Retiring in Liguria
 

I love the sea, I love sailing and of course I love Italy. I want to live there, however, I am 72 years old. I am used to livijng in different country, was born around Munich, studied and set up business all over UK and then retired in Mallorca, which has become very expensive. I have sold my finca, well, about to, and want to make a new life on the Liguria coast between Imperia and Savona. I will have no problems finding a super house, and the boat, but what concerns me to be without any support, e.g. the bar where you can have a chat with english people, or the boat club, tennis club etc.

I speak fluent spanish and i am learning italian, and i like it. came to italy as a child for holidays all my life and I really love the country.

What will it be like to live around Alassio or Savona? Any english there, or spanish ..??

Any help would be ever so appreciated. I will be visiting there in 10 days, ....

Best, Werner, and many many thanks!

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

I suggest that you visit Liguria in winter and see if it's for you. It can be very rainy, wet and cold in the winter months. I'm not aware of a big English or Spanish speaking community between Imperia and Savona but it'd be a plus for you if you spoke French.

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

Ahh ok, haven’t thought of that. I assume quite a few french there, thank you so much!!

werner

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

At first glance I thought "oh another one" , but from what you go on to say I would vote "go for it". However I'm guessing there will be major differences with Spain and Italy, certainly there is with the UK and Italy. Nothing unsurmountable, but you need to find out most if not all before you go. Check out the housing market (I would rent to start with) , tax position and residency. We are a few years younger, but health would also be a consideration for us - good luck!

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

Not so much as in there's a French community, but the area you've mentioned is next to the French Riviera and, to a certain extent, an extension of it. The same crowd that hangs around, say, St Tropez or Cannes, will also hang around Ventimiglia, Sanremo, Alassio, etc.

EDIT: Re-reading your OP, I must add that the comparing Mallorca and Liguria is apples vs oranges. If you're used to good weather all year around, you'll be disappointed. You also wrote "Mallorca, which has become very expensive". Liguria will not be much cheaper, especially the coastal towns I mentioned above.

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

Hi Werner, Could be good. I have a German friend who arrived in Italy (Sicily) aged 73 and has now lived here happily for 8 years. He is a keen sailor and lives either with his newfound companion or on his small yacht that he takes to Greece for the summer to avoid expensive docking and mooring fees. He does speak excellent Italian which is really important. Leaning the language is not just the grammar. The hardest bit, if you really want to fit in, is learning about contemporary Italian culture for the last fifty years i.e. TV presenters and programs, singers, comedians, politicians etc. and to be able to talk about food and pets, the main subject of conversation at least in Sicily. Your best bet for making friends could be through your boat. There is usually a very international crowd in many of the Italian ports although this is no longer true since Covid. As mentioned above though Liguria is expensive and also mountainous so there is a lot of going up and down hills.

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

thank you ever so much for your detailed reply. I understand what you say and yes, I think around yachting clubs would be a good idea to socialise and find friends. Will investigate the clubs.
best
werner

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

Why not consider parts of mainland Spain? Especially as you speak Spanish and know Mallorca, parts like Costa Brava offer a lot. We only have holiday home there and not really into yachting but plenty of clubs. Here some insights in German though:-)

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

I really now like the zone from bordighera to savona

i don’t think mainland spain compares

thank you for your help!

werner

Re: Retiring in Liguria
 

No doubt it's very nice in parts and have driven all along the coast but much of the coast is very similar. The only difference is that it can get a lot wetter during the winter months and feels pricey if you compare. Just saying as you were also looking for a chat or some clubs to meet people. Good luck and hope it works out for you.