Italy Joins Sicily, Switzerland, Spain, Greece and More: The Ultimate Guide to Europe’s Best Villages Offering €1 Homes, Grants, and a New Life

Published on November 22, 2025

Across Europe, small villages and remote towns are offering enticing opportunities for individuals and families seeking a fresh start. From Sardinia in Italy to the Swiss Alps, rural communities are opening their doors to new residents with eye-catching incentives such as €1 homes, cash bonuses, and renovation grants. These regions, including Maenza (Italy), Troina (Sicily), Albinen (Switzerland), Rubia (Galicia, Spain), Ponga (Asturias, Spain), and Antikythera (Greece), are all actively seeking to reverse population decline and invigorate their local economies by attracting newcomers. Here’s a closer look at the opportunities these beautiful and often overlooked destinations offer.

Sardinia: A Mediterranean Paradise with Financial Incentives

Sardinia, a stunning Mediterranean island, is more than just a vacation destination. The island’s rural towns are facing depopulation, and to combat this, the regional government has rolled out a variety of incentives aimed at attracting new residents. These include:

• Grants of up to €15,000 for home purchase or renovation in rural villages with fewer than 3,000 residents.
• Cash bonuses for families: €600 per month for the first child and €400 for each additional child until the age of five.
• The unique €1 house scheme, where properties in historic centres are being offered for just €1, with the condition that buyers renovate them within a set timeframe.

Living in Sardinia means waking up to breathtaking landscapes, Mediterranean beaches, and quaint villages with rich traditions. However, the trade‑off is the need for substantial renovation costs and a willingness to commit to small-town life. If you’re looking for an affordable way to live in Italy, Sardinia could be the perfect place for a new start.

Maenza (Lazio): €1 Homes Near Rome

In the Lazio region, about 70 km south of Rome, the town of Maenza offers one of the most affordable property deals in Italy. As part of the “€1 house” initiative, the town offers abandoned homes at a nominal cost, with the condition that buyers commit to renovating and restoring the properties. This scheme is designed to prevent the collapse of historic buildings and bring new life to Maenza’s charming streets.

Maenza also provides buyers with the chance to experience life just a short distance from Rome, with access to the city’s cultural and economic opportunities. While Maenza’s rural lifestyle may be quieter and slower-paced, its proximity to one of Europe’s most iconic cities offers the best of both worlds — peaceful living with access to urban amenities.

Troina (Sicily): Reviving a Historic Village with €1 Homes

On the island of Sicily, the town of Troina is embracing a similar “€1 house” model. This historic village in the province of Enna has begun offering its abandoned homes at a symbolic price to encourage new residents to move in and help revitalize the area.

Along with the €1 homes, Troina provides a framework for the renovation of properties, encouraging the restoration of its historic buildings while offering newcomers the opportunity to live in one of Sicily’s most picturesque settings. The village offers a slower pace of life, stunning mountain views, and a rich cultural heritage. But, like Sardinia and Maenza, potential buyers must be prepared for renovation work and the challenges of living in a small, rural community.

Albinen (Switzerland): Cash Incentives in the Swiss Alps

If you’re looking for a truly unique opportunity in the Swiss Alps, Albinen might be the place for you. This small village in the canton of Valais is offering newcomers CHF 25,000 (around €23,000) per adult and CHF 10,000 (around €9,000) per child to move there and stay for at least 10 years. The offer is available to those willing to purchase property worth at least CHF 200,000.

Albinen’s incentive scheme is designed to combat depopulation and attract families to the picturesque Alpine village. The Swiss Alps provide a tranquil lifestyle, with unparalleled mountain views and outdoor recreation opportunities. However, the cost of property is high, and the village is remote, so moving to Albinen requires a real commitment to rural living in one of the world’s most beautiful (and expensive) countries.

Rubia (Galicia, Spain): A Quiet Village Offering Monthly Cash Bonuses

In the northern region of Galicia, Spain, the village of Rubia is offering newcomers a more modest but still compelling incentive: a €100 to €150 monthly stipend. This initiative is especially attractive to families with children, as the municipality seeks to bolster its population and keep its local school open.

Rural life in Galicia is deeply connected to nature, with lush landscapes, green hills, and a laid-back pace. While the monthly stipend may not be as large as some other offers, it can help ease the transition into a new community. Rubia’s offer is perfect for those who want to experience rural Spain and contribute to a close-knit community while enjoying the beauty of the countryside.

Ponga (Asturias, Spain): A Rich Landscape with Financial Support

Asturias, in northern Spain, is another region offering relocation incentives, with the municipality of Ponga standing out. This stunning area, known for its rugged mountains and dramatic scenery, has implemented a relocation program that offers €3,000 to couples and €3,000 for each child born in the area. This initiative is designed to reverse the area’s population decline while encouraging people to settle and create a sustainable future for the region.

Ponga’s mountainous landscapes offer hiking, outdoor activities, and a deep sense of peace. The government’s incentive package is geared toward those willing to make a long‑term commitment to living in rural Spain, offering a chance to build a new life in one of the country’s most natural, serene environments.

Antikythera (Greece): An Idyllic Greek Island with Financial Perks

For those who dream of living on a Greek island, Antikythera offers an exciting opportunity. Located between Crete and the Peloponnese, this small, remote island is offering financial incentives to attract newcomers. Families who move to Antikythera can receive €500 per month for up to three years, along with free accommodation and land to help kickstart their new life on the island.

Antikythera offers an idyllic environment with stunning coastlines and a rich history. However, the island’s isolation means that infrastructure and services are limited, so newcomers must be prepared for a quieter, more self‑sufficient way of life. For those willing to embrace the slower pace and enjoy a beautiful, peaceful setting, Antikythera could be the perfect destination.

Why These Rural Relocation Incentives Are Worth Considering

These rural European destinations offer a unique opportunity to start fresh in a place where life is slower, communities are closer, and nature is abundant. Whether it’s Sardinia’s Mediterranean charm, Maenza’s proximity to Rome, Albinen’s Swiss alpine beauty, or Antikythera’s Greek island life, each location provides an affordable way to experience rural living — and even build a new future.

Each destination offers varying levels of financial support, including free or low-cost homes, renovation grants, and cash bonuses for families. However, these moves come with trade‑offs: most of these places are remote, and the cost of renovations can be substantial. It’s essential to do thorough research and understand the commitments involved before making a decision.

These relocation programs represent more than just a move to a new home — they offer a chance to be part of something bigger: revitalizing communities, preserving historic villages, and contributing to the sustainable growth of rural areas across Europe.