Villas are practically ubiquitous with Italy, stamped into the aesthetic of the country along with wine and espresso and pasta. Initially homes for the Ancient Roman elite, and then experiencing a resurgence in the Middle Ages and Renaissance—especially with the Medici family—it is little wonder that they are still seen as examples of luxurious Italian living. Initially associated with large homes with a sizable plot of land not far from a town, now “villa” can mean a number of different types of residences, though people still most commonly associate them with large detached homes. Below, we’re highlighting some of the best places in Italy to find villas for purchase or rent.
Tuscany
Aesthetically, the image of villas in Tuscany is mostly associated with the region’s gentle hills, stone houses seamlessly melded into a rural landscape with vineyards and cypress trees. Historically, you might think of the powerful Medici family, who had a number of villas outside of Florence and the broader area. There is a dozen of such Medici villas in total, along with two gardens, and they’re classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tuscany is certainly far from the cheapest option this list. For good reason, the region is popular with tourists and expats of all kinds, both for the exquisite surroundings and the historical charm of its towns and cities. This doesn’t mean that with some searching you can’t find a lesser-known and more intimate area for your property.
Tuscany also offers villas by the seaside, outside of thriving cities like Lucca and Florence, and deeper in the countryside.
Example Villa for sale in Tuscany:
In the countryside outside of Lucca, there is a 500 square meter villa that was recently renovated. With 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a pool, this private place is at once classical and modern.
Price: €3,500,000
Umbria
Bordering Tuscany in central Italy, the region of Umbria has similar geography and equally charming towns, making it another attractive place to look for a secluded villa. Though it has grown in popularity in recent years, it still remains a more affordable option when it comes to property searching.
Umbria has the beautiful Lake Trasimeno, one of the largest in Italy, along with part of the Apennine Mountains, valleys, and plains. It’s probably most well-known for Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and a picturesque hilltop town in its own right. Orvieto too is in the southern part of the region, not far from Rome. It was once a popular residence of the popes and has a stunning Gothic cathedral.
There are a number of villas you can look into outside of the city of Perugia. The city itself is known for its arts and cultural events, particularly its annual Eurochocolate festival. By having a villa around here, you would get access to some of Italy’s most significant cultural treasures with the natural beauty of the Umbrian countryside.
Example Villa for sale in Umbria:
Sitting off of Lake Trasimeno in the town of Passignano sul Trasimeno is a newly constructed, modern villa that’s 300 square meters, with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Along with a view of the lake, the property also comes with a pool.
Price: €1,200,000
Veneto
Like Tuscany, the Veneto also has a rich and interesting history with villas, mainly thanks to the famous architect, Andrea Palladio. He designed numerous villas for the upper classes throughout the 16th century, many of which you can see today. His work was particularly inspired by the architecture of Ancient Rome, and later inspired other countries, including some buildings in the U.S.
While it is perhaps most famous for the enchanting city of Venice, the Veneto region itself is beautiful and complex. With the Dolomites, multiple rivers, and the Adriatic coast, its landscape captures your attention in a way different from other parts of Italy. It is also home to other cities rich in art and architecture, such as Padua, Verona, and Treviso.
Example Villa for sale in the Veneto:
Located just 60 km from Venice and 15 km from Rovigo, this villa boasts 5 bedrooms and a patio area with outdoor fireplace. There is also a terrace on the upper floor. Built in 2006, it is in excellent condition.
Price: €198,000
Sicily
If you would rather experience the warmer weather and seaside locations of southern Italy, Sicily is also a great place to look for villas. You might even recognize one in particular, Villa Tasca, which was used for the show White Lotus and is available for rent on Airbnb. There are many others you can find right off the coast or up on hillsides with a sweeping view.
Experience the fullness of Mediterranean life in Sicily. Settle down near a bustling coastal resort area or choose a quieter village with mainly locals and few tourists. Its numerous mountains create a rugged backdrop, the most famous of which is Mount Etna, still an active volcano. Not to mention, there are also cities like Palermo and Catania with unique Arab-Norman and Baroque architecture.
Example Villa for sale in Sicily:
Near Monreale is a 200 square meter property for sale with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and two terraces. The property it sits on also includes olive trees and an orchard. The place is ideal for those who want some privacy and tranquility but still with ease of access to amenities.
Price: €289,000
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy and situated in the north, has long been a popular and luxurious holiday destination for Italians and foreigners alike. It also has no shortage of stunning villas along the lake. Many of these are historic, dating from between the 16th and 18th centuries, and are Baroque or Neoclassical in style. Some also have beautifully cultivated gardens.
Along with outdoor activities, there are also medieval castles and resort towns offering local products and exclusive experiences for visitors. Those interested in history can also explore archeological sites, like the Villa Romana, Grotta di Catullo, and an archeological museum.
Example Villa for sale in Lake Garda:
Close to the town of Desenzano del Garda is a 400 square meter property with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. With two levels, you can also enjoy a fireplace, garden, swimming pool, and porch.
Price: €950,000
