View Poll Results: Is this a crazy idea at my age?
yes, absolutely crazy
0
0%
hmmm, not advisable
0
0%
hmmm, could be ok
1
33.33%
good for you, go for it, life is too short
2
66.67%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 3. You may not vote on this poll
Retiring in Liguria
#1
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Joined: Sep 2020
Location: Mallorca
Posts: 4
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!
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!
#2
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 0
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.
#3
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Joined: Sep 2020
Location: Mallorca
Posts: 4
Re: Retiring in Liguria
Ahh ok, haven’t thought of that. I assume quite a few french there, thank you so much!!
werner
werner
#4
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Joined: Oct 2016
Location: Ex Teramo, Abruzzo
Posts: 1,216
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!
#5
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 0
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.
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.
#6
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Joined: Aug 2010
Location: Palermo Sicily
Posts: 375
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.
#7
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Joined: Sep 2020
Location: Mallorca
Posts: 4
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.
best
werner
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Retiring in Liguria
#9
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Joined: Sep 2020
Location: Mallorca
Posts: 4
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
i don’t think mainland spain compares
thank you for your help!
werner
#10
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
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.