Is Italy the new Spain for expat retirees?

Is Italy the new Spain for expat retirees?

Is Italy the new Spain for expat retirees?

For would-be expat retirees who’ve decided against Spain and France, Italy is the place for a stylish retirement.

Reports of violence in favourite Spanish resorts and France’s ambivalent attitude towards Brits since the Brexit referendum are turning would-be expat retirees’ thoughts to the Italian delights of food, wine, great weather and glorious scenery. There’s only one problem – Italian regions are unique to their own history and lifestyle, and choosing the right one for your laid-back retirement needs some thought. Generally speaking, healthcare is good, the living is easy and the locals are friendly, but four regions stand out as perfect for retirees from all walks of life.

Lombardy is for those who’ve worked hard all their lives in order to enjoy luxury and culinary delights in their retirement. It’s a haunt for the rich and famous, with Milan its heart and Lake Como its playground. Picturesque and stunningly lovely, it’s also one of the country’s most expensive regions as regards pure luxury and the best of everything. From Milan’s famous fashion stores to unending cultural events, historic architecture and the best of Italian cuisine and wines, Lombardy has everything for the wealthy retiree.

On the other hand, for those needing to stretch their savings, Sicily is the place. The island is as lovely as Lombardy, with a certain wildness thrown in for good measure. The cost of living is refreshingly low, and the pace of life is leisurely and slow. Its food and wine reflect its boisterous history and rental apartments are cheap, as are the local restaurants where the Sicilians eat. Breathtaking beaches, wild interiors, traditional villages and its very own volcano, Stromboli, all make Sicily the perfect region for a leisurely, inexpensive retirement.

White sand beaches and turquoise-blue seas are the main attractions of Puglia, an Italian region which hasn’t yet caught on as a major tourist destination. The cuisine here is earthy and amazingly fresh, and the wines are delicious, making this quieter corner a favourite with retirees who enjoy great dining experiences without the fuss. Living costs are comparatively low, especially for apartment rentals either in the town centres or within a stroll of the nearest beach.

Tuscany is famed for its green, rolling hills and its world-class Chianti, and its regional capital of Florence holds some of the world’s greatest masterpieces in art and architecture. For retirees in love with great art, music and history, Tuscany truly is a dream destination. The cost of living is slightly higher, especially in the crowded tourist season, but clean, well-kept beaches are just a drive away for active retirees needing to escape from the crowds.

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