Civitavecchia, Italy

With a population of just 51,653, Civitavecchia is a sleepy port town offering little more than a ferry connection to nearby islands. The Roman ruins and thermal baths are quaint, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the hot, muggy summers can be oppressive. Though the city serves as a convenient jumping-off point for day trips to Rome, 90 minutes away, Civitavecchia itself lacks the vibrancy and amenities most expatriates crave. Unless you're specifically seeking a quiet, slow-paced coastal town, this isn't the place for you.