1. Overview
Discover some of the most beautiful places around the globe that offer ideal settings for retirement abroad.
2. Factors to Consider for Retirement
When choosing a location to retire, factors such as scenery, cultural experiences, climate, and access to amenities play crucial roles.
From quaint towns to tropical islands, these are the most beautiful places to retire around the world.
When the time comes to retire, and you’ve decided to spend your golden years abroad, the world becomes your oyster. You’ve likely traveled, and you may already have a favorite destination based on your experience or simply because it’s the most beautiful place you’ve seen.
However, beauty, as it is said, is in the eye of the beholder. For some, a gorgeous place means historic buildings, ancient towns, and quaint neighborhoods. Others find beauty in nature, vineyards, palm trees, and blue seas. And some want a bit of everything – vintage charm with access to modern amenities.
We’ve assembled a list of 25 beautiful destinations to retire abroad. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to visit one or more – if not to relocate, then for an enjoyable vacation.
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Porto, Portugal
Set along the Douro River with colorful terra-cotta-roofed buildings rising from the river’s edge, Porto offers medieval charm. Its narrow, winding alleys, public art, cathedrals, and gardens are filled with picturesque surprises, including hand-painted tiles called azulejos. Six bridges span the Douro, the most beautiful being the Dom Luis, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel. Aside from the graceful beauty of the bridge itself, it’s the place to go for stunning views of the city and river. Not far away, the Douro Valley’s lush green hills and vineyards are beautiful locales for retirees who choose Porto for its beauty.
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Tuscany, Italy
From the lovely city of Florence, with the Arno winding through its medieval and Renaissance-era buildings, to the rolling hills and green valleys of its small towns, Tuscany is one of Italy’s most beautiful areas. Montalcino is set on a hilltop overlooking a green valley and the vineyards that produce its famed Brunello wine. Nearby, Pienza overlooks the Val d’Orcia and verdant hills with rows of tall cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves, farmhouses, and in season, fields of sunflowers and bright red poppies. The walled city of Lucca is another charming Tuscan destination, offering a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
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San Sebastián, Spain
Located on the north Atlantic coast of Spain near the French border, the Basque Country area has its own language, though most residents also speak Spanish. The Playa de la Concha offers a sandy beach, seaside promenade, and lovely views of the ocean and Santa Clara Island. Rugged mountains, coastline, lush hillsides, and narrow cobblestone streets combine to create a picture-perfect scene in San Sebastián. Moreover, from casual pintxos to Michelin-starred restaurants, delicious food is another attraction in this Basque city.
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Provence, France
This region in southeastern France bordering the Mediterranean Sea is home to charming towns, vineyards, beaches, and mountains. In the Luberon area, medieval hilltop villages like Ansouis feature rows of grapevines, olive trees, ancient castles, and lovely gardens. Along the Mediterranean coast, the Camargue offers outdoor activities, beaches, wetlands, and wildlife. Few areas of the world possess the glamour and beauty of the French Riviera, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Alps, and cities like Nice and Cannes attract visitors with their mild climate and gorgeous scenery.
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Lucerne, Switzerland
Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by steep mountains, this medieval city is one of Europe’s most beautiful places. The old town’s statues, fountains, and fresco-adorned vintage houses make strolling along the cobblestone streets a distinct pleasure. The Reuss River flows through Lucerne, and the picturesque 14th-century Chapel Bridge offers views of the city and river. The Kornmarkt is a charming plaza featuring a clock tower and market with local products and antiques. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on the lake for a different perspective of Lucerne.
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Bergen, Norway
On the southwest coast of Norway, nestled amid mountains in every shade of green, lies the port city of Bergen, the gateway to the fjords. Living among the colorful wooden homes and shops, strolling along cobblestone lanes in historic neighborhoods, shopping for fresh seafood at the fish market, all contribute to making Bergen a beautiful retirement city, especially for those who don’t mind some rain. The lush green mountains stay that way because of the area’s more than 200 annual days of precipitation.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea at the southernmost tip of Croatia. The Old City of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by massive limestone walls dating back to the Middle Ages. A favorite activity for residents and visitors is walking around the walls. The city, nicknamed “Pearl of the Adriatic” for its beauty, offers beaches, ancient architecture, and gorgeous vistas. A cable car or hike to the top of Mount Srd affords visitors a panoramic view of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic, and the Dalmatian Coast.
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Bruges, Belgium
Exquisitely preserved medieval architecture, wide canals, chocolate shops, and cobblestone streets are all part of the beauty of Bruges. Rows of ornate brick buildings with step-gabled facades and its stunning Gothic city hall give Bruges a unique look. Stroll along the ancient streets or explore on a canal cruise to appreciate the charm of this city. The Market Square is a gathering place with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars – ideal for relaxing with one of Belgium’s famed beers or indulging in pastries or chocolates. Consequently, Bruges is known as the “Venice of the North,” making it one of Europe’s most romantic cities.
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Gold Coast, Australia
On the eastern end of Australia in Queensland, the Gold Coast offers residents and visitors everything from beaches to rain forests to city life. Known for its sunny, mild weather, the area is popular with surfers and nature lovers. Not far from its stunning skyline and shore, Gondwana Rainforest is home to waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife, and ancient plants. Burleigh Head National Park, in the heart of the Gold Coast, combines rain forest and shoreline, with views of migrating whales during spring.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Travelers and retirees who love history and appreciate medieval architecture will enjoy Prague for its Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and stunning Gothic-style Charles Bridge. The 14th-century stone bridge spans the Vltava River, which flows through the center of the city, and its pedestrian walkway provides views of historic buildings, the river, and Prague Castle. Furthermore, river cruises offer another perspective of the well-preserved structures along its banks. Browse the public art along Prague’s streets, including the John Lennon Wall, with quotes from Beatles songs painted by locals to depict their history. Parks, gardens, cafes, art galleries, and the Vltava River all create a serene atmosphere in this beautiful city.
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North Island, New Zealand
The smaller of New Zealand’s two main islands, the North Island is home to the country’s capital, Wellington, as well as the major city of Auckland. Wellington, on the island’s southernmost point is a cosmopolitan city with a beautiful waterfront, public art, parks, and beaches. Auckland, meanwhile, combines city living with beaches, rain forests, waterfalls, and a nearby wine-growing region, Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride away. The unspoiled Coromandel Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, hiking trails, fishing, and resort towns. Moreover, Rotorua, known as a center of Maori culture, is located in a geothermal region with geysers, mud and hot mineral pools, and steaming lakes. Overall, it’s the natural beauty, sophisticated cities, and gorgeous beaches that make New Zealand’s North Island one of the world’s most beautiful places.
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Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Located on Mexico’s east coast and surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, the Yucatán Peninsula features beautiful resorts, scenic beaches, and significant Mayan archaeological sites – Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Uxmal are the best known. Cancun, home to the main international airport, boasts hotels, resorts, and beaches, attracting expats from around the world. Furthermore, the Riviera Maya also includes plush resorts along its white-sand beaches, including the upscale Mayakoba destination with both hotels and residences. The mild tropical climate adds to its appeal, with the rainy season falling in autumn.
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Cartagena, Colombia
Situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena is known for its beautiful beaches and well-preserved walled city. The colorful homes, balconies, and colonial architecture along the cobblestone streets date back to the 16th century and are a stunning sight. The area of Getsemani demonstrates colorful vintage buildings, along with street art and trendy style. Several beaches are located on Cartagena’s coast, while the nearby Rosario Islands offer white-sand shores and hotels, ideal for relaxation.
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Society Islands, French Polynesia
Tropical surroundings, year-round warm weather, coral reefs, and clear seas make the Society Islands a beautiful place to live and visit. Tahiti is the largest and main island, featuring an international airport in Papeete, a city with hotels, restaurants, shopping, markets, museums, and nightlife. Most residents live close to the island’s shores, which have a green backdrop of the interior mountains. Bora Bora, formed by a volcano, is surrounded by a coral reef, offering stunning underwater marine life for exploration. The island of Moorea is also ideal for diving with lush valleys providing opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and more. More secluded areas like Huahine, Raiatea, and several other Society Islands feature gorgeous beaches and lush surroundings.
