Sarzana
Liguria · La Spezia

Sarzana

21,800 residents · 85,500 within 5 km · 25 m above sea level

89Quality of life
76Infrastructure
78Economy

What Sarzana is actually like

Sarzana, situated in the Liguria region of Italy, is an appealing destination for expats and retirees, offering a blend of charm and practicality. This historic town, located a short drive from the coast, is characterized by its walkable streets and rich cultural offerings, making it a pleasant environment for daily life. Key attractions include the medieval fortress and historic churches that reflect its storied past. The local cuisine is noted for its quality, with a variety of dining spots that cater to diverse tastes. While the town has an excellent public transport system connecting to nearby cities, particularly via train, the maritime charm can be marred by limited access to beaches, which are situated several kilometers away. Despite these minor drawbacks, Sarzana boasts a welcoming community and a low crime rate, enhancing its appeal as a long-term residence for expatriates.

How Sarzana is built

Post-war expanded comune

Pre-war 32%Mid-century 53%Modern 15%
Settlement pattern
Compact
5% of homes scattered in the countryside
In town 95%Dispersed 5%
Condition
88%
Some wear — 12% needs work
Good / excellent 88%Poor / mediocre 12%
Occupancy
85%
Lived-in year-round — 15% holiday or vacant
Main homes 85%Holiday or vacant 15%
SarzanaMarinella di SarzanaFalcinello
Historic coreEstablishedPost-warModernRuralSparsely built

Building age, condition and occupancy from the ISTAT census (2011), by census section. Occupancy is shown as one honest split — the 2011 census does not reliably separate holiday homes from vacant ones.

Towns like Sarzana

Closest matches in Liguria on quality of life, infrastructure and economy.

  • La Spezia — La Spezia · 92,700 residents
  • Genova — Genova · 564,100 residents
  • Arenzano — Genova · 11,200 residents
  • Rapallo — Genova · 29,500 residents
  • Chiavari — Genova · 27,500 residents
  • Lerici — La Spezia · 9,200 residents

The rest of the Sarzana profile — cost of living, healthcare, climate, broadband, schools and the full pros & cons — is behind a free account.