Letters from Salento
A blog about moving to 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
Italian citizenship changes: what your options may still be
Learn how the Italian consular route works for citizenship by descent, including eligibility requirements, documents, timelines and common pitfalls.
Italian Citizenship and the 1948 Rule: What It Means for You and Your Family.
Understand the 1948 Italian citizenship case, including how female-line transmission before 1948 affects eligibility and why court action is required.
The “Minor Issue” in Italian Citizenship: What It Really Means.
Understand the “minor issue” in Italian citizenship cases, including how naturalisation while a child was a minor can affect eligibility and legal pathways.
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.
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.
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 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.