Danish Every country has its own take on what wellbeing means. Some think it’s all about economic wealth and purchasing power, others focus on balancing work and life, and some see it as mental health, inner calm, or feeling connected to nature.
But why does living in Italy feel better? Where does it fit into all this? And if you’re thinking about moving here, how do you discover what wellbeing truly means for you?
Global Views on Wellbeing vs The Italian Perspective
As mentioned, what “living well” means can be really different depending on where you are. In Nordic countries like Sweden and Denmark, it’s all about concepts like ‘Lagom‘ and ‘Hygge‘, so the art of balance, simplicity, and connection with nature. In Japan, wellbeing is tied to a strong sense of duty and a minimalist yet functional lifestyle. Meanwhile, in the US, it’s often about personal success, achievement and performance.
I Italien, however, the concept takes on softer, more “Mediterranean” and holistic tones: it’s about enjoying a good quality of life, eating well, slowing down, and making time for the people you care about. It’s about pausing, taking a moment now and then to really appreciate life.
Health and Prevention: An Italian Focus
In our many interviews and chats with people, we’ve noticed a clear difference in how Italiens sundhedssystem operates compared to other countries. Here, the emphasis is always on prevention rather than just treatment.
If you’ve ever seen a doctor in Italy, you’ve probably noticed how even minor symptoms often lead to a series of precautionary tests. Surprisingly, all of this is gratis, or at the very least extremely overkommelig (usually no more than €50–100 when done through the public system).
Eating Well: A Way of Life
Beyond the well-known Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, extra virgin olive oil, and moderate consumption of fish and meat—Italians have a deep-rooted culture of eating well.
That’s why weekly outdoor markets (often more affordable than supermarkets) are still an important part of daily life for many people. Buying fresh, local produce (what Italians call “zero-kilometer”) isn’t considered a luxury, but a normal habit, both at home and in restaurants.
Plus, Italy is a pretty active country; most people combine a good diet with physical activity, whether it’s long walks or trekking in nature.
Choosing the Right Place to Live
Let’s be honest: where we live has a huge impact on our wellbeing. That’s why choosing the right place is so important, and at the heart of this decision is something very personal: your own definition of wellbeing.
Italy is incredibly varied. It’s easy to fall for a beautiful seaside village or a quiet countryside town, only to realize later that it lacks the basics. In fact, if you’re hours away from an airport or don’t have access to good healthcare, the effort of relocating might not be worth it.
Now imagine a place where the sea is just 30-40 minutes away, the airport is only 20 minutes out, and there’s an excellent hospital in town..wouldn’t that be ideal?
If you’re unsure where to start, our Byopdagere tool can help. It lets you filter towns and cities across Italy based on your priorities—whether it’s clean air, reliable healthcare, access to nature, strong public services, safety etc.
Or, if you prefer a broader starting point, you can search by overall quality of life, which combines all of these factors and shows you the best options for you and your lifestyle.
Nature and Thermal Spas: Italy’s Hidden Wellness Culture
For Italians, being in nature is an integral part of wellbeing. Whether it’s slow tourism (many Italians prefer to vacation within the country), farm stays, hiking, or soaking in natural hot springs, the countryside offers a natural escape.
Take the Euganean Hills in Veneto, for example, home to Abano Terme og Montegrotto, or head west to Sirmione near Brescia. These areas are known for their mineral-rich thermal waters, which aren’t just relaxing but also have real health benefits.
In fact, local doctors in these regions often recommend spa visits once or twice a month for common issues like seasonal colds or joint pain. So living near places like this can truly make a difference in your everyday quality of life.
The Value of Community and Human Connection
Another thing many expats mention is the strong sense of community they find in Italy. Even in bigger cities, it’s not unusual to go to the supermarket and end up chatting for 30 minutes with someone in line—or to get friendly, unsolicited advice from a passerby. There’s a certain warmth and openness in everyday interactions that often surprises people, especially those coming from more individualistic cultures.
Many of the expats we’ve spoken to say they never really feel alone here. They know that if something were to happen—if they got sick, needed help, or were simply having a bad day—someone would be there. And for a lot of them, that human warmth is what truly makes the difference.
Var dette en hjælp?
