Bellizzi

This southern Italian town of around 13,400 residents offers a genuine small-town atmosphere without the tourist infrastructure of larger centres. With no train station, you’ll need to arrange your own transport or rely on local buses for getting around, which is an important consideration if you value easy connectivity to larger cities.

The town’s modest size means you’re likely to become familiar with local routines and neighbours relatively quickly. This can be appealing if you’re seeking a quieter pace of life and genuine community connections. However, the lack of confirmed English-speaking medical facilities is something to investigate carefully before committing to a move. Finding healthcare providers who speak English is essential for many expats in their later years, so you’d want to research GP options both within the town and in nearby larger centres.

Living here would suit those comfortable with a slower rhythm and prepared to navigate some practical challenges around transport and healthcare independently. It’s the sort of place where daily life revolves around local shops, cafes, and genuine interactions with residents. Before deciding, it’s worth spending time here to understand whether the practical trade-offs—limited English language support and no train access—suit your retirement lifestyle.