Working Remotely from the South of Italy
Many people tell me I’m lucky to work remotely from such a beautiful location, but luck played only a small role. Achieving this lifestyle took significant planning, effort, and some hard lessons learned. This is actually my second time moving to Italy; the first attempt didn’t work out as planned. The difference? This time, I approached it with a clear strategy, the support of two agencies, and the backing of my clients.
If you’re dreaming about working remotely from abroad, especially if you have a family, there’s a lot to consider. Let me share what I’ve learned to help you prepare for your own adventure.
In this blog, I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned from my experience — the chaos, the clarity, and everything in between.
What to Consider Before Moving to Work Remotely
- Early Mornings and Time Zone Juggling
- The Realities of Childcare in Small Italian Towns
- Housing Challenges
- Workspace Availability
- Seasonal and Cultural Considerations
- Language Barriers
- Services and Infrastructure
- Facebook is Your Friend
1. Early Mornings and Time Zone Juggling
It’s 5:30 in the morning, and I’m already on my way to work. Why so early? My clients are primarily based in Australia, with a handful in Europe, and my workday revolves around time zones. I also work with contractors around the world. To stay productive, I’ve rented an office space, walking distance from my apartment, which helps me separate work life from home life.
It’s a choice that keeps me focused and efficient, even in the charming chaos of small-town Italy. Trying to find an office was near mission impossible and it happened only by luck, through a contact and I have to pay cash so I can’t claim it as an expense - welcome to Italy!
2. The Realities of Childcare in Small Italian Towns
In smaller Italian towns, particularly in the south, long day care options are scarce. Many communities adhere to traditional routines, which makes finding full-day care a real challenge. If you have kids, and you plan on wokring, it’s essential to thoroughly research childcare and schools well in advance.
From our experience, we did find a few daycare centers offering longer hours (9 AM to 4 PM or 8 AM to 3 PM). However, many of these lacked outdoor spaces — if they had any at all.
There’s a widespread aversion to dirt amongst the general population and, when winter arrives (temperatures as low as 10 degrees and I was still swimming), almost every ailment is blamed on "il colpo di vento" or “a gust of wind.”
Even if a daycare had an outdoor area, teachers often faced pressure from parents to keep their little bundles of joy wrapped up and indoors during the “cold” winter months (with highs of 18 degrees).
We eventually found a daycare in a nearby town with an outdoor space, which required a 25-minute drive each morning. While it was a great facility, our son was kept indoors from October through February for fear of the cold. I nicknamed the daycare ‘The Cage’.
The day they finally ventured outside for an hour, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Finalmente!”— much to the horror of another parent who couldn’t fathom why I’d advocate for more outdoor time in such “chilly” conditions.
Fast-forward to today, and our son now attends a wonderful forest school where he spends his days outside, rain or shine. He’s happy and healthy, and free to embrace nature without restrictions.
3. Housing Challenges
Finding a long-term rental can be tricky in tourist-heavy areas. Many properties are reserved for the tourist season and landlords prefer short-term, high-paying vacation rentals.
Additionally, in smaller towns, rental opportunities are often shared through word of mouth or local contacts, not online listings. Being on the ground and building connections is key. There are some websites like Idealista and Immobiliare but you will often find that they advertise availability from Oct to May.
Subito is another website that Italians tend to use more for rentals but it is still scarce that you will find a long term rental advertised in a tourist area and they are snapped up quickly. This housing issue causes a lot of frustration amongst the local community who cannot afford to live or cannot find a long-term rental in their own town so this is another consideration to be mindful of if you decide to live here.
4. Workspace Availability
Co-working spaces are virtually non-existent in many areas, especially outside of major cities. For me, renting a dedicated office has been invaluable in maintaining productivity and drawing a line between work and personal life. But even finding the office was like finding a needle in a haystack. I only happened to stumble upon an opportunity to rent an unused home office in somebody’s house through a contact.
5. Seasonal and Cultural Considerations
- Tourist Season: Summers are hot, crowded, and bustling. It’s an exciting time but not always conducive to focus or quiet work.
- Siesta Hours: Between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM, much of the town slows down. Shops close, errands become difficult, and the pace of life truly embodies “la dolce vita.” If you’re planning a move, consider how this rhythm will impact your daily routine.
6. Language Barriers
In southern Italy, English speakers are few and far between. Learning basic Italian isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. Even a rudimentary grasp of the language will smooth out many day-to-day interactions and help you start to integrate.
7. Services and Infrastructure
Setting up essentials like Wi-Fi, bank accounts, and utilities can be time-consuming. In some cases, you may need residency before you can even apply for certain services. Be prepared for these processes to take longer than you might expect. If you can’t speak the language yet, you may be able to find an organisation to help you translate or act as a go-between. My husband set up his business ‘Moving to Puglia’ for this very reason. We had to navigate the bureaucracy here and he was helping friends and other expats who we met in similar situations and realised there was a need for this type of service.
8. Facebook is Your Friend
In 2025, you’d expect every business to have a website, right? Well, think again — especially if you’re in Italy. Many businesses here still rely on Facebook Pages as their primary online presence. Whether you’re looking for a plumber, a yoga class, or the best local gelato, chances are you’ll find their contact details and updates on Facebook, not a website.
But that’s not all — Facebook is also a goldmine of local knowledge and connections. There are countless groups dedicated to specific towns, expat communities, and even niche interests. Joining these groups can help you navigate life in Italy, from finding rental apartments to discovering the best daycare options. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-worded post in a local Facebook group — it can open doors (literally) and connect you with opportunities you’d never find otherwise. For example Facebook Groups like Expats and Friends in Valle D'Itria and Expats in Puglia.
Tips for Making the Transition Smoother
- Plan Ahead: Make a detailed plan for childcare, housing, and workspaces before you move. Engage local contacts or agencies to assist you.
- Visit First: Spend time on the ground in your desired location to understand the logistics, culture, and day-to-day challenges.
- Learn the Language: Start learning Italian as early as possible. Apps, online courses, and local tutors can make a big difference.
- Flexibility is Key: Understand that things might not always go as planned, and adaptability will be your greatest asset.
Final Thoughts
Living and working remotely from Italy can be a dream come true for some, but it’s not without its challenges.
If you haven’t figured this out after reading this, I’ll say it a bit louder: DO NOT MOVE YOUR LIFE TO ITALY WITHOUT GIVING IT A TEST RUN FIRST.
We know so many people who had a dream of living here and then reality set in and they decided to move back again. I think this is quite common in places where there is an expat community but in the South of Italy, in particular, is a place where the dream and reality can be so different that it is difficult for many to accept and settle in.
With careful planning and the right mindset, you can navigate the hurdles and create a lifestyle that balances work and the unparalleled beauty of Italian living.
If you’re considering making a similar move and have questions, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share more about my experiences and help you prepare for your own journey!
