What are the best places to retire in Europe?
Are you wondering “What are the best places to retire in Europe?” If so, you’re not alone. Many people choose to relocate overseas when they come to the end of their working lives. Not only are you likely to benefit from a more relaxed lifestyle and better health, but you may also find that your money goes further too. Some destinations are far more cost-effective than the UK. Read on to find out the best replaces to retire in Europe.
Where is the best place to retire in Europe?
Lagos, Portugal
Lagos is the ideal place to retire. Although it’s a popular coastal town, it’s less touristy than other resorts on the Algarve. Not only is the area blessed with a pleasant climate all year round, but it’s easy to get around on foot since much of it is fairly flat. Buses and taxis are also readily available, and trains can allow you to access other regions of the Algarve. If you want to retire near the ocean and enjoy year-round sunshine, Lagos is a great choice.
Toulon, France
Ideally situated on the French Riviera, Toulon is the perfect coastal city for retirees. Without the hustle and bustle of bigger “resort” towns like Cannes and Nice, it offers a quieter, more relaxed pace of life for residents. The Mediterranean sea and lovely beaches are only ever a short stroll or bus ride away. Traditional French cafes and restaurants are also close by. Toulon also has a flourishing art and cultural scene, an opera house, several theatres, and comedy venues in the centre. Theatre Liberté is a particularly impressive space to watch plays and other productions in your leisure time.
Soller, Mallorca
Mallorca is a common place to retire in Europe. This majestic Spanish island has it all, from splendid white sand beaches to charming villages nestled in the hills. The town of Soller is particularly popular with retirees from the UK. Full of history, it is famous for modernist architecture and ancient railway that takes you to Palma via the mountains or down to the picturesque coastal town of Puerto Soller. There’s a wide range of property for sale or rent in Soller, including townhouses, villas and even magnificent country homes.
Alicante, Spain 
The British have been retiring in Alicante for many years. Not only does this port city on Spain’s Costa Blanca benefit from round year sunshine, but it offers low cost living in a relaxed way of life. Spend your days in outdoor cafés – known as Terrazas, or relaxing on the magnificent beaches with your favourite book. Alicante has all the amenities you could ask for, from shops and department stores to museums, restaurants, cafes and bars. Public transport is excellent too, making it easy for you to get around the island.
Prague, Czech Republic
Situated in the heart of Central Europe, the Czech Republic is becoming increasingly popular with retirees. The country’s capital, Prague, is easily one of the most beautiful and historic Old World cities. Since it never experienced the shocking bombing raids that destroyed many other cities during World War II, it still reflects much of its 1,000 plus years of history. Prague offers retirees a fantastic lifestyle, with many people pleasantly surprised at just how far their money goes here. As well as offering a high standard of living, Prague is also very modern, offering a huge array of facilities and amenities. A diverse range of restaurants, an impressive arts scene and state of the art healthcare are just some of the reasons to retire in Prague.
Lucca, Italy
When considering what are the best places to retire in Europe, we couldn’t ignore Lucca. A charming town in Tuscany, Lucca has become a popular retirement destination for the British. Whilst relatively quiet, there’s a lot going on all year round and there’s a real community feel. Lucca isn’t as overrun with tourists as nearby Florence, making it ideal for those seeking a slower, more relaxed pace of life. The cost of living is low too, ensuring that your money will go further than in the UK. You can expect to live better for less in Lucca.
Istria, Croatia

Located in the north of Croatia, the region of Istria is close to the famous city of Venice. The small peninsula is situated only a couple of hours by boat. Whether you’re looking for sunshine, relaxation, or the finest gastronomy, you’ll be well catered for in Istria. With an extremely diverse landscape, you can stroll through the hills and wineries just as easily as the palm trees and seaside. For a relaxing retirement in Croatia, look no further than the Istria region.
Choosing an international removals service
If you’ve decided to retire in Europe, you’ll need to find an international removals services to help make the move as easy and stress-free as possible. Fortunately, there are many removals companies in Leeds and Wakefield offering this service. At Darvills of Leeds, we can manage every stage of your move, helping you to relocate to your new home overseas. We’ll ensure that all your belongings arrive safely and securely. Our team are extremely experienced in international removals and can offer help and advice at every step of the process.
Contact us
Now that you know what are the best places to retire in Europe, you may already have started planning your relocation overseas. If so, why not get in touch to discuss your requirements? As one of the leading removals companies in Leeds, we’re confident we can make your move abroad as easy as possible. Call us on 0113 436 0318 to talk to one of our team. You can also fill in the form on our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.