Apricale

This tiny Ligurian settlement offers a genuinely quiet retirement environment with just 595 residents. If you value small-town living where you’ll likely know your neighbours within weeks, Apricale could appeal to you.

The practical considerations matter here. There’s no train station, so you’ll need reliable access to a car or be comfortable relying on regional buses for connections to larger towns. This isolation isn’t a drawback for everyone—many retirees actively seek it—but it’s worth being clear-eyed about what it means for visiting friends, medical appointments beyond the village, or simply getting around.

Healthcare support is worth noting: an English-speaking GP hasn’t been confirmed, which is an important detail to investigate further if medical accessibility is a priority for you. You’d want to contact the local health authority directly or connect with other English-speaking residents to understand your real options.

What you get in return is a genuinely small community where the pace of life slows considerably. This suits people who’ve already thought through their practical needs and decided that deep solitude and authentic local living matter more than convenient infrastructure.

Before committing, spend time here during different seasons and speak directly with current expat residents about healthcare and daily logistics.