Letters from Salento
A blog about moving to Southern Italy by someone who has done it!
Welcome to To Italy & Back. I’m Stef, an Australian who somehow turned a holiday crush on Italy into a whole new life. This space is where I share the real story behind moving here; from the gentle joys to the messy bureaucratic bits that no one warns you about. If you are dreaming of Italy, planning a move or simply curious about what life looks like in the south, you’ll feel at home here.
And if you’re an Aussie, start with my complete guide to moving to Italy from Australia
Stef xx
Italy’s Updated Residency Pathway (Law 74/2025) and What It Actually Means for You.
Learn how recent Italian citizenship law changes affect eligibility, generational limits and residency requirements, with clear guidance on what to expect for 2026.
The Latest Italian Citizenship Law Changes Explained ( by a citizenship lawyer).
Learn how recent Italian citizenship law changes affect eligibility, generational limits and residency requirements, with clear guidance on what to expect for 2026.
Should You Visit Italy Before Moving? Why a Short Stay Can Change Everything
How I Became One of the First Australians Approved for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa in 2025
How I secured the Italy Digital Nomad Visa as a backup to citizenship and became one of Melbourne’s first approvals in 2025. A full guide for Australians and English speakers.
How to Move to Salento From Abroad (A Practical 2026 Guide)
Thinking about moving to Salento in southern Italy? Visas, costs, towns, healthcare and real-life planning in one clear guide from someone who did it.
What Is the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy (and Can You Actually Get It?)
Thinking of working remotely from Italy? Here’s what the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy really is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what it was like using it to live in Lecce.
Why Australians are Choosing to Move to Italy
More Australians are choosing to move to Italy for a slower lifestyle, affordable living in the south, walkable towns, food culture and family life. Learn why — and how it’s possible.
Northern vs Southern Italy: Why I’ll Always Choose Both
Thinking about moving to Italy? A real comparison of northern vs southern Italy lifestyle, cost of living, pace of life, and what to consider before choosing where to start.
How to Find a Rental in Italy for the Digital Nomad Visa
Searching for a rental in Italy for the Digital Nomad Visa. A practical guide to finding accommodation from abroad, understanding Italian rental contracts and choosing a home that supports your visa and your new life in Italy.
Why Salento, in Puglia, Is One of the Best Places to Live in Italy
Moving to Southern Italy in 2026: What Life Is Really Like (And Who It’s For)
Thinking of a move to southern Italy? Discover costs, lifestyle, best towns, expat tips, and what to expect when relocating to Italy in 2026.
How to Move to Italy from Australia: Visas, Timelines & What No One Tells You
Thinking of moving to Italy from Australia? Discover up-to-date visa options (citizenship, ERV, digital nomad, student and work), realistic timelines and what nobody tells you.
Cost of Living in Puglia (And Why Salento Is Surprisingly Affordable)
Thinking of moving to Italy? Here’s how the cost of living in Puglia compares — and why Salento is one of the most affordable (and beautiful) regions to call home.
Why I Left Australia for Southern Italy at 40 and Why I Don’t Regret It for a Second
Why I swapped life in Melbourne for Salento, Puglia at 40. A personal story of bureaucracy, bravery, sunshine and starting again in southern Italy.