There are a few questions I get asked again and again — often by people dreaming about their move to Italy or already packing their bags.
Where’s the best place to live? Where do you go to escape the heat? Who do you recommend for learning Italian? What’s your favorite restaurant? And—perhaps most telling—where do you buy furniture?
So instead of answering these questions one by one, I decided to write a proper list. A personal one. No sponsors, no ads—just my tried-and-true favorites that have helped me live well (and stay sane) in Italy. From the tools that live on my phone to the mountains I run away to in the summer, this is a roundup of things I genuinely use, love, and return to again and again.
Language First, Always
Let’s start with the foundation of it all: learning Italian.
I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s hard. Learning a language as an adult isn’t linear or quick. You’ll start off motivated, then hit a wall. You’ll practice a perfectly rehearsed question, walk into a café, ask it with confidence… and get a five-minute response you don’t understand a word of.
But then, something shifts.
Maybe the barista doesn’t switch to English. Maybe you make a local laugh with a silly joke in Italian. And suddenly, you feel like you belong. Not as a tourist, but as someone who lives here.
Learning Italian isn’t about fluency. It’s about connection. It’s understanding the letter from the comune, chatting with your neighbor, ordering your favorite pastry without panic.
If you’re starting this journey, don’t wait for the perfect time. Start now. Start small. Make mistakes. Laugh at them. And keep going.
A few people I recommend:
Lorella Federico – My very first teacher and still my favorite. Patient, kind, and teaches via WhatsApp.
Manu at Italy Made Easy – Great videos and one of the clearest teachers I’ve ever listened to.
Margarita Berti at Italian Matters – Modern, accessible courses and a generous teaching style. I adore her.
Use a mix. Listen. Eavesdrop. Get curious. The language will become your anchor.
My Favorite Places (By Season, Because It Matters)
Italy’s beauty changes with the seasons—and so does my preference for where to be.
Summer: Mountains or Bust
I don’t sugarcoat this either: I dread summer in Italy. Florence regularly hits 40°C (104°F), and it’s not the dry kind of heat. It’s the “why am I melting indoors?” kind.
So, I leave.
We head to the mountains, usually Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley. Nestled near Mont Blanc, it reminds me of the Rockies—fresh air, alpine hikes, and a temperature drop of 10 to 15 degrees. It's my sanity.
I avoid the beach in summer. Not because it isn’t beautiful, but because it’s crowded. Shoulder-to-shoulder, can’t-find-a-spot crowded. Not my scene.
Winter: Sea and Silence
Once the weather flips, so do my preferences. I want mild days and wide-open skies. For that, we go to Sardegna.
Off-season Sardinia is a dream—quiet, gentle, peaceful. There’s magic in walking the beach with a scarf around your neck and no one else in sight. I could stay there from November to April and never miss the snow.
Spring and Fall: Home-Based
In between? I’m happy in Florence. It breathes better in the shoulder seasons, and the city feels more like itself.
Yes, You Can Have a Bad Meal in Italy
Let’s break a myth: not every meal in Italy is amazing. I’ve had my share of bland pasta, watery coffee, and overpriced desserts that should’ve been left in the freezer.
But when you find a spot that gets it right—where the food is made with love and served with joy—you never forget it.
Here are the places I return to (or dream about when I’m not there):
Around Florence
Newbridge Pizza – Modern, buzzy, and absolutely delicious.
L’Ortone (Sant’Ambrogio) – Consistently perfect. Go for lunch or dinner. Just make a reservation.
Cateni (Orgia) – Hidden in the countryside, unforgettable bruschetta. Worth the drive.
In Cetona (my first Italian home)
Ristorante Merlo – Built into a medieval tower. Simple, honest food.
Around Cortona
Braceria – In a strip mall next to a laundromat. Incredible. Trust me.
Vannelli in Camuccia – World-class cappuccino.
Trattoria Toscana – Go for the cinghiale ragu.
La Puntabella – Just outside Cortona, near Lake Trasimeno. Their vegetarian platter is a work of art.
Puglia & Beyond
U Curdunn (Locorotondo) – Go hungry. Order only the antipasto. That’s all you’ll need.
Sotto Vento (Passignano, Lake Trasimeno) – Some of the best seafood I’ve ever had—yes, even compared to the south.
La Tavernetta (San Teodoro, Sardinia) – One of the most memorable beach lunches of my life.
Where I Shop for Furniture (Because I’m a Design Nerd)
Skip the shoes and handbags—I’ll take a beautiful chair any day.
Italy is famous for design, and if you're building a home here, it’s easy to get lost in the world of furniture. I do a mix of online and in-person shopping, and here are a few sites I love:
Westwing IT – Stylish pieces and daily specials. Solid return policy.
Maison du Monde – Trendy, but check the quality in-store first.
La Redoute – Especially great for unique lounge chairs.
Tikamoon – Boho, earthy, and beautiful.
Loberon – Think modern rustic farmhouse.
My Go-To Digital Tools for Life in Italy
Here’s what’s always open on my phone:
Subito.it – Italy’s Craigslist.
Facile.it – Compare car insurance.
Pronto Pro – Find a local plumber or handyman.
Trenitalia – For train tickets (a must-have).
AppTaxi – Taxis in Florence and other cities.
EasyPark – Cheap parking without needing coins.
Telepass – Essential if you drive and hate queues.
And yes—our Smart Move Italy app is now live, and I’m so proud of it.
Inside, you’ll find:
Schengen calculator
Currency & time converters
A direct link to our real estate portal
All my go-to language resources
And “Luca,” our AI assistant who answers your Italy questions
It’s free, it’s helpful, and it’s designed for people just like you.
Final Thoughts
These are the things that help me live well in Italy—not just survive, but thrive. They’ve made me laugh, saved me time, given me great meals, and helped me feel more at home.
Whether you’re planning your move or already unpacking boxes, I hope a few of these become your favorites too.
And if you have your own go-to places, hidden gems, or tools you love—share them with me. We’re all better when we share the good stuff.
Ciao for now,
Samantha
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