When choosing a place to retire, there’s no better guide than the Italians themselves. While some pensioners head abroad in search of lower living costs, many Italians know that the most authentic lifestyle is found at home – in regions where beauty, community, and tradition come together.
So, if you’re a foreigner dreaming of retirement in Italy, here’s where Italians would most love to spend their golden years – places that embody the essence of “la dolce vita”. These are the best places to retire in Italy according to Italians.
Liguria: The Italian Riviera
With pastel-coloured villages tumbling into the sea, mild weather all year round, and fresh seafood on every menu, Liguria is one of the most sought-after retirement destinations for Italians. Towns like Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Sanremo offer a lifestyle that combines coastal charm with easy connections to France and northern Europe.
Lazio: Rome and beyond
While Rome is known worldwide, many Italians choose to retire just outside the capital, where you’ll find charming medieval towns, rolling hills, and proximity to world-class healthcare. Lazio gives you both the cultural richness of the Eternal City and the calm of the countryside.
Trentino-Alto Adige: Alpine living
For those who love the mountains, clean air, and active living, the Dolomites in Trentino-Alto Adige are unbeatable. Italians appreciate the region’s high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and the blend of Italian and Central European culture. It’s an ideal spot for retirees who enjoy hiking, skiing, or simply soaking up breathtaking alpine views.
Valle d’Aosta: a hidden gem in the Alps
Italy’s smallest region, Valle d’Aosta, is beloved by Italians who want a peaceful, nature-filled retirement. With castles, alpine pastures, and spectacular views of Mont Blanc, it offers an authentic lifestyle rooted in tradition, close to both France and Switzerland.
Friuli Venezia Giulia: at the crossroads of cultures
Bordering Austria and Slovenia, this lesser-known region combines Italian flair with Central European traditions. Italians value Friuli Venezia Giulia for its good services, safe communities, and excellent wine country – all without the crowds of better-known tourist destinations.
Why follow the Italians’ lead?
Foreigners often look to Spain, Portugal, or Greece for retirement – just as some Italians do. But if your dream is to live like the Italians do, then the answer is clear: choose Italy itself.
The regions Italians retire to are places where history, community, food, and natural beauty are at their richest. From seaside towns to mountain villages, Italy offers a variety of lifestyles to suit every retiree.
After all, if Italians themselves consider these regions the perfect place to spend their golden years, could there be a better recommendation?