Tag: Town

Is This Egyptian Beach Town The New Bali?

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Bali is known as a paradise for travelers looking to enjoy laid-back island life. For decades, tourists, surfers, digital nomads, and backpackers alike have flocked to the Indonesian island.

But the long-time favorite has some competition from an unlikely newcomer.

Along the untouched coastline of Egypt’s Sinai peninsula lies a sleepy town that most travelers wouldn’t suspect to be a trendy hotspot. But make no mistake – Dahab, Egypt is an up-and-coming bohemian beach destination on track to become the next Bali.

Defying Expectations

When you think of Egypt, images of ancient pyramids and bustling markets probably come to mind – not blue waters and sandy beaches. But this fantastic North African country is home to a wide variety of wonderful beaches.

From the big-name Red Sea resort towns of Sharm El-Sheikh and El Gouna to the protected reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park and Wadi el-Gemal, there’s a beach for every kind of traveler in Egypt.

Dahab ticks all the boxes for a Bali-esque hotspot. Sunny beaches, surf, adventure sports, affordability, vibrant culture, and laid-back vibes… the list goes on. But Dahab also has that alternative X-Factor; a charm impossible to quantify, but crystal clear to see after just one visit.

Travelers looking for what Bali used to be 20 years ago should look no further. Dahab is the new “it” spot.

Sleepy Beaches And Dazzling Diving

Netflix’s new documentary ‘The Deepest Breath’ has generated plenty of buzz about the Blue Hole near Dahab in the Red Sea. It’s true that this unique 100-meter deep underwater pit is a bucket list item for experienced divers, but there’s so much more to Dahab’s beaches than the Blue Hole.

Less risky and equally dazzling diving spots like The Lighthouse, Eel Garden, and The Canyon (where you can night dive underwater caves during a full moon!) are worthy of sharing the spotlight. With over twenty centers and countless dive sites for everyone from beginners to experts, it’s safe to say Dahab is a diver’s paradise.

For adventure lovers, Canyon Beach offers more than just underwater cave diving. Its colorful mountains and clear waters are great for a simple swim. Meanwhile, Lagoona Beach is the spot for a relaxing beach day or a walk along the sand.

No matter what kind of beach you’re after, Dahab’s sea sites promise the dazzle of natural beauty without big crowds.

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Surf’s Up

While some travelers head to Bali to catch big waves, others flock to Dahab for world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing. Dahab is home to over a dozen kitesurfing and windsurfing schools that are especially popular with international travelers.

In fact, tourists come from all over the world specifically to kitesurf here in Dahab’s ideal conditions. With high winds 280 days of the year and calm lagoons safe for teaching beginners, Dahab is the perfect spot for these adventurous water sports.

For those who prefer to keep their adventures on land, amazing hiking is only an hour or two away in Nuweiba and St. Catherine.

Welcoming And Vibrant Culture

Egyptians are some of the most welcoming people on the planet, and Dahab is no exception to that fact. The local culture is foreigner-friendly, eco-friendly, and animal-friendly.

The pace of life in Dahab is slower and more relaxed compared to bustling Egyptian destinations like Cairo. (Bali’s infamous motorbike traffic jams are nowhere to be found in Dahab.) But chill definitely doesn’t mean boring in Dahab.

The international community here is small but active and intermingles with locals. Most of the social scene happens along the beach promenade. Artisan markets, open mic nights, and bustling restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to make connections with all types of people.

Nowhere is the international melting pot of cultures in Dahab more evident than the unbelievable variety of international food for such a small town. From German bakeries and Italian eateries to Lebanese dives and Egyptian slow-cooking joints, Dahab’s gastronomy is a microcosm of the global community.

Something about the mix of bohemian travelers, laid-back kite surfers, and hospitable Bedouin tradition sets Dahab’s unique culture apart from the rest.

Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dahab is nearly 50% lower than Bali, according to NomadList.

In fact, Dahab is one of the cheapest destinations in the world. Long-term travelers, expats, and digital nomads can easily enjoy Egyptian beach paradise for $700-$1,000 per month, with rents averaging $350-400 per month.

Tourists on short trips can budget for $30-40 per day, plus $200-300 per week for a scuba diving or kitesurfing course. Mid-range hotels will cost $10-25 per night, while luxury 5-star options offer great value at $50-90 per night. Local meals cost $2-5, and coffee will only set you back a dollar.

Growing Digital Nomad Hub

Given the town’s stunning beaches and laid-back global community, it’s no surprise that digital nomads and tourists alike are drawn to this hidden Sinai gem.

Dahab is growing in popularity with remote working travelers, in an upward trend mirroring the country-wide tourism boom breaking records this year. Dahab in particular is expected to explode as a top digital nomad destination in the near future.

This year, underdog Dahab competed with the likes of Capetown to make the cut for the top 10 most popular digital nomad cities in Africa, according to Business Insider. TechNext also named Dahab one of the top 7 emerging African cities for tech nomads this summer.

Working remotely from Dahab is extremely affordable. Coworking spaces start at $6 per day or $115 per month. Cafes are the most popular option for digital nomads in Dahab.

Wi-Fi can sometimes get spotty in such a remote area, so most digital nomads opt for $20 local SIM cards with dirt-cheap data top-ups to ensure they stay connected no matter what. Internet infrastructure is slowly but surely improving to meet demand.

Digital nomad and long-time solo female traveler Lara said about her time in Dahab: “As I spent my days working in cafes by the red sea, learning to free dive, and enjoying delicious meals with like-minded friends, I wondered why more people didn’t know about Dahab.”

The raw ingredients are all there. Bohemian vibes, global community, affordability, sun and surf, growing digital nomad hub, and an elusive charm.

With a little time, the sleepy Egyptian beach town of Dahab is definitely on track to become the next Bali.

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August 9, 2023
This Underrated Storybook Town Might Be The Best Budget Destination in Europe This Summer
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The good news: vacation calories don’t count. The bad news: this summer’s record-breaking tourist season might take some of the sweetness out of your gelato.

Summer 2023 promises overcrowded, overheated, and overpriced destinations all across Europe’s hotspots.

According to Expedia’s 2023 travel trends report released last month, travelers are focusing on “the biggest culture capitals of the world” and flocking to favorites like Lisbon and Edinburgh. Flight searches for the June to August period are up 25%, while many airlines are forecasting price increases of 30% compared to previous summers.

Altogether, it’s not a pretty picture for travelers planning a summer trip to Europe.

So if you don’t love the idea of getting packed like sweaty sardines into a Venetian alley or blowing an entire year’s travel budget reenacting Emily in Paris, what can you do?

The lesser-known town of Prizren, Kosovo offers a relaxing and affordable European holiday this summer.

Why Prizren, Kosovo Is A Top Destination This Summer

Prizren is the true hidden gem of the Balkans.

Nestled in the southwest mountains of Kosovo near the Albanian and Macedonian borders, this under-the-radar storybook town promises a picturesque Europe holiday.

With minimal crowds, affordable prices, and plenty to do, Prizren is a true goldilocks destination.

No Crazy Crowds

Prizren is one of the best-kept secrets in Eastern Europe. Even in the peak June to August season, you won’t find its cobblestone streets overcrowded. In fact, travelers are unlikely to see any large tour groups at all.

The exception to this southern Kosovar town’s peace and quiet is the Docufest film festival every August. Still, the festival’s visitors feel that the high-energy creative environment is worth sharing this fairy tale location with a few more people.

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Affordability

Prizren is one of the cheapest cities in Europe.

Even in the summer season, you can find a lovely 4-star hotel room for two for $40 per night. Rental cars start at $15 per day and parking at $5 per day. Buses to and from regional cities like Tirana and Skopje range from $8-15, while taxis around the city cost $3-8.

Nice multi-course meals average $9, or you can enjoy simple local street food like burek and pide for $2. Since cappuccinos are only a dollar, you can enjoy as many lazy coffees by the river as you like.

Nightlife is just as inexpensive. A pint of local beer will cost you less than $2. Local Vranac wine from Kosovo’s Rahovec region goes for as little as $4 a glass and is absolutely worth every penny.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Balkans without dirt-cheap rakia. Kosovar versions of this strong homemade liquor are usually made from grapes or walnuts. Expect to pay $1-2 per shot, depending on quality. (Even though this stiff fruit spirit is deceptively served in a shot glass, remember: sip, don’t shoot.)

Some of the rakia on your trip may even be free! It’s a customary welcome drink, so hosts and tour guides sometimes offer it out of hospitality.

Best of all, Prizren’s historical sites and attractions are completely free.

Lots to Do
- Explore the picturesque Prizren Old Town. This was the historical heart of Kosovo during Ottoman times, and remains a cultural and social center today. Take a stroll down the picturesque cobblestone streets on both sides of the Old Stone Bridge and take in the view.
- Enjoy local specialty dishes like Tavë Prizren (baked lamb and vegetables with rice and yogurt) or Krempita (custard tart).
- Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Our Lady of Ljeviš Church, and Church of St. Savior. These beautiful historical sites are free of cost and crowds. There are plenty of other small mosques and churches all over the city to discover and find your own favorite.
- Climb up to Kalaja Fortress at sunset. Only a 30-minute walk from the river, Prizren’s 5,000-year-old citadel has the absolute best view in the city. Locals suggest bringing a picnic of regional Sharr cheese, fresh baked bread, and seasonal fruits to enjoy on the grassy areas all around.
- Trek the Sharr Mountains. Only an hour west of Prizren, this national park has everything from day hikes like Oshlak to more challenging multi-week treks stretching into Albania.
- Visit Mirusha Falls. This chain of a dozen waterfalls and pools is a great way to cool off in the summer. A car is required since there are no bus routes here. Google Maps isn’t quite accurate on the trailheads yet, so the best route is to start at Mirusha Hotel and ask for directions.
Easy To Get In and Around

Prizren is easily accessible by bus or car from the airports in both Skopje and Tirana (2.5 hours). These smaller airports shouldn’t be too crowded this summer compared to other European capitals.

Lufthansa, LOT, Austrian Airlines, and Air Serbia run regular flights from the US to these cities.

Lots of great Balkans destinations are just a few hours’ drive from Prizren:
- Shkodër
- Theth-Valbonë trek
- Tetovo
- Lake Ohrid
Prizren is the best solution for travelers trying to beat the crowds and high prices of this record-breaking travel summer in Europe.

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May 9, 2023
Why Digital Nomads Are Calling This Small Mexican Beach Town Home

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Mexico, in general, is becoming extremely popular amongst expats and digital nomads. Its mild weather, affordability, and diverse natural beauty make it ideal for a laid-back and easygoing lifestyle. In recent years, Mexico City has become a major hub for digital nomads, and Tulum has been attracting beachgoing crowds for a while.

However, there’s one small town on the Pacific Coast that is relatively unknown outside of the backpacker and digital nomad community.

Puerto Escondido, literally meaning “hidden port,” is an up-and-coming beach town on Oaxaca’s Pacific coastline known for its surf spots, relaxed atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. Its beautiful beaches are lined with boutique hotels, surf schools, and seafood restaurants.

Visitors express that they like how calm and uncrowded it is. Many who plan to visit for a short time end up staying for much longer. Although it has flown relatively under the radar to the masses, Puerto Escondido is starting to appear more and more on social media and in travel publications.

Here are some of the reasons Puerto Escondido is one of the favorite spots amongst digital nomads in Mexico:

Laid-back Atmosphere

Digital nomads love Puerto Escondido because of its laid-back beach vibe, excellent surf opportunities, and incredible natural beauty. Aside from its gorgeous beaches and lush jungles, visitors mention friendly locals and a lack of pushy vendors.

Accommodations are usually smaller boutique hotels, coliving spaces, and surf hostels. Big resort hotels have not yet invaded the beaches, although this is a worry for those who fear that Puerto Escondido will become the next Tulum.

Being that the crowd is mostly backpackers and digital nomads, it’s not bringing in tourists on a short holiday. Even during busy times, it is said that it is far less crowded than other popular beach towns in Mexico.

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Plenty To Do

Puerto Escondido has plenty of things to do when you close your laptop for the day. Of course, surfing is the number one activity, but if you’re not a surfer, you can relax on one of the many beautiful beaches, take a boat tour, or take a jungle hike to find waterfalls.

One popular event that happens every evening is the baby turtle release. Volunteers can participate in this unique opportunity and learn about the conservation of turtles in the area.

Nightlife

Although the relaxed beach atmosphere is one of its draws, Puerto Escondido also has a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from.

There are lively beach bars, great music, and delicious food. You can find activities such as live music and karaoke, or just sit back and relax, enjoying a cocktail and the stunning sunset.

Affordability

Compared to many other popular beach towns, Puerto Escondido is considered much more affordable. It is smaller, a little off the beaten path, and brings in far fewer visitors than, for example, Tulum.

Accommodations and restaurants have a more local feel, rather than the big resorts and franchises elsewhere. With the cost of living relatively low, it is an ideal place to live and work remotely.

Great Base For Day Trips

Nomads and slow travelers often have a “home base” that they will then make shorter trips from during weekends or days off. Puerto Escondido is a perfect place for this, as there are so many amazing locations nearby.

Mazunte and Zipolite are two such places where you can find even more pristine and secluded beaches.

You can also head to the Punta Cometa viewpoint to get some amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Another popular option is to visit the Manialtepec Lagoon to see bioluminescent plankton or the Chacahua Lagoon for mangroves, wildlife, and the crocodile hatchery.

It’s important to note that while many cafes and coworking spaces are popping up throughout the little town, it is somewhat rural, and the internet can be slow and unreliable compared to what most digital nomads are used to. If you plan to spend some time here, be sure to familiarize yourself with coworking space options and have a backup internet source like a data plan or portable hotspot.

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February 25, 2023
This Small Town In Europe Is The Most Serene Place Imaginable
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Just a 30-minute drive outside the Albania border lies a tranquil lakeside town in North Macedonia. This small town of 40,000 residents is a beautiful, treasured secret to locals in the region who come here for a weekend getaway or make it their summer escape.

To others across the globe, it would rank high on the list for their next vacation or retirement dream goal if only they knew this place existed.

Welcome to Ohrid!

Lake Ohrid is one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in Europe. It is actually set in two countries, Albania and North Macedonia (more commonly known as Macedonia). The lake looks pristine from any direction, or country, for that matter. But the small town of Ohrid on the Eastside of the lake is the place to go for the best experience. Those who decide to make the trip will not be disappointed!

More airlines are adding routes to both Tirana, Albania, and Ohrid, making it much more accessible than it used to be. This charming town is actually just a 2-hour journey from the capital of Albania compared to a 4-hour journey from its own country’s capital, Skopje.

@sullystraveldiary #ohridmacedonia #ohrid #ohridlake #ohrid🇲🇰 #travel2023 #italytravels #italytrip✈️ #travelgoals #2023travel #2023travelgoals #tiktoktravel #italytraveltips #italytraveldestinations #europetraveldestinations #europetrip #europetraveldiaries #europetraveller #europetiktok ♬ original sound – Owen

Historical Old Town

Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mix of old and new, like many other European cities. Old Town is where tourists will discover the heartbeat of Ohrid.

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Cobblestone streets and alleyways zig and zag all across the city center, mostly full of locals going for a walk or digital nomads on their laptops at a breezy sidewalk cafe. Macedonians live life at a slower pace, and it is easily noticeable here. Want a coffee, for example? You might have to wait for your barista to finish their morning cigarette first before taking your order. Need a cab ride? Maybe your driver hasn’t finished reading the newspaper yet. That’s right, a newspaper.

There are numerous restaurants in Old Town offering fresh seafood straight from the lake and a cheap, cold local brew. Most of them offer outdoor patios so patrons can enjoy the calm, cool breeze and take in the amazing scenery of Ohrid. Many of these establishments specialize in cuisine from other nearby countries too such as Greece, and even Turkey. Those looking to indulge themselves really can’t go wrong here!

Going Back In Time

Walking through Old Town and the surrounding streets, one is bound to come across a church. It would actually be almost impossible not to since this town was once known for having 365 churches – a different church for every day of the year!

What’s left behind now is incredible. The preservation of these buildings is still mostly intact, with some dating back to at least the 9th Century AD! There are a lot of challenging hills to climb in Ohrid, but the postcard-worthy views of the lake, combined with the unique design of these Romanesque churches, is a one-of-a-kind experience well worth the trek.

Macedonia is the third least visited country in Europe, but the tourists who have already checked Ohrid off their list recommend the steep hike to Samuel’s Fortress for the breathtaking 180-degree views.

If one could forget there’s a smartphone in their pocket, they would truly feel like they are taken back in time.

The Serenity Of Lake Ohrid

Wherever travelers wander throughout Ohrid, it is impossible to miss out on Lake Ohrid. In many parts of the world, it’s common for lakes to be murky and not have the best reputation. Lake Ohrid just doesn’t belong in that category. The calm, crystal-clear water is more comparable to what one would see at a 5-star resort in the Maldives.

Seemingly untouched, it’s no mystery why this area is known as the “pearl of the Balkans”. There are a lot of options to best experience this natural wonder:
- Paragliding
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Boating
- Or simply dipping your toes in the water and enjoying the serene surroundings of the lush green hills
@themanwhosawtheworld Macedonia anyone? 🇲🇰 #clearwater #lake #lakes #mountains #pretty #gorgeous #macedonia #ohrid #ohridmacedonia #lakeohrid #europe #eurotrip #backpacking #solotravel #solotrip #travels #travel #traveltok #passport #bucketlist ♬ What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Many tourists say the best way to experience Lake Ohrid is by taking a boat ride at sunset. The orange glow lights up the entire town. One recent traveler described the lake as, “a really special place” and “drop-dead gorgeous”.

If vacationers are seeking pure bliss and serenity, look no further than Ohrid, North Macedonia.

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February 15, 2023
These 3 Small Town In Spain Were Ranked The Best Villages To Visit In The World
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The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recently unveiled its list of best villages to visit around the world, based not only on their quaintness and charm, but also social and environmental sustainability. Interestingly, 3 small towns in Spain are among those listed, recognized for their sheer beauty, medieval History and inestimable cultural value.

This year, demand for travel to Spain soared to new heights, especially after it reopened for international travel, restriction-free. For the first time, however, it’s the lesser-known destinations that are gaining the most traction as millions of sun-seeking Americans journey across the pond in search of their idyllic Mediterranean getaway.

If the buzzing crowds and energetic atmosphere of cities like Barcelona and Madrid are not for you, this is where you should be heading instead:

Rupit, Catalonia

Rupit is a gorgeous rustic gem in the heart of Catalonia, one of the autonomous provinces of Spain with a regional identity so strong it could be its own nation. The stone-built Old Town, which dates back to the 12th century and has been left virtually unspoiled amid the country’s rapid 20th century urbanization, is easily the main point of interest.

Having grown out of the fortified gates of a hilltop castle, the village blends naturally with the mountainous scenery and craggy surroundings. It’s almost as if the ancient houses, dating back at least 500 years, and the winding cobblestone streets that lead to secret passageways and tiny plazoletas rise naturally out of the rock formations.

Rupit is definitely not on everyone’s radar, or plagued by overdevelopment, and being a short two-hour drive north of Barcelona, it makes for a perfect day trip idea, especially for those looking to escape the Instagram hordes cramming into every possible Game of Thrones filming location in Girona, or the overpriced beach towns lining Costa Brava.

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Alquezar, Aragon

If you consider yourself an outdoorsy person, you should definitely make Alquezar a priority on your next travel itinerary. Located in a bucolic setting at the foot of the Pyrenees, it acts as a gateway to an area of truly outstanding natural beauty. Hiking spots, nature trails, a meandering stream and sweeping mountain views: it truly has it all.

The most popular pastime among visitors to Alquezar is tracing the path beginning in the Monchiriguel Fountain, in the center of town, and ending in the La Fuente canyon. Along the walk, they will find crystal clear mountain springs, old waterwheels and historical bridges arching over the turquoise-colored River Vero.

On top of that, visitors are free to stroll picturesque streets lined with medieval monuments and traditional family-owned Aragonese shops, deeply embedded in tradition, explore Alquezar Castle, originally built by the Arab conquerors of the Iberian Peninsula, and admire the architectural splendor of the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor.

Guadalupe, Extremadura

Guadalupe is a 1,822-people strong community nestled in the hinterlands of the Extremadura region, straddling the Spanish border with Portugal. A remarkable little town famous for its traditional architecture, it is the proud home of the imposing 14th century Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe, one of Spain’s finest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For History aficionados, the monastery is a must-see landmark: is the exact spot where Christopher Columbus made his first pilgrimage after ‘discovering’ the Americas in 1492, thanking the heavens for the achievement. His love for Guadaloupe is well-documented: he went as far as naming a Caribbean island in its honor.

Besides being a culturally and religiously important site, Guadeloupe is often used as a base for travelers exploring the wider province of Caceres. Other regional attractions include the Monfrague National Park, a sought-after hotspot in the birdwatching community, and Trujillo, a heavily fortified town packed with medieval and Renaissance buildings.

Spain Has The Most Entries Out Of Any Country On The List

The director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London was quoted saying they were ‘delighted’ the three Spanish villages were acknowledged as distinguished tourism hubs, especially now that the nation is expanding its promotional efforts to under-visited towns: ‘we aim to promote community-led tourism across Spain and are thrilled at the international recognition‘.

A total of 136 villages were submitted for consideration, with each UN member state allowed to nominate up to three candidates. This means all three of Spain’s submissions – Rupit, Alquezar and Guadalupe – made it to the final list, more than any other country. The full list of 32 destinations feature other beautiful villages in Switzerland, Italy, China and Vietnam.

The UNWTO’s best tourism villages for 2022 are the following:
- Zell am See, Austria
- Wagrain, Austria
- Puqueldón, Chile
- Dazhai, China
- Jingzhu, China
- Choachí, Colombia
- Aguarico, Ecuador
- Angochagua, Ecuador
- Mulu Ecovillage, Ethiopia
- Mestia, Georgia
- Kfar Kama, Israel
- Sauris-Zahre, Italy
- Isola del Giglio, Italy
- Umm Qais, Jordan
- Creel, Mexico
- El Fuerte, Mexico
- Ksar Elkhorbat, Morocco
- Moulay Bouzerktoune, Morocco
- Lamas, Peru
- Raqchi, Peru
- Castelo Novo, Portugal
- Pyeongsa-ri, South Korea
- Rasinari, Romania
- Al’Ula Old Town, Saudi Arabia
- Bohinj, Slovenia
- Rupit, Spain
- Alquézar, Spain
- Guadalupe, Spain
- Murten, Switzerland
- Andermatt, Switzerland
- Birgi, Türkiye
- Thái Hải, Vietnam
The UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated toruism can be a ‘true gamechanger’ for rural communities, creating more jobs, supporting hard-hit businesses in the wake of the Covid crisis, and ‘keeping traditions alive‘. For Pololikashvili, the list showcases the ‘power’ of the sector in driving ‘economic diversification’ outside large urban centers.

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January 1, 2023
Another Italian Town Is Offering Money To Move There, But What’s The Catch?
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We’ve all read the headlines – “Beautiful town in Italy is paying people to move there” and “Houses in this Italian village are selling for $1.” But what is behind these seemingly too-good-to-be-true offers? Are they real, and if so, why do these amazing deals pop up so frequently? What’s the catch?

Presicce, Puglia

Earlier this week, officials from the town of Presicce, located in Puglia, announced they will pay outsiders up to $30,000 to move there. Should you start packing your bags?

About The Area:

This beautiful town is located at the southern tip of the heel of Italy’s boot, and along with the neighboring town of Acquarica, it is home to around 9,000 residents. Historically known for its highly productive and renowned olive oil industry, Presicce has been referred to as the “city of green gold.”

Hidden under the town center is an elaborate system of olive mills that tourists can still visit today. The town is surrounded by olive groves and cycle and hiking trails and is about a 15-minute drive to the coast.

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The Fine Print:

In order to qualify for the payment, you’ll have to move to Presicce, purchase an abandoned home in the town’s historical center, and renovate it, if needed. While Americans are permitted to buy property in Italy, they will need to sort out the appropriate visas in order to stay longer than 90 days or look into becoming an Italian Citizen.

The $30,000 sum will be split in two, with one part given to help pay for the home and the other intended for renovations and refurbishment. Eligible houses are determined by local authorities and must have been built prior to 1991

Why Are They Doing This?

In short, Presicce’s population is declining, and officials are hoping this incentive will breathe new life into the town and give a boost to the local economy. Only half of the town’s 9,000 residents live in the historical section, and this incentive will hopefully revitalize the dwindling center.

Speaking to CNN, local councilor Alfredo Palese said, “There are many empty homes in the historical center built before 1991 which we would like to see alive again with new residents. It is a pity witnessing how our old districts full of history, wonderful architecture and art are slowly emptying.”

Other Places In Italy With Relocation Incentives:

Sardinia – $15,000

The beautiful Italian island of Sardinia is trying to lure new permanent residents to its smaller towns in an attempt to reverse a population slide. What’s the catch?
- Move to a Sardinian town with a population of fewer than 3,000 people
- Put the $15,000 towards renovating a home
- Live there full-time
- Register Sardinia as your permanent residence within 18 months
Candela – Up To $2,000

This central Italian town is offering different amounts based on the size of your family- the more people, the more money you receive. What’s the catch?
- Move to Candela
- Rent a house
- Have a job that pays over $7,500/year
Molise – $25,000

The region of Molise, located east of Rome, has 106 villages in need of more people. Officials are hoping a cash incentive can help repopulate these small towns. What’s the catch?
- $700/month for up to three years
- Need to commit to starting a small business to boost the local economy
- Must be between 18-40 years old
Calabria – Up To $29,000

Calabrian officials hope that their “active residency income” project will boost the economy of Southern Italy and help out small communities that are under threat of even more devastating population loss. What’s the catch?
- Payment made over three years
- Must relocate to a village with less than 2,000 residents
- Must commit to starting a new small business or taking over an existing business
- The maximum age is 40
- Must relocate within 90 days of application
$1 Homes

In 2008, a town in southern Sicily made headlines when the mayor announced they’d be selling off homes for as little as $1. Since then, 34 other Italian towns have followed suit with similar programs. Yes, there are homes for sale for next to nothing, but the costs can quickly add up, as most homes on offer are in need of significant restoration and can come with additional expenses like closing costs, translation services, and taxes.

Is It Worth It?

Italy often makes headlines for incentivizing tourists and potential new residents to join them in an attempt to revitalize their numerous small towns and villages. These creative incentives are certainly worth a shot for Italian municipalities. If successful, many towns could be saved from dying out, but it is likely too soon to know how well these programs are working.

From a new resident’s perspective, there will be many factors to consider when taking up one of these offers. While the increase in remote work makes rural living more accessible to many, there will also be unique challenges for those who choose to move to one of these small towns.

Many do not have great internet connectivity, and some towns have little opportunity to make a living locally. Language barriers, limited social life, and isolation are all factors to consider before jumping on one of these offers.

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November 25, 2022