Oristano, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 30,363, Oristano is a sleepy provincial capital that offers little for the ambitious expat. The economy is dominated by stagnant agriculture and tourism, and the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Summers are swelteringly hot, while winters can be mild but damp. While the annual Sartiglia festival brings a burst of color and pageantry, day-to-day life in this Sardinian backwater is likely to disappoint those seeking an exciting Mediterranean lifestyle. Unless you're a retiree content with a slow pace, Oristano is probably not the right fit.