Matera

This southern Italian town is home to around 60,000 residents and offers a genuine sense of community for those seeking to relocate. The population size suggests adequate local services and amenities while maintaining a manageable, lived-in atmosphere rather than feeling like a tourist destination.

A practical consideration for retirees is that there is no train station in town. This means you’ll need to rely on car travel or local buses for getting around, and reaching larger cities or airports will require either driving or alternative transport arrangements. If you depend on regular train access for travel, this is worth factoring into your decision.

Healthcare access is an important factor for this age group. Currently, the availability of English-speaking general practitioners in the town has not been confirmed. You should plan to research medical services carefully and consider whether you’re comfortable managing healthcare consultations in Italian or would need to travel for English-language care.

The town itself has character and local roots, offering an authentic Italian living experience. Before making a move, we’d recommend visiting to get a feel for daily life, test the practicality of transport options, and explore healthcare arrangements that would work for your specific needs.