Between plates of fresh pasta and chilled glasses of wine, finding joy in Italy doesn’t seem that challenging. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city break, slow days at the beach, stunning nature or rich culture, the tenth-largest country in Europe has it all.

But Italy also offers a fantastic quality of life. Locals enjoy ripe life expectancy, higher civic engagement, low crime rates and only three percent of Italian employees complain of working long hours.

If you prefer fresh breeze and alpine scenery, then the third happiest place to live in Italy could be the perfect fit for you.

Boasting a population of more than half a million, Bolzano is the capital of the provinence South Tyrol. 

With the highest employment rate in the country, the city’s residents profit from high levels of disposable income and savings.

Alexander Benedetti, a broker at Benedetti Real Service, told T+L: “Thanks to the good economy and excellent living conditions, the population has grown steadily over the last 70 years. 

“The real estate market is very stable and has grown continuously along with the region’s economy and the development of its infrastructure.”

Apart from the growing real estate market, Bolzano offers breathtaking alpine scenery, including the Dolomites.

Dolomites feature some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys, according to UNESCO.

If sun rays at high altitudes and mountain breeze sound like the perfect combination for you, then Bolzano should be at the top of your list.

The city’s proximity to Austria means that the capital of South Tyrol is a unique mix of Italian and Austrian cultures.

The land is also home to castles, wine cellars and diverse cultural traditions.

For those who love to shop, wandering along the enchanted Via dei Portici can guide you straight to an array of stores and cafés.

Alternatively, you could pay a visit to the historic market in Piazza delle Erbe and browse the local produce and fresh flowers.

Bolzano also prides itself on a strong culinary scene just like one would expect when visiting Italy.

What’s more, you can fly to the gothic, icy yet romantic city from London in just two hours and twenty minutes.