If you’re thinking about moving to Italy with your horses or farm animals, you’re probably wondering about the differences in regulations and management costs compared to your home country. Italy boasts a long equestrian and agricultural tradition, offering breathtaking landscapes and vast rural areas where you can find great real estate opportunities. Some regions, especially in central Italy, are ideal for those looking for land suited to different needs, with endless green spaces and a perfect environment for living with horses.

In this article, I’ll share practical tips on choosing the right area for you, finding the perfect property, and managing life in Italy with your animals.

Before you get started, don’t miss the opportunity to join the Facebook group Life in Italy, a real reference point for those searching for properties to rent and buy across the country. With over 100,000 active users, you’ll find a wealth of listings, from rooms to rent to vacation homes, long-term rentals, and even properties for sale. Click here to join the group and start looking for your new home in Italy!

Why choose Italy to live with horses?

Italy is one of the best destinations for those who wish to live immersed in nature with horses or farm animals. Italy offers an extremely varied climate, perfectly suited to the needs of animal lovers. From the cool north to the sunny south, each region has its own microclimate:

• Northern Italy (Aosta Valley, Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy): mild summers with average summer temperatures of 25–28°C and cold winters, ideal for those looking for cool horse pastures.
• Central Italy (Tuscany, Tuscia, Umbria, Marche): warm but not excessive summers (26–30°C) with mild winters. Perfect for growing forage and maintaining pastures, with average annual temperatures around 14–16°C.
• Southern Italy (Puglia, Calabria, Sicily): very hot summers (30–35°C) and mild winters (8–12°C).

Italy is one of the European countries with the strongest agricultural tradition. In 2022, the Italian agricultural sector counted around 1.2 million farms, many of which integrate animal husbandry with forage and cereal cultivation. Living in Italy allows you to self-produce forage, fruits, vegetables, and even meat, significantly reducing management costs.

As mentioned earlier, Italy has a rich equestrian and rural tradition, with regions boasting a long history of horse management and breeding, turning it into a thriving business. Throughout the country, several historical horse competitions are held annually, such as the Palio di Siena, active since the 17th century, and the Palio di Asti, dating back to the 13th century.

• Tuscany: The heart of Italian equestrianism, with over 200 riding schools and equestrian facilities between Siena (famous for the Palio di Siena), Florence, and Arezzo. The region is renowned for breeds like the Cavallo Maremmano and the Sella Italiano.
• Umbria: Over 150 riding schools, with landscapes ideal for horseback rides and equestrian competitions. It is certainly one of the most appreciated regions for the availability of land for animals.
• Piedmont: A region with a well-established equestrian tradition, hosting significant events like the Palio di Asti, with about 200 riding schools.

Some people consider horses a luxury, others a true passion, but we can all agree that having suitable land for pasturing can be more complex and costly than expected. This is why many Italians choose to entrust their horses’ care and management to a trusted riding school.

Alternatively, if you prefer to manage everything yourself, you can opt to look for land. Here are the average prices for 2022 in the most requested areas:

• Tuscany: Average price for agricultural land is €25,000–€45,000 per hectare.
• Umbria: €18,000–€35,000 per hectare, with many properties offering direct access to equestrian trails.
• Lazio: €20,000–€40,000, with many facilities near Rome, perfect for those looking to balance rural living with urban services.

The best regions to buy a property with land

Let’s start with Tuscany, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and a strong agricultural and equestrian tradition.

In Tuscany, prices range from €1,800 to €3,500 per square meter, depending on the location. In areas like Val d’Orcia or Chianti, a property with land can cost between €500,000 and over €1 million for 5-10 hectares. (Data updated for 2025)

Here, winters are mild with average temperatures around 5-10°C, while summers are hot, peaking at 30-35°C. Additionally, with over 300 registered riding schools, you can find support for any issue you might encounter, and many offer training and boarding services.

• Click here to read: Moving to Tuscany: an Overview

Umbria, on the other hand, is the ideal option for those seeking a balance between scenic beauty and affordable prices.

Prices are generally lower than in Tuscany, with an average of €1,200 – €2,500 per square meter. For a property with 5-10 hectares of land, prices range from €350,000 to €800,000. (Data updated for 2025)

Here, winters are a bit colder, and summers are warm, with temperatures ranging from -2°C in winter to 28°C in summer. Despite the region’s smaller size, Umbria boasts a high density of riding schools, with over 150 facilities available.

• Click here to read: Moving to Umbria: an Overview

Piedmont is perfect for those looking for a renovated farmhouse with ample land. Prices range between €1,500 and €2,800 per square meter, with properties with 5-10 hectares costing between €400,000 and €900,000. (Data updated for 2025)

Winters are much colder here, with temperatures around -5°C, and summers are cool, ranging from 25-30°C. As mentioned earlier, the region has an almost millennial tradition in the equestrian field, famous nationwide and beyond. For example, the Palio di Asti is held annually and attracts riders and spectators from across Italy.

Marche is one of the hidden gems with affordable prices. Prices range around €1,000 – €2,200 per square meter, with properties with land costing between €300,000 and €700,000 for 5-10 hectares. (Data updated for 2025). The climate is mild, with winter temperatures around 0-5°C and summer temperatures reaching 35°C.

• Click here to read: Why move to the Marche? An overview for foreigners

Practical tips for buying a rural property in Italy

If you want to buy a rural property in Italy, you need to check the land use designation. Every piece of land has a specific approved use according to the General Regulatory Plan (Piano Regolatore Generale – PRG) of the municipality where it is located, which may limit agricultural or equestrian use.

• Agricultural land: must be used for agricultural activities, such as cultivation, livestock farming, or food production.
• Agricultural land with mixed use: also allows for tourism or hospitality activities.
• Buildable land: permits the construction or renovation of residential or business buildings.

Restrictions can vary from region to region, so always consult the local PRG before proceeding. To give you an idea, in 2023, in Tuscany, for example, 60% of the territory was restricted by regulations to protect the rural landscape.

Besides the purchase price, you need to consider the registration tax, which ranges from 2% to 9%, depending on whether it is your first home or a second property.

Moreover, the maintenance costs of a rural property can range from €3,000 to €10,000 per year, depending on the size of the land and agricultural activities. In Italy, a horse costs on average €2,500–4,000 per year for veterinary care, management, and feeding if you keep it as a companion animal on your property (riding schools are generally very expensive).

NOTE: “This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified attorney before making any decisions involving payments“