Top European Destinations For Retirement Abroad

There’s no denying that choosing to retire abroad requires a lot of consideration, and isn’t a decision to be made lightly. Not only are the factors that make a good holiday destination different to what makes the ideal location for retirement overseas, but you’ll need to consider your pension and your e111 application for healthcare too. But if your heart is set on retiring abroad, we’ve pulled together some of the best locations to do just that! Without further ado, here are our top European destinations for retirement!

Spain

Spain is one the best, and most popular European destinations for retirement abroad. Not only are you blessed with warm, long sunny days here, but you’ll get to enjoy life by the glistening Mediterranean seas. You can eat the most mouth-watering paella whether plain, mixed with fresh seafood or alongside roasted red pepper, aubergine and onion for a Spanish twist. With a variety of affordable towns to choose from, what more could you want? 

France

There’s no doubt about it, France is the second most-popular place for Brits to retire (after Spain of course)! There are several reasons to retire in France, from the affordable, great quality of life the country has to offer, to the bright blue skies and breathtaking landscapes. Retiring in France also means you are only a mere ferry ride or short flight away from your friends and family – living in the heart of Toulouse or “Little Paris” has never sounded so tempting! 

Malta

Retiring in Malta is a move you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy. After all, who doesn’t want to wake up to the care-free warmth of island life? – Well, outside of the UK, of course. Located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between the narrow peninsula of Gibraltar and Alexandria, Malta is a fantastic place to retire - or move to at any age for that matter. Not only will you find sunshine during the height of winter, but the welcoming English-speaking locals make you feel even more at home. You certainly won’t find it difficult to adjust to life here! 

Italy

There are a number of reasons that many people flee to Italy when they retire. The likes of Abruzzo, Le Marche, Puglia and Tuscany are beaming with sun-hungry people seeking a well-deserved new life in the sun. With mild winters and hot summers, living in Italy is also the perfect place to indulge in specialities from all over the world – not to mention the endless opportunity to get your fill of pizza or pasta, or take a shot of espresso in an alfresco café on the waterfront. 
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No matter where you decide to retire in Europe, make sure it is right for you, your partner and your family. The decision to move abroad should never be rushed, retiring or not! After all, moving to an entirely new country is a little more daunting than simply moving town. Living abroad massively differs to life in the UK or anywhere for that matter, but it is certainly appealing to those wanting to relax in the sun and sip sangria on tap.