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We're Stephen and Lesley — a Maltese couple with two grown sons, and this is the story of how we decided to leave Malta behind and start again in Torrebruna, a small hilltop village in Abruzzo, Italy.

We haven't made the move yet. In February 2026 we bought a property in Torrebruna, and for now we're still in Malta, seeing out our working years before we retire and relocate for good. This blog is as much about that waiting and preparing as it will be about actually living there — the research, the decisions, the doubts, the paperwork, and everything in between.

The idea didn't start with Italy at all. It began with a family holiday to L'Estartit, on Spain's Costa Brava, back in 2016 — the trip that first made us realise our sons were grown, our routines in Malta no longer fit who we wanted to be, and that this next stage of life could be a beginning rather than a wind-down. Spain very nearly became our home. Torrebruna is where we ended up instead, and we're documenting the whole journey here — the Spain chapter included — as honestly as we can.

If you're somewhere in the middle of your own decision to move abroad, whether it's Italy, Spain, or anywhere else, we hope some of what we've been through is useful — or at least good company.

— Stephen & Lesley

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Decision to Move Abroad Pt.4 – How Abruzzo Rural Property Guided Our Path to Torrebruna

Decision to Move Abroad Pt.3: Research, Culture & Choosing the Right Place to Live

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Explain cultural compatibility when moving abroad

Retirement: What retirement?

Decision to Move Abroad Pt.4 – How Abruzzo Rural Property Guided Our Path to Torrebruna

Decision to Move Abroad Pt.3: Research, Culture & Choosing the Right Place to Live