If you’re in the market for a change of scenery (and, let’s be honest, aren’t we all?), Italy will pay you to move to some of its picture-perfect Italian villages. The breathtaking region of Calabria in southern Italy will offer a handful of new residents about $33,000 USD over the course of three years. Yes, you read that correctly.
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The intention is to entice a new population to breathe new life into nine small Italian villages – which are idyllically located both by the ocean and in the mountains – that have been losing residents over the years and now house fewer than 2000 people. More than 75 per cent of the some 320 towns in Calabria now have fewer than 5,000 people living there.
Naturally, the seemingly too-good-to-be true offer comes with a few stipulations.
So What’s the Deal?
In order to collect the funds from Calabria, new residents must commit to launching a small business, taking over a business, or take a specific professional job. Applicants also need to have youth in their favour; the offer is limited to potential new residents aged 40 and younger.
Those who get accepted into the program must also pack up their lives and move within 90 days. Inevitably, the move will come as a shock to the system to those used to large populations and a fast pace.
Once they settle into their new surroundings, residents will receive monthly payments for the first three years they live and work in the villages. As for their businesses, the possibilities are endless in the peaceful part of the world: from opening shops, cafes, and B&Bs, to rural farms.
This isn’t the first time Italy has tried to entice new residents with dollars. The village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio offered $52,500 in grants to people willing to relocate there to work in 2020.
So far, some of Calabria’s most scenic villages have signed up to participate in the program. And, frankly, all of them sound pretty enticing to us right now…
Aieta
Set in the territory of Pollino National Park, the rural village of Aieta sits in the mountains but isn’t far from the beaches of Maratea and Praia a Mar. Its quant streets are filled with dreamy Renaissance palazzos.
Albidona
This soothing beachside village spans from the sea to the mountain and is located close to the adventure-filled Pollino National Park
Sant’Agata del Bianco
Sant’Agata del Bianco offers a rural and relaxed vibe along its cobblestone streets and yellow stone walls.
Bova
Peacefully perched on the sloped of Aspromonte, the picturesque town of Bova is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, monuments, and palazzi
Caccuri
In addition to its famed olive oil, the town of Caccuri is known for its interweaving streets, rocky ridges, and famous castle – the decided crown jewel.
Santa Severina
The ancient medieval village of Santa Severina sits on a rocky cliff and is recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful hamlets – and for its delicious oranges.
Civita
Founded in 1400, Civita sits on a cliff within Pollino National Park. Offering an authentic Calabria feel, the hamlet is home to no more than 1000 people.
Samo and Precacore
The ancient hamlets of Samo and Precacore offer a slower, peaceful vibe and perpetual reminders of simpler times.
San Donato di Ninea
This remote village is found in the deepest parts of Pollino National Park. Tucked away on rolling hills, you’ll find no shortage of scenic views in this untouched part of the country.
If these scenic spots sound like your vibe, those interested can apply here.
