From Melbourne to the Heel of the Boot: My Sudden Switch to Salento.

I’ll be honest:

When I planned my move to Italy, I had never heard of Salento.

I pictured myself in Florence, writing in cafés, looking poetic and slightly windswept, sipping espresso while admiring Renaissance architecture like a main character. The usual fantasy.

Then I met Valentina — the brilliant lawyer who eventually helped me become an Italian citizen — and she said, very calmly, as if suggesting a different brand of butter:

“Maybe try Salento.”

At first, I wasn’t sure if she was naming a region or recommending something from the antipasto board.
Either way, I was intrigued and I trusted her!

Here’s why Australians adore it too.

1. The People Are Warm (Like… genuinely warm)

Salentini will talk to you at the supermarket, remember your face, and ask about your day. If you're craving community, connection and kindness — Salento delivers it straight to your doorstep. It’s an area where most people speak Italian, but they’re patient with English-speakers and never rude. Just get used to using google translate. It’s a good motivator to learn Italian.

2. The Water Is Ridiculous

Two coastlines = double the beauty.

The Adriatic: cliffs, coves, deep blue and emerald water
The Ionian: calm, clear, tropical-looking beaches

You will never get sick of it. That’s a promise. As someone who wasn’t really a beach person when I arrived, I now identify as one. I also have a tan, which isn’t something I thought I’d ever have coming from inner-city Melbourne. The best part about living between the two coasts is hearing Italians talk about the wind. You soon learn that your beach day location is almost always dictated by the wind!

This is one of the main piazzas in Lecce, Sant Oronzo

3. Beautiful Without Being Overrun

Yes, Puglia is popular. But Salento still feels wonderfully local. It’s slower, authentic and far less commercial than the tourist-heavy north. If you want “real Italy,” this is it. It’s not polished or particularly organised but what it lacks in those areas, it makes up for in charm.

4. The Cost of Living Is Lower

Your money stretches much further here than in Florence, Milan or Rome. More details about cost of living details are in this blog post — but trust me, Salento is definitely on the generous side when it comes to cost of living. You’ll probably notice this the most if you’re coming from a big city, like Melbourne or Sydney. I literally halved my rent and doubled my living space when I moved to Lecce. The Aussie dollar isn’t great though, so you’ll still take a hit, but… it’s definitely doable with some forward planning.

5. The Lifestyle Is Pure Magic

Late-afternoon gelato walks. Aperitivo sunsets. Outdoor markets. Warm evenings. Friendly neighbours. Life here is slower, simpler and genuinely joyful, but don’t confuse that with uneventful. It’s one of the most social areas I’ve ever been to. In fact there are often competing events during summer making it very difficult to plan! The expat community is growing and is far more friendly and welcoming than I ever could’ve imagined.

6. The Bureaucracy Is (Slightly) Less Overwhelming

Small councils mean fewer queues, fewer surprises and fewer grey hairs. This was a major selling point for me. I managed to get my citizenship within 6 months. of applying, which is significantly quicker than the wait times in Australia. The bureaucracy isn’t easy no matter where you go, but with slightly less pressure, it’s a bit easier to navigate. Tip: Don’t attempt the bureaucracy without a lawyer by your side.

Thinking of moving here?
I help Australians find their feet in Salento — from visas to neighbourhoods to settling in.
Get in touch to find out more.

Why Salento, in Puglia, Is One of the Best Places to Live in Italy