Expat Stories

Magic Towns Italy reports on the voices of expats who have made the journey to move to Italy. Read through dozens of interviews by American, Australian, Canadian, British expats and more who live all around Italy.

Leaving England to Build a Career in Sicily: Jasmina Wanders’ Story

By Anna Costa

Leaving England to Build a Career in Sicily: Jasmina Wanders’ Story

Jasmina Wanders grew up in England, studied in northern Italy, and ended up in Noto, Sicily – where she works as an architect. Here’s how she did it.

Vancouver to Italy: Jesse Andrews’ 20 Years Showing Italy’s Beauty

By Anna Costa

Vancouver to Italy: Jesse Andrews’ 20 Years Showing Italy’s Beauty

Discover how Jesse Andrews turned a chance summer teaching job in Calabria into a thriving career documenting and promoting Italy’s hidden gems.

€1 Mussomeli House: How Sicily Changed George Laing

By Anna Costa

€1 Mussomeli House: How Sicily Changed George Laing

Discover how George Laing transformed his life by purchasing a €1 house in Sicily after hitting rock bottom. Explore his inspiring journey and the realities of revitalizing a new home.

Sara Shepherd: Turning Love for Food into a Life in Italy

By Anna Costa

Sara Shepherd: Turning Love for Food into a Life in Italy

Australian Sara Shepherd shares her move to Fabriano, creating Fritto Misto Comune, and advice for expats considering life in Le Marche.

Making it in Sardinia: Charlotte Fortier-Mutzl’s Journey

By Anna Costa

Making it in Sardinia: Charlotte Fortier-Mutzl’s Journey

From North America to Rome, then Sardinia: how Charlotte Fortier-Mutzl found her place in the world.

Starting Over in Florence: Shelby Canon’s Story

By Anna Costa

Starting Over in Florence: Shelby Canon’s Story

From Michigan to Florence: how Shelby Canon quit nursing, moved to Italy, and found where she belongs.

No Plan, Just Instinct: How Jaid Newstead Built a Life in Bari

By Anna Costa

No Plan, Just Instinct: How Jaid Newstead Built a Life in Bari

Jaid Newstead left Toronto at 33 with no plan and moved to Bari solo. Two years on, she has a job, a partner, and no regrets. Her story, in full.

How Joseph Reagan Is Fighting to Save His Village in Abruzzo

By Anna Costa

How Joseph Reagan Is Fighting to Save His Village in Abruzzo

Joseph Reagan left the US for Abruzzo with his wife and four kids – now he’s on a mission to save his tiny Italian town.

Historian Michael Knapton Reflects on Life in Italy’s Veneto Region

By Luca Falda

Historian Michael Knapton Reflects on Life in Italy’s Veneto Region

Explore historian Michael Knapton’s unique insights on life in Italy, his journey from the UK to the Veneto, and his reflections on cultural evolution.

Chioggia Through the Eyes of Enrico Veronese

By Anna Costa

Chioggia Through the Eyes of Enrico Veronese

Explore Chioggia’s rich history, charm, maritime roots, and unique traditions through the eyes of its resident, Enrico Veronese.

From the US to Brescia, Lisa La Valle’s Story

By Anna Costa

From the US to Brescia, Lisa La Valle’s Story

Lisa La Valle shares her journey from California to Brescia, exploring the challenges and discoveries of building a new life in northern Italy.

From the UK to Abruzzo: Wendy Ridolini’s Story

By Anna Costa

From the UK to Abruzzo: Wendy Ridolini’s Story

From the UK to Abruzzo, discover how Wendy Ridolini rebuilt her life after loss, embraced Italian culture, and found purpose in a new home.

From Australia to Polinago: Winnifred Rosser’s Story

By Anna Costa

From Australia to Polinago: Winnifred Rosser’s Story

Winnifred Rosser shares her experiences of living in Polinago, Italy, and creating meaningful connections through her B&B.

Beth Helms Shares What Life in Marsure Is Really Like for a Military Family

By Anna Costa

Beth Helms Shares What Life in Marsure Is Really Like for a Military Family

Beth Helms talks about the ups and downs of settling in Marsure as part of a US military family overseas.

From NYC to Guardia Sanframondi: Caroline Chirichella’s Story

By Anna Costa

From NYC to Guardia Sanframondi: Caroline Chirichella’s Story

Discover how Caroline Chirichella changed her life by leaving busy New York City for the slower pace of Puglia, Italy.

From Oregon to Giardini Naxos: Kate Bickers’ Story

By Anna Costa

From Oregon to Giardini Naxos: Kate Bickers’ Story

Discover how Kate Bickers, a former US federal prosecutor, completely changed her life by moving first to Tuscany and then to Sicily.

Moving to a Small Town in Le Marche: Mark Hinshaw’s Story

By Anna Costa

Moving to a Small Town in Le Marche: Mark Hinshaw’s Story

After years of moving around the US, Mark Hinshaw settled in Santa Vittoria in Matenano, a small town in Italy’s Le Marche region

Melbourne to Lake Garda: Tim Epstein Left Everything Behind

By Anna Costa

Melbourne to Lake Garda: Tim Epstein Left Everything Behind

Tim Epstein’s journey from Australia to Italy reveals the challenges and rewards of opening a B&B abroad.

Kathy Jackson Christ’s Experience Living in Bari with a Digital Nomad Visa

By Anna Costa

Kathy Jackson Christ’s Experience Living in Bari with a Digital Nomad Visa

Discover Kathy Jackson Christ’s inspiring journey from Florida to Italy, driven by a quest for warmth, adventure, and a new life chapter on the Adriatic coast.