On this article, I’ll define the most effective methods to turn into a home sitter in Italy. Since leaving my house in the UK in 2022 and embarking on a worldwide touring journey, I’ve been lucky sufficient to take pleasure in two incredible spells in Italy. House sitting has performed an enormous half in permitting me to journey extensively whereas additionally saving a fortune with free lodging alongside the way in which.

Understanding the place to look and the way to safe nice placements is vital. It may be a bit of daunting getting began, so I’m completely happy to find a way to provide the better of my years of data and expertise to get you efficiently on the street to home sitting in Italy.

Italy has at all times held a particular place in my coronary heart. It was the primary nation my husband, Rob, and I actually explored in-depth. A lot in order that he now speaks Italian to a fairly respectable stage. It was additionally whereas sitting in a stunning cafe in Milan that we determined that touring completely was what we needed to do.

Stunning Italy is filled with tradition, historical past, world-class meals and wine. It’s additionally house to among the most welcoming folks I’ve ever met. With an enormous variety of home sitting alternatives out there, from the seashores of Sicily to the piazzas of Turin, let’s get began.

How to Develop into a House Sitter in Italy

Many wonderful web sites submit home sitting jobs in Italy. With some assorted memberships, value choices, and totally different options for every, discovering the appropriate web site for you is a crucial first step. I’ve outlined all the main points for my prime 5 right here.

1. Trusted Housesitters

Trusted Housesitters has been my go-to home sitting web site for over 5 years now. It’s by far the most important web site of its variety available on the market with over 7,000 energetic listings worldwide at present on the lookout for sitters. It’s a terrific platform that’s straightforward to use with some very useful options for home sitters.

One function I notably love about this web site is the choice to save my search filters in order that I could be alerted when the appropriate itemizing comes on-line. Being fast to apply for postings is essential and this function is an effective way to make sure you don’t miss any excellent placements that come up.

Having probably the most listings and being, in my opinion, the most effective home sitting web site round does carry with it an even bigger price ticket than others on this listing. Priced at $260 a 12 months, the top-tier membership consists of advantages cancellation insurance coverage, enhanced customer support, and extra. The extra financial primary membership at $129/12 months is a extra inexpensive start line.

Avoid wasting cash once you enroll through the use of GOATS20 for 20% off any membership choice. Or be part of utilizing this hyperlink.

2. Thoughts My House

There’s loads to like about Thoughts My House, and it’s a terrific web site for newcomers wanting to check the waters. Priced at simply $29 a 12 months, it’s an inexpensive platform that has some nice options.

Thoughts My House is likely one of the longest-established home sitting web sites having been energetic since 2005. The homeowners play a day-to-day position in the customer support which I really feel offers it a detailed and private really feel. The stats portion of the web site is a wonderful addition that permits everybody to see precisely how many individuals are utilizing the location and the place they’re based mostly.

Owners be part of and submit their listings without spending a dime, so you too can be certain of loads of home sit alternatives. On a fast scan on the time of penning this, there are over 20 posts out there throughout Italy, starting from a couple of days in Umbria to a 5-month keep in Veneto! With such a low yearly value, Thoughts My House is a good addition to any home sitter’s instrument equipment.

3. Nomador

Nomador is a good selection for home and pet sitting in Italy. Though the web site does listing sits throughout the globe, they’ve a very sturdy European membership base with tons of of postings on the Continent. The platform has most undoubtedly taken a leaf out of the Trusted Housesitters e book; it’s straightforward to use and has some wonderful options.

The absence of an app is actually a degree towards it because it requires you to frequently examine your emails for updates on any saved searches. However, the premium membership provides early entry to home sits and definitely offers members a head begin when making use of for these superb Italian listings.

Nomador has Three membership choices, the highest tier with quite a few added advantages is $190/12 months. However if you happen to’re nonetheless a bit of uncertain about committing for a whole 12 months, there’s additionally a 3-month ‘Discovery’ choice. At $85 this can be a smart way to get began with out a vital monetary outlay.

4. Workaway

I’ve a gentle spot for Workaway I’ll admit it! I’ve met some nice associates and had many great experiences utilizing it. I got here throughout it a couple of years in the past while on the lookout for volunteer alternatives all over the world. I shortly discovered it to be an excellent useful resource for home sitting too.

One of many predominant search choices on Workaway is for home sitting and it’s come in helpful for me a couple of instances when on the lookout for placements. What’s essential to keep in mind is that hosts might solely listing their property on one web site, so it’s a good suggestion to maintain your choices open with not less than a few totally different platforms.

Workaway is a good selection and could be a superb string to add to your own home sitting bow. With a low annual value of $50 a 12 months or $30pp when a pair joins, it’s an inexpensive choice to have at hand. The app and web site are easy to use, and I’ve discovered that energetic hosts at all times reply promptly to inquiries.

5. House Carers

There are many wonderful home sitting alternatives ready for you at House Carers. Whereas it could not have the sheer quantity of listings that Trusted Housesitters boasts, it does provide a considerable variety of present listings prepared for functions.

Within the curiosity of preserving your choices open, the cool factor about House Carers is you could create a profile and browse listings with out spending a dime. Once you come upon a home sit that piques your curiosity, you’ll want to improve to a full-paying membership, which is a really cheap $50 per 12 months.

In case you’re contemplating turning into a home sitter in Italy, House Carers is a incredible platform to discover all that house-sitting web sites have to provide and get a really feel for your complete course of. With its user-friendly interface and an inexpensive membership payment, it’s an effective way to get began.

Private Expertise Housesitting in Italy

Round 5 years in the past, my first home sitting stint in Italy occurred unexpectedly. Whereas doing a Workaway language change with an Italian couple from Brescia, we fashioned an instantaneous connection. A lot in order that they invited my husband and me to care for his or her little farm for per week that summer time.

We had numerous enjoyable taking good care of their 30+ chickens, 6 sheep, and a deaf canine referred to as Ringo who saved us entertained together with his each day antics across the different animals on the farm. We’ve remained shut with our Italian associates, and have visited them not less than half a dozen instances since.

Upon leaving the UK in January 2022, Italy was the primary level of name. Stimigliano, a small city north of Rome, was the placement for the primary home sit of the 12 months. The host, a stunning Scottish expat named Pleasure, had a house and backyard that required some hearty maintenance. We, in fact, knew this forward of time and loved working exterior a couple of hours every day – the spectacular valley views we had have been simply the icing on the cake.

A spritely canine referred to as Alfie was additionally a part of the discount and he was a enjoyable man to take care of. The home was effectively stocked with wine and Pleasure had instructed us to assist ourselves! The beautiful little city and neighbors have been a delight that solely added to our optimistic expertise. We have been invited most evenings for sundown aperitivo drinks someplace shut by.

Greatest Areas to House Sit in Italy

There are various really great elements of Italy simply ready to be explored. Listed below are a couple of locations that I’ve just lately seen energetic home sitting alternatives for.

1. Rome

Rome is probably the obvious selection when contemplating home and pet sitting in Italy. The nation’s capital, often called the ‘Everlasting Metropolis’, frequently has ample home sitting alternatives with quite a few listings out there. You may count on to see extra residences listed centrally, while additional out of city, larger farms and villas frequently search sitters.

Rome is considered one of my favourite cities in the world; the overwhelming historical past on each nook is in contrast to wherever else. Having the ability to seize a ‘cafe portare through’ (that’s a takeaway espresso to me and also you), and see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountains, and the Pantheon all earlier than your drink will get chilly is a novel expertise.

Rome is a bustling metropolis and may turn into very busy throughout peak seasonal journey instances across the summer time. Don’t overlook home sits on the outskirts of the town. Frascati, Velletri, and Stimigliano are only a handful of the gorgeous little cities away from the hustle and bustle however shut sufficient for a fast practice trip in for a slice of pizza and some glasses of wine.

Location: Rome is positioned about midway down the nation, in the direction of its western shoreline. Nice practice companies hyperlink it with the entire nation. Naples is below 90 minutes away, as is Florence. Milan can be reachable in below Four hours through direct practice companies.

2. Turin

Turin is commonly overshadowed by its extra widespread Italian siblings nevertheless it provides an genuine style of the nation with out the overwhelming vacationer crowds. A home sitting placement right here will situate you amidst grand structure and picturesque piazzas while the native delicacies and considerable aperitivo choices make it a culinary expertise unto itself.

When leaving the UK, Turin was my first level of name. I’ve at all times liked the previous Italian capital metropolis for its breathtaking monuments, the gorgeous River Po that flows by way of it, and the gorgeous Duomo that dominates the skyline. It’s a terrific metropolis to merely stroll round and discover.

Turin is the birthplace of the Aperitivo, which is basically an Italian completely happy hour with numerous small snacky meals plates – perfection. In case you step out for an early night drink count on to be stuffed earlier than you even make it to your dinner reservation. The town has a vibrant really feel while sustaining an area spirit. Tourism is energetic right here nevertheless it’s nonetheless a homely place to safe home sit.

Location: Turin is located in northwest Italy. The northern cities of Genoa and Milan are each reachable inside a couple of hours by automobile or practice. Montgenèvre Move, a typical crossing level into France, is round 87 miles (140 km).

3. Brescia

I’d guess that Brescia has hardly ever cropped up in many individuals’s lists of Italian cities to go to. In spite of everything, Milan, Venice, Lake Garda, and Verona are all very shut by. But it surely’s for this very motive that Brescia must be excessive up on everybody’s listing, particularly for home sitting alternatives.

It’s the right spot for basing your self and exploring additional afield. Brescia was the placement of considered one of my first ever home sits and is a spot I proceed to return to repeatedly. It appears like a little bit of an untapped tourism gem. Having the ability to hop on a practice to so many gorgeous locations is an unbelievable perk, however Brescia itself is a tremendous place.

The town has a big college which lends itself to a bustling metropolis vibe. An enormous medieval citadel dominates the skyline whereas the town middle boasts not one however two cathedrals! You’ll additionally discover many nice eating places and that cafe tradition for which Italy is so liked.

Location: Brescia is positioned fairly centrally in the northern part of Italy. The closest airport is Milan Bergamo which is round 1 hour away. The lakes of Garda and Iseo are each below an hour away. Nice practice companies join Brescia with all of Italy.

4. Sicily

Sicily has actually been on my home sit wishlist for a very long time. I visited a number of years in the past for a summer time trip and completely liked my time on the southern Mediterranean island. Though technically nonetheless classed as Italy, Sicily is its personal unbiased area with round 5 million inhabitants.

The 2 main cities of Palermo and Catania stand out as nice home sitting places, while most of the smaller coastal cities make for dream places to safe a posting. I discovered all of the locals to be extraordinarily welcoming and pleasant. Even with a translation barrier my husband and I have been invited to barbecues, and pool events, and have been purchased drinks on quite a few events.

The island is house to the best energetic volcano in Europe. This will likely trigger concern for some, however good warning techniques and the gap from many civilian areas imply Sicily is secure to go to always of the 12 months. I’ve climbed Mount Etna and walked on the cooled lava fields of a current eruption. It was a loopy expertise and one I gained’t be forgetting any time quickly.

Location: Sicily is an island in the South Mediterranean Sea, positioned simply 1.9 miles (Three km) from the mainland of Italy. Rome is round 620 miles (1000 km) north. The island nation of Malta is round 60 miles (93 km) off Sicily’s southern shoreline.

5. Florence

Florence is an unbelievable place to home sit and having hiked a lot of the area, I can affirm any rumors you’ve heard of Tuscany’s magnificence are true! Nestled in the center of Tuscany, Florence stands as a residing testomony to the Renaissance period. It’s a wonderful metropolis with a wealthy historical past and luxurious structure – it’s no shock that it’s thought-about a jewel in Italy’s crown.

Florence was a bustling middle for artwork and science in the 15th and 16th centuries. The town’s museums, such because the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, home masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli to title however a couple of. The Ponte Vecchio is sort of a gateway to the previous, with many small retailers and market stands lining the outdated bridge over the River Arno.

Past its apparent creative attraction, Florence is a foodie’s dream to discover. The Mercato Centrale is a feast for the senses with enormous shows of native produce, cheeses, and meats. The numerous wonderful trattorias discovered throughout the town serve up conventional Tuscan meals with native wines to complement the meals. What’s not to love?

Location: Florence is located ideally for accessing a lot of Italy. With nice practice hyperlinks, guests could be in Rome to the south or Milan to the north inside 1.5 – 2 hours. The world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is simply over an hour to the east of Florence.

Is Italy Secure?

Italy is mostly thought-about a secure vacation spot for guests. It boasts a strong vacationer infrastructure and environment friendly important companies. Nevertheless, petty theft is particularly prevalent in busy vacationer areas similar to Rome, Florence, Naples, and Venice. I’d advise warning and think about leaving valuables at house.

Scammers and peddlers of counterfeit items could be discovered in most of the main cities. Bear in mind that vacationers could be topic to fines for buying inauthentic objects. Widespread begging, notably by older Romani girls with kids, can disguise a syndicated exploitation community. Take into account doing your personal analysis earlier than donating to charitable causes.

Pure occasions similar to flooding, although irregular, can pose a threat. Lively volcanoes similar to Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius shouldn’t be missed as a doable security concern or journey disruptor. At all times keep alert for climate warnings and be certain to observe native steering to guarantee a secure and clean go to.

The assorted Mafia clans energetic all through quite a few Italian cities very hardly ever impression vacationers in any method.

Professionals and Cons of Being a House Sitter in Italy

There are various optimistic elements of home sitting in Italy and naturally a couple of unfavorable elements too. From my very own expertise, I’ve outlined some professionals and cons to concentrate on earlier than accepting a place home sitting in Italy.

Professionals of House Sitting in Italy

• Cultural Richness: Italy has a wealthy cultural historical past of artwork and structure. House sitting in Italy provides an immersive expertise in a rustic that has influenced world tradition for hundreds of years.
• Culinary Paradise: Italian delicacies is famend worldwide. From pasta and pizza to regional specialties, spending an prolonged interval in Italy means having quick access to among the greatest meals on the planet.
• Laid-Again Life-style: Italians put an emphasis on having fun with life. The tempo is notably slower, and there’s a deal with savoring the second. Lengthy lunches and lazy espresso breaks make it a terrific place for anybody in search of a relaxed life-style. 
• Beautiful Landscapes: From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs, Italy has many numerous and breathtaking landscapes. House sitting right here will permit quick access to among the most lovely surroundings in the world.
• Mediterranean Weight loss program: Italy’s conventional food plan, wealthy in olive oil, contemporary greens, and lean proteins, is related to numerous well being advantages.
• Festivals and Celebrations: Italians actually understand how to have fun life and festivals, and occasions are quite common. You’re probably to see all the things from conventional Christmas and Easter celebrations to enormous summer time live shows.
• Proximity to Different European International locations: Italy’s central location in Europe makes it handy for journey. You may simply discover neighboring international locations, and expertise numerous cultures only a quick journey away.
• Pretty Locals: Italians are recognized for his or her heat and robust sense of household and neighborhood. House sitting in Italy offers the chance to type relationships with neighbors and locals and make actual long-term connections.
• World-Class Wine: Italy is famend globally for its wine. Whether or not you’re choosing up an affordable bottle from the grocery store or forking out for a fancier choice at dinner, you’ll be able to relaxation assured the wine in Italy is classy.

Cons of House Sitting in Italy

• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Italy is thought for its paperwork, which could be time-consuming and typically irritating. Coping with paperwork for visas, healthcare, or different administrative issues will virtually actually require endurance.
• Language Barrier: English is extensively taught, particularly in city areas and among the many youthful inhabitants, however some areas do pose a language barrier. There are various dialects of Italian; in rural areas typically even primary Italian doesn’t minimize it.
• Value of Dwelling: In main cities and vacationer locations, the price of residing could be comparatively excessive. I’ve discovered that gasoline, eating out, and sure items and companies are costlier in contrast to different international locations I’ve visited – particularly in the north of the nation.
• Political Instability: Italians love to passionately focus on politics. Principally as a result of Italy has skilled intervals of significant political instability. Staying knowledgeable in regards to the political local weather is a good suggestion.
• Healthcare System: Whereas Italy does have a public healthcare system, the standard and effectivity of healthcare companies can differ. Entry to English-speaking medical professionals can be restricted in sure areas, particularly additional south.
• Pure Catastrophe Dangers: Italy is susceptible to seismic exercise, particularly in areas like Naples and Sicily. Whereas stringent constructing codes and monitoring techniques assist decrease dangers, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can and do happen.
• Driving Points: Though most of the predominant roads are easy to navigate, driving in smaller cities and busy cities could be a problem. In case you’re unfamiliar with the driving practices, the locals might effectively provide you with some direct suggestions.
• Pace Traps: The Italian police love a velocity entice and are recognized for fining for something they will discover mistaken along with your driving or automobile; they most probably will difficulty you with a ticket if you happen to get pulled over. My recommendation: study the foundations and stick to the velocity restrict always.
• Visa Restriction: House sitting in Italy long run could also be a problem for non-EU residents who usually can solely keep in the European Schengen Zone for 90 days each 6 months.

House Sitting in Italy: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on home sitting in Italy:

In Conclusion

I’ve maybe seen extra of Italy than I’ve my very own nation. It’s one place that I’ve really missed having such quick access to since leaving the UK. Being able to jump over from Stansted Airport on an affordable Ryanair flight for the weekend was a luxurious I took benefit of many instances.

House sitting in Italy over the previous couple of years, has allowed me to immerse myself much more in the tradition of such a beautiful nation. Once you spend time in the ‘actual’ Italy you get to see a lot greater than the vacationer spots can provide. And though these spots are equally great, it’s the depth of home sitting experiences that really make them memorable.

There are tons of of Italian properties at present ready for functions, so get your self signed up right now.