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This Country Was Named the No. 1 Destination for Retired Travelers

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 8:38 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Italy Tops the Charts as the Ideal New‑Retirement Destination

Travel + Leisure’s latest “Best Places for New Retirees” guide has crowned Italy the top destination for anyone looking to exchange a high‑pressure career for a relaxed, culturally rich life. Drawing on a mix of economic data, personal testimonies, and expert commentary, the article presents a compelling case for the country’s appeal to retirees from across the globe.

Why Italy?

The magazine’s editorial team highlighted four core factors that make Italy an irresistible option for retirees:

1. Affordable Cost of Living
   While the U.S. and many Western European countries see retirement budgets stretched thin, Italy offers comparatively low prices for groceries, dining out, and everyday essentials—especially outside the major tourist centers. The guide references a 2023 report by the European Commission that showed the cost of living in many Italian regions falls below the European average. A side‑by‑side comparison chart—linked in the original article—illustrates how a modest pension can cover a comfortable lifestyle in Tuscany or Sicily, compared to the same pension in cities like London or New York.

2. Exceptional Healthcare
   Italy’s National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN) is praised for its accessibility and high standards of care. The guide explains that retirees can obtain coverage after registering as residents, with costs that are significantly lower than U.S. health insurance plans. A link to the SSN’s official website offers a step‑by‑step guide on how foreigners can register, an invaluable resource for prospective movers.

3. Climate and Natural Beauty
   From the sun‑kissed Amalfi Coast to the tranquil vineyards of Piedmont, Italy offers a spectrum of climates that suit almost every preference. The article includes a map of Italy’s microclimates, sourced from the National Institute of Meteorology. It notes that retirees who favor mild winters can head north, whereas those looking for warmer year‑round temperatures gravitate toward the southern regions.

4. Cultural Richness and Lifestyle
   Italian life is famously centered around food, family, and community. The guide quotes a local retiree who moved from Florida to Siena, noting how the “slow‑life” and the ability to enjoy a daily espresso with neighbors immediately improved their quality of life. The article also references an interview with a cultural anthropologist, who highlighted Italy’s long‑standing tradition of “dolce vita” as a key draw for the “golden‑year” crowd.

The “Top 10” Regions and What They Offer

The original piece breaks down Italy’s top retirement spots into ten regions, each with its own unique charms:

• Tuscany (Florence, Siena) – Known for art, cuisine, and an array of agriturismo accommodations that allow retirees to stay on working farms or vineyards.
• Umbria (Perugia, Assisi) – Offers a quieter, more rustic experience with a strong sense of community.
• Amalfi Coast (Positano, Sorrento) – Combines stunning coastline, luxury apartments, and an influx of expats.
• Sicily (Taormina, Catania) – Affords low cost of living and a vibrant Mediterranean culture.
• Puglia (Bari, Lecce) – Provides affordable housing, a relaxed lifestyle, and a flourishing seafood scene.
• Sardinia (Cagliari, Alghero) – Known for its clear waters and historic towns.
• Liguria (Genova, Portofino) – Offers a blend of seaside charm and bustling port life.
• Trentino‑Alto Adige (Bolzano, Trento) – For those who love mountains and winter sports.
• Lombardy (Bergamo, Como) – Combines proximity to major cities with serene lakeside living.
• Veneto (Venice, Verona) – A hub for culture and a strong expat community.

Each region is accompanied by a sidebar that provides practical information, such as average property prices, language tips, and links to expat forums where newcomers share their experiences.

Practical Considerations for Expats

The article doesn’t shy away from the logistics involved in relocating. A “Check‑list for the Relocating Retiree” section outlines:

• Residency Permits
  • Permesso di Soggiorno for non‑EU nationals, with specific categories for retirees.
• Banking and Taxation
  • How to set up a local bank account and navigate Italy’s tax regime for foreign retirees.
• Language
  • Tips for learning Italian, including local language schools and online resources.
• Safety and Security
  • The article provides crime statistics that reassure retirees of Italy’s generally safe environment.

A link to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers a downloadable guide on the visa process, ensuring that readers have an up‑to‑date reference.

Voices From the Field

The guide brings a personal dimension by featuring interviews with retirees who have made the move. A standout story is of a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who settled in the Veneto region. He shared how the region’s slower pace, combined with the accessibility of medical care, helped him manage his chronic knee pain without the expensive treatments required back home.

Another interview with a Canadian retiree in Sicily reveals that the local community’s welcoming nature and the simple pleasures of a daily gelato can turn a foreign country into a second home almost overnight.

Final Thoughts

Italy’s combination of cultural depth, economic practicality, healthcare quality, and natural beauty makes it a standout choice for retirees worldwide. Travel + Leisure’s guide not only lists these benefits but also provides the tools—links, charts, and interviews—to help prospective retirees navigate the transition.

Whether you’re drawn by the idea of sipping espresso in a Tuscan courtyard, strolling along a Mediterranean beach, or simply enjoying a more relaxed rhythm of life, Italy offers a retirement experience that marries tradition with modern convenience. As the article concludes, the “dolce vita” is no longer a distant dream—it’s a tangible, everyday reality for thousands of retirees who have already made the leap.