Portugal among top ten countries in the world to retire
Portugal among top ten countries in the world to retire
International Living having been seeking out the best retirement destinations for the past 35 years, and this year found that Portugal is worthy of the long-standing view that it is one of the best places in the world to retire.
In compiling its rankings, International Living looks at climate, cost of living, retiree discounts, infrastructure, accessibility of healthcare to compile their Annual Global Retirement Index and say they look specifically at the best opportunities worldwide for retirement living.
Editors at International Living compile, weigh, rank, and rate a series of criteria including cost of living, infrastructure, healthcare, fitting in, real estate, special benefits and climate for an assessment based on real-world data gathered on the ground.
In singling out Portugal, International Living explains that as “one of the smallest countries in Europe, Portugal is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Many fall in love with this little country due to its near flawless weather, abundance of golf and water sports, and superb fresh food.”
Placed just behind Spain in the rankings at number ten, researchers explain the relatively low cost of living here is also a big draw for those who choose to live in Portugal, compared with other European nations, goods and services are still bargains. It adds that “the locals are warm and welcoming to foreigners making living here very enjoyable.”
The report on Portugal continues by arguing that “if your dream European retreat includes golden sand beaches, almond groves, picturesque castles, and little frontier towns on wooded hilltops then Portugal is the place for you. Slumbering abbeys, pilgrim shrines, and ancient castle towns are dotted inland while traditional fishing towns of narrow alleys and old houses stand proudly on the coast.”
It also makes reference to relatively affordable property, highlighting the value for money deals currently available along the Silver Coast or the Alentejo.
Researchers also found that living in Portugal is relatively affordable compared to its European counterparts, making reference to the below average joint cost of utilities, the price of coffee or a dish of the day.
The International Living Retirement Index is topped by Panama, followed by Ecuador, Mexico and Costa Rica.
