Ovada

This small town in Italy has a population of just under 11,000, making it genuinely quiet and manageable in scale. It’s the sort of place where daily life moves at a relaxed pace, which appeals to many retirees seeking to escape larger urban centres.

A practical consideration: there is no train station in town, so you’ll need reliable access to a car or be comfortable with alternative transport options if you need to travel further afield. This is worth factoring into your decision, particularly if you value convenient public transport connections.

Regarding healthcare, an English-speaking GP has not been confirmed here. This is an important point to investigate further if language barriers might be a concern for your medical care. You may need to arrange translation support or seek out English-speaking medical professionals in nearby areas.

The town offers the genuine appeal of small-town Italian life without the tourist crowds or inflated costs of more famous destinations. For retirees who are organised, reasonably self-sufficient, and comfortable with limited English-language services, it could provide an authentic, affordable retirement experience. However, it’s essential to visit in person and confirm practical matters like healthcare and transport before committing to a move.