Italy with Kids: Tuscan Tomatoes, Real Family Costs and the Visa Paperwork (2026)

Our Italy Story: A Tiny Car, Tuscan Tomatoes and a Lemon Tree Dream

I was 25 and brand new to Europe the first time I saw Italy. Marty and I squeezed into a tiny car with two German friends and far too much stuff. We met in Trier, drove south to Marseille, then wound our way across into Italy. 🚗

We pitched our tent in Tuscany, surrounded by olive trees and old towns wrapped in fortress walls. Along the way we stopped in Pisa, then finished in Milan. I still remember the rows of scooters parked so tightly along the street that we couldn’t work out how anyone ever got theirs out. 🛵

It was my first real taste of Europe, and what stayed with me most was the food. Italian cooking is so simple: no ribbons, no fuss, just a few good ingredients that work together. I still cook that way at home.

Italy kept pulling us back. Marty and I returned to Rome with his parents and sister to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Then, when Louie was about three, we went glamping in Tuscany and Sardinia.

In Tuscany, our favourite ritual was walking to the farm nearby to buy fresh tomatoes. Back at the tent, we’d turn them into a sauce with local olive oil. It’s still one of the best things we’ve ever cooked. 🍅

Leo is two and hasn’t been yet, so Italy is very much still on our list.

Here’s the honest part. We’ve visited Italy several times, but we’ve never lived there. What you’ll read below about visas, schools and costs is researched, not lived, and we’ve labelled it that way.

Still, Italy is one of the few places where I can picture our family settling for a while. My dream version has big lemon trees, orange trees and olives in the garden. Espresso in the morning, prosecco before dinner, a glass of Primitivo with the pasta, and plenty of sunshine. 🍋

EU Families: No Visa, But Still Some Paperwork

EU and EEA citizens can live and work in Italy without a visa. That includes Dutch passport holders like Marty, Louie and Leo.

Staying longer than three months means registering with the local comune (town council) at its registry office. You’ll usually show that you’re working, or that you have enough money and health insurance. Requirements vary a little between towns, so check current details with your comune.

You’ll also want a codice fiscale, Italy’s tax code. It’s needed for leases, bank accounts, school enrolment and healthcare, and it’s issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate.

Our Two-Passport Family

Italy would be simple for Marty and the boys. It’s not quite as simple for me. As an Australian married to an EU citizen, I’d need a residence card for family members of EU citizens (carta di soggiorno). I’d apply to the local Questura (police immigration office) once we’d been in Italy for three months. Details are on the Polizia di Stato website.

We explain how mixed-passport families work across the EU in our guide to living in Europe with kids. Visiting on an Australian, UK or US passport without an EU partner? Short stays fall under Schengen’s 90 days in any 180-day rule, and our guide to staying longer without a nomad visa covers the legal options.

Travelling Italy by Train with Kids

Trains are one of the easiest ways to see Italy without a car. High-speed Frecciarossa trains (run by Trenitalia) and Italo trains link the big cities, while regional trains reach smaller towns.

On the fastest services, Rome to Florence takes about 1.5 hours and Rome to Naples a little over an hour. Florence to Bologna is under 40 minutes, and Rome to Milan around three hours. Check current timetables with Trenitalia and Italo, which often have cheaper fares when you book ahead.

Regional trains are slower and cheaper. They reach places like the Cinque Terre, Siena and Lake Como, and many routes don’t need booking.

Why Trains Suit Slow-Travelling Families

You can move bases every few weeks without hiring a car. No packing a boot to the roof, either (we’ve done the tiny-car version!). Kids get room to move, snacks and a window seat. Our guide to slow travel with kids explains why fewer, longer stops tend to work better.

Tip: book high-speed trains early around Easter, August and Christmas, when fares rise and seats sell out.

Where to Base Your Family in Italy

Italy stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean, and its regions feel very different. The north is wealthier and more expensive, with more international schools. The south is warmer and usually cheaper, but has fewer services for foreign families.

Tuscany and Umbria sit in between. Most families pick one base and explore by train, while some split a longer stay between a city and the countryside.

If We Moved to Italy: Following the Lemon Trees

When I picture our family in Italy, I picture the south: Sicily, Puglia or the coast around Naples. That’s where lemon and orange trees grow in ordinary gardens, and Puglia is where my favourite Primitivo comes from. 🍷

The south also tends to cost less than Milan, Rome or Florence. Still, the trade-offs are real:

• Fewer international schools. Options outside the big cities are limited, so most families either use local Italian schools or homeschool.
• You’ll likely need a car. Rural towns and coastal villages are hard to reach by public transport.
• The heat is serious. July and August regularly bring very hot spells, and many businesses close for summer holidays in August.
• Internet varies. Always confirm actual speeds before signing a lease, especially in old stone buildings.

🏛 Rome

History Around Every Corner

Rome is a big, busy capital where ancient ruins sit beside ordinary apartment blocks. For kids, that makes history feel real rather than something in a book.

For longer stays, families often look at Prati, near the Vatican, which is residential and close to green space. Monti is central and lively. Trastevere is full of atmosphere, but busy and noisy at night, and rents in all three sit above the city average.

Marty and I came to Rome with his family for his parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. It’s a city built for big family occasions, with long lunches and evening walks. The boys haven’t seen it yet, and the ancient sites are high on our list for them. Rome also features in our guide to destinations for families who love history.

Working From Rome

The Social Hub opened in San Lorenzo, near Termini station, in 2025, with coworking memberships reported from about €121 a month. Rome also has plenty of smaller coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafés. Check current prices directly with each space.

Rome for Families: What Stands Out

• The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon bring history lessons to life for school-age kids.
• Villa Borghese and other big parks give families space for bikes, picnics and play.
• Rome has one of Italy’s widest choices of international schools, though fees are high.
• Day trips to Ostia Antica, Tivoli and the Castelli Romani hill towns are easy.
• Trade-off: traffic, crowds and summer heat can wear a family down.

🎨 Florence and Tuscany

Renaissance Art and Olive-Covered Hills

Compared with Rome, Florence is compact. The Duomo, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio are all within walking distance. Across the river, the Oltrarno neighbourhood has artisan workshops and a more local feel.

The Tuscan countryside around it is where our own Italy memories live. We camped there on our first road trip, then came back years later to glamp with Louie. Walled hill towns, olive groves and farms selling their own produce are all a short drive away.

Glamping has been our favourite way to travel slowly with kids ever since. If you’re ever in the Netherlands, here are our top five campsites. ⛺

Agriturismi: Farm Stays for Families

An agriturismo is a working farm that takes guests, often serving food from its own land. Depending on the farm and season, kids might see olives harvested or animals fed. It’s a gentle way to try rural Tuscany before committing to a longer rental.

Working From Florence

The Social Hub has two Florence locations with coworking, Lavagnini and Belfiore. Impact Hub Florence offers day passes and flexible memberships, and the city’s big student population means plenty of café working too.

Florence and Tuscany for Families

• Art, medieval walled towns, wine country and farming traditions are all within day-trip range.
• Life moves at a calmer pace than in Rome or Milan.
• Pisa is about an hour away by regional train. We stopped there on our first road trip. The leaning tower is every bit as odd in real life as kids hope.
• Weekly markets make cooking from fresh produce easy.
• Trade-off: the centre is crowded with tourists, and rural Tuscany usually needs a car.

🌆 Milan

Modern, Connected and Close to the Lakes

Italy’s business and fashion capital works like one. Milan has the country’s widest choice of international schools, strong public transport and a large international community.

It’s also the most expensive city in this guide. Navigli, Brera and Isola are popular neighbourhoods, and Sempione Park gives families green space right in the centre.

Milan was the last stop on our first Italian road trip. My clearest memory is the scooters, parked so tightly along the kerb that we couldn’t work out how anyone ever got theirs out.

Working From Milan

Milan has Italy’s biggest coworking market, including several Talent Garden campuses and plenty of independent spaces. Expect higher membership prices than elsewhere in Italy.

Milan for Families

• Lake Como is under an hour from Milan by train, depending on which town you’re heading to.
• The Alps and Dolomites are within reach for skiing or summer hiking.
• The Duomo rooftop terraces give kids a view across the whole city.
• International schools offer British, American and IB programmes.
• Trade-off: grey winters, high rents and a faster pace of life.

🌊 Naples and the Amalfi Coast

Loud, Lively and Built Around Food

Naples isn’t easy. Traffic is chaotic, the streets are noisy, and it takes time to find your rhythm. For families who can handle the intensity, it’s one of Italy’s most lively cities.

This is the home of Neapolitan pizza, and food is at the centre of daily life. Costs are generally lower than in Rome or Milan.

The Amalfi Coast nearby feels like another world: cliffside villages, lemon groves and endless steps. It’s beautiful, but expensive and crowded in summer, and the coastal road is narrow and slow.

Working From Naples

Naples has a smaller coworking scene than the northern cities, mostly around neighbourhoods like Chiaia and Vomero. Test your apartment’s internet before you sign anything.

Naples for Families

• Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius turn ancient history and volcanoes into easy day trips.
• Ferries run to the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.
• Living costs are lower than in Rome or Milan, and family culture runs deep.
• Trade-off: traffic, noise and fewer international schools.

🎵 Bologna

Food City and University Town

Tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini and mortadella all come from Bologna. It’s also a university city, which keeps it young and busy throughout the year.

The covered porticoes lining its streets joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021. They make walking around with kids pleasant in both rain and summer sun.

Bologna is smaller and usually cheaper than Florence or Rome, although student demand keeps rentals tight. The Social Hub has a location near the station with coworking.

Bologna for Families

• The Quadrilatero market streets are made for everyday food shopping.
• A busy calendar of cinema, music and events runs all year.
• Fast trains reach Florence in under 40 minutes and Venice in about 1.5 hours.
• Its walkable size makes daily life simple.
• Trade-off: fewer international schools than Milan or Rome, and competition from students for rentals.

🌋 Sicily

Greek Temples, Volcanoes and Citrus Groves

Sicily feels like its own country. Greek temples at Agrigento, Roman mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale and Mount Etna make it a rich place for curious kids.

Palermo, Catania and Syracuse are the main bases. Living costs are generally lower than on the mainland. Family-sized rentals in popular areas still go quickly, though, so check current listings rather than relying on averages.

Sicily for Families

• Ancient sites include Agrigento, the Villa Romana del Casale and the theatre at Taormina.
• Guided Etna excursions run from the southern side, where there’s also a cable car.
• Arancini, caponata, pasta alla Norma and citrus straight from the trees. 🍋
• Trade-off: few international schools, slower services, and you’ll often need a car.

🍷 Puglia

📍 We haven’t been to Puglia yet. This section is researched.

Olive Groves, Trulli and Primitivo

Puglia is the heel of Italy’s boot. It’s known for olive oil, whitewashed towns and the cone-roofed trulli houses of Alberobello, which are on the UNESCO list.

It’s also where Primitivo, my favourite red wine, comes from. Bari and Lecce are the main city bases, and both are on the high-speed rail network.

The trade-offs are similar to Sicily’s: few international schools, hot summers, and a car makes life much easier. Parts of the Salento peninsula have also lost many olive trees to a plant disease called Xylella. The landscape there isn’t always the postcard version.

🏝 Sardinia

Wild Coastlines and a Slower Pace

We went glamping in Sardinia with Louie when he was about three. It’s a different side of Italy: wilder, quieter and slower than the mainland.

The island has its own language, food and traditions. Its mountainous interior is one of the regions researchers call “Blue Zones”, known for unusually high numbers of people living past 100.

Cagliari, the capital, is the most practical base, with an airport and the most services. In 2025, Sardinia’s prehistoric domus de janas rock-cut tombs joined the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sardinia for Families

• The water is famously clear at beaches like La Pelosa and on the Sinis Peninsula. Some popular beaches now limit numbers or charge a fee in summer, so check before you go.
• Hiking, horse riding and ancient nuraghe stone towers give kids plenty to explore.
• Outside peak season, living costs are lower than in most of the mainland.
• Trade-off: ferries or flights for every trip off the island, few international schools and very quiet winters.

Choosing the Right Region for Your Family

Start With Schooling and Budget

Families who need international schools usually end up in Milan or Rome. If art and the Tuscan countryside matter most, Florence works well, while Bologna suits food-loving families on a slightly tighter budget.

For lower costs, the south and the islands make more sense, as long as you’re comfortable with local schools or homeschooling. The comparison below sums up each region.

Everyday Family Life in Italy

Long Lunches and Late Dinners

Daily life in Italy follows its own rhythm. Espresso standing at the bar, a long lunch, then dinner later than many families are used to.

In smaller towns and much of the south, many shops close for a few hours in the early afternoon. Restaurants often don’t open for dinner until 7pm or later, which takes some adjusting with hungry little kids.

Children are generally welcome in restaurants, including in the evening. Expect plenty of friendly attention for toddlers.

Simple Food That Tastes Like Itself

Italian cooking isn’t complicated, and that’s the whole point. A ripe tomato, good olive oil, fresh pasta, maybe some basil. Nothing hides behind sauces or garnish.

For families, this matters more than it sounds. Weekly neighbourhood markets (mercati rionali) make it easy to cook from fresh produce. Vegetarian eating is also straightforward, because so many classic dishes are built on vegetables, beans, cheese and pasta.

The kids learn the seasons by what’s on the market tables: tomatoes in summer, citrus in winter. You don’t need a lesson plan for that. Italy sits at the top of our list of destinations for families who love food and culture.

🏡 Family Accommodation in Italy

Rental Contracts and What to Expect

Most families start with a furnished short-term rental while they get to know neighbourhoods. Longer rentals are listed on Idealista and Immobiliare.it, Italy’s main property portals.

Italian leases come in a few types. The standard residential lease usually runs four years plus four, while a transitional contract (contratto transitorio) can run from one to 18 months. Leases must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate, which matters if you’re applying for the digital nomad visa.

What a Three-Bedroom Might Cost

Our monthly estimates for a three-bedroom outside the priciest central areas are about €2,000 in Milan and €1,500 in Rome. Florence or Bologna come in around €1,300, and southern cities around €850. Popular central neighbourhoods cost much more, so check current listings before you plan around these figures.

Before You Sign

• Ask the landlord for an internet speed test, or run one yourself during a viewing.
• Check the heating and air conditioning. Old stone buildings can be cold in winter and hot in summer.
• Look for signs of damp or mould, especially in ground-floor flats.
• Confirm that the contract will be registered.

Our guide to finding family accommodation abroad has more on what to look for.

💻 Working Remotely in Italy

Fibre in the Cities, Patchy in Old Buildings

Fibre internet is common in Italian cities. Rural areas, hill towns and thick-walled old buildings can be slower, so always test before committing. TIM, Vodafone and WindTre are the main mobile networks, and a local SIM makes a good backup.

Our internet guide for nomad families covers eSIMs, Starlink and backup plans.

Coworking Options

• Rome, Florence and Bologna: The Social Hub runs coworking spaces in its hotels.
• Florence: Impact Hub Florence offers day passes and flexible memberships.
• Milan: Italy’s largest coworking market, including Talent Garden campuses.
• Naples and the south: smaller scenes, so café working and home offices are more common.

Locations and prices change, so check current details with each space. Our remote work guide covers how families make working on the move sustainable.

Education and Childcare in Italy

State Schools: Free, but in Italian

School is compulsory in Italy from age 6 to 16. State schools are free and teach in Italian, which can be a big adjustment for kids arriving without the language.

International Schools

Rome, Milan, Florence and Bologna all have international schools with British, American or IB programmes. Fees vary widely, and at the top schools they can exceed €20,000 a year per child, so check current fees directly.

• Rome: the American Overseas School of Rome, St George’s British International School and Marymount International School.
• Milan: the International School of Milan and Sir James Henderson School.
• Florence: the International School of Florence.
• Bologna: the International School of Bologna.

Our international schools directory lists more options by city.

Nurseries and Kindergarten

Nurseries (asili nido) take children from about three months to three years, and scuola dell’infanzia covers ages three to six. Public nursery places can be limited, so ask your comune early.

Homeschooling and Worldschooling

Home education (istruzione parentale) is legal for families resident in Italy. Parents notify the authorities each year, and children sit an annual assessment. Check current rules with the local school office, and see our worldschooling legal guide by country.

For shorter stays, Italy is an easy place to worldschool. Pompeii, Florence’s galleries and a farm stay all teach without a lesson plan. Our guide to homeschooling while travelling shows what our days really look like, and our education and childcare guide compares the bigger choices.

🧘 Healthcare in Italy

Public Healthcare, Private Insurance and Pharmacies

Italy’s national health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or SSN) covers registered residents, who sign up with a local family doctor. EU citizens on shorter stays can use their European Health Insurance Card for medically necessary care.

Digital nomad visa holders need private health insurance that covers Italy. Some permit holders can register voluntarily with the SSN for an annual fee, which rose to a minimum of €2,000 in 2024. Check current details with the local health authority (ASL).

Pharmacies are everywhere, and pharmacists are a good first stop for minor problems. Our health insurance guide for nomad families compares the options, and our family health guide covers staying well on the road.

🚂 Things to Do in Italy with Kids

Learning Without a Lesson Plan

Italy has 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of 2025), more than any other country. Its biggest attractions double as its best classrooms.

• Pompeii and Herculaneum for ancient daily life.
• The Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome.
• The Uffizi and the Duomo in Florence.
• Etna or Vesuvius for volcanoes.
• A farm stay for food, animals and the seasons.
• Lake Como or the Dolomites for time outdoors.

Book popular sites ahead, especially in spring and summer. Spring and autumn are usually easier than July and August, and our month-by-month travel guide can help you plan.

Cost of Living in Italy for Families

The North Costs More, the South Costs Less

Italy’s costs vary a lot by region. Milan is the most expensive city here, while southern cities and the islands are usually cheaper.

The estimates below assume a family of four (two adults, a school-age child and a toddler) in a three-bedroom rental outside the priciest central areas. They include rent, groceries, eating out, utilities, transport and everyday spending.

Not included: school fees, health insurance, flights, visa costs and a car. Figures were checked in October 2026, with Australian dollar conversions at about €1 = A$1.62.

Rome matches our cost comparison across 50 family destinations. For moving money between currencies, see how we manage money across borders, and our family budgeting guide covers the bigger picture.

Visas and Residence in Italy

Different Rules for Different Passports

Italy’s rules depend on your passport. EU families can move freely, as explained above. Non-EU families have two main options: short visits under Schengen rules, or a long-stay visa such as the digital nomad visa.

Permission to enter isn’t permission to work or live there. Always check current rules on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal before applying.

The Digital Nomad and Remote Worker Visa

Italy’s visa for digital nomads (self-employed) and remote workers (employees) has been available since April 2024. It’s a national long-stay visa for up to a year, followed by a residence permit.

Main Requirements

• Income: official sources quote about €25,000 to €28,000 a year for the main applicant. No government page we’ve found publishes an amount for spouses or children, so expect to show more and confirm with your consulate.
• Qualifications: a three-year degree, or relevant professional experience (usually five years).
• Remote work history: at least six months already working remotely.
• Housing: a lease registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate, or a property deed, before you apply. A holiday rental booking won’t count.
• Insurance: medical and hospital insurance covering Italy for the whole stay.

Sources: the Embassy of Italy in Pristina, the Consulate General of Italy in Buenos Aires and the Ministry of Labour’s integration portal, checked 25-09-2026.

After You Arrive

Within eight working days of arriving, you apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the Questura, usually by sending a kit from the post office. Missing this deadline can cause real problems, so plan it before you land.

The permit lasts a year and can be renewed while you still meet the requirements.

Bringing Your Family

Spouses and minor children can join through family reunification, either travelling together or later. According to the Ministry of Labour’s portal, family permits allow family members to work in Italy. Check current details with your consulate.

Tax: The Impatriate Regime

Since 2024, new arrivals who qualify can have 50% of their work income exempt from Italian tax for five years, or 60% with a minor child living in Italy. The exemption applies to income up to €600,000 a year.

The conditions are strict. You must be highly qualified and not have been tax resident in Italy for at least the previous three years. There’s also a commitment to stay at least four years. Get professional tax advice, and check current rules with the Agenzia delle Entrate.

Comparing countries? See our guides to digital nomad visas by country, how nomad visas have evolved and Spain’s digital nomad visa for families. Our family visa guide covers the basics.

Finding Community in Italy

Bigger Networks in Cities, Neighbours in Small Towns

Rome and Milan have the largest international communities, built around international schools, coworking spaces and expat groups. Florence and Bologna have strong student and creative scenes.

In small towns, community grows differently: through the school gate, the weekly market and the neighbours. It’s slower, and speaking some Italian helps a lot.

Our worldschooling hubs directory lists family communities around the world, and our community guide covers how we find our people on the road.

Practical Tips for Your First Weeks in Italy

Get Your Codice Fiscale Early

You’ll need this tax code for leases, bank accounts, healthcare and school enrolment. Apply at the Agenzia delle Entrate, or at an Italian consulate before you travel. Bring your passport.

Plan the Questura Step Before You Land

Non-EU families on a long-stay visa have eight working days to apply for their residence permit. Find out how your local Questura handles applications before you arrive, because waits vary by city.

Learn Some Italian

Outside tourist areas, schools, doctors and government offices mostly work in Italian. A few basics like buongiorno, grazie and scusi go a long way, and kids often pick up words quickly through play.

Book Trains Early in Busy Periods

Easter, August and Christmas are the busiest times on Italian trains. Booking high-speed trains a few weeks ahead usually means better fares and seats together.

Watch for Restricted Traffic Zones

Many historic centres have limited traffic zones (zone a traffico limitato, or ZTL), monitored by cameras. Driving in without a permit can mean a fine, often weeks later.

Work With the Afternoon Break

Plan errands and market trips around the early afternoon closure in smaller towns. It saves a lot of frustration with tired kids.

Culture and Sustainable Living in Italy

Food From Close to Home

Italians often talk about km 0 food: produce grown and sold locally. Weekly markets, farm shops and seasonal menus make it easy to eat this way.

Choosing agriturismi, family-run trattorias and local producers keeps your money in the community. Our sustainable family travel guide has more ideas.

Festivals and Traditions

Many towns hold a sagra, a local festival usually built around one food, like chestnuts, truffles or a local pasta. They’re affordable, relaxed and a lovely way to meet neighbours. Check the comune website for dates.

⚠️ The Challenges of Living in Italy

Paperwork Takes Time

Residence permits, registration, healthcare and school enrolment all need patience and complete documents. Expect to return to offices more than once, and build that time into your plans.

Rentals Are Competitive in Big Cities

Good family apartments in Milan, Rome and Bologna go quickly. Having documents ready and being able to decide fast makes the search easier.

You’ll Need Italian

English drops away quickly outside tourist areas and international circles. Families who learn even some Italian settle in faster and find daily life easier.

Summer Heat and August Closures

July and August are hot, especially in the south and in cities. Around Ferragosto on 15 August, many businesses close for holidays.

Internet Varies

Fibre is common in cities, but rural areas and old buildings can be patchy. If your income depends on a stable connection, confirm real speeds before you commit to a property.

Italy FAQs for Nomad Families

Can families get Italy’s digital nomad visa?

Yes. Italy offers a visa for digital nomads (self-employed) and remote workers (employees). Official sources quote a main-applicant income of about €25,000 to €28,000 a year. No family figure is published, so confirm with your consulate. You’ll also need a registered lease or property deed before applying.

Do EU citizens need a visa to live in Italy?

No. EU citizens can live and work in Italy freely, but must register with the local comune after three months. Non-EU spouses apply to the Questura for a residence card. Check current details with the Polizia di Stato.

How much does it cost a family to live in Italy?

It depends heavily on the region. On our estimates, a family of four needs about €4,050 a month in Rome and around €3,000 in southern cities. That excludes school fees and health insurance. See the budget tables above for what’s included.

Can you homeschool in Italy?

Home education (istruzione parentale) is legal for resident families. Parents notify the authorities each year, and children sit an annual assessment. See our worldschooling legal guide and check current rules with the local school office.

Is Italy a good place for worldschooling?

It’s one of the easiest countries for learning on the go. Ancient history, art, geology and food culture are all reachable by train or day trip. For longer stays, the paperwork is usually a bigger challenge than finding things to learn.

Do you need a car in Italy?

Not in the big cities, where trains and public transport work well. In the countryside, on the islands and in much of the south, a car makes daily life far easier.

Does Italy offer tax breaks for families moving there?

Italy’s impatriate regime can exempt 50% of work income from tax, or 60% with a minor child living in Italy. It comes with strict conditions, including staying at least four years. Get professional tax advice before relying on it.

What’s the best region in Italy for families?

There isn’t one answer. Milan and Rome suit families who need international schools. Florence and Bologna suit food and art lovers, while the south suits families after lower costs and slower days.

Our Takeaways

Italy gave me my first taste of Europe and some of my favourite food memories. It’s also a country that asks for patience: slow paperwork, competitive rentals in the big cities, and a language you’ll need outside them.

If your family loves food, history and slow days, it’s worth the effort. Start with the boring questions first. Who can stay, can you find a registered lease, and how will the kids learn? The beautiful part tends to take care of itself.

As for us, we haven’t been back since Louie was three. One day, I’d like to show Leo those Tuscan farm tomatoes. Then maybe find a house with a lemon tree and stay a while. 🍋

Still deciding? Browse all our family destination guides.