With great anticipation we await the launch of our 2025 Overseas Retirement Index, coming this Friday…
I can’t divulge the exact locations that won this year, but I am able to tease a few of the European countries that made the cut…
Spain: An Established Expat Haven That’s Rich In History, Culture, And Beautiful Scenery
To say Spain is rich in history, culture, and beautiful scenery is an understatement.
The second biggest country in the EU after France, Spain is a beautifully diverse nation, brimming with culture and tradition.
Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is bordered by Portugal and France, and the rest of the country is surrounded by the Mediterranean, the Cantabrian Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean—meaning miles upon miles of gorgeous coastline in all directions.
The country is made up of several autonomous regions, which have had their own language, culture, traditions, and social structures throughout history.
Many of these maintain a strong presence in today’s population, which creates a fascinating cultural mix throughout the country, leaving a lot to be discovered when relocating here.
Diversity here goes beyond its culture… Spain also has several different climates and landscapes, including thousands of kilometers of beachfront, beautiful mountains, and an abundance of enchanting towns and cities to explore.
Spain tops the list of the most popular destinations for relocating, investing, and retiring overseas. Some of the benefits of settling on Spanish soil are low living costs, affordable housing prices, and First World infrastructure.
Boasting 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, Spain guarantees a sunshine-filled retirement. Temperatures are generally mild, although significant differences occur depending on the region and the season.
Portugal: A Peaceful, Surprisingly Affordable European Destination
Portugal wasn’t a well-known destination and attracted very few foreign visitors until fairly recently. It remained largely undiscovered until the mid-1990s, when Europeans began immigrating en masse.
Nowadays, Portugal is home to 700,000 expats who enjoy its beautiful landscapes, historical architecture, stunning beaches, and welcoming residency programs.
You’ll enjoy over 1,000 kms of beautiful white-sand beaches throughout the country… almond trees in the African-looking Algarve region… fields of golden wheat in Alentejo, ranches in Ribatejo… ox-driven carts across Minho… and vineyards in Douro.
The country is rich with artistic and cultural treasures, tasty cuisine, and a unique architectural style (called Manueline).
Fantastic weather year-round, with more than 300 sunny days per year, means you won’t need to worry about heating or air conditioning bills and can get out to enjoy an active and outdoors lifestyle year-round.
Affordable and simple-yet-gourmet food and wine here—rivalling Europe’s finest—is as direct from the earth and sea as it gets…
And the exhaustive list of things to do throughout the country, including both more high-brow culture (museums, art galleries, and historic towns and sites all around), as well as an abundance of outdoor activities, from fishing and hiking to four-wheeling and skydiving, mean you’ll never be bored living here.
Not to mention the fact that this is a perfect location to be a launchpad to the rest of Europe. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a frequent traveler, or someone looking to immerse themselves in diverse experiences, Portugal’s position on the continent opens up a world of possibilities.
Plus, Portugal ranks as the 7th safest country in the world, and most people here speak English.
Life here could be not only comfortable but also cultured and even luxurious… while still temptingly affordable at less than $2,000 a month.
And you’ll get healthier and in better shape here without trying—it’s a pleasure to walk everywhere, and the classic diet you’ll find here counts as one of the healthiest in the world, helping prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more.
Shockingly, the world-class health care here is free for legal residents… just imagine your budget after taking out insurance and medical bills!
What’s more, this has been rated as the seventh safest country in the entire world. None of the nations ranked above it, places like Iceland and Denmark, readily accept foreign retirees, making this the World’s Safest Overseas Retirement Haven.
Greece: Pristine Blue Waters, Alluring Coastline, And World-Class Cuisine
The birthplace of Zeus, home of the Minoan civilization, and the crossroads of the three continents of the Old World: Africa, Europe, and Asia Minor…
If your interest is archaeology, lazing on the beach, scuba diving, and indulging in the original Mediterranean diet, then Greece may be for you. This is truly a history buff’s paradise, with more archaeological museums than any other country in the world.
Greece’s reputation as a bona fide beach destination is well-founded: With the longest coastline in the Mediterranean Basin and unique geography full of islands and peninsulas, this is a beach-lover’s paradise.
Apart from the incredible history and the beaches, though, what makes Greece an overseas haven for the estimated 1.2+ million foreign nationals—more than 10% of the total population—that live here?
The Mediterranean climate is a big factor, with its gentle winters—no frost or snow-shoveling here—and hot summers. And here you’re never far from the glistening and super clear water that surrounds the country…
It’s not just about beaches, though, Greece offers mountains, the record-breaking Samariá Gorge (the longest in Europe), olive groves, vineyards, and an untouched inland wilderness, as well as endless ancient and wonderfully scenic villages.
On top of the unique scenery, Greek people are warm and welcoming, the food is some of the best in the world, and the cost of living is low, especially for Europe.
Located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, resulting in a diverse cultural mix, Greece has had a colorful history. This is a culturally fascinating country—the cradle of Western civilization from philosophy, democracy, and political science to art and literature.
Wherever you go in Greece, you’re all but guaranteed to find a handful of expats living there. These expat communities are active and organize activities and events to meet new members. The locals are friendly and happy to chat with anyone.
Next week, I’ll reveal the remaining top European havens for retirement in 2025…
Bonne route,
Kat Kalashian
Editor, In Focus: Europe
