Italy, the land of la dolce vita, is renowned worldwide for its unrivalled culinary heritage and long standing wine culture. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Sicily to the Lucius olive groves of Tuscany, the country's diverse regions offer a gastronomic journey like no other. Here is a carefully curated selection of our favourite food and wine destinations to buy a property in Italy.
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Sicily, Siracusa exudes an ancient charm that has captured the hearts of food and wine enthusiasts. With its history dating back to ancient Greece, this coastal gem boasts not only exquisite seafood dishes but also a thriving wine culture. Base yourself here, and you'll never eat a bad meal ever again!
Regional Foods: Siracusa is celebrated for its succulent swordfish, freshly caught in its azure waters. You can also savour the local specialty, pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines), a dish that harmoniously blends flavours of the sea and land.
Foodie Highlights: - Azienda Fausta Mansio: A wine lover's paradise, this family-run winery offers an extensive collection of Sicilian wines and hosts tastings that allow you to explore the nuances of the island's viniculture. - Ortigia market is a historic food market open Monday - Saturday, that offers an abundance of authentic local produce such as juicy blood oranges, lemons, cheese, local meats, and freshly caught seafood (the swordfish is a highlight). There's also a small sandwich stall here that always has lines around the corner, don't miss it!
Lucca, with its well-preserved medieval walls and charming streets, is a hidden gem for food and wine lovers. The city's proximity to the Tuscan countryside ensures access to the region's finest produce.
Regional Foods: Sample 'zuppa di farro' (spelt soup) and relish 'tordelli lucchesi,' delicate pasta parcels filled with meat and herbs, topped with a savory ragù.
Foodie Highlights: - Piazza dell'Anfiteatro: This picturesque square, built on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheatre, is lined with cosy trattorias serving traditional Lucchese dishes. - Strada del Vine: this popular wine route snakes through the Lucca countryside, passing historic vineyards and ancient villas and wineries where you can taste excellent quality wines.
The Eternal City is not just a searing testament to history and art; it's also a mecca for food enthusiasts. Rome's culinary scene combines traditional Roman recipes with contemporary flair.
Regional Foods: Tuck into the classic 'cacio e pepe' (cheese and pepper pasta), and don't miss the iconic Roman-Jewish dish, 'carciofi alla giudia' (Jewish-style artichokes).
Foodie Highlights: Antico Forno Roscioli: This bakery and restaurant is a haven for bread lovers and serves a divine "pizza bianca," a Roman-style pizza topped with olive oil and sea salt. Eataly Roma: A foodie's paradise, this Italian marketplace showcases a vast selection of regional products, including wines, cheeses, and artisanal pasta
The bustling capital of Sicily, Palermo offers a vibrant tapestry of flavours and cultures. It's a city where Arab, Norman, and Italian influences converge, resulting in a ridiculously exciting food scene. Palermo is one of the cheapest cities to live in Europe. Expats in Palermo report that not only do they get to enjoy all the fabulous history, architecture food and nightlife that the city has to offer, living here is easy on their wallets too!
Regional Foods: Delight in the fragrant street food, 'arancini' (rice balls), and savour the sweet notes of 'cannoli.' Palermo is also known for its colourful street markets, such as the Ballarò Market, where you can sample local delicacies.
Foodie Highlights: - Vucciria Market: This bustling market is a sensory feast with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and street food. Try 'panelle' (chickpea fritters) for an authentic Palermitan treat. - Palazzo Mirto: A historic palace that offers glimpses into the city's noble past and the opulent dining traditions of Sicily.
Massa, nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea, offers a coastal haven for seafood enthusiasts. Its proximity to Carrara, renowned for its marble quarries, also influences the local cuisine.
Regional Foods: Savor ‘spaghetti alle vongole’ (spaghetti with clams), a coastal delicacy, and relish ‘torta di riso,’ a delightful rice cake.
Foodie Highlights: - Piazza Mercurio Food Market: Help every Tuesday in the bustling and picturesque town square. - Bagno Malù: A popular seafood restaurant overlooking the beach.
Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, Asti is celebrated for its wines, including the renowned (and delicious!) Asti Spumante. It's a destination where vineyards, rolling hills, and culinary traditions converge.
Regional Foods: Raise a glass of Asti Spumante and enjoy ‘bagna cauda, a warm anchovy and garlic dip, and ‘tajarin,’ fine Piedmontese egg pasta.
Foodie Highlights: - Wine Tours: Explore the surrounding wine regions of Asti, such as Barbera d'Asti and Moscato d'Asti, with guided wine tours and tastings.
- The Festival of Festivals: A spectacular food festival billed as the largest restaurant in Italy, which takes place on the second Sunday of September.
The medieval town of San Gimignano, known as the "Town of Fine Towers," beckons with its iconic skyline and remarkable wines. It's a place where history, culture, and glorious viticulture intertwine.
Regional Foods: Try "vernaccia," the local white wine, and indulge in "pappardelle al cinghiale," a Tuscan pasta dish with wild boar sauce.
Foodie Highlights: - Gelateria Dondoli: Won the Gelato World Championship multiple times. - Torciano Wine Estate: A family run wine business with eight wineries across Tuscany offering plenty of tasting events throughout the year.
San Remo, located on the Italian Riviera, is a Mediterranean paradise where the bounty of the sea meets lush Mediterranean flavours. It's a haven for those seeking relaxed yet glamorous coastal living and exceptional gourmet experiences. San Remo’s red prawn is considered by many top chefs to be the best in the world. It is fished in the waters in front of the city.
Regional Foods: Delight in "trofie al pesto," Liguria's iconic pasta with basil and pine nut sauce, and indulge in "focaccia di Recco," a thin, cheesy flatbread.
Foodie Highlights: - Museo dell'Olivo: Discover the secrets of Ligurian olive oil production and enjoy tastings in this informative museum. - San Remo Food Market: Open-air market selling local fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, olives and lots more. Open Monday - Saturday from 6am -1.30pm.
Lake Como, with its dramatic alpine backdrop and serene waters, is an Italian paradise for nature lovers and gourmets alike. It's a region where lakefront dining is an art form.
Regional Foods: Enjoy ‘risotto con pesce persico’ (perch risotto), a lake specialty, and relish ‘missoltino,’ dried fish from the lake, prepared with local herbs.
Foodie Highlights: - Villa d'Este: Savour gourmet Italian cuisine in the splendid surroundings of this renowned lakeside villa, which is also a luxury hotel. - Cantina Follie: A cute little shop, wine cellar and restaurant serving up local delights.
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, offers not only a feast for the eyes but also a culinary journey through the heart of Tuscany. This city's culinary identity is deeply rooted in simplicity and quality.
Regional Foods: Savour the succulent 'bistecca alla fiorentina' (Florentine steak), and indulge in 'ribollita,' a hearty Tuscan soup made with vegetables and stale bread.
Foodie Highlights: - Mercato Centrale: This bustling food market is a treasure trove of Tuscan flavours, offering everything from local cheeses and cured meats to truffle-infused delights. - Uffizi Gallery: Dine at this world famous museum's rooftop coffee bar for fantastic panoramic views of the city as you tuck into tasty Tuscan cuisine and sip a Caffè Mocha, Italian-style.
Olbia, nestled on the stunning coastline of Sardinia, is a haven for seafood lovers and those seeking the flavours of the Mediterranean. Its azure waters and rustic cuisine beckon.
Regional Foods: Delight in ‘fregola con arselle,’ a Sardinian pasta with clams, and savour ‘porceddu,’ roasted suckling pig, a cherished Sardinian dish.
Foodie Highlights: - Il Mattacchione: Elegant restaurant that celebrates exceptional island produce with a fine selection of Sardinian wines - Gelateria Villi: Charming ice cream shop in the city centre. We love the pistachio and white chocolate gelato served in a brioche bun - naughty but delicious!
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