Italy is a popular destination for remote workers, a trend which is on the rise thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. With working from home increasingly an option, and with the number of freelance workers and digital nomads also on the rise, many are choosing Italy as their WFH base, either in the long or short term. Let's have a closer look at this trend and check out the best places in Italy for WFH and digital nomads.
Remote working in Italy and COVID-19
From working remotely by the beach in Italy, to moving to the city, there are plenty of options when it comes to working from home in Italy, making it one of the most popular destinations in the world for smart working, remote working and digital nomads.
According to a recent study by We Are Marketers, in total, about 70% of those interviewed discovered remote working only during the pandemic period, which shows that, before COVID-19, it was of interest to only a small part of the working universe, mostly freelancers and entrepreneurs. All of this can be added to the fact that there are even certain areas of Italy that will pay you to live and work remotely there.
Why work from home in Italy?
Some of the things that really make the difference in choosing a new location as a remote worker include networking opportunities, contact with nature and the possibility of getting to know different realities and cultures to stimulate creativity.
According to the We Are Marketers report, Italy comes out as one of the most popular locations for remote workers and digital nomads thanks to its favourable climate, natural areas, varied cultural offer and affordable average cost of living.
Many digital nomads in Italy who were interviewed as part of the study claimed to be looking for proximity to parks and green areas to carry out their work: it is not surprising, therefore, that Trentino-Alto Adige, Tuscany and Sardinia are amongst the regions indicated as the most suitable for remote working, where art and nature are the protagonists.
The best places in Italy for WFH and digital nomads
As well as the areas of Trentino-Alto Adige, Tuscany and Sardinia selected by the We Are Marketers report, we have a couple of additional suggestions of some of the best cities in Italy for digital nomads and remote workers.
Milan
No list of the best places to live and work in Italy would be complete without Milan, as as a global city and Italy's fashion capital, Milan is a large centre of commerce, finance and technology. When it comes to working, you'll be able to take advantage of the wide number of co-working spaces on offer across the city, and to relax, you'll be spoilt for choice by Milan's extensive cultural offering.
Palermo
Sicily is also another popular option for working from home, thanks to its island lifestyle, mountain villages, pleasant climate and lower cost of living. For those who still want the buzz of a city but on a smaller scale, Palermo is our pick, where you'll find a growing digital nomad community and an increasing number of co-working spaces.
Trieste
Trieste is a great option for remote workers who prefer a smaller town which is also great for families. The community of remote workers and digital nomads is much smaller here, but with its great internet connection and charming surroundings, Trieste is quickly becoming a favourite destination for WFH.
Bari
Bari is a great option for remote workers on a budget, as this city in Southern Italy is home to much more affordable prices in all aspects, from renting a flat to eating out. Life here is much more relaxed than in the bigger cities, and this slower lifestyle may just be what certain remote workers and digital nomads are looking for.
Rome
Last but not least is Italy's capital city of Rome which, like Milan, is a bustling city with lots of co-working spaces. While Rome isn't the most affordable city and has higher property prices than other cities in Italy, this will be made up for when it comes to business and networking opportunities, not to mention the charm and uniqueness of the city itself.