Cattolica Eraclea, Italy

With a population of only 3,300, Cattolica Eraclea is a sleepy Sicilian backwater, far from the bustling tourism centers that draw most foreign transplants. The economy here is built on humble agricultural staples like olives, grains, and citrus - not glamorous, but steady. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town was only founded in medieval times and still has a decidedly old-world feel.

Those seeking an authentic taste of rural Sicilian life, far from the crowds, may find Cattolica Eraclea appealing. But for most foreigners, the isolation and lack of amenities will likely prove a dealbreaker.