The La Spezia Central Market seemed to go on forever. Stalls overflowed with just-picked produce, fresh seafood, handmade cheeses, and fragrant herbs. Each day, locals fill their baskets with the best of the region, and it’s easy to imagine ourselves doing the same—shopping daily, chatting with vendors, and deciding on dinner based on what’s freshest.

La Spezia, Italy, has risen to the top of our list as a potential location for our next retirement home. The port city on the Italian Riviera is in the Liguria region, known for its magnificent coast and proximity to the Cinque Terre villages.