Best Green Destinations to Buy Property in Italy: 2025 Update

What to consider when buying sustainable properties in Italy in 2025

If you’re thinking about buying an eco-friendly home in Italy, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Energy efficiency is now one of the top priorities for both buyers and policymakers. Many older properties may need upgrading to meet modern environmental standards, creating plenty of exciting renovation opportunities.
Under the latest 2025 Budget Law, tax deductions for renovation and energy requalification projects have been reduced to 36% for work completed in 2025, dropping to 30% for 2026-2027.
The once-generous Superbonus scheme remains in place for certain condominium projects, and only if key paperwork, including demolition and reconstruction plans, were submitted by October 2024. 
Properties must carry an APE (Attesto di Prestazione Energetica) certificate, or an energy rating certificate, from A4 (most efficient) to G (least). This is a legal requirement when buying, selling or renting in Italy. 
For newer developments, look for LEED Italia certification, which is a useful marker of green credentials. With demand rising for homes that support remote work, outdoor living, and sustainability goals, energy-efficient homes in Italy remain a smart long-term investment. 
 

Why invest in green destinations in Italy?

If you’re dreaming of a slower, more sustainable lifestyle, green destinations in Italy are worth considering. From peaceful countryside villages in Umbria to forward-thinking cities such as Turin and Treviso, these places offer more than just beautiful views – they are truly leading the way in European eco-living. Italy already ranks as one of Europe’s top countries for recycling and resource efficiency, and it’s making huge strides in hitting green targets ahead of schedule.

Many towns are actively investing in sustainable transport, energy-efficient housing, and green urban planning – think electric bus networks, expanded cycle paths, and solar-powered public buildings. For buyers, that means you can expect homes in these locations to be more energy-efficient, future-proof, and appealing in the long run. Whether you’re planning a permanent move or you just want a smart holiday home that aligns with your values, Italy has the answer to your eco-prayers.

And let’s be honest: waking up to fresh countryside air, fresh homegrown produce, and fewer cars on the road isn’t exactly a hard sell, is it?

For more information on Italy’s property market in 2025, check out our Real Estate Market Outlook.

Cagliari

The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari has stepped confidently into its green era with the completion of a major €7 million redevelopment of its seafront. As of early 2025, the transformation has already made the city greener, calmer, and more liveable.

The newly reopened Piazza Matteotti is now part of a leafy promenade connecting the train station to the waterfront, with shaded walkways, safer crossings, and plenty of space to sit, stroll, or just enjoy the view. This project is all part of Cagliari’s wider goal to become one of Italy’s most sustainable cities, and the efforts are already paying off.

Surrounded by beaches, parks, and peaceful lagoons, Cagliari offers the perfect mix of urban convenience and island charm. Whether you’re after a cosy apartment near the coast or an eco-friendly home in Italy with space to grow your own veg, Cagliari is a brilliant base for building a more sustainable future, with the whole of Sardinia on your doorstep. 
 

Florence

Florence has always turned heads for its beauty, but now it’s making waves for its green transformation too. Already known for its walkable, mostly pedestrianised centre, the city has taken things a step further in 2025 with the launch of the ZTL Scudo Verde (“Green Shield”), a low-emission zone that blocks older, high-polluting cars from entering the 38 square kilometres of central Florence. For those dreaming of that quieter, cleaner Italian lifestyle, this is big news.

The city is also putting money where its mouth is, investing €80 million into green spaces and sustainable transport. Work is already underway on Florentia Park, with the first phase now complete. The project has transformed a previously neglected area of the city into a natural oasis with new bike paths, walking trails, and even a 280-seat open-air amphitheatre designed for cultural events.

Plus, as a signatory of the Green City Accord, Florence has also committed to long-term EU goals for cutting pollution, increasing tree cover, and protecting biodiversity in urban areas. Whether you’re after a historic apartment or a modern, eco-friendly home in Italy, Florence offers the perfect blend of culture, charm and sustainability. 

Prato

Just northwest of Florence, Prato is fast becoming one of the best green destinations to buy property in Italy in 2025. Often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour, this Tuscan city has quietly transformed itself through bold sustainability projects, earning its place as a serious contender for European Green Capital recognition.

At the heart of its green revolution is the Prato Urban Jungle initiative – a €3.7 million project turning neglected urban spaces into lush, living ecosystems. These new green property developments include vertical gardens, tree-lined streets, and urban forests that help cool the city, reduce pollution, and improve day-to-day wellbeing for residents.

Prato also leads the way in waste management, having been the first city in Italy to invest in large-scale recycling, with nearly half of all waste processed sustainably. Combine that with existing gems like Parco Galceti, Bisenzio River Park, and the city centre Parco Centrale, and it’s clear why Prato is gaining attention among buyers looking for sustainable property in Italy. 

Treviso

If you’re looking for a small city that’s big on sustainability, Treviso should be top of your list. Located just north of Venice, this charming waterside city has been crowned European Green Leaf Award winner for 2025 and has been recognised for its impressive commitment to making everyday life greener and healthier.

Treviso has gone all-in on sustainability, from planting thousands of new trees to introducing electric waste collection vehicles and expanding its green spaces across the city. It’s also an active member of the Covenant of Mayors and a Green City Accord signatory, showing its long-term promise to meet and even exceed EU environmental goals.

As a result of the city’s recent win as European Green Leaf city, the main square has been transformed with reclaimed wood structures and benches inscribed with “Green City of Europe”, and the local community has played a huge part in driving change. It’s now easier than ever to live a low-impact lifestyle here, with clean air, excellent cycling infrastructure, and eco-conscious public services.

With its canal-side homes, beautiful parks, and strong green credentials, Treviso is a brilliant option for anyone dreaming of owning an eco-friendly home in Italy, in a place that’s charming, welcoming, and already thinking ahead to a greener future. 
 

Turin

Surrounded by the Alps and the rolling hills of Monferrato, Turin is the green capital of northwest Italy – and in 2025, it’s doubling down on its eco-credentials. Having been selected as European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025, the city continues to lead the way with smart mobility, green spaces, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.

Turin has reclaimed former industrial areas and turned them into creative hubs like the OGR and Lingotto Factory, now home to art exhibitions, eco-events, and food markets celebrating the city’s vibrant culture. It’s also the birthplace of the Slow Food movement and the Salone del Gusto – a world-renowned food fair that started here in 1996 to promote small-scale food producers and protect culinary biodiversity. You could say that Turin’s passion for sustainability runs deep, from farm to fork.

Nature lovers will feel right at home too. Turin boasts vast green spaces – 35.6% of its land is dedicated to parks or protected environments including the CollinaPo Biosphere Reserve. The city’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, now over a decade strong, supports low-emission living with expanded public transport, pedestrian zones, and even car-free Sundays.

Whether you’re looking for a lifestyle filled with markets, bike rides, and tree-lined streets, or simply want to invest in sustainable property in Italy, you can find the  perfect mix of eco-innovation and everyday beauty in Turin. 
 

Rome

Rome might be known for its buzzing streets and ancient monuments, but when it comes to green spaces, the Eternal City holds its own. In fact, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA), Rome is the eighth greenest capital city in Europe, with around 24% of its area covered by trees. Parks like Villa Doria Pamphilj – the city’s largest at 184 hectares – and the beautiful Villa Borghese offer not just a peaceful escape from the city buzz, but a chance to soak up Rome’s greener side.

In 2025, Rome is firmly placing sustainability at the heart of its future. With millions of visitors expected for the Holy Year celebrations, the city has doubled down on initiatives promoting sustainable tourism. Eco-conscious hotels, electric taxis, sustainable city tours, and locally sourced dining are becoming the new norm, helping to balance visitor demand with the need to protect Rome’s timeless beauty.

Rome also continues to play host to key global sustainability events. This year alone, it welcomed the Sustainable and Climate-Neutral Cities Conference in February, and will soon host the International Conference on Sustainable Development in September. These summits bring together global leaders to tackle issues like urban mobility, biodiversity, and creating greener cities for future generations.

Whether you’re wandering past ancient ruins or cycling through the sprawling Parco dell’Appia Antica, Rome is proving that even the oldest cities can adapt and flourish with a greener vision for the future. 
 

Maremma

Long known for its slow and sustainable way of life, Maremma in southern Tuscany is a dream destination for eco-conscious buyers. The region’s heart is the Maremma Natural Park, a 9,000-hectare sweep of mountains, forests, and unspoilt coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Recognised by the European Excellence Awards for its commitment to sustainable tourism, Maremma champions local traditions – from organic vineyards to olive groves producing some of Tuscany’s finest oils. There are no big cities here, just charming villages and open landscapes, with the historic town of Grosseto only 14km away for amenities. 
 

Sardinia

Floating in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is one of Italy’s top destinations for sustainable living. Home to two stunning national parks – Asinara and La Maddalena – covering 25,000 hectares of protected land, the island boasts one of the richest ecosystems in the Med.

Today, Sardinia is considered a model for sustainable tourism, balancing eco-initiatives with local traditions. Whether it’s hiking through the rural countryside, cycling along coastal trails, or exploring green-minded cities like Cagliari, sustainable lifestyles are part of everyday life here.

With its clean air, natural beauty, and deep respect for the environment, Sardinia offers endless ways to live and explore more sustainably in 2025. 
 

Emilia-Romagna

If you love good food, gorgeous landscapes, and a greener way of life, Emilia-Romagna could be the perfect place for you to put down roots. Stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea, the region has spent the past few years investing heavily in sustainable tourism and development, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The Adriatic coastline has been transformed into green lounges using recycled materials and native plants, and the region is a paradise for cyclists, with nearly 9,000km of road routes and dirt tracks. Emilia-Romagna’s beautiful protected areas like the Po Delta and Mesola Forest Nature Reserve are thriving too – ideal if you dream of spotting deer on your doorstep.

With lively, cultural cities like Bologna and Parma, plus easy access to beaches and mountains, it’s a brilliant all-rounder for anyone looking for sustainable living in Italy without giving up life’s little luxuries. 
 

Trentino-Alto Adige

For mountain living and guaranteed crisp, fresh air, Trentino-Alto Adige promises a sustainable lifestyle like no other. Sitting in the very north of Italy, you’ll enjoy the best of Italy’s mountainous landscape with easy access to Switzerland and Austria. Framed by the jagged Dolomites and dotted with magnificent lakes, including Coldonazzo and Garda, this region is committed to becoming one of the most desirable sustainable habitats in Europe.

But these ambitions aren’t just talk – Trentino’s eco-conscious communities are already living the green dream. The region is a leader in green technology, from sustainable building and timber use to renewable energy and smart mobility innovations.

Often called the “green heart of the Italian Alps” Trentino-Alto Adige bursts with conifer and beech forests, making it a dream for anyone who loves hiking, cycling or skiing. Whether you picture yourself in a hillside retreat in Bolzano or an eco-friendly chalet in Trento, sustainable living in Italy doesn’t get much easier.
 

Abruzzo

Nicknamed the “green lung” of Italy, Abruzzo is one of the country’s most eco-friendly regions, with nearly half of its land protected by national parks and nature reserves. It’s a dream for lovers of the outdoors, with year-round activities like hiking, skiing, and cycling across the Apennine Mountains and coastal trails.

Abruzzo has doubled down on its green credentials, joining the Under2 Coalition in 2020, it is still pushing for net-zero emissions by 2050. Local initiatives include a major boost in renewable energy projects and smart energy solutions.

Whether you settle in the hilltop city of Chieti or the lively coastal hub of Pescara, Abruzzo offers a sustainable lifestyle surrounded by unspoiled nature and charming medieval towns. 
 

Umbria

The “green heart” of Italy, Umbria lies between Florence and Rome and is a dream destination for nature lovers and sustainable living seekers. The landscape here is pure magic – with thick forests, rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hilltop towns.

Living in Umbria means enjoying the simple life surrounded by nature, whether you settle in the lively hilltop city of Perugia, UNESCO-listed Assisi, or charming wine-producing Orvieto. Sustainability is high on the region’s agenda too. In 2025, Umbria continues to strengthen its green credentials with major efforts in water management, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agriculture.

The region is also home to Fa’ la cosa giusta! Umbria, an annual fair dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyles and ethical consumption, taking place in Bastia Umbra. It’s a great example of how Umbria is inspiring both locals and newcomers to live more mindfully and enjoy a greener life. 

Liguria

Stretching along Italy’s northeast coast, Liguria is famous for its colourful seaside villages, fresh seafood, and dramatic cliffs, but it’s also making a name for itself in green living. The region has been recognised for its efforts to promote sustainable tourism, protect its UNESCO World Heritage landscapes like Cinque Terre, and encourage eco-friendly transport along its coastline.

Nature lovers can enjoy Liguria’s many hiking trails, such as the famous Sentiero Azzuro, and discover charming hilltop villages tucked away from the tourist crowds. With initiatives in place to protect biodiversity and reduce coastal erosion, Liguria offers a beautiful balance of natural beauty and sustainable living by the sea. 
 

Ready to find your greener future in Italy?

Whether you’re dreaming of fresh mountain air, vineyard views, or a home by the sparkling sea, Italy has no shortage of beautiful places to live sustainably. From cutting-edge eco cities to peaceful countryside escapes, these 13 destinations prove that greener living doesn’t mean giving up on style, culture, or everyday comforts.

With new sustainability initiatives launching across the country, 2025 is a fantastic time to start planning your move. So, where will you start your greener life? Will you choose somewhere among the olive groves of Umbria, the eco-villages of Abruzzo, or the lakeside retreats of Trentino-Alto Adige? And if you're dreaming of green living on a budget, don’t miss our guide to the top locations to buy cheap property in Italy in 2025.