Here are the top 10 retirement destinations in Europe, you might want to go according to Live and Invest Overseas. The thirteen categories considered represent the most important criteria that retirees must weigh when looking for the best place to live.

The classes are cost of living, crime and safety, English spoken, entertainment, environmental conditions, expat community, health care, infrastructure, recreation, residency options, taxes, and real estate affordability and restrictions.

1. Algarve, Portugal


Portugal’s Algarve is the best place in Europe to retire. The 100 miles of coast offers lots of sun throughout the year. Algarve also happens to have the nicest beaches in Europe and the best golf courses in the world. A lot of people speak English, and the cost of living is fantastic when you consider the quality of life.

In 2012, Portugal introduced its Golden Visa program. This program allows retirees to establish residency in this country only by showing a minimum monthly income of just 1,200 euros.

2. Annecy, France


Lakeside Annecy is the Pearl of the French Alps. The big attraction here is its ski slopes in winter. However, it is a great place to be throughout the year.

Annecy has been awarded the titles of City of Art and History and City in Bloom. This place seems like an open-air museum! Every July, its streets are given over to Les Noctibules, an annual art festival. Similarly, every August, the much-anticipated Fête du Lac features the biggest fireworks show in Europe.

3. Ljubljana, Slovenia


Old-world capital city Ljubljana is the heart of Slovenia and has easy access to both beaches and ski resorts. Ljubljana is a modern city with all the amenities of 21st-century living that manages to retain a small-town charm. You could embrace this old-world lifestyle supported by top-notch infrastructure on a budget of as little as 1,400 euros a month.

4. Cascais, Portugal


Are you a beach lover? Cascais offers some of the best beaches in Europe. But it has more, a marina, nine top-tier golf courses, more than 100 parks, gardens, world-class dining, mild climate, proximity to capital city Lisbon, and overall extraordinary quality of life. The seaside town boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and is home to a large and welcoming community of expats.

5. Città Sant'Angelo, Italy


Sant’Angelo is a “Città Slow.” A town committed to maintaining traditional ways of life and resisting development. Not much has changed in Città Sant’Angelo over the centuries, and that’s the way residents like it.

6. Kotor, Montenegro


Kotor has a very low cost of living compared to countries like Germany, France, Italy, or the UK. Montenegro’s tax climate is favorable too, with little capital gains, property, income, and real estate transfer rates. There is also a new citizenship-by-investment program that should be a foot in the door to the EU when the country becomes a member (expected in 2025).

7. Carcassonne, France


The city of Carcassonne has much to offer to tourists and residents. An ancient castle, Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, boutiques, artist workshops, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Just a 10-minute drive away is an 18-hole golf course and a park. The sandy beaches are only an hour away. Skiing in the Pyrenees ninety minutes.

8. Paris, France


Do you want to pick off a whirl of cultural events, restaurants, and engaging activities? In that case, Paris would be a paradise for you. It is simply impossible to be bored here. Nearly every day offers a new museum exhibition, a restaurant or boutique opening, or some fascinating little corner to discover.

9. Popoli, Italy


Popoli is an affordable option for retirement in Europe. A couple’s necessary monthly budget here should come to about $1,200, including rent.

The village of Popoli is home to just 5,000 residents. You could pick up a small historic home to renovate or buy a small farm and produce your own fruits, vegetables, pasta, wine or oil, as many locals do. Popoli is a corner of the Old World where you’ll feel completely removed from the concerns of our modern age.

10. Valletta, Malta


Malta is one of Europe’s smallest countries. It’s typical Mediterranean Europe with its warm climate and food to its history and culture. The tiny island, stretching just 122 square miles, is a real gem. Its capital is Valletta.

Valletta boasts a rich history with historical treasures on the corner of every winding cobblestoned street. Retiring to Malta is achievable, even if you don’t have a significant income. That’s especially the case if you find a home outside of the popular parts of Valetta and its suburbs.

Not sure where to go? Visit the places first!

StaffTraveler for web