Best Italian Towns with Strong Rail and Airport Connections

At Magic Towns, we know there’s no single ‘best’ place to live—everyone has different priorities. Some people want to be near the sea, others prefer the mountains, while some thrive in a bustling city. With that in mind, we’ve selected a mix of Italian towns that offer a variety of lifestyles, from coastal retreats to cultural hubs, all with one thing in common: great transport links, making them ideal spots for expats.

To give you real insights, we reached out to expats in Facebook groups and asked them what they love—and what they find challenging—about living in their Italian town. Their experiences provide a first-hand look at what life is really like, beyond the postcards and tourist brochures.

Florence, Tuscany

Florence needs no introduction. A city of Renaissance art and cobbled streets, but also one of Italy’s best-connected hubs. The main train station links to Rome, Milan, and Venice in under two hours, and the international airport offers flights across Europe. Add to that a well-established expat scene, international schools, and plenty of cultural events, and it’s one of the easiest places to relocate in Italy. Florence has one of the largest expat communities in Italy, thanks to its international universities, English-speaking job opportunities, and a vibrant social scene. It’s a popular choice for students, professionals, and retirees looking for an easy transition into Italian life.

Here’s what Carla, a lifelong resident of Florence, had to say:

“I’m lucky to live in one of the most beautiful and visited cities in the world. Proud to call this place home. Problems exist everywhere… just imagine living in an ugly place instead.”

Verona, Veneto

Verona is more than just Romeo and Juliet. It’s a practical, well-located city with high-speed rail connections to Milan, Venice, and Bologna, and an airport offering direct flights across Europe. Expats here enjoy a relaxed but lively atmosphere, great food, and the bonus of having Lake Garda right on their doorstep. Verona has a solid expat presence, partly due to its strong economy and quality of life. The city’s international trade fairs, wine industry, and growing digital sector attract professionals looking for career opportunities in a manageable, well-connected city.

Here’s what Camila, an expat from Brazil, had to say about living in Verona:

“I came for a short visit, and Verona chose me. The Christmas markets, the atmosphere in Piazza dei Signori, and even getting lost in Santa Maria Antica made me feel like I had found home. The city has great food, culture, and a sense of security, though dealing with bureaucracy can be frustrating. Public transport is unreliable, and it takes time to break into social circles. But after nearly a decade here, I know I made the right choice.”

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Bologna is a food lover’s paradise, but it’s also a transport powerhouse. The high-speed rail station puts Milan, Rome, and Florence within easy reach, and Bologna Airport connects to major international destinations. The city has a strong international community thanks to its university, making it a great place to settle. 

Here’s what Federico, a lifelong resident of Bologna, had to say:

“Bologna is a city of endless possibilities, where any lifestyle is possible. You can get around easily on foot or by bike, and there’s always something happening. The downside? The air quality isn’t great.”

Pescara, Abruzzo

For those who want life by the sea without feeling cut off, Pescara is an excellent option. Trains run directly to Rome, Milan, and Bari, while the airport offers flights to London, Brussels, and Barcelona. Expats here tend to be digital nomads and retirees looking for a slower, more affordable lifestyle with easy access to the rest of Italy. Take a bike ride along the Trabocchi Coast, where wooden fishing huts stretch out over the Adriatic.

Here’s what some Pam and Bea had to say about Pescara:

“The climate is fantastic, the food is incredible, and the landscape shifts from mountains to the sea, with rolling hills of olive groves in between. The city is well-organised, with an airport and train station that make travel around Italy and Europe easy. When you have sun, great food, and beautiful views—you’re already halfway there.” – Pam

“My family and I lived in Pescara for two years, and we loved it so much we’re moving back soon! It’s a lively city year-round, with good schools, plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and of course, the beautiful beach.” – Bea

Brescia, Lombardy

Brescia offers a great balance between city life and nature, sitting between Milan and Lake Garda. A major rail junction with high-speed connections to Venice, Milan, and Rome, it’s also close to two international airports. Its expat community is growing, especially among professionals looking for an alternative to Milan’s high costs. Explore the city’s underground Roman ruins at the Capitolium and feel the layers of history beneath your feet.

Luca, originally from Bologna but now living in Brescia, describes it as:

“A city where any lifestyle is possible. You can walk or bike everywhere, and there’s a great mix of history, modern life, and convenience. The biggest downside? The air quality could be much better.”

Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

A unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences, Trieste feels like nowhere else in Italy. The train station connects to Venice, Milan, Ljubljana, and Vienna, while the airport links to major European cities. A great choice for those who want Italy with a bit of an international edge. Sip a coffee at Caffè San Marco, a historic literary café once frequented by James Joyce.

Here’s what some expats had to say about living in Trieste:

“The scenic beauty is unbeatable. Stunning views, the sea, and those incredible sunsets make every day feel special. The culture here is rich, with literary cafés, historic architecture, and a fascinating mix of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences. It’s a fantastic place to live if you enjoy a relaxed, old-world feel.” – Luca

“Public transport is excellent, so you don’t really need a car. It’s a great spot for retirees or those who love the outdoors—hiking, climbing, and even caving are popular here. The downside? The Bora wind! Some days it feels like it could knock you over. The job market is also limited outside of a few industries, so if you’re moving here for work, do your research first.” – Anna

Pisa, Tuscany

Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, but also home to one of Italy’s busiest airports. Pisa Airport offers flights to London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin, and the train station makes reaching Florence, Rome, and the coast easy. With a mix of students, researchers, and expats, Pisa is a vibrant, affordable alternative to Florence. Walk along the Arno River at sunset to escape the tourist crowds and see a different side of the city.

Here’s what some residents had to say about living in Pisa:

“A small, manageable city with art, history, and a thriving university scene. It’s well-connected by train and close to the sea, the San Rossore nature park, and beautiful rolling hills. Oh, and there are thermal baths too!” – Elena

“The climate is fantastic, always mild—no wonder Leopardi called it the city of eternal spring.” – Marco

“I moved here from Rome and never regretted it. Life is calmer, everything you need is within reach, and public services are far more efficient. Parking is easier outside the centre, and the surrounding province is stunning. And if you ever feel like a change, Livorno is just 30 minutes away.” – Davide

Belluno, Veneto

If mountains are more your thing, Belluno is a fantastic choice. A train station connects it to Venice and beyond, and the nearby Venice and Treviso airports provide access to major European destinations. The expat scene is smaller, mostly nature lovers and remote workers, but for those seeking fresh air and outdoor adventure, it’s hard to beat. Hike up to Nevegal for panoramic views of the Dolomites and a taste of local mountain cuisine.

Here’s what some residents had to say about living in Belluno:

“If you’re looking for a peaceful place, Belluno is perfect. There are plenty of community groups to join, and it’s much safer and more liveable than many big cities. The only downside is that it doesn’t have all the services of a larger city, and finding a rental can be tricky. But I love my hometown and would recommend it to anyone thinking of moving here.” – Francesca

“Living here means being surrounded by breathtaking nature and clean, fresh air. Belluno has all the essentials—good healthcare, great train and bus connections, and easy access to ski resorts like Nevegal, Civetta, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s perfect for nature lovers and remote workers seeking outdoor adventure. The biggest challenges? High prices and a shortage of rental properties.” – Marli

Conclusions

These towns offer the best of Italy without the travel headaches. Whether you want city life, the sea, or the mountains, there’s an option that keeps you connected while giving you the Italian lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.

At Magic Towns, we go beyond just recommendations—we provide detailed town profiles covering everything from housing and schools to quality of life and amenities. Whether you’re researching one of these eight towns or exploring hundreds of others, our in-depth guides help you make an informed decision about your move to Italy.

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