Reggio Di Calabria, Italy

Capital City

At just 1.9% green space, Reggio Di Calabria has one of the least amount of public parks and gardens in all of Europe. With a population of 170,951, the density can feel suffocating. While the climate is famously mild, the city's seismic activity means frequent earthquakes have devastated the urban landscape over the centuries. Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, with the entire city council being dissolved in 2012 over suspected Mafia ties. Overall, Reggio Di Calabria offers a gritty, urban experience that may appeal to adventurous types, but the lack of breathing room and ever-present threat of natural disasters make it a poor choice for those seeking a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.