Megan MichaelThe 2021 Pixar film Luca took us to the enrapturing Ligurian Riviera in Italy for a dreamy summer adventure. From savoury pesto pasta to exploring Italy on a Vespa, the film showed how fulfilling living by the seaside in Italy is.
Image credit: Balate Dorin via Canva Pro
If you ever thought of living in Italy after watching Luca, you’re in luck: Just south of the Ligurian Riviera is the charming island of Sardinia, a mountainous paradise with gorgeous beaches — undeniably, one of the best places to visit in Italy. More importantly, the local government is now offering grants of €15,000 (~S$21,122) to encourage more people to move to the island!
Fun fact: It’s also the island that sardines are named after!
Also read: There Are 250 Empty Houses Selling for €1 Each in Pratola Peligna, Italy
What should you know about moving to Sardinia, Italy?
This grant plans to tackle rural depopulation. Since more people are moving to cities, rural areas like Sardinia are slowly degrading, with the rich culture and history at risk of slowly disappearing. Thus, the hope is that by increasing the population of Sardinia, the local economy can be supported and boosted.
Image credit: Larry Koester
As the second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia has plenty of perks if you decide to move here. For one, Sardinia is home to some of Europe’s largest beaches with immaculate shores. Furthermore, with untouched nature and numerous hiking trails such as Gola di Gorropualso — known as Italy’s Grand Canyon — Sardinia will be a nature lover’s paradise and provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living.
What are the conditions involved?
Image credit: Tommie Hansen
Of course, there are certain conditions in place to be eligible for the grant and to live in Sardinia Italy. First, the money must go towards purchasing a house or its renovations. Also, you also must stay in a municipality in Sardinia which has 3,000 or fewer residents.
Most importantly, the maximum grant amount is €15,000. The grant amount is also not allowed to exceed half of the total cost of your house or the refurbishments.
That said, you’ll be pleased to know that the grant is a non-repayable grant (i.e., you won’t need to return any money after moving)!
What’s impressive to note is that the Sardinia government will be devoting a total of €45 million (approximately ~S$63 million) for this project; there’ll definitely be enough for at least 3,000 new inhabitants (if the maximum amount is used).
Also read: Italy Travel Restrictions: All You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit
Are you now thinking about living in Sardinia? Read our other articles on Italy to find out more about this spectacular country!
