These 12 Spots in Italy Are a Digital Nomad’s Dream Come True
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Are you a digital nomad dreaming of Italy as your next work destination? You’re in the right place. Italy is a diverse country with lively cities, picturesque countryside, and beautiful seaside towns. It also offers digital nomads all the amenities they need to thrive, including high-speed WiFi, internet cafes, a digital nomad visa, and affordable accommodation.
However, with so many exciting places to explore, deciding where to stay can take time and effort. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, you’ll find 12 top places in Italy for digital nomads. These entries were selected because they have many things to see and do, essential amenities, and affordable living options.
Rome
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The most obvious choice for digital nomads moving to Italy is the capital, Rome. One of the World’s most famous tourist destinations, this city is famed for its rich history, iconic ancient landmarks, and delicious cuisine. When you’re not working from an internet cafe or coworking space, you’ll find yourself stepping back in time at the Colosseum or tucking into local cuisine.
Admittedly, Rome isn’t the cheapest place to live in Italy, but you can still live comfortably for less than $1,700 monthly. You can also save money by cooking your food and staying somewhere more modest. Regarding things to do, have fun visiting the Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain, and enjoy an Aperol Spritz in Piazza Navona.
Read more: Best Things To Do in Rome
Bologna
If you want to save more money but still live somewhere exciting and entertaining, Bari is perfect. This beautiful city in Northern Italy offers historic architecture, lush scenery, and many digital nomad amenities. For example, you’ll find several coworking spaces in the city offering high-speed internet. Furthermore, most people in the city speak at least some English.
A big hit with history lovers, you’ll likely spend most of your free time in Bologna exploring historical attractions, such as the medieval city walls, Piazza Maggiore, and the Fountain of Neptune. Alternatively, leave the hustle and bustle of the city and hike the many tree-lined trails surrounding it. Regarding finances, you can rent a flat in Bologna with high-speed internet for less than $1,000 monthly.
Read also: Surprising Facts About Italy
Bari
If you’d prefer to live somewhere that combines city life and coastal pleasure, look no further than Bari, the capital of Italy’s Puglia region. This vibrant port city on the Adriatic Sea in Northern Italy offers charming architecture, many historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and plenty of sunshine.
Beach-going digital nomads can soak up the sun on Pane e Pomodoro Beach, Bari Waterfront, and Torre Quetta Beach. Meanwhile, history buffs can visit iconic attractions in the Old Town, like Saint Nicholas Basilica and Castello Normanno-Svevo. Better still, most attractions are free to visit, so you don’t have to break your budget. You can also expect high-speed internet, affordable accommodation, and cheap eats. Unfortunately, English isn’t widely spoken, though.
Read also: Italy’s Insta-Worthy Spots
Milan
According to Living Cost, the average cost of living for a single person in Milan is $2,074 monthly. Therefore, the city is best suited to higher-earning digital nomads. Luckily, the higher costs come with many rewards, including access to world-famous attractions, a thriving expat community, coworking spaces with high-speed internet, cheap eats, and a large population of locals who speak English.
As for fun, the opportunities are endless. No matter what you like, you’ll find something you enjoy in Milan. Sports enthusiasts can watch AC Milan or Internazionale Milano at the San Siro. Shopaholics can shop till they drop in the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center, and history buffs can get lost at famous historical sites like Duomo di Milano.
Read also: Common Italy Tourist Mistakes To Avoid
Naples
The cost of living in most Italian seaside towns and cities is high, making it harder for digital nomads to find a place to live. Luckily, Naples, the third largest city in the country, is one of the most affordable Italian beach destinations. The average cost of living in the city is approximately $1,578 monthly.
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Better yet, this port city offers big-city amenities, such as internet cafes, coworking spaces, and big-chain supermarkets and grocery stores. As the city is very touristy, you won’t have any issues finding someone who speaks English, either. Naples has many exciting things to see and do when it comes to having fun. Make sure you visit Mount Vesuvius, Spiaggia della Gaiola, Ovo Castle, and Sansevero Chapel.
Read also: Must-See Landmarks in Italy
Amalfi
Generally, the town of Amalfi in Southern Italy is associated with luxury resorts and high prices. However, digital nomads can comfortably live by the sea in Amalfi for approximately $1,527 monthly, including rent, utilities, and food. In Amalfi, you can fill your days off with sun, sea, sand, and epic coastal views.
When not relaxing on the beach or sipping cocktails by the sea, explore the cliffside town’s picturesque streets and medieval architecture and tuck into Italian cuisine. Admittedly, you’ll struggle to find coworking spaces and as many English speakers in Amalfi, but you’ll still have access to high-speed WiFi and a wide range of accommodation options. What’s not to like?
Read also: Discover Italy’s Surreal Wonders
Palermo
Digital Nomads with a tighter budget should consider moving to Palermo, a picturesque city on the island of Sicily. Despite being the island capital, Palermo is surprisingly affordable. Living in the city for less than $1,000 monthly, including rent, is possible if you live like a local.
Palermo offers nomads the best of both worlds. You’ll find essential amenities in the city, such as grocery stores, cafes with high-speed WiFi, varied accommodation options, and many things to do. You’ll also have easy access to Sicily’s tropical-esque coastline, allowing you to enjoy a fabulous work-to-life balance. Notable points of interest in Palermo include Centro Storico (the Historical City Center), Vucciria Market, Palermo Cathedral, and Mondello Beach.
Read also: Must-Visit Fairy Tale Villages in Italy
Genoa
The next destination on our list is Genoa, a beautiful port city in Northern Italy. Genoa is most famous for its medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. However, it’s also a very modern city, home to the Liguria region’s economic center. As such, you can expect to find many coworking spaces and accommodation options with high-speed WiFi.
When you’re not working, make the most of the city’s vast range of things to see and do. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, explore the multi-colored port and its traditional architecture, and discover hidden gems like Christopher Columbus House, Piazza della Vittoria, and Porta del Molo. Regarding the cost of living, you can live comfortably in Genoa for less than $1,500 monthly.
Read also: Peaceful Italian Retreats for Retirement
Laconi
If you’re looking for something completely different, move to Laconi. Laconi is a small village in the heart of Sardinia, an island famed for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, charming towns, and scenic natural landscapes. Laconi might have a population of less than 2,000, but it’s home to a wonderful digital nomad space called Treballu Coliving.
This unique rural living space allows keen travelers to experience an authentic ancient Italian village and Sardinia’s serene scenery while still having access to affordable accommodation, reliable WiFi, and like-minded people with a common interest. When you’re not working or relaxing with other nomads, explore the island, visiting popular attractions like Badesi Beach, Su Nuraxi di Barumini, and Cagliari.
Read also: Italy’s Stunning Beach Destinations
Cagliari
Cagliari is perfect for digital nomads who want to explore the paradise of Sardinia but prefer big city life to a rural setting. Sardinia’s largest city and capital, Cagliari, has everything you need to thrive. You can expect high-speed WiFi in most accommodation options and coworking spaces, plenty of places to relax and unwind, and a large population of people who understand English.
As for the cost of living, a single person can live in the city for approximately $1,565 monthly. During your time in Cagliari, make the most of the picturesque waterfront, admire the pastel-colored architecture, explore the hilltop castle, and get lost in the medieval quarter. Don’t miss the Tower of San Pancrazio, the Citadel of Museums, and Porta dei Leoni.
Read also: Enchanting Medieval Cities and Towns in Italy
Turin
Digital nomads weary of the prices in Italy’s major cities should stay in Turin, the capital of Northern Italy’s Piedmont region. This modern city has a solid infrastructure, so you won’t have trouble finding an apartment, cafe, or coworking space with excellent WiFi. Meanwhile, the city center is still home to fascinating architecture and attractions.
Furthermore, rent prices in Turin are almost 40% lower than in Rome. One of the things we love about Turin is the diversity of things to do. History lovers can explore the city’s Renaissance buildings, squares, and boulevards, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike and ski in the Italian Alps surrounding the city. Significant attractions include Mole Antonelliana, Monte Musinè, Piazza Castello, and Parco del Valentino.
Read also: Budget-Friendly European Places
Florence
Without a doubt, Florence is an expensive city. However, it’s not in Italy’s top 10 most expensive cities, so it could be doable for most digital nomads. Besides, nomads can rent a room in the city for as little as $645 monthly. It’s also worth noting that English is spoken widely across the city.
Florence is a beautiful city in Italy’s Tuscany region, best known for its arts and culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and centuries-old palaces. For nomads, it offers a fantastic work-life balance. Explore the city’s iconic sights when you’re not using high-speed WiFi in a coworking space or working out of a quaint cafe. Famous attractions in Florence include the Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Uffizi Galleries.
Read also: Charming European Towns