English Abruzzo is a beautiful region in Italy, where you can literally live in a quiet village and still be just minutes away from both the mountains and the sea. It’s still relatively undiscovered, even by many Italians, making it a great option if you’re looking for a quiet lifestyle close to nature and far from busy tourist spots.
If you’re considering retiring or relocating with your family but are concerned about healthcare access and how close you’ll be to a hospital, we’ve put together a list of towns that meet those needs. They’re all within about 10 minutes of a hospital and also provide a great lifestyle, with good infrastructure and easy airport connections.
That said, personal experiences with healthcare can vary greatly. This article doesn’t aim to evaluate or rank hospitals, but simply to highlight towns in Abruzzo where having one nearby is just another advantage.
Pescara
Pescara is one of Abruzzo’s most vibrant cities, ideal for those who prefer urban living with access to beaches and a mild climate.
The main public hospital, Spirito Santo, is just a 4-minute drive away and managed by ASL Pescara. One helpful feature is the online portal that shows real-time emergency room wait times. The hospital is known for its expertise in cardiology and minimally invasive breast cancer surgery, though some departments require improvement and still face long wait times.
“I was hospitalized for a particular operation that required recent technological equipment. Additionally, the hospital facilities are well-maintained, always clean, and impeccable. The least I can say about the medical, nursing, administrative, and cleaning staff is that, in addition to being professionals, they are passionate about their work. They are always willing to give their best and provide personalized follow-up care for each case.” – Leonardo T.
The cost of living are higher compared to smaller towns but offers extensive amenities and benefits, including a significant expat community due to its status as a university city. This makes it easier to find pharmacies and English-speaking medical professionals. Additionally, through the “Portale del cittadino“ service, residents can independently schedule some medical appointments and download their exam results online.
Avezzano
If you’re seeking a quieter, more peaceful town, Avezzano is another great option. While smaller and more serene, many residents find it well-organized, offering all the essential services one needs:
“I recommend settling in Avezzano; you’ll have all the amenities with a slower pace of life, and if needed, Rome is just an hour’s drive away.” – Sandro C.
The local hospital, “Santi Nicola e Filippo” is just a 5-minute drive away and managed by ASL 1 L’Aquila. It includes departments such as oncology, cardiology, and pediatrics. The emergency room is open 24/7 and was recently upgraded to improve capacity and efficiency. Services in English may be limited, but the standard of care is generally solid. Also, appointments and specialist exams can be scheduled through the regional CUP system, though wait times may vary.
“I found all the staff extremely kind, helpful, welcoming, and professional, starting with the emergency room. I felt truly at ease, even though the situation was not the most serene.” – Elena B
If you want to learn more about this city and its quality of life, check out this article “The 8 Best High-Altitude Towns in Italy“.
Sulmona
Sulmona is a small town in the province of L’Aquila, famous for the production of “confetti,” traditional Italian sugar-coated almonds. Located in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains, including the Maiella, natural parks, and ancient perched villages, it offers an ideal setting for those looking to explore the beauty of the region.
The SS. Annunziata hospital, managed by ASL 1 L’Aquila, is 9 minutes from the center and offers a range of services including orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology.
“I can say that the professionalism I encountered in the orthopedics department of Sulmona’s hospital is rare. My mother had hip surgery, and the doctors were excellent, paying close attention to every step of the process. Thank you.” – Angelo S.
The cost of living in Sulmona is moderate, with housing prices being lower than in larger cities. The town has a rich cultural heritage and a welcoming atmosphere, although the expat community is relatively small, so finding English-speaking medical staff could be a bit challenging. Sulmona is well-connected by train, with easy access to both Pescara and Rome.
Teramo
Teramo is a relatively small town nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso, in a landscape dotted with vineyards and olive trees.
The Mazzini Hospital, just a 4-minute drive from the center and managed by ASL Teramo, offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including cardiology, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology. Its Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery departments are particularly well-regarded for their expertise in treating cardiovascular conditions.
Patient reviews often highlight the hospital’s professionalism and empathy, especially in high-pressure areas like the emergency room:
“When we talk about public healthcare, negative stories often dominate, but I’ve personally noticed real improvements in recent years, at least in our province. During a recent emergency visit to the Teramo hospital with my wife, despite the stressful hours, I was struck by the professionalism, kindness, and empathy of the staff.” – Gabriele T.
Living costs in Teramo are reasonable, with affordable housing options. The city has a vibrant community and is known for its historical sites. While the expat population is not large, the city’s amenities and connections to other parts of Italy make it an attractive option. Pharmacies and general practitioners are accessible, though English-speaking services may be limited.
Atri
Atri is one of the oldest art cities in Abruzzo, perched on three hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Its landscape is particularly fascinating thanks to the presence of calanchi, natural formations sculpted by the erosion of clay soil.
The San Liberatore Hospital, just 4 minutes from the center and managed by ASL Teramo, is known for its strong performance in specialties such as Endocrinology and Cardiology. It also features an advanced Urology department and is recognized for delivering high-quality care across multiple areas.
“I was hospitalized in this facility for over two weeks, and I will never stop thanking the doctors. They were not only highly professional but also genuinely compassionate. I felt truly cared for and treated as a person, not just a number.” – Santina C.
With a population of about 10,000 inhabitants, Atri offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities. However, the expat community is small, so finding English-speaking medical staff might be more challenging.
Ortona
Ortona is situated along the central coast of Abruzzo, nestled between Vasto and Pescara on the beautiful Trabocchi Coast. If you love classic summer destinations where you can take long strolls along the seafront while soaking in historical monuments, Ortona could be the perfect place for you.
The Gaetano Bernabeo Hospital, just 3 minutes from the center and managed by ASL Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, is known for its dedicated and skilled staff:
“Despite healthcare funding cuts and its smaller size, Ortona has become my top choice for emergency care. Working in the private healthcare sector, I genuinely hope the region does not implement further cuts to this hospital, as its skilled staff significantly alleviates the burden on larger facilities like those in Chieti and Lanciano.” – Flavia B.
Living in Ortona is affordable, with the added bonus of living near the coast. The expat community is pretty small, so English-speaking services might be limited.
Penne
Penne is a small town with a population of around 11,000, located in the province of Pescara. Since 2012, it has been recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.
The San Massimo Hospital is just a 5-minute drive away and is managed by ASL Pescara. While the hospital is fairly large for a town of this size and offers a solid range of medical services and technology, it may not provide the specialized care typically found in larger facilities.
Living in Penne is affordable, with a peaceful atmosphere and a rich historical charm. The expat community is small, so finding English-speaking medical staff could be a bit challenging.
Lanciano
Lanciano is a town of around 34,000 residents in the province of Chieti. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and as an important pilgrimage site due to the Eucharistic Miracle. Although the expat community is relatively small, the steady flow of international visitors makes it easier to find English-speaking locals, medical staff, and services.
Renzetti Hospital, just a 5-minute drive from the town center, is managed by ASL Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti. With 250 standard beds and 28 day-hospital spots, the hospital provides essential healthcare services across multiple specialties.
Additionally, since Lanciano is part of the Chieti province, some pharmacies offer convenient services such as booking medical appointments and, in some cases, even allowing patients to pay health fees (ticket) directly at the pharmacy. They essentially function like CUP centers (you can find a list of participating pharmacies here).
Vasto
Vasto is a coastal town in province of Chieti, located just under a kilometer from the sea.
The town is served by the public Ospedale San Pio da Pietrelcina, which is only a 4-minute drive away and managed by ASL 2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti. The hospital offers a broad range of specialized departments, including cardiology, gastroenterology, urology, orthopedics, pediatrics and neurology. It also provides anesthesiology and intensive care services, with a 24/7 emergency department.
While the hospital covers essential healthcare needs, information about English-speaking staff or dedicated expat services is limited. However, you may still find professionals who speak some English. For instance, Helene, a US expat, shared her positive experience in Vasto’s ER: despite some wait times and a language barrier, the staff were professional, kind, and offered clear explanations. Follow-up care with a private lab and an English-speaking cardiologist confirmed an overall efficient and affordable healthcare experience.
Living in Vasto is relatively affordable. While housing costs are slightly above the provincial average, they remain reasonable considering the town’s services and seaside location. Although the expat community is small, Vasto’s quality of life and accessible healthcare make it an appealing destination for those considering a move.
Final Thoughts
If living near a hospital is high on your list of priorities, these are some of the best places to live in Abruzzo that offer that convenience without compromising on lifestyle or affordability. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a useful reference for anyone narrowing down their options with proximity to a hospital in mind.
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