12 Peaceful Places To Retire in Italy and Enjoy La Dolce Vita

Italy is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. It’s famous for its ancient history, fascinating architecture, unique culture, and much more. The country of love is also one of Europe’s most highly sought-after retirement destinations.

Retirees worldwide flock to Italy to live the Italian dream. However, with so many beautiful cities, countryside villages, and seaside towns, picking somewhere to base yourself in your golden years can be challenging. Luckily, we’re here to help. Here are 12 peaceful places to retire in Italy that offer tranquility, serenity, and many things to see and do.

Table of Contents

Palermo

Let’s begin with Palermo, the capital of Sicily, the Italian island. Sicily is a beautiful island famed for its beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, Mediterranean climate, and rich history. With a low cost of living, a peaceful atmosphere, and all the essential amenities you need, Palermo is a great place to base yourself on the island.

Palermo is a breathtaking city with a rich history, impressive architecture, a delicious food scene, and a picturesque waterfront. Gothic, Romanesque, Art Nouveau, and Baroque palaces, churches, and buildings steal the show. Architectural highlights include the 12th-century Palermo Cathedral, the neoclassical Teatro Massimo, and Palazzo dei Normanni. You’ll spend your golden years in Sicily, admiring historic landmarks, eating good food, swimming in the sea, and hiking in the mountains.

Bolzano

Bolzano is a charming city in Italy’s South Tyrol province. It’s set in a valley surrounded by lush hills and towering mountains and is often dubbed ‘the gateway to the Dolomites.’ Bolzano is a fantastic place to retire if you want easy access to other European countries, too.

This city sits near the Swiss and Austrian border. Bolzano’s proximity to these borders and close ties to Germany have influenced the city’s architecture and heritage. As such, the city has an alpine feel and a unique heritage that combines many cultures. Central Bolzano and its medieval city center can easily be explored by bike. Points of interest include the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, the 13th-century Mareccio Castle, and Bolzano Cathedral.

Bosa

The following Italian retirement destination on our list is Bosa, in Sardinia. Sardinia is an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s best known for its unspoiled coastline, vibrant towns and villages, and historic architecture. Bosa is one of the best places to retire in Sardinia because it’s quiet and peaceful and offers easy access to three pristine beaches.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the northwest of Sardinia, Bosa is a small fishing village much loved for its brightly colored houses along the Temo River. Home to less than 10,000 residents, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere and an authentic Italian lifestyle. Notable attractions in or near Bosa include Malaspina Castle, Museo Casa Deriu, Spiaggia di Bosa Marina, and Spiaggia dell’Isola Rossa.

Cagliari

Another beautiful place you can retire in Sardinia is Cagliari, the island’s capital. Cagliari is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy Sardinia’s stunning coastline while also having access to more amenities and attractions. This colorful city is recognized for its hilltop castle and medieval walled quarter, where retirees can find interesting architecture, historic landmarks, antique shops, and restaurants.

Things you don’t want to miss in the medieval quarter include the Bastion of Saint Remy and Porta dei Leoni, the Tower of San Pancrazio, and the Citadel of Museums. When you’re not exploring the medieval quarter or tucking into Italian cuisine, sip on an Aperol Spritz by the sea or dip your toes in the turquoise waters at Spiaggia del Poetto.

Lucca

Lucca could be perfect if you’ve always dreamt of living in Tuscany, surrounded by lush countryside. It’s a serene city on the Serchio River known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, historic center, and cobblestone streets. According to Numbeo, Lucca, compared to Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is also a much more affordable place to live.

Exploring the historic center is the best thing to do in the city. Many locals enjoy cycling along the tree-lined pathways of the 16th and 17th-century walls. The views are amazing, and the ride is easy. Other significant points of interest in Lucca include Plaza del Anfiteatro, the Cathedral of Lucca, and the Aqueduct of Nottolini.

Portofino

Next, we have Portofino, a vibrant fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline. This is one of your best options if you want to spend your golden years by the sea. Portofino has everything from upscale seafood restaurants and high-end boutique shops to traditional pastel-colored houses and turquoise waters.

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La Piazzetta is the village’s iconic central square. Its cobblestone streets are a peaceful spot to admire the surrounding architecture, indulge in local cuisine, and watch superyachts anchor in the harbor. From La Piazzetta, a path leads to Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress and museum offering panoramic sea views. If you want to swim in the sea, head to Niasca Bay.

Camogli

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Another coastal village offering retirees sun, sea, and relaxation is Camogli in Italy’s Liguria region. Cradling Italy’s northwestern shoreline, Camogli is a popular place to retire if you want to spend your time at the beachside but without the large crowds. A haven of serenity, Camogli has a serene coastline, a picturesque harbor, and beautiful Italian architecture.

Admittedly, you won’t find too many things to do in the village, but that’s the beauty of it. You can stroll around town, relax on Camogli Beach, and simply admire the local architecture. There are a few things you don’t want to miss. This includes Teatro Sociale Camogli, Monastero di San Prospero, and Castle della Dragonara.

Pisa

Retiring to Pisa might be a good option if you love big city life but not the large crowds that come with it. Compared to places like Rome and Milan, Pisa is much quieter. According to Shiksha, it’s also 30% less expensive. Pisa is a lovely city in Italy’s Tuscany region, and it’s most famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

However, apart from that, the city is relatively unknown to most tourists, which is a shame because Pisa is home to many more historical landmarks, beautiful beaches like Marina di Pisa, and authentic restaurants. Notable landmarks in Pisa include the Piazza del Duomo, Piazza dei Cavalieri, and Tuttomondo.

Positano

If you have a big enough budget, you could retire to the luxurious cliffside village of Positano. Located along southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this postcard-perfect destination is iconic worldwide as a seaside paradise. If you retire to Positano, you’ll spend your golden years drinking Italian wines, eating world-class food, shopping in boutique shops, and sunbathing on Positano Spiaggia.

Explore the village’s steep and narrow streets when you’re not sipping cocktails or relaxing on the beach. Here, you’ll find breathtaking pastel-colored houses, quaint cafes, and impressive architectural masterpieces, including the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. If you enjoy hiking, you could tackle the Sentiero degli Dei hiking trail that links Positano to other coastal towns.

Capri

Another place to retire in Italy that requires a big budget is Capri, a picturesque island in the Bay of Naples. The island is loved for its rugged landscapes, upscale shopping, luxury resorts, and cove-studded coastline. Like Positano, most people travel to Capri to relax and unwind. Therefore, you can expect a peaceful retirement.

While you’ll spend most of your time in Capri shopping in designer shops, sipping limoncello, and sunbathing on Marina Grande Beach, there is much more to see and do. For example, Capri is home to a unique natural site called Blue Grotto, where you’ll find a dark cavern with waters that glow an electric blue color. Boat tours are also popular on the island.

Monopoli

Monopoli is a beautiful coastal town on the Adriatic Sea in southern Italy. It’s part of the Apulia region, best known for its vibrant towns, scenic coastlines, friendly communities, and historic architecture. In Monopoli, you can relax at the beach, go boating, explore the town’s rich history, and wine and dine in authentic Italian restaurants.

Most of Monopoli comprises an Old Town with noble palaces, ancient squares, and traditional whitewashed buildings. The Old Town is also home to upscale boutique shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Popular attractions in Monopoli include the 16th-century Castle of Carlo V, Palmieri Palace, Cala Porta Vecchia, and Porto Antico.

Lake Como

Lake Como, known locally as Lago di Como, is the third-largest Italian lake. Located in the foothills of the Italian Alps in Italy’s Lombardy region, this glamorous destination is a favorite with retirees seeking somewhere romantic and scenic. It’s also a big hit with outdoor enthusiasts, as there are many hiking, boating, kayaking, and climbing opportunities.

However, arguably the biggest draw to Lake Como is its laid-back atmosphere. Lake Como is almost always peaceful and quiet, providing a rest bite from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Spend time walking around the lake, swimming, dining in upscale restaurants, and hiking in the lush surrounding landscape.