Italy’s 7% flat tax for foreign retirees isn’t just a financial perk. It’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the country’s most picturesque landscapes, where cobblestone streets and sun-drenched piazzas become your everyday backdrop.
Beyond the tax advantage, these five towns offer a lifestyle steeped in history, culture, and Mediterranean ease. Let’s wander through their charms and practical conveniences.
Taormina, Sicily: Where Ancient Drama Meets Modern Comfort
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina is Sicily’s crown jewel. Its winding alleys, blooming bougainvillea, and panoramic views of Mount Etna create a postcard-perfect setting. The town’s Greek Theatre, still hosting summer concerts, whispers tales of antiquity. Chic cafés line the Corso Umberto.
Taormina is highly accessible. It is just an hour’s drive from Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, which offers direct flights to major European cities. Retirees can enjoy day trips to the volcanic slopes of Etna or the Baroque splendor of Syracuse.
The town’s blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, including pharmacies, markets, and a tight-knit expat community, makes it an ideal destination for retirement. Read one of our other articles, “Why Italy is Perfect for Retirees.”
Cefalù, Sicily: Coastal Serenity with a Medieval Soul
Nestled between a rugged mountain and a crescent-shaped beach, Cefalù enchants with its Norman cathedral, golden sands, and laid-back rhythm.
The town’s fishing boats bobbing in the harbor and rooftop terraces draped in laundry evoke a timeless Italian vignette. Cefalù offers convenient access to Palermo, as a 50-minute train ride connects residents to Sicily’s capital, where hospitals, international schools, and cultural events are readily available.
Hiking La Rocca provides sweeping views of the coastline, while the Byzantine mosaics of the Duomo offer a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Despite its small size, Cefalù maintains a vibrant atmosphere with summer festivals and evening strolls along the seaside promenade. Learn more about Cefalù.
Locorotondo, Apulia: A Whitewashed Wonder in the Valley of Trulli
In Apulia’s sunlit Itria Valley, Locorotondo’s circular layout dazzles with whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, and vineyards stretching to the horizon.
Known for its crisp white wines, this town is a gateway to Apulia’s iconic trulli stone huts. Locorotondo enjoys a central location, with Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport just a 50-minute drive away, offering flights across Europe.
Brindisi Airport, approximately the same distance, provides additional travel options. The town’s cultural neighbors include the UNESCO-listed trulli of Alberobello and the Baroque elegance of Martina Franca. Retirees can enjoy evening aperitivo in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, surrounded by the glow of lanterns and the chatter of friendly locals.
Polignano a Mare, Apulia: Cliffside Magic and Adriatic Breezes
Famed for its limestone cliffs and turquoise coves, Polignano a Mare is a sensory feast. The old town’s labyrinth of whitewashed streets opens suddenly to breathtaking sea vistas, while the iconic Lama Monachile beach lures swimmers and sunset admirers alike.
Located just 30 minutes from Bari, Polignano a Mare provides easy access to healthcare, shopping, and regional train connections. Nearby, retirees can explore the Grotte di Castellana caves or visit the historic port city of Monopoli.
The town’s culinary scene is another highlight, offering fresh seafood at family-run trattorias and hosting the annual Red Bull Cliff Diving spectacle, a testament to its dramatic coastal beauty.
Atrani, Campania: The Amalfi Coast’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked between sheer cliffs and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Atrani is the Amalfi Coast’s smallest village A cascade of pastel houses, lemon groves, and hidden stairways. With no cars allowed in its center, the town’s tranquility feels worlds away from bustling Positano.
Atrani’s location is ideal for exploring the Amalfi Coast. A 10-minute walk leads to Amalfi, where ferries connect to Capri, Sorrento, and Salerno. The scenic coastal road provides breathtaking views. Salerno Airport is only about 90 minutes away.
Throughout the year, locals and visitors alike gather in Piazza Umberto I for espresso and conversation, embracing the authentic rhythm of coastal life. Renowned for its dazzling Christmas light displays, Atrani doesn’t lose its spark even in the colder seasons.
The Common Thread: La Dolce Vita & the 7% Flat Tax
While these towns differ in landscape and rhythm, they share Italy’s unmatched ability to weave daily life into art. The 7% flat tax sweetens the deal, allowing retirees to savor long lunches, coastal hikes, and cultural riches without financial strain.
Whether drawn to Sicily’s ancient charm, Apulia’s pastoral valleys, or Campania’s cliffside vistas, these towns promise a retirement where everyday feels like la dolce vita.
