More retirees are looking beyond their home country in 2026 and not only because of the weather. Rising living costs, expensive housing and pressure on healthcare systems are pushing many people to seriously consider retirement abroad for the first time. And according to the latest Global Retirement Index 2026, some of the countries attracting the most attention are not always the ones people expect.

The annual ranking, based on factors including healthcare, cost of living, residency visas, climate, housing and everyday quality of life, suggests it is still possible to enjoy a comfortable retirement without spending a fortune. In several destinations, retirees are managing to live well on budgets that would feel far tighter elsewhere in Europe or North America.

What is changing in 2026 is that retiring abroad no longer feels like a niche dream for adventurous expats. For many people, it is becoming a practical financial decision. And while countries such as Spain and Portugal continue to perform strongly, the number one destination this year is Greece.

Why Greece has become the surprise favourite for retirees

Greece climbed to the top of the 2026 ranking after previously sitting much lower in recent years. For many retirees, the appeal is easy to understand once the numbers are examined more closely.

The country offers more than 300 days of sunshine a year, relatively affordable housing in many coastal areas and a slower pace of life that continues attracting foreign residents looking to escape stress and rising costs elsewhere.

According to the report, a couple can still live comfortably in Greece on roughly €2,900 to €3,000 per month depending on the area and lifestyle.

In some coastal towns and islands, sea view homes continue to rent for between €600 and €1,000 per month, although prices have risen noticeably in recent years due to increased foreign demand and tourism investment.

Healthcare also remains relatively accessible compared with many other countries. Private insurance for couples can cost around €250 per month according to the study. But beyond finances, many retirees say daily life itself is one of the biggest attractions.

The relaxed lifestyle, slower rhythm and outdoor culture continue drawing people who feel increasingly exhausted by the pace and pressure of life in larger cities elsewhere.

Spain, Portugal and Italy still remain among the strongest choices

Although Greece took first place, southern Europe continues dominating the retirement rankings overall.

Spain remains one of the most attractive options for retirees wanting good healthcare, strong infrastructure and warm weather within Europe.

Despite rising housing prices in parts of the country, Spain still offers a lifestyle many retirees struggle to find elsewhere.

In cities such as Málaga, renting a flat near the coast may cost between €1,000 and €1,300 per month. According to the report, overall monthly living costs for one person often range between €1,800 and €2,300 depending on lifestyle.

Spain’s healthcare system also remains one of the strongest points repeatedly highlighted by expats.

Private health insurance policies can still start from relatively affordable monthly prices, especially compared with countries where medical costs are significantly higher.

Portugal also continues attracting retirees despite its rapidly increasing property market.

The country remains especially popular among foreign residents thanks to its climate, safety, healthcare system and residency visa options such as the D7 visa.

However, the report notes that housing prices near Lisbon and other high demand areas have risen sharply compared with only a few years ago.

Italy also performed strongly in the ranking, particularly southern regions such as Sicily.

According to the report, some smaller towns still offer surprisingly affordable housing while daily expenses remain lower than many people expect. For retirees searching for sunshine, food culture and a slower lifestyle without leaving Europe entirely, Italy continues holding strong appeal.

Asia and Latin America are attracting retirees looking for lower costs

Outside Europe, several countries continue standing out because of how far retirement income can stretch.

Malaysia ranked highly once again, particularly for retirees wanting modern infrastructure alongside lower living costs.

The report estimates that a couple can live comfortably there for around $2,200 per month including housing, food, leisure activities and travel.

Thailand also remains one of the most affordable retirement destinations in the world according to the ranking.

Some retirees are reportedly living comfortably on around $1,200 per month, while couples with larger budgets can enjoy an even higher standard of living.

Low housing costs, inexpensive healthcare and well established retirement visa options continue making Thailand especially attractive for foreign retirees.

In Latin America, Panama, Mexico and Costa Rica all performed strongly.

Panama continues drawing attention because of its Pensionado programme, which offers discounts for retirees on everything from transport and entertainment to healthcare and utility bills.

Mexico also remains one of the best value destinations overall according to the report.

The study suggests that comfortable living is possible there from roughly $1,200 per month depending on the location, while retirees with larger budgets can enjoy a particularly high quality of life.

Costa Rica meanwhile continues attracting retirees searching for nature, warm weather and more relaxed living conditions.

Why more people are seriously considering retirement abroad

One of the clearest messages emerging from the 2026 ranking is that retirement abroad is increasingly being viewed as a realistic option rather than an unrealistic fantasy.

For many people approaching retirement age, the decision is becoming less about chasing luxury and more about maintaining quality of life without financial pressure.

Housing costs, healthcare access, climate and day to day expenses now play a much bigger role in retirement planning than they did a decade ago.

And in several of the countries highlighted in the report, retirees say they feel they can enjoy a calmer and more comfortable lifestyle for less money than they would spend staying at home. That is one reason international retirement is no longer only attracting wealthy pensioners.

In 2026, it is becoming part of a much wider conversation about affordability, wellbeing and how people actually want to spend the next stage of their lives.

Coastal authorities in southern Spain are preparing for continued large-scale arrivals of invasive Japanese brown algae (Rugulopteryx okamurae) along the Andalucía coastline in 2026. Aggregated regional reporting indicates that around 40 municipalities may be affected to varying degrees, as marine currents continue to transport significant volumes of algae onto beaches.

The species, commonly known as Japanese brown algae or Asian invasive seaweed, has spread rapidly since its arrival in waters linked to the Strait of Gibraltar. It is now established along much of the southern Spanish coast, creating persistent challenges for local authorities responsible for beach maintenance and environmental management.

Tens of thousands of tonnes expected annually

Regional estimates suggest that approximately 56,500 tonnes of invasive algae could be deposited on Andalucía’s beaches during 2026. The figure is based on accumulated removal data and observed seasonal patterns rather than a fixed scientific forecast.

The distribution is uneven, with the highest concentrations typically recorded in Cádiz and Málaga provinces, particularly in coastal areas closest to the Strait of Gibraltar. Smaller but persistent accumulations are also recorded in Huelva, Granada and Almería.

Authorities describe the situation as continuous rather than seasonal, as the algae is repeatedly reintroduced by marine currents rather than arriving in single isolated events.

Around 40 municipalities affected across the coastline

Aggregated regional monitoring indicates that around 40 municipalities across Andalucía are affected to varying degrees. These include both large urban coastal centres and smaller towns dependent on seasonal tourism.

In Cádiz province, municipalities such as Algeciras, Tarifa, La Línea de la Concepción, Barbate, Conil de la Frontera, Bolonia, Caños de Meca and Rota have reported repeated beach accumulations. These areas are among the most exposed due to their proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar.. 

In Málaga province, the impact is concentrated along the western Costa del Sol corridor. The most consistently affected areas include Manilva, Casares Costa, Estepona, Marbella, Mijas Costa and Fuengirola. Occasional lighter deposits have also been recorded further east in Torremolinos and parts of the western Málaga city coastline have also experienced regular deposits requiring mechanical removal  depending on seasonal current conditions. 

Additional lower-intensity impacts have been recorded along parts of Granada, Almería and Huelva.

How the algae affects beaches

The arrival of Japanese brown algae can significantly alter beach conditions. When large volumes accumulate on shorelines, the algae forms thick mats that cover sand surfaces and shoreline edges.

Key impacts include:

• Reduced usable beach area during peak accumulation periods 
• Changes to the appearance and texture of sand, as algae mixes with sediment 
• Odour issues as decomposing algae is exposed to heat and sunlight 
• Increased labour requirements for mechanical and manual beach cleaning 
• Temporary disruption to beach facilities in heavily affected zones 

While not structurally damaging to sand itself, repeated deposition can require frequent intervention to maintain safe and accessible beach environments.

What it means for beach goers

For visitors, the algae does not pose a direct health risk, but it can affect the overall beach experience.

In heavily affected areas, beachgoers may encounter:

• Sections of shoreline covered in decomposing seaweed 
• Reduced swimming and sunbathing space during peak accumulation 
• Strong organic odours in hot weather conditions 
• Increased presence of cleaning machinery during the day 

In many locations, municipalities prioritise clearing main swimming areas first, meaning conditions can vary significantly along the same stretch of coastline.

Despite these disruptions, beaches generally remain open, with local councils working to maintain accessibility throughout the tourist season.

Ongoing removal operations across Andalucía

Local authorities across Andalucía have implemented continuous removal programmes. These include mechanical beach cleaning, manual collection in environmentally sensitive areas, and transport of collected algae to authorised disposal sites.

In some municipalities, repeated interventions are required during peak accumulation periods. In more exposed locations, cleaning may take place daily in order to maintain beach usability.

The cost of these operations has placed pressure on municipal budgets, particularly in smaller coastal towns with limited seasonal revenue.

Environmental pressures and long-term management

Marine scientists continue to monitor the ecological impact of the Japanese brown algae.

Beyond its presence on beaches, Rugulopteryx okamurae has significant ecological consequences in coastal waters. The algae can form dense mats on the seabed, blocking light from reaching native marine vegetation and reducing the space available for local species to grow. This process can displace native algae and seagrass habitats, leading to reduced biodiversity in affected areas. Over time, the structure of local ecosystems may shift, with fewer native species able to compete for space and resources.

Marine scientists also note that the algae can alter seabed composition and simplify habitats used by fish and invertebrates. This reduces ecological complexity in nearshore waters and can affect local food chains. Once established, the species is extremely difficult to remove. Authorities and researchers generally agree that eradication is not currently feasible, and management efforts focus on containment and repeated removal rather than elimination.

Outlook for 2026

With continued inflows expected throughout 2026, municipalities across Andalucía’s coastline are likely to remain engaged in ongoing clean-up operations. While severity varies significantly by location, the overall trend indicates sustained pressure on coastal maintenance systems, particularly in the 40 municipalities identified as most affected.

Fresh action against illegal tourist apartment key safes has taken place in Benalmadena after council workers removed several lockboxes fixed to public railings in busy residential areas.

Town hall officials said the metal boxes had been attached without permission and formed part of unauthorised use of public street furniture connected to holiday rental properties.

Tourist flat crackdown reaches Benalmadena streets

Many tourist flat owners use self check-in systems instead of greeting guests personally, allowing visitors to collect keys at any hour without arranging face-to-face handovers. Many of the boxes carry apartment numbers, labels or coded markings allowing holiday guests to identify which keys belong to their rental property.  Several had been attached directly to railings and other public structures across the town.

Council teams removed the devices following complaints linked to the growing spread of tourist accommodation in residential neighbourhoods.

Councillor Presi Aguilera said public spaces cannot be used for private commercial activity and confirmed inspections will continue in areas with large numbers of tourist apartments.

Residents voice frustration over holiday rentals on Costa del Sol

The ongoing growing anger surrounding tourist flats continues relentlessly across parts of Costa del Sol, with residents regularly raising concerns online about housing pressure, neighbourhood disruption and the changing character of residential districts.

Heated discussions on social media and local forums connected to Malaga province have increasingly focused on the rapid growth of short-term holiday accommodation in towns popular with visitors.

Benalmadena joins several Spanish municipalities attempting to tighten controls on the tourist rental sector through inspections, registration checks and enforcement measures targeting illegal activity, although Benalmadena appears to be among the first areas to publicly remove the lockboxes. 

Council representatives said further operations could take place in other parts of the town as authorities continue to make efforts to keep public areas free from unauthorised installations linked to tourist apartments.