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One city in Italy has been dubbed the world’s new “Silicon Valley”.
Unlike San Francisco (actually Silicon Valley’s base), there’s no sign of sky-high rent rates and a spattering of crime waves pushing remote workers away – quite the opposite, actually.
While Rome, Venice, and the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast will always be travelers’ go-to spots to immerse themselves in Italy’s renowned cultural delights, ranging from bucket-list wonders, phenomenal eats, and postcard beaches, one city in Sicily, which is somehow overlooked, is now proclaimed as the country’s latest digital nomad hotspot.
That’s right; the vibrant capital of Sicily, home to pizzas and piazzas, has become a haven for remote workers who’ve embraced the opportunity to reside in this laid-back, blue-water paradise.
More Americans Setting Up Shop In Palermo
It’s estimated Palermo, a city of nearly 700,000 people overlooking the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea, has already drawn in 1,000 new “residents,” with many Americans leading the charge.
Sicily is a name we all know, but you’d be surprised that most travelers favor the mainland’s aforementioned icons.
Digital nomads are discovering what others have been missing out on. First and foremost, Palermo (and all of Sicily, really) is splendid to visit any time of year for the views alone, but right now, heading into spring, the weather is hovering comfortably in the 60s and topping out in the high 80s in summer.
As you can see, as digital nomads begin to wrap up their winter sun needs, there’s no need to pack up and go in a hurry, especially with a welcoming community beginning to bloom with new co-working spaces popping up such as PMO Coworking, highlighted by Nomad Capitalist among the best in Europe.
Of All the Italian Cities To Make Your Base, Why Palermo?
Some of Europe’s most renowned cities can be the most costly, and Italy is no different.
Coming full circle, Palermo is a great spot for digital nomads not only because it’s embracing a new identity as a startup hub but also because you can experience Italy’s captivating culture, unmatched cuisine, and astounding scenery without breaking the bank – typically numero uno on digital nomads’ list of concerns.
Long-term stays on Airbnb can be found under $900 for a private apartment, and most are within walking distance to the beach and Palermo’s timeless city center.
Better yet, oftentimes local agencies are even cheaper than major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Known for epic seafood and cheap pizza, digital nomads’ savings on rent will likely go toward dining out since the food scene is impossible to pass over.
During downtime between work tasks, there are plenty of things to do and see. Obviously, Sicily’s breathtaking beaches are the top attraction.
According to TripAdvisor, these are Palermo’s top 3 beaches to visit:
- Spiaggia di Mondello
- Lido Valdesi
- Lido Sferracavello
Inland from the coast, you’ll discover picturesque ornate piazzas home to inviting street markets, staggering cathedrals like the unmissable Palermo Cathedral, and numerous cafes to start your day or use as an office with a warm cappuccino in hand.
Overall, Palermo ranks 22nd globally as top digital nomad destination.
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa
Sure, you could just stay in Palermo to escape the frigid cold of much of the world, but what’s the fun in that when you can stay all year?
Italy launched its official digital nomad visa last spring. Obviously, travelers had a lot of questions like “what took so long?!”.
For real though, like most visas, there’s an expansive list of requirements, which you can read all about here, but we’ll cover the basics.
Basic requirements:
- Prove earned income of roughly $30,000 to ensure you’re exempt from healthcare costs
- Purchase a comprehensive health insurance policy valid for your entire stay
- No first-timers; must have worked remotely for 6 months prior to Italy arrival
- No criminal record in the last 5 years
Digital nomad visas are valid for a full calendar year and have the possibility for an extension of up to 2 years.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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