English Puglia is a region in southern Italy known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relatively low cost of living.
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 (all within 40 minutes of Bari airport).
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 Puglia where having one nearby is just another advantage.
Barletta
Barletta is a historic coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, located in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani.
The nearest hospital, Monsignor Raffaele Dimiccoli, is just a 7-minute drive from the town center and managed by ASL BT. While the overall quality of healthcare in the area ranks below the national average, the hospitals are notably effective in handling emergencies such as bone fractures and heart attacks. However, areas such as breast cancer surgery and post-operative care show room for improvement.
“I was admitted to the ENT ward for a scheduled procedure, and everything was excellent. Beyond the success of the surgery itself, I was deeply impressed by the humanity of the staff. Everyone, medical and non-medical, helped make my stay far more bearable. They were always available, always present.” – Fabio T.
As in all other cities in Puglia, appointments and specialist exams can be booked through the regional CUP system.
Despite being a coastal city, the cost of living in Barletta is relatively low, especially when it comes to renting an apartment. In fact, a 70 m² apartment would rent for around €592 per month, making Barletta one of the best places to live in Puglia for those looking to enjoy seaside life without the premium price tag.
Trani
Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” Trani is a historic city of about 50,000 residents, especially known for its harbor, where local fishermen still sell fresh catch every day.
Healthcare services are provided through the Presidio Territoriale Assistenziale, formerly the San Nicola Pellegrino hospital, located about a 10-minute drive from the town center. It is managed by ASL BT and is a first-level outpatient center, which means it has no inpatient beds, but still offers a variety of specialist clinics, including Cardiology, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, and Radiology.
“The facility is clean and has plenty of parking. I’ve noticed many improvements in staff behavior. I’ve visited different departments and seen real positive changes in management and courtesy. I recently went for a PAP test at the women’s health center and had an excellent experience. The department was spotless, and the staff were extremely kind and helpful.” – Silvia G.
Like nearby Barletta, Trani offers a relatively low cost of living, with a 70 m² apartment averaging about €660 per month.
Altamura
Altamura, a city of around 70,000 residents in the province of Bari, is located in a strategic position, just 20 minutes by car from Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture.
The main healthcare facility, Ospedale della Murgia, is located within a 10-minute drive from most neighborhoods and is operated by ASL BA. Generally speaking, patients speak positively about the quality of care, but many complain about long waiting times, which can sometimes extend to several months:
“The hospital is easy to find, very clean and organized. The information desk staff were professional and helpful. My only issue was the wait time, the doctors were delayed despite my early arrival at 8:00 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. appointment. The medical staff didn’t begin until 9:45.” – Giuseppe M.
Despite being a mid-sized city, Altamura offers one of the lowest rental costs in the region, with a 70 m² apartment renting for an average of just €476 per month.
Conversano
Conversano is a beautiful town of about 25,000 inhabitants in the province of Bari. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to stay close to a hospital without giving up easy access to the sea. In fact, while the town itself offers local seaside options, it’s also just over 10 minutes from Polignano a Mare, one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations.
The local hospital, F. Jaia – Pronto Soccorso, is just a 3-minute drive from the town center and is managed by ASL BA. The facility distinguishes itself with a wide range of specialist outpatient services, including a Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia, as well as cardiology, general surgery, gynecology, and neurology clinics.
“I visited the radiology department for a CT scan and was truly impressed by the professionalism of the doctors, technicians, and nurses. They made me feel right at home—something I’d never experienced in a public facility before.” – Antonio R.
Rental costs are moderate, with a 70 m² apartment averaging around €600 per month. Given the town’s proximity to both Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, the price is reasonable, as it offers the benefits of small-town living while keeping you well connected to major points of interest. However, the expat community here is still quite small, which means that finding English-speaking medical staff may be more difficult compared to larger cities.
Bari
Not surprisingly, the capital of the region, Bari, is one of the best-served cities when it comes to healthcare. With over 80 hospitals and clinics within a 10 km radius (including both major public institutions and private facilities) it’s an excellent option for those who prioritize easy access to medical care.
The main hospital, Policlinico Consorziale, is just a 5-minute drive from most central neighborhoods and is managed by ASL BA. While some departments fall below national averages in performance, Bari’s high concentration of medical professionals and services increases the likelihood of finding specialized care, and often, English-speaking staff.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire medical staff at the Policlinico of Bari for the exceptional care I received during childbirth. From the very beginning, I felt supported with professionalism, attentiveness, and kindness. In the delivery room, the atmosphere was kept calm and relaxing, with soft music and gentle lighting, things that truly helped me feel at ease. I couldn’t have asked for better care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the passion and dedication you bring to your work every day!” – Elena M.
Rental prices here are slightly higher than in nearby towns, with a 70 m² apartment averaging around €850 per month. If you’re looking for a livelier, walkable city just 10 minutes from the airport (also reachable via bus line no. 16), this is probably your best option.
Final Thoughts
If living near a hospital is high on your list of priorities, these towns in Puglia offer that 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.
Visit Our Town Explorer and Find Your Magic Town!
Use the filters and search bar to explore over 1,500 towns and cities across Italy. Refine your search by amenities, infrastructure, and lifestyle factors.
Was this helpful?
