Espresso economics

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,What could be more Italian than a quick espresso at the bar? Yet, the humble caffè al banco is becoming a small luxury. This week, we explore Italy’s coffee culture, from the rising cost of your morning shot t...

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Nov 15, 2025
under construction

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,Italy is a land in constant renewal, from the countryside’s changing face to the careful restoration of centuries-old homes. This week, we explore both: how modern development is reshaping rural Italy, and how...

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Nov 08, 2025
The €86,000 mistake

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,This is a special issue of our Saturday morning newsletter.After a summer of research, interviews, and analysis, we’re releasing what we believe is the most complete, unbiased, and practical Guide to Buying Pr...

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Nov 01, 2025
Superpowers

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,There's a little trick to find undiscovered beautiful towns, practically everywhere in Europe, which I've used time and again. You must find cities that were glorious and prosperous in their heyday, whose fort...

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Oct 25, 2025
Taxes and tremors

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,From tax policy changes to earthquake maps, this week we’re connecting the dots between Italy’s irresistible incentives and the risks that come with them.🎧 Podcast: Living in Italy with Tax and EarthquakesMil...

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Oct 18, 2025
The future of Italy

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,Italy’s beauty is timeless - but Italy's future is in the balance. This week we look at Italy’s demographic challenges, how they affect expats and retirees, and what’s being done to keep small towns alive. We...

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Oct 11, 2025
Auctions and scams

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,As an Italian property auction battle-scarred veteran, I was looking forward to delving into one of my favourite topics. This week we’re diving into one of Italy’s most intriguing (and risky) property markets....

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Oct 04, 2025
Weather alert

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,Autumn is edging in, and this week we’ve packed the newsletter with everything from weather insights to Sicilian seaside living. There’s plenty to dive into: expat guides to the Alpine city of Trento, changes...

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Sep 27, 2025
Rich or poor?

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,Welcome back to our Saturday morning weekly recap.This week we take on a big question: is Italy rich, or poor? High life expectancy and enviable lifestyle on one side, sluggish growth and regional gaps on the...

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Sep 20, 2025
Lucky

Dear Magic Towns friends and subscribers,This Saturday’s focus is money: from opening an Italian bank account (even from abroad) to Trentino’s new €100k grant aimed at revitalising its Alpine villages. We also look at the weak dollar, and on a lighte...

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Sep 13, 2025