8 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Italy

Italy is known for harboring some of the world's finest delectable cuisine and weather, in addition to its rich history, stunning landscapes, and hospitality. Moreover, the country has an excellent healthcare system, the cost of living is relatively affordable, and residents can enjoy warm summers and mild winters thanks to Italy's geographical position in the Mediterranean. Combined, these factors have elevated Italy's status as one of the best countries in the world to retire in. A recent report from Global Citizens Solutions corroborated this, ranking Italy seventh overall for Americans seeking to live abroad. This article will uncover the eight best towns in Italy for retirement.

Lucca, Tuscany

Nicknamed the "City of Art," Lucca is home to exquisite architecture with roots spanning hundreds of years ago. Here, you can trek fascinating historic landmarks like the Roman-era Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the medieval Guinigi Tower. The former was built in the 1st century AD, while the latter, which offers breathtaking panoramic views, was built in the 14th century. Another prominent landmark is the Serchio River Park, a striking natural area amid the urban landscape that grants access to the Serchio River, a popular spot for kayakers or those seeking brisk walks on paved trails. Equipped with excellent pedestrian-friendly streets, two hospitals, several medical clinics, and low crime rates, Lucca is a beautiful destination to consider for retirement. The cost to rent in Lucca varies significantly, ranging from $400 to $7,500 depending on the number of rooms, location, and whether the property is furnished. For a single person hoping to rent a one-bedroom flat, the average price is roughly $550.

Cefalù, Sicily

Cefalù's enchanting beauty attracts hundreds of thousands yearly who flock to experience its spellbinding scenery. A prominent landmark to observe Cefalù is Cefalù Rock, the town's most famous mountain peak that rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline, including an ancient castle ruins at the top. Not to be missed, the Plazhi I Ri beach is available year-round to enjoy a swim and sunbath, with the bonus of being minutes of walking distance from premier eateries like Paradise Beach Restaurant and Ohana Restaurant, both of which serve mouthwatering specialty seafood. The charming coastal beauty, calming waters of the sea, and mouthwatering cuisine make Cefalù a top-notch destination to enjoy your golden years—similar to Lucca, monthly rental costs vary, as rental options range from $330 to $900.

Orvieto, Umbria

This lesser-known town sits 1,066 feet above sea level, granting picturesque scenery and mild year-round climate. Given its geographical setting, residents of Oriveto have fostered a strong sense of community with one another, where many residents know each other—an essential factor for retirees. A few notable landmarks include the Orvieto Cathedral, a prime example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and the Pozzo di San Patrizio, an ancient well, constructed several hundreds of years ago that sinks nearly 175 feet deep. More interestingly, though, this town is home to a vast network of underground caves called the Orvieto Underground; built more than 2,500 years ago to supply and store water, the network features more than 1,200 corridors, hidden passageways, cellars, and staircases. To purchase a property in this tight-knit community, buyers can expect to pay anywhere from $80,000 to $2,400,000. Alternatively, rent ranges from $650 and above.

Lecce, Puglia

Not to be confused with Lucca, Lecce is a quaint southern town known as the "Florence of the South." its mild weather, coastal location, and dramatic Baroque architecture makes it an ideal town for those seeking a peaceful and quiet retirement. To observe the dramatic style of Baroque architecture that dominated and flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries, tour the Palace of the Celestines, a former monastery with impeccable decorations and carvings that stands as one of the most significant landmarks in the city. Another prominent point of interest in the area is the Roman Amphitheater of Lecce, an ancient ruin built in the 2nd century AD. At its peak amid the Roman Empire, the structure accommodated 25,000 spectators in its elliptical design. Currently, the building is utilized for a wide range of cultural events while still showcasing the brilliance of Roman engineering. To make Lecce your new home, a typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $500.

Treviso, Veneto

Love the countryside? Treviso is calling your name! Several tight-knit villages and communities surround Treviso. The peaceful rivers and canals and Treviso's proximity to the Dolomites give residents many opportunities to enjoy the crisp air and Italy's beautiful outdoors. For some light exercise to start your day, tour the Sile River Park, conveniently just outside town. The park's main features include lush wetlands, serene riverbanks, and unique plant species. While Sile River Park holds its own, the Dolomites, a mountain range located 2.5 hours away, is the region's real prized gem; formed through millions of years of tectonic activity and home to several charming towns and villages, the Dolomites's captivating beauty is so stunning, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The region covers 141,903 hectares and features 18 mountain peaks that are popular among skiers, mountain climbers, and paragliders. Among many notable parks, the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park is particularly noteworthy for its scenic lakes and streams. Unlike expensive significant cities like Venice, located just a short half-hour drive away, this quirky town is relatively affordable while offering a strong sense of community and a peaceful environment.

Alba, Piedmont

Alba is strongly associated with white truffles and is known as the "truffle capital of the world," for the delectable prized fungi used in classic Italian dishes like pasta and risotto. And that's not all—this city also birthed Ferrero, the parent company behind Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, and the world-famous Nutella. While the factory itself is not open to the public, based on several anecdotes, the rich chocolate smell can be smelled miles away from the Ferrero factory. Aside from its culinary excellence, Alba boasts a charming historic center with well-preserved buildings, scenic countryside views by Langhe Hills, and low crime rates to enjoy a quiet and peaceful retirement. According to the Economic Research Institute, the cost of living in Alba is seven percent below the national average, allowing you to stretch your budget on the finer things in life.

Bolzano, South Tyrol

Bolzano is a fascinating city, for many different reasons. For starters, Bolzano is seen as a nexus or midpoint between Northern Europe and Southern Europe, given that three languages (Italian, German, and Ladin) are spoken here. Additionally, several picturesque villages are located on lush green mountains, providing locals all the space they need to enjoy scenic hikes in the world-famous Alpine mountains. The town is also equipped with several state-of-the-art hospitals and medical clinics, a warm multilingual community, and a Disney-like Maretsch Castle, a medieval fortress built sometime in the 13th century. Based on estimates, costs roughly $1,470 for one person per month.

Siena, Tuscany

If you ever dreamed of living in a medieval city, look no further than Siena. Human settlement began here around 900 to 400 BCE and expanded in the coming centuries, culminating from the 11th to 14th centuries when it established itself as a powerful town for trade and commerce. The city boasts impressive historic buildings that still stand, including the renowned Historic Centre of Siena, proudly listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Piazza del Campo, a symbolic public square, which is widely seen as one of the best medieval squares in Europe given its eloquent design and charming feel. And minutes away lies the Torre del Mangia, standing 356 feet over the landscape for incredible views of the ancient city. The rich culture, ancient structures, and nearby rolling hills make Siena a top candidate town for retirement. To live out your golden years in Siena, a single person can expect to fork out $1,600 for rent, while a family of four may pay around $3,600.

To summarize, Italy offers everything you need to make your retirement dreams come true. From historic towns to delightful weather and delicious cuisine, each town has its own unique charm. Whether it's the sense of community in Orvieto or the Baroque architecture of Lecce, retirees have a diverse range of options to consider and live out their best years.