Varazze, Italy

This port town on the Ligurian coast bills itself as a picturesque seaside escape, but its 12,534 residents face the realities of a local economy dependent on shipyards and tourism. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Varazze was once a disputed territory between Genoa and Savona before becoming an independent commune in 1227. While the town offers natural sights like the Beigua Natural Regional Park, the climate is typical of the rugged Riviera di Ponente, with frequent storms rolling in off the Ligurian Sea. Overall, Varazze may appeal to those seeking a quieter, maritime-focused lifestyle, but the tradeoffs of living in this former medieval burg are not to be taken lightly.