THE 5 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN EUROPE: MEDITERRANEAN COAST
THE 5 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN EUROPE: MEDITERRANEAN COAST

Choosing one of the best places to retire in Europe depends on various factors. The choice will depend on personal preferences, including climate, cost of living, healthcare quality, cultural amenities, safety, and more. However, here are five European countries frequently cited as appealing options for retirees, presented below in no particular order. Of note here is that 4 of these countries are on the Mediterranean coast and the one outlier is as close to being Mediterranean as a country can get without actually being on its shore – Portugal.
If you are interested to experience Europe first hand, use the map below to inspire you and plan your next European vacation right now!
WHAT ARE THE 5 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN EUROPE ON THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST?
(If you would like to find out more about the Mediterranean then check out our post on Mediterranean Lifestyle and Travel and Guide to the Mediterranean Coast of Spain.)

PORTUGAL

Portugal is often highly ranked for its affordable cost of living, pleasant climate, beautiful coastline, and welcoming expatriate communities. The Algarve region, in particular, is popular among retirees for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle. Additionally, Portugal offers a favorable tax regime for foreign residents. Though strictly speaking, Portugal is not directly on the Mediterranean, it does share many aspects of the Mediterranean culture (See our post on Lisbon, the capital of Portugal).

SPAIN

Spain is a popular choice among retirees for its warm climate, rich cultural heritage, excellent healthcare system, and relatively low cost of living. This appeal is especially strong in smaller towns and cities outside major urban centers like Barcelona and Madrid. Coastal regions such as the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca are particularly favored by retirees.
ITALY

Italy’s picturesque landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich history make it an attractive retirement destination for many. While major cities like Rome and Florence can be expensive, there are plenty of smaller towns and villages throughout the country where retirees can enjoy a more relaxed pace of life at a more affordable cost.
FRANCE

France offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and a diverse range of cultural experiences. The southern regions of France, such as Provence and the French Riviera (See my post on the French Riviera to discover things to do in this famous area), are particularly popular among retirees due to their Mediterranean climate and stunning scenery. France also has a well-developed transportation network, making it convenient to explore other parts of Europe.
MALTA

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea known for its sunny weather, English-speaking population, and rich history. It offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries and provides various benefits for retirees, including a favorable tax system for foreign residents and a high standard of healthcare.
FINAL THOUGHTS – THE 5 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN EUROPE: MEDITERRANEAN COAST
For full disclosure, I should mention that I bought a home in Spain several years ago, so my “Final Thoughts” may be a bit biased. So of course I highly recommend Spain as a retirement destination and I especially recommend any area along the Mediterranean coast. My favorite region (and where my home is located) is known as the “Costa Calida” which encompasses the area south of Alicante, Murcia, and Cartagena, This area boasts the mildest winter weather in all of Spain.
Of course, the other countries listed above are also beautiful and are definitely worth considering. They all share a coastline with the Mediterranean Sea (with Portugal being just a stone’s throw away) and all share the Mediterranean culture. Ultimately, with the five choices above, you can’t go wrong. Before making a final decision you should consider your own individual preferences, lifestyle, and financial situation.
Do your research, conduct your due diligence, and visit these countries yourself to experience the local culture and lifestyle to determine which is the best option for you. Above all, ensure that you check with each respective country’s immigration policies and tax laws to see which country is the best fit for you.

Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.