Authentic small town in the South

[Cricra]

I would suggest you to live in Puglia (Apulia Region) and in particular in Lecce (the Florence of the South of Italy).
100.000 people, old, beautiful, excellent food, not expensive, very close to gorgeous beaches (crowded in July and August) and to lots of small villages and unique towns like Otranto, Ostuni (the white town), Alberobello (land of Trulli) and a bit further Trani, Gargano area, Matera (located in Basilicata Region where the movie the Passion of Christ with Mel Gibson was filmed). Many cultural events are always organized in Lecce and it is just 30 minutes from Brindisi Airport (direct Ryanair flights to London).

[Cricra]

I would suggest you to live in Puglia (Apulia Region) and in particular in Lecce (the Florence of the South of Italy).
100.000 people, old, beautiful, excellent food, not expensive, very close to gorgeous beaches (crowded in July and August) and to lots of small villages and unique towns like Otranto, Ostuni (the white town), Alberobello (land of Trulli) and a bit further Trani, Gargano area, Matera (located in Basilicata Region where the movie the Passion of Christ with Mel Gibson was filmed). Many cultural events are always organized in Lecce and it is just 30 minutes from Brindisi Airport (direct Ryanair flights to London).

[Giacomina]

Hi,

I lived in Puglia, but not in Lecce where I visited often catching trains and shopping. Lecce is definately a city!

I'm a small town girl and the small towns in Puglia are pretty with very nice people. Its very hot in the summer but the winters are great with little rain. The towns are built more like american towns inthat they are flat and have square or rectangular grid like street layouts, so medieval hill towns dont exist in Puglia but there are other advantages such as inexpensive housing and lots of fresh fish from the ocean.

[Cricra]

Actually there are many medieval hill towns:

- Ostuni, "the white city" draped across 3 hills with fantastic views of the sea;
- Martina Franca beautiful town with one of the finest old quarters in all Puglia and fantastic views over picturesque countryside dotted with historical trulli;
- Oria, once the capital of Messapia, is a fortified medieval town located on a hill top and rich in monuments;

I am sure there are even more.

[Giacomina]

Yes there are, but they are reallly different from the medieval hill towns in the rest of Italy. Sorry I didnt mention those, I only have lived near Lecce and south Puglia!

[maddy1]

@minixyvirgo, may i ask some advise please?
Thank you.

[nutss]

Originally Posted by Giacomina

You might like San Giovanni a Piro, near Sapri. It is the most beautiful spot in the world. Very authentic people and architecture like you want, smallish but with plenty of stores and restaurants.
The natural beauty is absolutely breathtaking, lovely deciduous trees, winding roads and a view of the sea from every house and street. Really you cant go wrong by going there. There is a hotel in San Giovanni and some bed and breakfasts near by in the countryside where you could stay until you find a proper rental.

Have a great year!

Yes Giacomina. I can vouch for what you say about that area. My sister owns a property in Scario which is two towns over from Sapri. She goes there on weekends to escape the noise, traffic, and sheer madness of Naples. It's truly a picturesque and cosy area to live with very friendly people. Whenever I visit Naples, I make it a point to spend some time in Scario as well. Be warned: winters get a tad chilly and life slows down measurably.

I may very well make the big move to that area (and Italy) within the next 6 months. My Italian is rusty but I'm sure it will improve over time.

[athertina]

Hello. I would like to suggest a little city in the south of Sicily named Melilli. Inbetween Syracuse and Catania. It is the best of both worlds, a modern shopping plaza (not far away from anything) and the surrounding towns comprise of everything you mentioned in No.2 of your requirements. This area ticks all the boxes except close to the coast. Close enough! If you are interested, I may be able to go to Melilli in January and show you around including lodgement. Regards, Tina 61434111569

[athertina]

Hello. I wrote another time but I think it was banned because of ph no, I cannot find it. I can recommend Melilli, Sicily. Everything you want and need except close to the coast. Though, not far away! Search Melilli in the Foram, I recommended the place to somebody else and you may find my reply. Otherwise I will write to you in detail. If you are interested in a tour, I may be able to travel in January and show you around including accommodation. Regards, Tina

[Dillinger]

Learning Italian as quick as possible must be the first thing to do for anyone moving there? NO?

I speak Spanish very well and used to speak Italian 20 years ago and know that the language is easier to get by in than many others.

My mode is simple. Get a verb book and learn "To be" and "To have". Italian language is a mix of that at it's base. 2 verbs and you will be zooming. The words for "things" will quickly come through everyday interaction.

Obviously this is a gross generalisation, but it does hold true.

Such a pity to be in Italy and stuck for words. The Italians are great on the whole and only hanging with other expats gets old quickly.