The 8 Best Italy’s High-Altitude Towns

Italy’s mountain towns aren’t just about beautiful backdrops and crisp alpine air—they also offer an excellent quality of life. We’ve picked eight of Italy’s high-altitude towns not only for their natural beauty and charm but also for their welcoming communities, cultural appeal, and excellent living standards. With town score quality of life ratings all above 75, they’re some of the best places for expats looking for adventure, tranquillity, and a taste of authentic Italian living.

Cortina d’Ampezzo (Dolomites, Veneto)

Nicknamed the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo is paradise for outdoor lovers. Sitting at 1,224 metres in the Veneto region, it’s famous for world-class skiing, high-end shopping, and some of Italy’s best dining. It’s just two hours from Venice Marco Polo Airport, making travel easy. The expats will find a lively international community, schools in nearby Belluno, and plenty of English-speaking services.

• Employment: Tourism and hospitality are dominant here, with seasonal jobs in hotels, ski resorts, and the luxury sector. Digital nomads can benefit from good internet services and co-working spaces (here’s one in the center of the city).

• Best for: Luxury and world-class skiing.

Here’s what some locals had to say about the city:

“Go there and you’ll understand why everyone falls in love with Cortina. It’s still a mountain destination with its pros and cons, but these are flaws you’re willing to accept in exchange for what it offers.” – Cesare

“Cortina is like a “happy island”, there’s no crime and you have everything you need. Of course, it’s not like living in a city. Here, more or less, everyone knows each other and there are no trams or buses running late at night. But when you wake up in the morning and look outside your window, well, there’s never a day that’s the same, the view is always different, and that’s what makes you truly fall in love with this place!!” – Sergio

Bressanone (Tyrolean Alps, Trentino-Alto Adige)

Bressanone, or Brixen, is one of the oldest towns in Tyrol, packed with medieval charm and baroque architecture. Sitting at 560 metres in the Tyrolean Alps, it’s just 40 minutes from Bolzano Airport and two hours from Verona Airport (offering cheaper flights) and Innsbruck. The town is famous for its Speck (cured ham) and apple strudel, with a food culture that blends Italian and Austrian influences. With bilingual education in both Italian and German, it’s a great spot for expats who enjoy a Central European lifestyle with a mountain backdrop.

• Employment: The economy is strong in agriculture, winemaking, and small businesses, with opportunities in bilingual education and tourism.

• Best for: A mix of Italian and Austrian culture with bilingual education.

“If you love the mountains, then this is the right place. Undoubtedly convenient for families and retirees, but less so for young people because it’s a very quiet town. The downside? The high property prices.” – Nancy

Spoleto (Apennines, Umbria)

Spoleto sits at 396 metres, yes true it’s technically below the mountain town threshold, but its dramatic hilltop setting in the Apennines, and strong quality of life make it worth including. Known for its Festival dei Due Mondi, this town thrives on art, music, and Roman heritage. It’s well connected, just an hour and a half by train from Rome, and the food is as rich as its history—strangozzi pasta with black truffle is a local specialty. Expats love Spoleto’s relaxed pace and growing international presence.

• Employment: Spoleto offers some opportunities in tourism, arts, and education, but many expats choose to work remotely or commute to Rome, as it’s relatively close.

• Best for: Culture, festivals, and easy access to Rome.

“Beautiful city, full of art. There are job opportunities, but especially at the beginning, you need a spirit of adaptation.” – Letizia

Courmayeur (Mont Blanc Massif, Aosta Valley)

At the foot of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is one of Italy’s most stylish—and most expensive—mountain towns. It’s just an hour and a half from Geneva and two hours from Milan Malpensa Airport, making it highly accessible. With its ski resorts, elegant boutiques, and bilingual education is limiited, nearby areas and resorts, like those near Flumet-St. Nicolas la Chapelle, offer international education. It’s an ideal spot for expats looking for a refined mountain lifestyle. The town is known for its fondue Valdôtaine and excellent local wines.

• Employment: Tourism, winter sports, and high-end hospitality are the main job sectors. The town’s luxury market offers opportunities for those in property management and high-end retail.

• Best for: Upscale mountain living with world-class amenities.

“It’s the most beautiful town in the world, and I say this as an adopted resident who has lived here for almost 16 years, fully integrated thanks to the people who live here and truly experience it.” – Rino

“Compared to Southern Italy, it’s a bit more expensive, but I can tell you that the people here are good, and considering the average salary in the area, you live very well. It’s well-served, with several schools and supermarkets, and they organize various events throughout the year.” – Michele

Borgo San Dalmazzo (Cottian Alps, Piedmont)

Set at 654 metres in the Cottian Alps, Borgo San Dalmazzo is a gateway to nature trails and historic sites. The town has a friendly, small-town feel and is famous for its chestnut festival. With Cuneo Levaldigi Airport just 30 minutes away, travel is convenient. Foodies will love the local Piedmontese truffles and bagna cauda (garlic and anchovy dip). Its location near the French border makes it appealing to expats who enjoy a mix of cultures.

• Employment: The economy revolves around local agriculture, food production, and cross-border trade with France.

• Best for: Food lovers and those looking for a quiet, well-connected town.

“I’ve been living here for 10 years. The town is well-equipped with supermarkets, elementary and middle schools, although for high school, you’ll need to travel to Cuneo. It’s well-connected with a train station and three bus lines. There are plenty of sports fields, gyms, public parks, and walking paths, depending on the area – whether towards the historic center or towards Cuneo.” – Enza

Avezzano (Apennines, Abruzzo)

Avezzano, at 695 metres in the Abruzzo region, is a thriving town with a strong agricultural sector and plenty of educational and recreational opportunities. Rome Fiumicino Airport is just an hour and a half away by car or train, making international travel easy. The area is famous for Arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers), a staple of Abruzzese cuisine. Expats will find affordable living and good international schooling options in nearby L’Aquila.

• Employment: Agriculture, local industry, and education are key sectors. Affordable housing makes it attractive for remote workers.

• Best for: Affordable mountain living with good infrastructure.

“I recommend settling in the city of Avezzano. You’ll have all the comforts with a relaxed, easy-going lifestyle, and if you ever need it, the capital is just an hour away by car.” – Sandro

“Avezzano is a lovely town, and its residents are extraordinary people. I lived there for a year, 48 years ago, and I still maintain friendships with many locals. They are genuine and selfless people. Their friendship is real. I have many anecdotes to share that prove what I’ve just said.” – Giancarlo

“I was born and raised there, and two years ago, I moved to Bologna for work. Honestly, I would return to Avezzano tomorrow if I could, mainly because of the cost of living. Everything can be done by car in just a few minutes, parking is easy to find, and overall, the traffic flows smoothly even during rush hours. Plus, there’s plenty of greenery, with Mount Salviano almost in the city center, and it’s accessible to everyone. If you love nature, this is a city you’ll likely enjoy.” – Melissa

Pedara (Mount Etna, Sicily)

Perched at 610 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna, Pedara offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with volcanic landscapes and deep Sicilian traditions. Just 30 minutes from Catania Airport, it’s an easy place to travel to and from. The local food scene is vibrant, with pistachio-based dishes and granita being local favourites. Expats appreciate Pedara’s lower cost of living and the proximity to international schools in Catania. However, if international schools are a priority, it may be worth considering Palermo instead, as it offers more options.

• Employment: Limited job market, but ideal for digital nomads who can bring their work with them. Catania offers more job opportunities in education and tourism.

• Best for: Affordable living with a mild Mediterranean climate.

“I’ve been living here for nine years. It’s a peaceful town, and most importantly, very clean. It’s especially beautiful in the summer because various events are organized, but you’ll need a vehicle to get to the nearby supermarkets.” – Patrizia

Rocca di Papa (Alban Hills, Lazio)

At 680 metres in the Alban Hills, Rocca di Papa offers spectacular views and a rich cultural scene. Located just 40 minutes from Rome Fiumicino Airport, it’s ideal for those who want a peaceful setting with quick access to the capital. The town is famous for its porchetta (roast pork) and hosts frequent food festivals. Expats benefit from being close to Rome’s many international schools while enjoying a slower pace of life.

• Employment: Many expats work in Rome and commute. Local businesses focus on hospitality, small enterprises, and artisan products.

• Best for: A peaceful retreat with easy access to Rome.

“I lived here for many years and had a great experience. If you enjoy life in a quiet town, surrounded by forests perfect for walks, and with breathtaking views of Rome from most homes, then this place is for you. The main downsides are limited mobile phone reception (except for Tim), scarce parking, and a lack of social life for young people.” – Alessandro

Additional Considerations

For those considering a move, it’s also worth looking into the cost of living, as property prices can vary significantly. Cortina d’Ampezzo and Courmayeur are among the most expensive, while towns like Pedara and Avezzano offer more affordable housing options. Climate is another factor—while some towns experience heavy snowfall in winter, others, like Pedara, offer mild temperatures year-round. Expats looking for work opportunities should explore local industries, from tourism and agriculture to remote work hubs. Healthcare access is also important, with larger hospitals and medical facilities located in nearby cities.

To explore these towns further, check out the Magic Towns town profile section on our website. You can filter by factors such as proximity to hospitals, affordability, and infrastructure to find the perfect mountain town—or any town in Italy—that suits your needs.