14 Most Beautiful Places To Retire in Europe
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After years of hard work, you want to retire to a place that offers beautiful scenery, a good quality of life, and possibly a reasonably affordable lifestyle. These European locations are ideal for anyone looking to slow down and savor their retirement life.
There is something for you whether you’re looking for mild climates, opportunities for endless outdoor activities, rich culture, or a slowed-down life rhythm.
Soller, Mallorca, Spain
While the entire island of Mallorca is an excellent option for retirees, you want to choose a town that tourists do not overrun, and that will be Soller.
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Soller boasts stunning natural scenery, lush greenery, citrus orchards, and a dramatic backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains. This charming town is also close to scenic beaches and coves along the Mallorcan coastline.
It is also ideal for retirees seeking a relaxed and laid-back pace of life since it has maintained its traditional charm and sense of community.
Read also: Cities in Europe for Solo Traveling
Crete, Greece
Crete is the perfect retirement oasis, offering a blend of magnificent landscapes, rich history, and lively local culture. This Greek island has pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and fertile valleys. Crete’s sunny climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, makes every day feel like a holiday.
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Life in Crete moves leisurely, allowing retirees to engage fully in the local lifestyle. The island has quaint villages where traditional Greek customs still exist, offering a sense of community. For those interested in history and archaeology, Crete’s ancient Minoan sites, such as the Palace of Knossos, provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Moreover, Crete is known for its cuisine, with a diet rich in fresh, local ingredients that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The cost of living in Crete is another attractive feature, offering affordability without compromising quality of life.
Read also: Must-Visit Islands in Greece
Brest, Brittany, France
Again, the entire Brittany region is a great place to retire, but if we had to narrow it down to a specific location, Brest would have to be on top of the list. Brest perfectly blends urban amenities, maritime charm, and scenic beauty. Located on the coastline of Brittany, Brest offers excellent beach opportunities and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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For an active retirement, you can also spend your days or weekends birdwatching, cycling, or hiking at Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique and the Crozon Peninsula.
Besides, Brest is a perfect gateway to other tourist spots in Brittany, such as Saint-Malo. It is also typically cheaper than major French cities and coastline towns, making it a perfect place to live comfortably while stretching your budget.
Read also: Charming Seaside Towns in Europe
Martinique, France
Looking to skip the hustle of living in mainland Europe? One of the best recommendations would be Martinique. Located in the Caribbean, this French overseas department is a tropical paradise attracting retirees with its rich French and Creole culture. You will also love its natural beauty, including pristine beaches, mountains, and lush rainforests.
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It is the perfect destination to embrace an outdoor lifestyle, enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sailing, and explore the island’s diverse ecosystems. While Martinique will be pricier than other Caribbean destinations, it is cheaper than mainland Europe.
Read also: Amazing European Islands for a Relaxing Escape
Tavira, Algarve, Portugal
Tavria is located on the eastern coast of Algarve, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, golden beaches, and tranquil rivers. Besides, Tavira is surrounded by lush countryside and nature reserves, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities in the warm Mediterranean climate. Tavira receives over 300 days of sunshine annually, so this would be paradise for any outdoor enthusiasts.
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Portugal, in general, is known to have a lower cost of living than most European countries. You will also love the relaxed lifestyle and the hospitality you will receive while living in this town.
Read also: Hidden Gems of Southern Europe
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Siena is a laid-back town in Tuscany that offers a perfect retirement life. The Tuscan countryside’s stunning landscapes, rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves surround the town.
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Living here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, take daily strolls in the vineyards, and explore nearby medieval hilltop towns such as San Gimignano and Montepulciano.
You will also love that you can take a short drive to major Tuscany attractions; for instance, Florence is only an hour from Siena’s city center, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Read also: Scenic European Countryside
Peloponnese, Greece
The Peloponnese region is a hidden gem for retirees. This southern part of Greece offers stunning landscapes, including rugged mountains, lush forests, and tranquil beaches. The climate here is inviting, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
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Retirement in the Peloponnese is synonymous with living in a land where history and modernity merge. Ancient ruins, such as the famous sites of Olympia, Mycenae, and Epidaurus, offer endless exploration opportunities, while the region’s small towns and villages boast a lively contemporary life.
The Peloponnese is also celebrated for its contributions to Greek cuisine with local specialties and wines. The cost of living in the Peloponnese is relatively low, allowing retirees to enjoy a high quality of life without stretching their budgets.
Read also: Best Greek Islands for a Budget-Friendly Vacay
Madeira, Portugal
Sun seekers would love the mild climate, beauty, and welcoming atmosphere of Madeira, an island on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great place to engage in outdoor activities all year round, thanks to the subtropical weather it offers.
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If you’re looking to spend your retirement appreciating the beauty of nature, then let it be on the Madeira Islands’ breathtaking landscapes, including dramatic cliffs, lush mountains, and picturesque valleys.
Besides, Madeira is known for its stability and security. If you’re looking for an affordable paradise with a low crime rate, Madeira is the place to be.
Read also: Impressive European Villages To Visit
Dubrovnik, Croatia
There are many good reasons to live in Dubrovnik, but the top would be the stunning sea, including the Adriatic Sea, rugged cliffs, and beautiful beaches and islands. A retirement life exploring these features would be a dream come true.
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You will also love that Dubrovnik’s Mediterranean climate offers an excellent opportunity for endless exploration; the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are wet and mild. This is the perfect opportunity to engage in outdoor activities such as swimming, island hopping, sailing, kayaking, and hiking.
Also, Dubrovnik is way cheaper than major Western European features. If you want to live a holiday without splashing all your retirement savings, Dubrovnik is your perfect retirement destination.
Read also: Underrated Mediterranean Places to Visit
Slovenian Alps, Slovenia
If you’re a mountain person and love the tranquility that comes with it, an excellent place to retire to would be in the Slovenian Alps. If you’re a big city person, go for the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana; it is an equally great place to experience mountain life.
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However, we recommend going for the other smaller towns nestled amidst the mountains for a more laid-back life at a lower cost. Some of your best bets would be Bled, Piran, Kranj, Koper or Novo Mesto.
Living in the Slovenian Alps is an excellent opportunity to enjoy breathtaking natural beauty with majestic mountain peaks, lush green valleys, pristine alpine lakes, and dense forests. This makes it ideal for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, mountaineering, and nature walks.
Besides, the healthcare system in Slovenia is unbeatable. It provides universal coverage and broad benefits packages.
Read also: Best Lake Destinations in Europe
Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Kotor Bay is a picturesque destination surrounded by towering mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Some good reasons to live in Kotor are the beautiful natural scenery and charming Mediterranean climate, making it a perfect place for an active outdoor lifestyle.
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The cost of housing, dining out, and groceries are reasonably low in Montenegro compared to Western European countries. Besides, many people in Montenegro have an excellent command of English, making it an ideal retirement home for English-speaking people.
Read also: Underrated Cities in Europe
Paphos, Cyprus
Cyprus has been recognized as one of the safest countries in Europe. If you want to live in a major coastal city with low crime rates, Paphos is a good choice.
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Additionally, the city offers beautiful natural scenery, a Mediterranean climate, and endless outdoor activities. It is also one of those European destinations that is still reasonably affordable.
Read also: Easily Accessible Greek Island Getaways
Helsinki, Finland
While it may not be the most affordable retirement destination, Helsinki had to make the list. Finland has consistently been ranked as the happiest country in the world, and any retiree who values their well-being would want to grab a slice of Finnish happiness.
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Besides, the housing crisis in Helinski is not as bad as in other major Western European cities. You will also like the comprehensive healthcare that Finland provides to its residents.
Also, while the city has many things to see and do, it is a gateway to the stunning Finnish countryside.
Read also: Amazing Winter Cities in Europe
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is famous for its architectural marvels, delicious cuisine, thermal baths, unique museums, and being on the Danube River’s banks, which can spice up your retirement life.
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Budapest is also a great idea to make the most out of your retirement savings thanks to its relatively affordable cost of living.
Furthermore, Hungary is one of the centrally located European countries. While traveling across Europe is simple, Hungary’s centrality makes it easier.
Read also: Must-Visit Cities in Europe
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
