Maria Collins and her husband retired to the Algarve region of Portugal five years ago. “Moving to Portugal was like a second honeymoon that never ended. Every day brings something new to discover together,” she says.
Spain consistently ranks among retirees’ favorite destinations. It offers sun-drenched beaches, a vibrant culture, and reasonable living costs of around $2,000-$2,500 monthly. The country’s Non-lucrative Visa provides a pathway for retirees with stable incomes.
Portugal has captured many hearts with its golden coastlines and charming villages. The country’s D7 Visa welcomes retirees, and living costs between $1,900 and $2,600 monthly make it accessible. Create a detailed budget accounting for housing, healthcare, travel, and unavoidable surprises to make your retirement dream sustainable.
Successful retiree couples maintain accounts in both countries and use low-fee international transfer services. Research healthcare quality in potential destinations and investigate private insurance options. Many European countries offer excellent healthcare at fractions of U.S. costs, while destinations like Costa Rica provide high-quality care alongside tropical beauty.
Consider renting initially before committing to purchase.
Mediterranean destinations for affordable retirements
Seek properties that offer comfort and opportunities to immerse in local life—perhaps a villa near a charming village square or a beachfront condo where you can watch sunsets together.
While your partnership remains central, building a supportive community enhances your experience. Join expat groups, take language classes together, or volunteer locally. These connections provide both friendship and practical support when navigating unfamiliar systems.
“The friends we’ve made in our Italian village have become like family. They’ve taught us to slow down and truly appreciate life’s simple pleasures,” shares retired professor James Wilson. Embrace destinations that offer Mediterranean beauty at a fraction of Italian or Greek costs, and seek out less-trodden paths for delightful surprises.
International retirement provides the luxury of time. Learn to make pasta together in Italy, take dance lessons in Costa Rica, or simply develop the habit of lingering over morning coffee while watching your new town awaken. This slower pace allows for rediscovering each other outside career identities and domestic routines that defined earlier chapters.
Every expat journey includes challenges—language barriers, homesickness, bureaucratic frustrations. Couples who approach these as shared adventures rather than obstacles often find their bonds strengthened through problem-solving together. The key is maintaining your sense of humor and remembering why you embarked on this adventure.
Photo by; Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash