happy tourist destinations

Europe’s happiest tourist destinations: Italy takes the crown

One place in Italy has been ranked Europe’s happiest tourist destination. The village on the Amalfi Coast achieved a perfect score of 100 out of 100 in a study measuring where travellers experience the most genuine joy. But how is a place’s happiness measured? A recent study by JustCover attempted to answer that by analysing more than one million reviews left by tourists at all kinds of venues: attractions, national parks, viewpoints, resorts and iconic destinations across 155 of the world’s most popular places.
Taranto

€1 homes near the sea: Italian municipalities close to seaside spots

Many Italian municipalities have adopted the initiative of selling properties at symbolic prices in an effort to increase their populations and revive local social and economic life. €1 homes are often found in villages in Italy’s inland areas. There are, however, a few examples of towns that have published public calls and put properties on the market near seaside destinations, including small places in Sicily and Calabria.
escrow

Escrow: how it works and why it offers greater guarantees

A widely used instrument in real estate sales, the escrow deposit is a sum of money the buyer pays to guarantee the purchase offer presented and, more importantly, their intention to successfully complete the transaction. The amount is deposited with a neutral third party, such as a notary or real estate agency; it is not released to the seller until the offer is accepted or the preliminary contract is signed. Upon signing, it becomes a confirmatory deposit.
ISMEA reopens land: 14,000 hectares in the South, installments up to 30 years.

Italy auctions 14,000 hectares of farmland with 30-year payment plans

More than 14,000 hectares of public land are returning to the agricultural market, with a formula aimed at changing the balance of power in the Italian countryside. ISMEA has launched the ninth edition of the Banca Nazionale delle Terre Agricole (BTA) for 2026, auctioning arable land throughout Italy and offering subsidized financing for those under 41. The most concrete innovation is the combination of repayment terms of up to 30 years and interest discounts linked to an insurance policy, designed to encourage generational turnover.
Abruzzo

Holidays in Abruzzo: dreamy summer between sea and mountains

Abruzzo is one of the most underrated regions during the summer months. It’s often seen as more of a winter destination, thanks to its mountains and well-known ski resorts popular across Europe. In reality, a holiday in Abruzzo works perfectly well in summer too. The key is understanding the regional climate, so you can pick the periods that suit you best and avoid the less favourable ones.
A view of Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna

€1 homes in Emilia-Romagna: all the opportunities for 2026

Buying a property for a symbolic price and bringing it back to life is an idea that has existed in Italy for more than 15 years. The initiative began in Salemi, Sicily, in 2008 and has gradually spread across the country, reaching mountain villages and small rural comuni, or local councils. €1 homes in Emilia-Romagna are among the latest examples of this trend. In 2026, a municipality in the province of Piacenza officially joined the scheme. The aim is to curb depopulation, bring unused buildings back into use and attract new residents or investors prepared to put money into these areas.
most beautiful medieval villages in Italy

The most beautiful medieval villages in Italy

Walking among stone walls, towers rising above the hills, and cobbled lanes that seem frozen in time is an experience Italy does particularly well. The most beautiful medieval villages in Italy tell the story of an era shaped by castles, Romanesque churches and communities perched high up for protection, places that have since become popular travel destinations.
Capri

Italy’s 10 most expensive coastal towns for buying a home

Owning a home by the sea is a dream for many people. Buying one, particularly in certain locations, is a luxury reserved for a select few. In the third quarter of 2026, the most exclusive coastal municipalities in Italy confirm a clear trend: prime property shows no sign of slowing down, with prices in some cases rising by more than 40% over the past five years.
Energy efficiency

Green homes, the future of Italian property

When it comes to green homes, 2030 is a deadline that's generating attention and, in some cases, even some concern. However, it's important to remember that this isn't a doomsday year for the real estate market. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has mandated the achievement of certain overall national targets. These targets must be interpreted correctly: new residential buildings must be zero-emission by 2030; while for existing residential buildings, Member States must adopt measures to ensure a reduction in average primary energy use of at least 16% by that year. Therefore, there's no requirement for a minimum energy class for each individual home. But what does the latest news on the European directive on green homes tell us?
quiet beaches in Italy

Goodbye crowds, hello 20 quiet beaches in Italy away from the chaos

Finding a quiet beach in Italy in July or August seems almost impossible. Yet the peninsula still hides dozens of coves accessible only on foot, bays protected by nature reserves, and inlets where the only sound is the crashing waves. Many of these uncrowded beaches owe their tranquility to their difficult access: forest trails, boat arrivals, or limited-access reservation systems that limit daily admissions.