since then, over 200 courses have been established throughout the country, most of them concentrated in the west/central and northern regions. While the courses may be fewer in number compared to other European destinations, many are known worldwide as exceptional.
Robert Trent Jones, an esteemed course designer, seems to appreciate Italy’s golf-friendly landscapes. He’s designed several renowned courses including the Allianz Course at Royal Park I Roveri in Piedmont, Castelconturbia Golf Club also in Piedmont, and the Gardagolf Country Club in Lombardy.
Golf tourism is flourishing as a niche market, fueled by heavily marketed international events. The Italian Open, one of Europe's oldest professional tournaments, attracts golfing superstars every year — this year it will be played at the aforementioned Royal Park in Ravenna — and the 2023 Ryder Cup, a major international competition, even chose Marco Simone Golf Club near Rome as its battleground.
So, why aren’t there many courses in the South? Like the country itself, the answer is probably complicated but on the most basic level, a golf course takes resources that just aren’t as plentiful in the South: water, fairway-friendly landscapes, capital, etc.. Are those of us who love golf and the South just out of luck? If you look at a map of courses, it does seem that way. But, there are a few very respectable and challenging courses in Puglia and Sicily (and Sardinia) so hope is not lost! Keep in mind, you can probably find at least a 9-hole course in most regions. That may be the perfect option depending on your golf game. 😉
Preserve Your Family History 📚
Family gatherings can be stressful, joyous, and informative…all at the same time. They are often opportunities to hear about the family’s past and ask questions about important dates, locations, and even health-related details. If you listen closely, you can hear a nugget of family lore passed down through generations. Maybe you make a mental note to remember it, but life gets busy, and by the next gathering, the detail is as clear as yesterday's dream.
Think about it. How many times have you wished you knew more about the town your family emigrated from or the reason your family has that funny last name? Chances are, those answers are tucked away in the minds of older relatives, on the verge of being lost forever. It's not just about dusty old dates and places (although those are important too!). It's about capturing the essence of who your family is, the triumphs and heartbreaks that shaped the people you love.
Here's the kicker: preserving your family’s stories goes beyond personal satisfaction. Having a documented history can be incredibly useful. Ever dreamed of tracing your roots and maybe even snagging dual citizenship? At Smart Move Italy, we help countless people through their citizenship journeys and those family details are crucial. Trust us, it’s much easier to research and execute a citizenship application when names, dates, and locations are accurate.
A neatly documented family history can be your golden ticket. Even if you’re not eligible for Italian citizenship, you could be eligible for EU citizenship, which opens up a myriad of opportunities in Italy. So next time your quirky great-aunt starts reminiscing about the motherland (again), grab a pen and notebook (or fire up your laptop!). You'll be creating a treasure trove for yourself, your family, and maybe even future generations.
👩🎓 Crowned with Glory: The Laurel Wreath Tradition in Italian Graduations
Graduation in Italy is about more than receiving a diploma. It’s about victory! The corona di alloro, a laurel wreath, is a centuries-old tradition symbolizing academic achievement. They are often worn instead of traditional graduation caps.
The tradition began at the University of Padua in the 16th century and has spread all over Italy. What’s the significance? The evergreen leaves of the laurel tree were associated with Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, knowledge, and, importantly, victory. What a perfect way to capture the spirit of graduation – a hard-won triumph over academic challenges.
Universities often provide them, or graduates can buy their own from florists who create all sorts of variations - some with flowers or colorful ribbons. Red is the traditional color, representing passion, persistence, and accomplishment. Other colors can reflect a particular area of study. For instance, white signifies arts and letters, green is science and math, blue is law, and yellow is economics. Of course, there are no real rules so some graduates just wear a particular color simply because they like it.
You may even see this tradition beyond Italy’s borders as many graduates with Italian ancestry who live elsewhere don the laurel wreath in honor of their heritage. Did you know about this graduation tradition? Let us know on our Facebook page.
The Anatomy of an Italian Village
Italy’s big cities represent the economic heartbeat of the country but it’s the small villages that give it its charm. Nestled amongst rolling hills, overlooking coastlines, and perched on mountainsides, villages represent the best of Italy’s history, community, and beauty. While each borgo boasts its unique personality, most share some unmistakable elements: the anatomy of an Italian village.
Walls
Many villages were born out of necessity, serving as safety from invaders. Encircling walls, often dating back to medieval times, stand as the first testament to this defensive past. These stone guardians, now often crumbling with age, mark the boundaries of the centro (Lucca is a great example!).
Grand Entrance
To enter the heart of the village, you often pass through an arched gateway, the porta. The actual doors may not be there today but you can imagine an ornate, manned entrance featuring the village’s patron saint or coat of arms. Walking through this arch is like an invitation to another world.
The Heart of It All
Regardless of the size of the village, you’ll find a central spot where life unfolds. It’s often paved with cobblestones and sometimes features a fountain, church, tower, or other significant structure. This is the most common area for local markets, festivals, and bustling cafes.
A Lovely Labyrinth
Branching off from the piazza, a web of narrow streets, often named after historical figures, invites you to wander and explore. The meandering paths they create can give the village a bit of a secret garden feel, but they also show vibrant signs of life. When you take in the scents of freshly washed laundry, colorful potted plants, and the wonderful local cuisine, you can’t help but feel a sense of home.
While Italy’s villages share these common elements, the old adage “If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all,” definitely does not apply. Each is a treasure in its own right — and each contributes a little bit of spice to Italy’s overall flavor. Which is your favorite Italian village? Let us know on our Facebook page.
Location Spotlight - Canelli, Piedmont 🥂
Life is Canelli is a little bit bubbly…thanks to its production of iconic sparkling wines. This charming community, nestled in the Asti province of Piedmont, has around 10,000 inhabitants and is known as the “capital of spumante.” If long stretches of vineyards, rolling hills, and a relatively temperate climate are on your checklist, Canelli is worth considering.
Landscapes here are alive and always changing, so if love the seasons, don’t miss this area of the country. The rolling hills are emerald in spring, heavy with grapes in the summer, fiery in fall, and tranquil in the winter.
One of Canelli’s most unique characteristics is the network of cellars carved into the soft tufa rock. These centuries-old atmospheric tunnels, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, are now home to renowned wineries like Bosca. Many of these wineries offer tours of these “underground cathedrals,” which are both practical for wine-makers and works of art.
Another landmark worth checking out is the Museo Civico di Canelli, a museum that highlights Canelli’s evolution from prehistoric times to the introduction of the sparkling wine boom.
This👇beautiful, stone farmhouse is ready for renters if you want to invest in Canelli but it’s also perfect as a primary residence. It has a large outdoor space with a pergola and a pool. Yes, it’s a splurge at €790,000 but you’d be getting a TON of house for this price.
Want to see all the details? Don’t forget to subscribe to Vendita for 30 property picks sent to you every Sunday. To subscribe via email, click here or join our Telegram channel. It’s completely free!
Ask Samantha Anything (ASA)
Send your questions to sophia@smartmoveitaly.com.
Dear Sam: I hope to buy a property in Italy in the next year or so, probably in either Liguria or Puglia (I know..I’m all over the place!). I’d like to use your property services but I’m wondering how far along I need to be in the process before being able to work with one of your specialists. Do I need to have a location narrowed down? Or at least a region?
Dear Ethan: Hi Ethan. It is really hard to narrow down your search area because there are so many amazing places to choose from, so I feel your pain… Our Property Purchase Assistance is designed to help you narrow your search and focus on the best areas for your needs. It is best to have a focus on a smaller area to start the search. This doesn’t mean that you can’t switch to another area if you aren’t finding what you want, but start with your favorite place.
Also, the best time to get started is when you are ready to buy.
This doesn’t mean that you “have” to buy, but that you are ready to buy if you walk into your dream home tomorrow.
Italy has a fairly serious “property tourism” problem, which leads many agencies to be less responsive to foreigners who show interest in buying. This is because there are many tire-kickers who will never buy, but are just curious and take up a ton of agent’s time.
So my advice is to wait until you know where you want to buy, have the funds ready, and can make an offer if you find the property of your dreams.
Wondering if SMI Can Help with Your Visa?
You may recognize Dreck Baker from a recent episode of our new podcast series, Goodbye North America: We Moved to Tuscany, Italy and You Won't Believe Our Lives Now! Dreck moved to Florence from Texas with his young granddaughter and we were thrilled to help him do it. See what he has to say, and then reach out so we can help launch YOUR new life in Italy!
Inspired? What are you waiting for? Visit our visa page or reach out to schedule a call.
As always, thanks for being a part of the Smart Move Italy familglia. A presto!