The romantic charm of Italy is alluring and fresh and while you may choose to live near friends or family in Italy, you might also indulge yourself by considering your own preferences.
Would you like to live in a rural location, in the city or close to a beach? Give voice to your budget, your lifestyle, and your hobbies before making a decision and let our best destinations to retire to in Italy inspire you.
If good weather is important to you, living in Italy is a great choice. On the whole, Italy enjoys mild winters and hot, dry summers, with plenty of sunshine all year round.
Here are some of the best places to retire in Italy:
With its rich history and cosmopolitan vibe, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Eternal City. If you enjoy the buzz of city life, Rome should be at the top of your shortlist. However, you will need to consider your budget, as it is one of the most expensive places to live in Italy.
Sicily enjoys the most annual hours of sunshine in Italy, making it the ideal choice for sun worshippers. There are many picturesque beaches to enjoy, and it’s one of the cheapest places to live in Italy. The buzzing capital of Palermo has a host of interesting churches and historic buildings to explore, while the charming village of Biancavilla has its own lava caves and natural springs.
There are several spots to consider on the Ligurian Coast. The streets of the resort town of San Remo are lined with grand mansions and villas. There’s a small harbour and beach, and the town plays host to a famous flower market and music festival. And if you enjoy skiing, it’s just 90 minutes to the nearest ski resort.
The vibrant coastal town of Ventimiglia sits just over the border from the French Riviera. It’s home to a famous market, and there are pretty pebble beaches and a colourful old town to explore. If you want to travel during retirement, this well-connected town has direct train links to Nice and Monaco.
Genoa is the gateway to the Italian Riviera and one of Italy’s most populous cities. The famous birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus, this atmospheric city is an excellent choice for foodies. Maritime tradition runs through its veins, with a charming old harbour area and a maze of narrow alleyways, lined with cafés and shops. Living in lively Genoa means you can enjoy the best of both worlds, as it sits close to the colourful villages of Cinque Terre.
People living in Tuscany enjoy a high quality of life, and there’s plenty to keep you busy, including cultural activities, golf, and outdoor pursuits. The region is famous for its food and wine, and there are regular markets and festivals to enjoy. Choose from the walled mediaeval city of Volterra, the buzzing town of Lucca, or historic and lively Siena, which is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside.
Stunning Lake Como is one of Italy's most beautiful places to live. Close to Milan and the Alps, living here means enjoying all the best parts of retiring to Italy, plus easy connections to other European countries. If you choose to live in one of the picturesque towns or villages dotted around the lake, you might even end up with a celebrity neighbour - George Clooney has a villa in Laglio, and Sir Richard Branson’s villa is in Tremezzo. The glitzy properties offer scenic views of the lake and nearby mountains, although you will pay a premium - this is one of the most expensive places to buy property in Italy.
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