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Best Countries To Retire Abroad In 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

May 11, 2026

More retirees are looking abroad in 2026 as living costs continue rising at home. Credit : Olena Yakobchuk, Shutterstock

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.

Related Topics:1670 EuroWeekly News Retirees retirement Retirement destinations Travel World News

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Cars & Coffee Sotogrande At Trocadero.

Published

13 hours ago

June 6, 2026

Lucy Ramnought

The stunning Sotogrande beach venue will host its first casual community meet for drivers and automotive enthusiasts.

A new meet up for car lovers on the coast

Cars & Coffee Sotogrande is revving its engines to launch its first organiser‑led motoring social on Sunday, June 14. This debut meet will take place at the gorgeous Trocadero Sotogrande, giving car enthusiasts a chilled morning surrounded by impressive vehicles and other car superfans.

The event will run from 11am to 2pm. Organisers are hoping for a wide range of supercars, sports cars and classic vehicles, with additional models all welcomed by the Cars and Coffee team. Designed and advertised to be a laid‑back community meet rather than a formal show, the morning is looking to bring together owners, drivers and fans who all share an appreciation for automotive culture and the lifestyle that surrounds it.

Event entry and venue details

There is no fee to attend or to display a vehicle. Guests are encouraged to support Trocadero Sotogrande, whose hospitality has made the launch possible, by enjoying coffee, drinks or lunch at the venue during or after the meet.

Parking and display vehicle information

Spaces for display vehicles are limited, with entry operating on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Early arrival is recommended. Visitors attending without a display vehicle are asked to use the nearby parking along the main road outside the venue.

Building a respectful motoring community

As this is the first official Cars & Coffee Sotogrande event, the team hopes to start off on the right note by creating a welcoming and respectful gathering that can hopefully grow into a regular monthly meet. Attendees are asked to respect the venue, staff, guests and nearby residents throughout the day.

If you are a super, classic or sports car owner, or just have an interested in the motoring world then head down for a coffee and surround yourself with people who share your passion.

Cars & Coffee Sotogrande is 11am to 2pm Sunday, June 14 at Trocadero Sotogrande.

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Torrox Romeria San Antonio 2026

Published

15 hours ago

June 6, 2026

Adam Woodward

Traditional Torrox Romeria celebrations. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Torrox FB

Torrox residents are currently looking forward to the Romeria de San Antonio from June 12 to 14 packed with cultural, musical, equestrian and religious activities that celebrate local traditions.

Community leaders value local involvement

Mayor Oscar Medina values the role of neighbours and associations in making each Romeria edition possible. The town hall is providing logistics and lighting to support what ranks as one of the most special events in Malaga province. Medina is encouraging everyone to join in with activities such as hot chocolate serving, horseback ribbon race, rociera mass, popular paella and equestrian acts. Councillor Salvador Escudero says that this 49th edition, coming one year ahead of the 50th anniversary, makes this a special event everyone will want to be a part of. The festival is organised with neighbours and associations in a rewarding collaboration. Council is also praising the work to keep the romeria essence and is focusing on the Saturday family water party to involve more children and families.

Full programme for the Romeria

Friday, June 12 features L&L Academy performance at 9.30pm in San Antonio Square followed by Young Zone opening and guateque party with Miguel Botana. Saturday, June 13 offers family inflatables and water fun from 12am then afternoon hot chocolate by San Roque Women Association children’s show, choir performances by La Biznaga Musical Almedina and Las Nieves, humour by Los Quillos and music from Ascen Nunez and Rubenline.

Sunday, June 14 starts at 10.30am with San Antonio procession to Nuestra Senora de las Nieves neighbourhood for rociera mass at 11am. Bread blessing and popular paella follow the arrival. Afternoon brings ribbon race on horseback, dance acts, awards for floats and pilgrims and saint return to church. Mecamela performs at 9.30pm with firework display at 11pm. Contests for floats, pilgrims and ribbon race offer prizes up to €450 for top floats and trophies for other categories.

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Crumbling Railway: Fuengirola Pedestrian Narrowly Avoids Falling Concrete

Published

16 hours ago

June 6, 2026

Adam Woodward

crumbling-railway:-fuengirola-pedestrian-narrowly-avoids-falling-concrete

Fire brigade arrives to cordon off area. Credit: Freda.

Local Fuengirola resident, Freda headed out from her home near the elevated Los Boliches station in Fuengirola. A chunk of concrete broke loose from the structure overhead and landed close by. The falling piece could easily have caused serious harm or proved fatal.

Close call forces immediate safety response

Freda first mistook the debris for something harmless before spotting the damaged concrete overhead. Unsure of the right steps, she contacted the Euro Weekly News office for guidance. Office manager Alison there encouraged her to report the matter straight to the emergency services. Firefighters arrived quickly to make the area safe and protect passers-by. Local police then recorded her formal statement about the incident.

Crumbling infrastructure raises alarms along C1 route

Residents voice mounting frustration over the state of the Cercanias C1 commuter line. Crumbling concrete, broken lifts and failing support structures appear at multiple points along the line. These problems affect stations serving Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Torremolinos and Malaga. The essential route carries thousands of daily passengers between coastal towns and Malaga centre.

Crumbling Los Boliches platform overhead.
Credit: Freda.

Councils hold no legal power for rail line fixes

Local authorities cannot step in with repairs even when safety concerns arise. The entire line falls under Renfe and the national Ministry of Transport. This central government responsibility blocks any direct action by town halls despite repeated requests for urgent maintenance.

Mayors stage protests over years of neglect

In July 2025, mayors from Costa del Sol towns gathered to protest the serious lack of investment in both the C1 line and the A7 motorway. These routes remain the only main practical links between coastal communities. Little progress followed the demonstrations, leaving daily users exposed to ongoing risks and delays.

Major upgrade works expected for final quarter of 2027

Engineers plan a complete service suspension lasting several months from late 2027. Replacement buses will operate while crews carry out track duplication, station upgrades and tunnel improvements. Officials expect these changes to increase capacity once complete. Freda’s recent experience shows the current condition already creates immediate hazards for users.

Formal police reports push central government to act

Freda followed the correct procedure by lodging an official complaint with police. Authorities now wait for more residents to document similar issues in the same way. Each formal report adds weight to requests for emergency funding. Private grumbling achieves little, yet collective official records might accelerate budget decisions at national level, or it is at least hoped. Residents who spot serious damage should contact emergency services without delay to help protect everyone who relies on the line.