Five European Towns Popular with Expat Retirees

Thinking about retirement outside of the U.S.? These five European towns are becoming favorites among American and Canadian retirees. Each offers beauty, good healthcare, and a welcoming English‑speaking expat community that makes settling in much easier.

Tavira, Portugal

On Portugal’s eastern Algarve coast, a peaceful stretch known for its warm weather and quiet beaches, Tavira is filled with whitewashed buildings, cobblestone lanes, and a relaxed rhythm that appeals to anyone looking to slow down. Retirees appreciate the relative affordability, strong healthcare in nearby Faro, and the large community of English‑speaking expats who have already made Tavira home. Portugal’s D7 passive income visa is one of Europe’s most accessible retirement pathways, typically requiring about $1,500 per month per couple in pension or other passive income, plus 12 months minimum income in a bank account, along with private health insurance and a local address.

Jávea, Spain

Jávea, on Spain’s Mediterranean Costa Blanca, sits between Valencia and Alicante and enjoys a famously mild micro‑climate. With golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere, it has long been a favorite among British retirees and now attracts growing numbers of Americans and Canadians. The town is clean, safe, and easy to navigate, with good healthcare and plenty of English spoken. Spain’s Non‑Lucrative Visa requires roughly $42,000 per year per couple in passive income, plus private Spanish health insurance and a medical certificate.

Lucca, Italy

In northern Tuscany, Lucca is a walled Renaissance town known for its elegance, music, and gentle pace. It’s flat and walkable, filled with cafés and cultural events, and has good health care. It’s also close to Pisa’s airport for easy travel. Many American retirees have already settled here, creating a supportive English‑speaking community. Italy’s Elective Residency Visa requires approximately $44,000 per couple per year in stable passive income, along with long‑term housing and private health insurance.

Sliema, Malta

Sliema sits on the northeastern coast of Malta, overlooking the Mediterranean and offering long seaside promenades, warm weather, a modern, walkable layout and strong healthcare. Because English is an official language, expat retirees find it especially easy to integrate, and the island has a well‑established expat community from across the English‑speaking world. Malta’s Retirement Programme requires that applicants receive a pension that covers 75% of their income, buy property worth at least $260,000 (roughly) or rent property for at least $10,000 annually (approximately), and pay a minimum annual tax of about $8,500.

Annecy, France

In southeastern France, Annecy is near the Swiss border and wraps around a turquoise lake is framed by the Alps. It’s one of Europe’s most breathtaking small cities, known for its safety, cleanliness, and peaceful lifestyle. Retirees enjoy world‑class healthcare, easy access to nature, and a growing English‑speaking expat community. Tourists also speak English. France’s Long‑Stay Visitor Visa generally requires showing around $1,600 per month in income ($2,400 per couple), along with private health insurance and proof of accommodation.

Each of these towns offers a gentle pace, beautiful surroundings, and an English‑speaking expat community. For many North American retirees, they’re proving that a richer, calmer life may be just a plane ride away.

Note: Please perform due diligence before moving to any foreign destination, and please verify all prices as they will change.