San Marco Argentano, Italy

With a population of just 6,923, San Marco Argentano is a sleepy town where the pace of life moves at a glacial crawl. The main attractions are a Norman tower, some historic churches, and the crumbling ruins of an old abbey - hardly the stuff of travel brochures. And while it was the birthplace of a famous medieval crusader, the bureaucratic headaches and persistent historical decay suggest this isn't the place for anyone seeking an effortless expat experience. Unless you're a diehard history buff or a fan of small-town Italian ambiance, you're better off looking elsewhere.