Italy has always captivated me. I often see and feel how people there truly savor life: they don’t stress over daily hassles, they enjoy delicious food, sunshine, and fresh air. I can definitely picture myself spending my retirement years there.
Though those years are still far off, I love traveling to Italy in the meantime. Whether exploring charming towns, coastal spots, or mountain trails, I keep discovering new wonders—and sometimes I seriously consider how wonderful it would be to live in a cozy Italian town.
Travel + Leisure recently explored the best towns for retirement, and seeing these places only deepened my affection for Italy. I hope to visit each one at least once.
Here are the exact towns where peaceful living, rich culture, and excellent healthcare come together beautifully!
1. Gaeta, Lazio
This seaside town lies two hours southwest of Rome and is a true Mediterranean gem. Gaeta’s charming cobblestone streets, medieval castle ruins, and seaside promenades all radiate calm.
The fresh scent of the fish market, daily walks by the water, and homemade pasta at local trattorias all add to the feeling that life here moves slower and tastes better. Healthcare is excellent, with the nearest hospital just a 10-minute drive away, and the town is well connected by train and car to Rome and Naples.
2. Lucca, Tuscany
Lucca, with its medieval walls and romantic squares, is Tuscany’s sparkling jewel. It’s about a 90-minute trip from Florence’s city center and just half an hour from the Ligurian Sea beaches.
Strolling pedestrian streets, cozy cafés and restaurants, and cultural events like the Lucca Summer Festival create a lively yet peaceful lifestyle. The nearby vineyards and rolling hills embody the dolce far niente (sweet idleness) spirit. An English-speaking expat community helps newcomers settle in, while the locals’ warmth brings genuine Italian charm.
3. Orvieto, Umbria
Orvieto is a smaller town with about 10,000 residents. It sits atop a volcanic plateau offering unmatched views: olive groves and vineyards stretch around it, and sunsets here are simply breathtaking.
Wandering the medieval center, you’ll find charming restaurants and cafés, while nearby highways and railways make reaching big cities like Rome and Florence easy.
4. Ascoli Piceno, Marche
This town is one of the best “hidden gems”. Its Piazza del Popolo is among Italy’s most beautiful squares, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and festivals year-round.
The walkable town center, bustling markets full of fresh produce, and nearby spots for seaside and hill hikes make it a great place to settle. Healthcare is top-notch, and the friendly community makes it easy to feel at home.
5. Bologna, Emilia Romagna
Bologna is a major city where retirement life feels totally comfortable. The city center is walkable and bike-friendly, its famous university brings youthful energy and culture, and covered arcades offer shelter in any weather.
Bologna is also a food lover’s paradise: fresh pasta, mortadella, and local wines are real treats. Healthcare here is outstanding, and the train station and airport provide easy access across Italy and Europe.
6. Lecce, Puglia
Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South,” boasts sunny terraces, golden buildings, and peaceful squares. With about 100,000 residents, it’s big enough for all services but still friendly.
The Mediterranean climate, nearby coast, olive oil, and local cuisine all support an ideal, relaxed lifestyle.
7. Turin, Piedmont
Turin is a big city but friendly and not overcrowded. It offers café-lined squares, cultural events, theaters, and festivals for residents to enjoy.
Excellent healthcare, international flight connections, and proximity to the Langhe wine region make it an attractive choice. Winters are cool and foggy, but the cultural and culinary experiences more than make up for it.
8. Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige
For those who prefer cooler climates, Trento is an ideal pick. Nestled in the Dolomite valley, it offers stunning mountain views, a medieval town center, and excellent healthcare.
High quality of life, well-organized public services, and fresh mountain air await anyone craving closeness to nature.
Each of these towns holds a special magic for me—whether it’s the chance for seaside strolls, picturesque vineyards, historic buildings, or cultural events. When I retire, I can easily imagine moving to one of these places, and until then, I’ll happily explore any of them on a vacation or trip.
