If you appreciate the good life, you owe it to yourself to discover Italy. It’s glamorous, romantic and the preferred holiday spot for most Europeans. The people are friendly and history lurks around every corner. And now, it could be affordable again to Americans ...but check the rate of exchange first. Check the price of hotels and restaurants or tratorias before you book a flight. Also check into house trading where you trade your house for a week (or whatever you decide on) with someone's house in Italy.

There are places in Italy that I love and return to, and some I would rather not visit again. Napoli is one I would prefer not to visit again because of the high rate of theft perpetrated on foreigners by Gypsies and other criminals. But Italy is full of wonderful large cities to choose from and fantastic small towns and regions that few outside Italy are aware of. And that's what we're going to talk about here.

The lofty town of Maratea for example is perched on a ridge above the Mediterranean Sea in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy is one. It is virtually unknown to most non-Italians.

They say Italy hasn’t been this inexpensive in quite some time. You can enjoy a 2-course lunch including wine for $12. And you can find homes for sale with an asking price under $50,000 or an apartment for $100K. (Of course a price that low will probably mean renovation in most cities in Italy!) But if you’ve been waiting for a great opportunity to visit this part of the world, or to make it your new home, now could be the time.

Maratea is still relatively unknown because guide books don’t mention it. No publicity means no tourism until the word of mouth lets the cat out of the bag about this little gem so this should be on your list as one of the small cities in Italy you should consider taking a look at.

Less than 70 years ago, this region of Italy’s deep south was synonymous with poverty, superstition, and mayhem. But things seem to be different now. Maratea offers a menu of splendid aperitifs for today's visitors.

This "Town of 44 Churches," boasts a marble statue of Christ the Redeemer standing with outstretched arms. It's medieval interior is laced throughout by a tangled string of cobbled stone streets filled with dimly-lit grocery stores that emanate odors of salamis, olives, and limoncello liqueur meant to get your salivary glands working overtime. The main plaza is bordered by trendy cafes, as are most Italian cities and towns, and expansive views stretch out over terracotta rooftops above the Mediterranean Sea.

Take the road that hugs the coastline and you will end up in Maratea Inferiore three miles away for more stylish cafes. Gaze at a charming marina filled with yachts whose flags hail from myriad countries, fishing boats, and tour boats that take visitors to caves, grottoes, and inaccessible beaches they can explore.

All in all, this small town in Italy could be a great place to retire cheap and still enjoy life to the fullest.