Squillace

This small Calabrian town offers a quiet Mediterranean lifestyle with a population of around 3,550 residents. Its intimate size means you’ll develop genuine connections with locals and enjoy a slower pace of life away from Italy’s busier tourist areas.

If you’re considering a move here, there are practical matters to weigh carefully. The town has no train station, so you’ll need reliable access to a car for getting around and reaching larger cities for appointments or services. This is particularly important to consider given potential healthcare needs in retirement.

Healthcare access requires attention too. While the town exists in Italy’s healthcare system, there is no confirmed English-speaking GP available locally. This means you may need to travel for medical consultations or work with translation support, which could complicate regular check-ups or managing ongoing health conditions.

The appeal of Squillace lies in its authentic small-town character and the genuine sense of community that comes with a population this size. It suits retirees who are adaptable, enjoy self-sufficiency, speak some Italian or are willing to learn, and value peace and simplicity over convenience and amenities. Before committing, it would be wise to spend time here and investigate healthcare options and transportation thoroughly.