This Is Italy
Spain with its sun-drenched Costas and its mild winter climate has the name. But why spend the winter in Spain when you can also spend the winter in Italy? Delicious food, nice people, a beautiful language, beautiful landscapes. Well, we don't have to explain that to you as an Italy lover. The fact is that you can very well include the south of Italy in your lists of favorite wintering sites.
Italy is not really geared up for winter visitors yet. Sure, you can buy a house in Calabria or Apulia. But that's also so drastic. Unless you are in the fortunate circumstance that you already have a house in Italy.
However, that is not possible for most people. They are dependent on the possibilities offered for the winter in Italy.
And that's what we're talking about here: just renting a nice spot for a few months. There are not many real facilities like you find in Benidorm or Antalya.
We are talking about, for example, campsites that charge special winter rates. Or about providers of holiday homes, where you can stay a whole winter without going bankrupt.
Overwinter in Sicily or Sardinia
Italy is wonderful in spring and autumn, as many of you can undoubtedly attest. But are you ever in the Winter been to 'il bel paese'?
Admittedly, it can be quite cold in the north and center. If you want to take advantage of the mild climate, you have to travel further south.
The extreme south of the boot and Silicia are not inferior in climate to the south of Spain and Portugal. And the landscape is much more beautiful! And did you know that the winters in Sardinia are also about 10 degrees warmer than here in the low countries?
It is therefore strange that no more winter visitors have fled to these places. Although, commerce is not really responding to it yet. Yet you will find (with a magnifying glass) in the heel, the sole and the tip of the boot.
In Sardinia and Sicily, the number of options is greater. You can find campsites here where they apply a special rate for 'long stayers'. In some places you can leave your camper van for a longer period of time, after which you can enjoy all the beauty that the islands have to offer in peace.
With some searching you can also find holiday homes that are offered with special discounts in winter (for a longer period).
Little offer for wintering in Italy
Organized winter options in luxury accommodation are not possible for the time being. There is simply not enough supply. But we have the internet, so we can easily search for individual offers. Because it is there, just a little hidden.
In Italy you can make a good deal with the owner of a holiday home (many Italians have a house in Calabria or elsewhere in the south), where you can spend a few months at a friendly rate.
It does help if you know people (if necessary via via). Because let's face it: would you rent out the holiday home for which you have worked so hard to the first stranger?
You can also take a look at websites such as Airbnb, where private individuals rent out their house or apartment. There is quite a bit of choice in Italy and you may be able to make a nice appointment or spend 1 or 2 months in the sunny south of Italy.
Read the story of Martine, who wintered in the heel of the Italian boot.
Frequently asked questions about wintering in Italy
The availability and quality of facilities for snowbirds in Italy may vary depending on the region and specific location. In general, however, Italy does not have the same level of developed infrastructure for snowbirds as popular destinations such as Spain and Portugal. Although there are options such as campsites with special rates for long-term stays and holiday homes that are rented for longer periods, these options may be more limited than in other countries.
Potential obstacles for snowbirds in Italy may include limited availability of suitable accommodations, restrictions in rental options for longer periods, and any regulations regarding long-term rental of homes. Local laws and regulations can influence the options for snowbirds to stay long-term in rental accommodations.
In terms of social and cultural integration, wintering in Italy can be comparable to other destinations. The degree of integration into local communities depends on several factors, including the location of accommodation, the willingness of local residents to connect with foreign visitors, and the availability of activities and events aimed at snowbirds. In some areas, snowbirds may find it easier to integrate into local communities, while in other areas this may be more challenging.
Help us with your experiences about wintering in Italy
Until now, it seems to have been discovered mainly by the Germans who hibernate in Italy. When will the Dutch follow?
Do you have personal experience with a winter spent in Italy? If so, please let us know. We are curious about your story and any tips you can use to help others spend the winter in Italy!
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