Should You Visit Italy Before Moving? Why a Short Stay Can Change Everything
If you’re thinking about moving to Italy, you’ve probably asked yourself a version of this question: “Should I visit Italy before I move… or just go for it?”
For many people considering a move to southern Italy, especially places like Salento or Puglia, the idea of committing without really knowing how life feels there can be daunting.
And here’s the truth: Most people don’t move to Italy on a whim. They come first to experience it.
Did I do this? Not quite, but I don’t mind taking a risk here and then. Ultimately I was here for my citizenship so I wanted to be in a place that would make that happen quite quickly. Thankfully it all worked out and I’m very here but for many, a short, intentional visit can be the difference between a dreamy idea and a grounded decision.
Moving to Italy isn’t just logistics, it’s a feeling
You can research visas, citizenship pathways, residency requirements and cost of living endlessly online.
But what you can’t Google is:
how it feels to wake up there on a Tuesday
whether the pace suits you
how daily life actually works
whether you feel energised… or quietly overwhelmed
Relocating to Italy is as much about emotion as it is about paperwork. A short stay gives you space to notice those subtleties without the pressure of having already committed.
Early morning cappuccinos from Pinti in Lecce’s Centro Storico
Why visiting before relocating matters (especially in southern Italy)
Southern Italy isn’t northern Italy where a lot of people spend the bulk of their holiday.
Life moves differently. Systems work differently. Expectations are..well, different.
A short visit allows you to:
experience daily rhythms beyond tourism
explore neighbourhoods at different times of the day
understand what “slow” really means here and whether you’re able to embrace the middle of the day shutdown
see how bureaucracy, shops and services actually operate
decide whether this lifestyle supports you
For some people, it’s the moment everything clicks. For others, it’s a gentle realisation that they need more time — or a different location. Both outcomes are valuable.
Short stays aren’t about “trying Italy on”, they’re about clarity
A short stay doesn’t have to feel like a trial run or a test.
It can be:
a few days or weeks to get a sense of the area
based in one town or exploring a few
relaxed, intentional and lightly supported. Meet with a property agent or relocation specialist to understand what’s possible.
It can absolutely feel like a holiday — just one with a little more awareness behind it. The goal isn’t to decide everything. It’s just about gathering information and seeing what fits.
Exploring Salento during a short stay at a bnb before relocating to Italy
Where people usually stay during an exploratory visit
Short-term stays in Salento and southern Italy can look very different, depending on what you’re drawn to.
It might be:
an apartment in Lecce’s historic centre
a coastal stay with morning swims
something quieter in the countryside
a carefully chosen BnB suited to longer, slower days
Being well-placed helps you experience daily life naturally, rather than feeling like you’re passing through.
How a short stay can support a future move
For many people considering:
Italian citizenship
long-stay visas
student visas
or Italy’s two-year residency pathways
a short stay becomes the first intentional step.
It allows you to:
meet in person
ask real questions
understand what your next steps would look like
decide whether to move forward — calmly and confidently
Rather than arriving and figuring things out alone, you begin with context and very soon, a clear roadmap.
You don’t have to decide everything at once
One of the biggest myths about moving to Italy is that you need to know your full plan before you arrive.
You don’t.
A short stay is permission to:
explore without pressure
gather information without committing
let clarity arrive naturally
And if, while you’re here, you realise you want more support, - more structure, more conversation, more guidance — that’s where deeper experiences can naturally follow.
Thinking about visiting before relocating?
If you’re considering a move to southern Italy and want to explore Salento in a more intentional, supported way, a short stay can be a powerful place to begin.
If you’d like to talk through what a short stay could look like for your situation, you’re welcome to book a clarity call. From there, you can explore our short-term stays in Salento or, if you’re ready for deeper support and in-person guidance, our personalised immersion experience is designed to help you understand what living here could truly look like.