Alghero

This Sardinian coastal town has a population of around 42,000, making it substantial enough to support everyday services while maintaining a manageable, human-scaled community. The Mediterranean setting and established infrastructure suggest it could work well for those seeking a change of pace without complete isolation.

One practical consideration is that there is no train station in town, so you would need to rely on car travel or buses for getting around and reaching other parts of the island. This is worth factoring into your plans if you prefer not to drive regularly.

Healthcare access is something to investigate further before deciding. While the town has medical facilities, an English-speaking GP has not been confirmed, which means you may need to develop Italian language skills for routine appointments or locate a private provider who speaks English. This is an important detail to clarify directly with the local health service or expat networks already living there.

The combination of reasonable population size, coastal location, and regional position makes Alghero worth exploring further if you’re comfortable with the logistical considerations around transport and healthcare communication. Speaking with current expat residents would provide valuable insight into daily life here.