5 reasons you should try remote working in Italy this year
Imagine it… you're in a sunny corner of Southern Italy, enjoying a few snatched hours of beach-reading or sunbathing, before getting up to hit the office. There's no commute because – even though you're on holiday – you're at work. You enjoy coffee break with your boss, only it's not coffee: you are sipping an Aperol spritz and discussing your next project or working on the book of a lifetime. All the while you're marvelling at the stunning Ionian or Adriatic coast and breathing in fresh sea air. This is not a pipe dream, this is an ideal lifestyle for so many people these days and something that will appeal to anybody currently working in an office environment and dreaming of setting out on their own path, following their passions or just enjoying life and work more than they are currently able to do while chained to their desk. If you consider this scenario, it will come as no surprise to learn that Southern Italy is one of the most popular remote working destinations in Europe. Would you like to know why? Let's dive deeper into the charm and magic of this corner of the world and explore the perks of remote working in Italy!
Why you should try remote working in Italy (if you haven't already)
Working remotely is becoming more and more common. Remote work is a great way to get a break from the office, as well as being a more efficient way of working. It gives you freedom over where you want to work and how much time you want to spend at work each day. You can choose when to start and finish your day based on what works best for your schedule and personal life. This allows you to better balance your career with other important aspects of life such as spending time with friends and family, exercising exploring and cultivating hobbies and passions.
Italy is the first country that comes to mind when proposing remote working locations. It is one of the best destinations in the world, period. Not only because of beautiful landscapes and world-renowned cuisine. It is also home to a remarkable history and culture appreciated by tourists from all over the world. Southern Italy in particular is one of the best destinations in Europe for remote workers. You will be able to strike the perfect work-life balance, focusing on your projects, your career, or your artistic endeavors, from sun-drenched beaches with crystal clear blue sea and white sand. Apulia, in particular, is a place with one of the most picturesque rural areas I know, excellent food and friendly people.
Need more? These are the top 5 reasons you should consider remote working in Italy (and specifically in Apulia) this year;
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1) You can work from the beach, from the countryside, from the pool.
One of the reasons why people love working from this region in Southern Italy is because they get to take breaks from their jobs and enjoy the beautiful landscape around them. You will be able to work from the beach or the countryside, take a break from writing or coding to go swimming in the warm Mediterranean waters or just sit and watch people go by. Or just look up from your work and enjoy the spectacular landscape or the stunning architecture around you. The beach is an integral part of life here. In fact, you can easily find a spot with excellent internet connection within walking distance from the sea.
2) The food, obviously
Arguably, the food should be number one in this list. Italians take their cuisine seriously. Enjoy some of the most excellent, home-made meals you will ever taste, prepared with fresh ingredients that are grown locally. These include olives, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and more, as well as some of the best wines in the world. Some even say that drinking wine makes them more productive! Do you doubt it? Maybe you should try it firsthand and join in the debate!
3) Italy has approved a "digital nomad visa"
The Italian government recently announced that it will launch a new “digital nomad visa” for foreign nationals to live and work remotely in the country. This is particularly useful for non-European citizens, that are not automatically permitted to work or reside long-term in any Member State of the European Union. The goal of this policy is to bring more foreign “digital nomads” to the country to stimulate the economy and help it bounce back from the pandemic crisis. This new visa will make remote working in Italy much easier for non-European residents! Does it sound like something you would like to explore?
4) Affordable cost of living
The cost of living here is pretty low, compared to most western-European countries. which makes it easy to save money while working remotely. Accommodation, transportation, meals, excursions, and leisure in Apulia will not set you back as much as they would in Paris or London, or even in Central and Northern Italian cities such as Venice or Florence.
5) Amazing art and rich culture
Apulia has culture and history galore. From ancient ruins to modern art museums, from local villages to Lecce's breathtaking baroque architecture, from ancient rituals and rural traditions to contemporary music, there's plenty to keep you entertained.
6) It's easy to get around
The country as a whole is small enough that you can get almost anywhere by train or car within a day or two. If you need to travel longer distances, there are plenty of low-cost airlines flying into Italy from all over Europe and beyond. You'll also find plenty of ways to get around on your own two feet — walking or cycling are excellent ways to explore most cities in this area.
Would you like to give it a try? Why not join us in September for a week of remote working in Italy! We are hosting a remote workers week at The Aia. Learn more and reserve your spot today!