In Liguria, beauty isn’t found only along the coast. Behind the hills that separate the sea from the Apennines lie villages that preserve the region’s most authentic soul—and Urbe is one of them. This small town of around 600 residents, surrounded by greenery yet less than an hour from the sea, is attracting a growing number of international buyers.

In the first half of 2025, according to Gate-away.com data, enquiries from abroad for homes in Urbe rose by nearly 74% year on year. That ranks the village second among Liguria’s most sought-after locations, just behind famous Sanremo. A surprising—yet not unexpected—result, because Urbe embodies exactly what many international buyers imagine when they picture a new life in Italy.

The real Italy, surrounded by nature and authenticity

Urbe sits in the heart of the Ligurian Apennines, among beech and chestnut woods, clear streams and trails that wind through the mountains. Life moves at a gentler pace here: days follow a simple rhythm, the air is clean and every season has its own charm. It’s ideal if you want a home immersed in nature but not isolated, with the sea and the Riviera within easy reach.

Homes for sale in Urbe reflect this welcoming simplicity: historic stone houses with gardens and hillside views, small cottages to renovate, and wooden chalets surrounded by greenery. They’re perfect if you dream of a second home in Italy or want to start a new chapter away from big‑city noise.

What makes Urbe even more appealing is affordability, with prices far lower than the region’s coastal resorts. But buying here isn’t just about value; it’s about joining a lively, authentic community.

Who will your neighbours be?

New residents in Urbe come from all over the world and share a common desire: to experience the most authentic Italy. Gate-away.com data shows most enquiries come from Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. Some choose Urbe as a summer retreat, others to spend extended periods—perhaps working remotely—and others move here permanently. Many say they fell in love with the area for its tranquillity, proximity to the sea and quality of life.

The underrated Ligurian hinterland

Urbe’s success is part of a broader regional trend. More and more international buyers are looking beyond the Riviera’s famous hotspots to explore the hinterland, where Liguria reveals its most natural and welcoming side.

Among the places following in its footsteps are Sassello, with its forests and confectionery tradition that made Ligurian amaretti famous; Ceriana, a medieval village just minutes from Sanremo; and Perinaldo, perched on the hills with views that reach the sea. All offer an excellent balance of quality of life, nature and property investment potential.

For anyone dreaming of buying a home in Italy, Liguria—and especially its hinterland—holds a welcome surprise: far from mass tourism, you can rediscover an authentic Italy, where life flows more slowly and places still have stories to tell.

Discover properties for sale in Urbe and the Ligurian hinterland on Gate-away.com