Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Sulmona
Abruzzo
Historic town with baroque architecture, Ovid’s birthplace, and renowned for confetti and local garlic.
Quality of Life Score
85
Quality of Infrastructure
70
Quality of Economy
71
Summary
Sulmona, located in the heart of Abruzzo, offers a blend of rich history and vibrant local culture, making it attractive for foreign expats and retirees. The town is famous for its beautiful baroque architecture, with significant sites such as the basilica of Santissima Annunziata and the ancient aqueduct showcasing its historical depth. Known as the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, visitors can find a statue honoring him in the historic center. Sulmona is also renowned for traditional products like “confetti,” which are sugared almonds favored for celebrations, and “aglio rosso di Sulmona,” a distinctive garlic variety prized by chefs.
While the picturesque setting and outdoor activities in the nearby Abruzzo mountains are highlights, some expats report challenges in social integration, often due to language barriers. However, a small community of English-speaking residents exists, and the weekly market provides opportunities to connect with locals. With excellent air quality and essential services nearby, Sulmona represents a charming choice for a slower-paced lifestyle.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services available to residents.
– Mild climate suitable for year-round outdoor activities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Strong community support for integrating new residents.
– Affordable living costs compared to larger Italian cities.
– Good air quality contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
– Reliable transportation options connecting to nearby cities.
– Sufficient educational facilities catering to various age groups.
– Low unemployment rate enhancing job opportunities for locals.
– Moderate tourism ensuring a vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere.
❌ Cons
– Limited nightlife options for those seeking vibrant evening activities.
– Some seasonal weather extremes can surprise newcomers unprepared.
– Internet speeds may frustrate heavy users or remote workers.
– Limited shopping options compared to larger urban centers.
– Cultural events may not satisfy everyone’s personal tastes.
– Occasional language barrier for non-Italian speakers can hinder integration.
– Public transport schedules may not always be reliable or frequent.
– Small town feel might lack the excitement of city life.
– Economic opportunities can be limited for specific professions.
– Some amenities may require travel to nearby larger towns.
Sulmona Demographics
Population
22000
Real Population (5km band)
43300
Births Per 100 Deaths
30.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Some Tourism
Income per capita (2023)
21500
Income rank in Italy (2023)
3062 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Abruzzo Airport (Pescara)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
43min(s)
Abruzzo Airport, located about 4 kilometers from Pescara city centre and approximately 180 kilometers from Rome, is a medium-sized international gateway serving Abruzzo and neighbouring regions such as Molise and Marche. Handling over 700,000 passengers in 2022, the airport connects travellers to 18 destinations across 11 countries, with key routes including London Stansted, Milan, Bucharest, and Malta. Notably, it offers budget-friendly parking options and serves as a hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair, facilitating both domestic and international travel.
2nd Closest Airport
Name
Ciampino (Rome)
Connectivity Score
4
Driving Time
77min(s)
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) is located 12 km southeast of central Rome, close to the Greater Ring Road. It functions primarily as a base for budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air, offering connections to key European destinations such as London–Stansted, Budapest, and Bucharest. As a secondary airport to Fiumicino, it serves nearly 6 million passengers annually, providing a convenient alternative with its focus on low-cost carriers.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Leonardo da Vinci (Rome Fiumicino)
Connectivity Score
10
Driving Time
85min(s)
Leonardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Rome Fiumicino (FCO), is situated approximately 35 km from Rome’s city centre. It is Italy’s largest airport, serving as the main hub for ITA Airways and a crucial gateway for international travel, connecting to over 200 destinations globally, including major European cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris. Known for its efficient transport links, such as the Fiumicino Aeroporto railway station and high-speed connections, the airport also features notable attractions like reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s works.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Pratola Peligna
Connectivity Score
4
Driving Time
14min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Pratola Peligna includes regional services operated mainly by Trenitalia. The primary rail line serving the station is the Terni–Sulmona railway, connecting local destinations. Key direct destinations include Sulmona and L’Aquila, with trains running approximately every 30 minutes during peak times. The service does not cater to high-speed trains, focusing solely on regional connections.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Popoli-Vittorito
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
21min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Popoli-Vittorito includes the following key details:
– **Rail Lines**: The station is served primarily by Trenitalia, offering various regional and intercity connections.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains connect Popoli-Vittorito to several significant destinations, including Rome, Pescara Centrale, Pescara, Pescara Porta Nuova, Verona Porta Nuova, and Benevento.
– **Train Operators**: The main operators providing services are Trenitalia and Italo.
– **Frequency of Departures**: There is a robust schedule with:
– 8 trains to Rome daily, departing from early morning to late evening.
– 16 trains to Pescara and its variations (Pescara Centrale, Pescara Porta Nuova) every day.
– 9 trains to Benevento and 18 trains to Verona Porta Nuova daily.
– **Type of Service**: The station primarily offers regional train services, with some intercity services provided by Trenitalia. High-speed trains are not mentioned, indicating a focus on regional and intercity trains only.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Raiano
Connectivity Score
4
Driving Time
21min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Raiano consists primarily of regional train services running on the Terni–Sulmona railway. The key destinations connected by direct trains from Raiano include L’Aquila and Sulmona. The station is served exclusively by Trenitalia, the national railway operator. Departures are quite frequent, with trains operating around 21 times per day, making the frequency approximately every 30 to 60 minutes. The service comprises regional trains only, with no high-speed services available at this station.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
40
Bars
1
Cafes
1
Cinemas
1
Dentists
15
Golf Courses
0
Gyms
8
Health Clinics
26
Hiking Trails
12
Historical Sites
48
Libraries
0
Museums
18
Parks
7
Pharmacies
20
Restaurants
80
Shopping Centres
3
Supermarkets
39
Spas
41
Beach
Name
Antistante Bocca Del Lago
Driving Distance
42mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Campo di Giove - Majella occidentale
Driving Distance
31mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
64
Nearest Hospital Name
Polo Osp. dell'Annunziata-P. S
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
9 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
3
Local Public Healthcare Provider
AVEZZANO-SULMONA-L'AQUILA
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Abruzzo, the local health service generally performs above average in Italy, particularly excelling in minimally invasive breast cancer operations. It provides timely intervention for heart problems, especially regarding emergency procedures. While the overall quality is commendable, hospital care requires improvement, as does responsiveness in post-operative discharge and cardiac readmissions. Treatment times for bone fractures are satisfactory, providing a reasonable level of efficiency. Yet, for those prioritising immediate and comprehensive hospital care, further consideration may be needed. Retirees and expats should assess these factors in alignment with their personal healthcare needs.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
High Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
31
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
0
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
2
Car Insurance Price Index
95.164
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
Relatively Low
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
563
Median
905
Third Quartile
1160
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Walker's Paradise
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
120
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
144
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
73
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Bottom 50%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
Top 50%
Counts of School
Town/City | Primary Schools | Kindergartens | Comprehensive Schools | Medium High Schools | Scientific High Schools | Technical Commercial Schools | Classical High Schools | Industrial Technical Schools | Higher Education Institutes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sulmona | 5 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | N/A | 2 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)
Sunshine
High (71st-80th percentile)
Snowfall
High (71st-80th percentile)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
1
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
29.7
Climate Description
Sulmona enjoys a climate that blends clear, sunny days with distinct seasonal variations. The winters here are crisp, often draping the town in a light blanket of snow which glistens under the abundant sunshine—thanks to the considerable number of sunlit hours the area receives annually. Transitioning into summer, temperatures rise comfortably, inviting both expats and retirees to revel in the warmth without it becoming overwhelmingly hot. Precipitation is balanced, ensuring lush, verdant surroundings throughout the year. This optimal combination of weather conditions maintains Sulmona's appeal, offering a tranquil yet vibrant setting for its residents.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Min Temp Jan | Min Temp Feb | Min Temp Mar | Min Temp Apr | Min Temp May | Min Temp Jun | Min Temp Jul | Min Temp Aug | Min Temp Sep | Min Temp Oct | Min Temp Nov | Min Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sulmona | 1,00 | 1,70 | 3,90 | 7,60 | 10,50 | 15,70 | 18,60 | 18,90 | 14,80 | 10,80 | 7,00 | 2,50 |
Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Max Temp Jan | Max Temp Feb | Max Temp Mar | Max Temp Apr | Max Temp May | Max Temp Jun | Max Temp Jul | Max Temp Aug | Max Temp Sep | Max Temp Oct | Max Temp Nov | Max Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sulmona | 8,4 | 9,40 | 13,20 | 17,60 | 20,30 | 25,90 | 29,20 | 29,70 | 24,40 | 19,80 | 14,80 | 10,10 |
Sunny Days By Month
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Sunny Days % Jan | Sunny Days % Feb | Sunny Days % Mar | Sunny Days % Apr | Sunny Days % May | Sunny Days % Jun | Sunny Days % Jul | Sunny Days % Aug | Sunny Days % Sep | Sunny Days % Oct | Sunny Days % Nov | Sunny Days % Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sulmona | 51 | 44 | 52 | 55 | 58 | 70 | 74 | 75 | 59 | 45 | 44 | 57 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Good
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
84
Air Quality Description
Sulmona, Italy, offers a generally commendable air quality environment beneficial for retirees and expats seeking a healthier lifestyle. The town is characterized by good levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ensuring that the atmosphere is largely free from irritants commonly found in more industrial settings. Furthermore, measures of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide are also well within satisfactory levels, contributing to the clean air profile that supports active outdoor living. Ozone levels in Sulmona are moderate, making it prudent for sensitive individuals to take note while planning extensive outdoor activities.
Sulmona, Italy, offers a generally commendable air quality environment beneficial for retirees and expats seeking a healthier lifestyle. The town is characterized by good levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ensuring that the atmosphere is largely free from irritants commonly found in more industrial settings. Furthermore, measures of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide are also well within satisfactory levels, contributing to the clean air profile that supports active outdoor living. Ozone levels in Sulmona are moderate, making it prudent for sensitive individuals to take note while planning extensive outdoor activities.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Sulmona, accessible primarily via the A25 and SS17 roads, enjoys moderate connectivity. The nearest train stations provide limited rail options. Abruzzo Airport in Pescara offers regional air travel, while Rome’s Ciampino Airport serves international routes, though proximity remains a consideration for travelers.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Sulmona’s culinary scene is steeped in tradition and characterized by rich, homemade cuisine typical of the Abruzzo region. Key ingredients include Aglio Rosso di Sulmona (red garlic), pecorino cheese, and locally grown lentils. Notable traditional dishes include maccheroni alla chitarra, ceppe, and sagne e fagioli. Lamb is a dominant meat in local dishes, particularly enjoyed as arrosticini, skewered and grilled. Sweet offerings like confetti di Sulmona, sugar-coated almonds, and various gelato and dessert options further complement the region’s flavors. The dining scene features a mix of local trattorias and a limited selection of international cuisine. There is at least one Michelin-starred restaurant, Clemente, known for its refined approach to regional dishes.
Shopping Overview
The shopping landscape in the city features a variety of options including specialty and gift shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Two significant shopping centres provide retail experience ranging from fashion to local products. In addition, diverse market types, including open-air markets and local artisanal outlets, cater to various tastes and preferences. The presence of department stores and renowned brand outlets further enhances the shopping experience for residents and visitors alike, ensuring a comprehensive selection of goods is available.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Sulmona offers expats and retirees access to notable outdoor attractions. The Maiella Mountain is a prominent feature, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, forming part of the Maiella National Park. Villa Comunale, located within Sulmona, provides a well-rated green space for leisurely walks. The Parco Fluviale serves as another option for experiencing outdoor nature trails. Additionally, the L’Anello della Valle Peligna (Sulmona Valley Loop) offers a circular route for hiking. These locations provide substantial opportunities for engaging with the regional natural environment.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services available to residents.
– Mild climate suitable for year-round outdoor activities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Strong community support for integrating new residents.
– Affordable living costs compared to larger Italian cities.
– Good air quality contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
– Reliable transportation options connecting to nearby cities.
– Sufficient educational facilities catering to various age groups.
– Low unemployment rate enhancing job opportunities for locals.
– Moderate tourism ensuring a vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere.
❌ Cons
– Limited nightlife options for those seeking vibrant evening activities.
– Some seasonal weather extremes can surprise newcomers unprepared.
– Internet speeds may frustrate heavy users or remote workers.
– Limited shopping options compared to larger urban centers.
– Cultural events may not satisfy everyone’s personal tastes.
– Occasional language barrier for non-Italian speakers can hinder integration.
– Public transport schedules may not always be reliable or frequent.
– Small town feel might lack the excitement of city life.
– Economic opportunities can be limited for specific professions.
– Some amenities may require travel to nearby larger towns.
FAQs
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