Did you know that Italy is the country with the highest number of thermal resorts in Europe?

The origins of spa tradition in Italy go back to ancient times. The first attestations dates back to ancient Rome when Romans discovered the healing benefits of natural spa waters. As a matter of fact, bathing was an essential part in their lives to the point that it was used also as a way to socialise and discuss about economical and political matters. So every Roman city was equipped with at least one facility for bathing.

Today Italy has a large and growing spa industry that brings in people from all over the world. The spas in Italy are known for their luxury and long tradition, and you are going to enjoy them when you are staying in a place like this. You will get a great place to stay, and you will get a lovely spa experience at the same time.

If you’re thinking to move in one of these localities, you will be surprised to discover that in spite of attracting a great number of tourists, buying a property in one of these spa resorts of Italy is not so expensive as one might expect. These solutions are also ideal if you want to rent out your home.

Euganean hills
Euganean hills at night by Luigi Mengato

Let us guide you through a selection of thermal spa centres which are also great places hosting history and culture:

Spa maps

Salsomaggiore Terme with its Art-Decò baths is one of the most ancient spas of the peninsula laying among the gently rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna region. You can find a property in this area for €1,200 to €2,100 per square metre, and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful and welcoming land that is around the property. This is something that you need to consider because the price is so reasonable. In fact here prices dropped in the last couple of years, so you can find for example a wide apartment of 130 m² in a beautiful hilly position for about €160,000.

Abano Terme (Veneto) is probably the oldest spa in Europe and it was famous among ancient Romans for its thermal waters. Moreover it is immersed in a perfect, romantic scenery which are the Euganean hills, just a stone’s throw from the splendid Padua and Venice. What a dream! Buy in this area ranges from €1,400 to €2,300 /m². Also in this case, starting from November 2013 prices have fallen dramatically, so you can get excellent bargains.

Ischia
The island of Ischia by kismihok

But there are some exceptions to the prices here that are affected most by the tourism industry in Italy. That’s the case of the most famous and exclusive spa towns of Italy, such as Ischia (Campania), which is going to make your trip like something out of a movie. You will learn quickly that there is no greater luxury than this village, and you can come to its spas to rest and relax.

You will pay between €4,500 and €6,000 /m² for your home here, but you will enjoy the stay so much that it is worth it. You are paying a premium for the beauty of the area, but especially because it is so popular. But don’t worry, you might be able to spend a little less money if you go over to Forio. This is something that you can do to make your trip affordable, and you should remember that this area is situated on the same island of Ischia. In this municipality you can buy a lovely typical villa for €3,600 /m².

Monte Bianco
At the foot of Mont Blanc by Ferruccio Zanone

Head north, in Pré-Saint-Didier (Valle d’Aosta), at the foot of Mont Blanc on the Italian side, for a unique experience in a quiet and relaxing place far from the city buzz. You may also enjoy crossing the border and reach France whenever you want. Prices in this enchanting land are pretty high because of its proximity to Courmayeur and other major tourist areas. In fact prices range from € 5,300/ m² to 7,550 /m². So it’s no wonder that for a loft of 80 square meters you will pay around € 690,000 or €350,000 for a three room apartment of 65 square meters.

Consider one of these Italian spa districts or one of the many that dot Italy as viable places to buy your dream home in the boot-shaped country so you can have an amazing adventure in this European oasis.

[Featured image by marktristan]