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International Living Chooses Portugal as “Europe’s Best Retirement Haven”

3 January 2018

Costa Rica leads a list drawn up by the International Living magazine, while Portugal came in seventh place, as the publication praised its beauty, safety and low cost of living.

Out of a total of 25 countries under analysis, Portugal was chosen as the seventh best country for retired foreigners, according to a ranking by the monthly magazine International Living, which characterises the country as “Europe’s Best Retirement Haven.” The list is led by Costa Rica, with Spain coming in at ninth place, making the two Iberian nations the only countries in Europe in the top ten.

“Portugal is not just safe but also beautiful,” the publication reported, while also praising the low cost of living. But it’s not just Portugal’s beauty that made it Europe’s best retirement haven in 2018; the Portuguese people were also key, described as welcoming and kind. In a brief text, the publication suggests that retirees begin by getting to know the Portuguese capital, which enjoys a “good transport network” and a large number of people who speak English.

In 2017, Portugal ranked tenth in a list of the 23 best countries in the world for retired people.

First on 2018’s list is Costa Rica, which moved up from fourth place in 2017 to occupy to the top spot for the first time. The country’s tropical climate, low cost of living, “natural beauty” and affordable health care were the main factors that guaranteed it the top place. Panama, elected the best in 2017, is now in third place. Mexico ranks second.

Top 10 According to International Living

1. Costa Rica

2. Mexico

3. Panama

4. Ecuador

5. Malaysia

6. Colombia

7. Portugal

8. Nicaragua

9. Spain

10. Peru

The primary purpose of the list, the magazine explained in a statement sent to news organisations, is to help retirees choose the best possible destination for them to take advantage of their retirements, considering criteria such as cost and quality of life.

But they also focused on other factors: real estate investment and home prices, rental costs, benefits and discounts, residence visas, social inclusion, entertainment, health care and the country’s level of development, as well as the government and weather.

Jennifer Stevens, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, admits that the ranking is “highly subjective”, but ensures that it was built “using facts and figures.” Ms Stevens points out that, throughout the study, they collected “up-to-date, accurate and reliable” information, focusing on “private communities” that may be of interest to retirees. As an example, the magazine reveals that Bali – which entered the top 25 for the first time – is the only part of Indonesia recommended for retirees.

Original Story: Público – Claudia Carvalho Silva

Photo: Adriano Miranda

Translation: Richard Turner