Re: Approaching retirement
 

Noto is a big comune - but Id never live inthe town. First off you will always need a car, becuase any shopping you need to do will take you to Avola, Rosolini or Modica/siracusa. The hospital is poor and is probably closing. it can get very hot - mid 40's in the summer. In the winter you need a car to get to the beach. IN the summer there are 4 buses a day. However the comune stretches up to Cassibile and down to Pachino, from the sea to well inland, so there is plenty of space. I know various people on instagram keep saying its the ideal place to relocate to, but they have only ever been tourists. Go and rent there before you make a leap - but obviously not for more than 90 days otherwise you invalidate your 7% tax regime for the next 5 years.

Re: Approaching retirement
 

I am visiting Sicily in August for a few weeks with a car, staying in Palermo, Cefalu, Enna, Agrigento, and Ortiga. All Airbnbs, obviously completely different atmosphere in the summer!

We are very much looking forward to visiting Enna, which I visited 25 years ago; the view from the top is incredible. Other towns, planned as well for day trips etc, possibly Erice, Trapani, Modica, Noto, Ragusa, let's see.

Re: Approaching retirement
 

We have a super El Nino this year. You might need some air conditioning in August. Sicily holds the European record temperature of 49C from August 2021.

Re: Approaching retirement
 

In 1993, I was in Phoenix, Arizona, and it hit 48 °C, almost the same temperature. My sneakers were sticking to the road when I dashed to the service station for some water and food. I'll never forget that!
Summers like that are unbearable, though I did live in Australia for 3 years some 37 years ago, and their summers were very hot.