1. 20 JANUARY 2015 I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I V I N G 21I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I V I N G JANUARY 2015
The World’s Best
Retirement Destinations
for 2015
By the Staff of International Living
With spiraling
costs compelling
more and more North Americans to retire
overseas, retiring abroad has never been more
attractive. But finding the right location
among the myriad options available can be
daunting.
That’s what our Annual Global
Retirement Index does. Using input from
our team of correspondents on the ground
all over the world, we combine real-world
insights about climate, health care, cost
of living, and much more to draw up a
comprehensive list of the best bang-for-your-
buck retirement destinations on the planet.
Keep in mind that, even though only 25
countries feature on our list, all of them are
worth your attention. We selected them from
among all the countries in the world for their
qualities as retirement hot-spots, so even the
lowest-ranked nation on our index is still very
much an option worth considering.
Take into account, too, that ultimately no
list or formula can automatically deliver the
best destination for you. Only you can decide
that. Only you can assess your personal
preferences, needs, budget, and desires, and
look at the options available to see which
nation best suits your needs.
Are you an urbanite or do you prefer
the wide-open spaces? Would you prefer
a tropical climate with year-round sun or
more temperate weather that reminds you of
home? Would you rather live by the sea or on
a mountainside? Sample the exotic delights
of Asia or explore the rich cultural heritage
of Latin America? Only you can make these
calls.
In assembling this index, we aim to
©CherylFerrari/Dreamstime.com
Cotacachi, Ecuador combines beautiful colonial architecture with an affordable cost of living.
deliver an in-depth guide to the best
countries available to you today. It’s
been compiled using the solid judgment
and on-the-ground intelligence of our
correspondents around the world. All of
them are expats who have become experts
on their adopted countries. Through their
insight, we hope to give you an indication
of the relative strengths and weaknesses of
each locale and a flavor of the life that could
await you in each. That way you can focus
your own search in a well-informed way.
We’re constantly looking to improve
and refine our annual Retirement Index.
On top of having access to a larger network
of correspondents than ever before, this
year we required more (and more detailed)
input from the field to make this year’s
results the most comprehensive to date. As
a result, for instance, Vietnam is included
this year for the first time, in recognition of
the opportunities we’ve uncovered there for
North American expats within the last year.
You can see the full table of results on
page 22, but here for your inspection are
details of the best in each region…
©HugoGhiara
Colombia—Latin America’s
Health Care Hotspot
For North Americans heading south,
Colombia is becoming an increasingly
popular choice. Given all that this diverse
country has to offer, it’s not difficult to see
why.
Second only to Ecuador among South
American nations this year, Colombia has
an incredibly low cost of living; according
to IL Colombia Correspondent Michael
Evans, a couple can live comfortably on just
over $1,200 a month.
What’s more, Colombia boasts one of
the finest and most affordable health care
systems in the region, a factor that has seen
large expat communities sprout up in cities
like Bogotá and Medellín.
“You can get health-care treatment
comparable to that in the U.S. in any
large or mid-sized city,” says Michael. “In
a 2014 survey, 18 Colombian medical
institutions ranked among the top 45 in
Latin America. According to the World
Health Organization, Colombia actually
has better health care than the United
States or Canada.”
There’s no shortage of things to do,
either. And accessing the country has never
been easier, thanks to an increase in direct
flights from the States.
“Even small towns have community
swimming pools and tennis courts, and
some major cities have golf courses,” says
Michael. “In Colombia, you can go hiking,
white-water rafting, paragliding, mountain
climbing, spelunking, swimming, water
skiing, and scuba diving. Colombia is the
second-most biodiverse country on the
planet. It has beaches, jungles, deserts, and
a few steamy volcanoes. You’ll never get
bored in Colombia.”
The country’s heritage is writ large in its
culture, fusing indigenous influences with
various European and African peoples who
have settled there over the centuries. This
multitude of cultures inevitably influences
Ecuadorian cuisine, which is as varied as it
is delicious and affordable, with new and
reputable restaurants springing up all the
time.
As many expats note, Ecuador delivers
fresh experiences every day, making it the
perfect location for someone in search of a
happy and fulfilling life overseas.
TOP CHOICE FOR 2011: ECUADOR
correspondents have traveled to extensively
or (much more likely) lived in. The IL stamp
of approval is hard won, in other words.
But we’re not naïve—nowhere in the
world is completely exempt from crime.
Wherever you decide to visit or move to,
take the same common-sense precautions
you would at home or anywhere else. If
you would not dangle an expensive camera
or tablet in downtown Detroit, then apply
the same logic on the streets of Bangkok or
Panama City. The less you flash your wealth,
the less likely you are to attract attention.
Similarly, walking alone through unfamiliar
inner-city areas at night—whether you’re in
Kansas City or Quito, Baltimore or Bangkok,
Dallas or David—is rarely a good idea.
In short, take basic steps to reduce your
risk of experiencing crime, and you can enjoy
a thoroughly rewarding expat experience
wherever you go. Thousands of people from
all walks of life already are doing so.
Safety in the World’s Best Retirement Havens
A couple can live well in Ecuador on $1,400
a month.
It goes without saying that safety is a
fundamental reason why the destinations
discussed in the survey made the shortlist in
the first place.
We recommend destinations we feel are
safe. If we ourselves don’t feel comfortable
in a place, we don’t send our readers there.
Every place you’ll find recommended in our
pages—and every country listed on our
Retirement Index—we know from firsthand
experience. These are all places our
South America
Ecuador—The World’s
Number 1 Retirement Haven
From the quaint town of Cotacachi
to the vibrant capital, Quito, from Salinas
by the sea to the peaks of the Andes,
Ecuador’s diversity is a key part of the
massive appeal that sees it regain the
coveted top spot on this year’s retirement
index.
Although prices have risen slightly in
recent years, Ecuador’s real estate is still the
best value you’ll find anywhere.
This is bolstered by the generous array
of benefits the government has afforded
to retirees. Over-65s get discounts on
flights originating in Ecuador, as well as up
to 50% off entry to movies and sporting
events. Discounts are also available on
public transport (50%) and utilities, with
the option of a free landline if you purchase
a property.
And the cost of living is low. “You can
“You’re guaranteed
to find a climate that
suits you in Ecuador.”
get a lot more here for your dollar than
you could in the U.S. or Canada,” says IL
Ecuador Highlands Correspondent Wendy
DeChambeau. “A doctor’s visit will set you
back around $10, while a main course in a
restaurant can be had for as little as $2.50.
The bus trip from Cotacachi to Otavalo
will cost you 25 cents. For big-ticket items
like real estate, you can get a lot more for
your dollar here than in the U.S. A couple
can live well here on $1,400 a month,
including rent.”
You’ll find world-class medical facilities
in big cities throughout the country, and
you can catch direct flights to and from
the States in Quito and Guayaquil. Good
Internet is more readily available than ever.
Public transportation is so efficient that
many expats report not having to even buy
a car. And with Ecuador having one of the
most robust economies on the continent—
its Gross Domestic Product has grown an
average of 4.54% a year since 2000—it is
likely that this infrastructure is only going
to improve over the coming years.
The steadily growing expat population
makes it easy to integrate, as do the friendly
locals. “Many of the locals are somewhat
bilingual, and they are very welcoming
toward North Americans,” says IL Cuenca
Correspondent Edd Staton. “We also have
a steadily growing expat community here.”
When it comes to entertainment,
Ecuador offers a diverse range of options.
Biking, fishing, zip-lining, hiking,
and rock-climbing are all popular and
readily available. The country’s location
affords it access to a staggering variety of
environments, from the vast Pacific Ocean
(including the Galapagos Islands, one of
the world’s most important ecological sites)
and the Amazon to the mighty peaks of
the Andes. This diversity ensures you’re
guaranteed to find a climate that suits you
down to the ground.

2. 22 JANUARY 2015 I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I V I N G 23I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I V I N G JANUARY 2015
North and Central
America
Panama—Best Retirement
Benefits in the World
Runner-up in the Index—and the best
retirement destination in Central America—
Panama offers retiree expats the advantages
of the world’s best retirement program: the
Pensionado visa.
“Panama wants you to come—and their
policies court you,” says Jessica Ramesch,
IL’s Panama Editor. “The Pensionado
visa is available to anyone with a lifetime
pension of over $1,000 a month. Discounts
you can get with the visa include 20% off
medical services, 50% off entertainment,
25% off restaurant meals, 25% off air fare,
and 25% off electricity and phone bills.”
Add all this to the country’s already-
low cost of living, and Panama is the very
definition of an affordable expat haven.
For under $2,000, a couple can live
comfortably in a country with a well-earned
reputation for being expat-friendly.
Thriving expat communities in towns
such as Boquete, Coronado, and Pedasí
attest to the ease of integration and afford
you plenty of opportunities to meet like-
minded types.
“There are active expat communities all
over Panama,” says Jessica. “This is possibly
the friendliest country toward North
Americans, because of its long-standing
relationship with the U.S. There are so
many activities for expats and Panamanians,
it is easy to join different groups and
get out there and start meeting people.
Panamanians like to meet foreigners. They
like to try to practice their English on you
or hear you trying to speak Spanish. You
even make friends at the supermarket here.”
Although a developing nation,
Panama’s array of infrastructure makes it
easy to get (and get to) what you need. It
has both the fastest Internet and best roads
in Central America, and it serves as the air
hub for the entire region, with a large and
growing number of routes serving U.S. and
Canadian cities. This makes Panama one of
the easiest countries on our list to get home
from.
The Pacific coast of Panama is world-
renowned for its beautiful beaches and
azure waters: the definition of tropical
paradise.
Sunshine is ubiquitous in Panama
and gray days are rare. The evenings
but value is ultimately a judgment call, and
for us, value is the most important thing. And
that’s why we rely on the judgements of our
experts as much as the hard numbers they
provide.
• Special Benefits. In a bid to entice
expats, some countries have assembled
attractive benefits packages that expat
retirees can take full advantage of. This
category sought to assess the breadth and
value of these benefits. For instance, can
you get discounts on airfares, utility bills,
restaurants, cinema tickets, and property
tax? And if so, how big a discount can you get?
• Cost of Living. From day-to-day
expenses to the cost of a flight back to the
U.S. to visit the folks… Groceries, movie
theater tickets, eating out, garbage collection,
gas, gym membership, and all the hidden
and often unconsidered costs—like traveling
around your new home and exploring
neighboring towns. After all you’re there to
have fun.
• Fitting In. Low costs and cheap real
estate may be well and good, but you need
to feel at home. How easy it is for expats
to integrate into each country? Do the
locals speak good English or do you need to
E
very year, we at International Living
make use of our extensive network
of correspondents, spanning
four continents, to amass the wealth of
information needed to prepare our Annual
Global Retirement Index.
But that’s not all. In our ongoing efforts
to make each index more comprehensive
than the one before it, we add new
categories and demand new information
from our expert writers. These help us build
a progressively more comprehensive picture
of where the best retirement havens are to
be found.
Our focus is multifaceted. Our key aim is
to help you find locations where your dollar
goes further, where you can get the best
bang for your buck in terms of real estate,
cost of living, and overall quality of life. We
also assess the quality of a country’s health
care and infrastructure, the proficiency in
English of the local population, and the size
of existing expat communities (ensuring
there’ll be plenty of like-minded people for
you to mix with once you arrive).
To compile the index and shortlist of
the world’s best retirement havens, we
send out a comprehensive questionnaire.
We then add the questionnaire results to
other research and resources, such as data
from the World Bank, the World Health
Organization, the CIA World Factbook, and
many countries’ data-gathering agencies,
among others.
Let’s be frank: Our rankings are
subjective. We purposely rely on the
judgment and experience of in-country
expats…folks just like you who have made
the move and learned all their lessons the
hard way. They live in the countries they
write about. And they’ve been there long
enough to get under the skin of their host
nation and provide us with real insights into
what it’s like to live there. The information
they provide falls under eight categories:
• Real Estate. We look at the average
price per square foot of real estate as well
as the cost of renting. But cost is only one
factor, what you get for your money is really
what matters. Is it of good quality? Are you
getting bang for your buck? Prices fluctuate,
Behind the Scenes: How We Compile the Retirement Index
speak the local language? Are the locals
welcoming and friendly toward expats, and
is there an existing expat community with
lots of groups and clubs to join?
• Entertainment and Amenities. If
you have nothing to do in a place, you’re
going to get bored pretty quickly. For
some folks a mountainside home in rural
Costa Rica is heaven, while other people
want the bright lights and the option of
taking in a show. In this category, we
assess a destination’s indoor and outdoor
entertainment potential. Is it easy to see
movies in English? Are there many concerts
or cultural events available? What kind of
outdoor activities are made possible by the
climate and terrain?
• Health Care. A tricky subject
as so much depends on your personal
situation and health care needs. Giving
health care systems a global ranking is
so difficult in fact that the World Health
Organization only ever did it once—and
never again. But access to affordable, high-
quality health care is important. So in this
category, we asked our correspondents
to provide costs for a range of common
surgical procedures, as well as the cost of
a doctor’s appointment. Crucially, we got
them to assess the overall quality of both
the public and private health-care systems
in their countries and quiz fellow expats on
their health care experiences to get a clear
picture of the level of care available.
• Infrastructure. We asked our
correspondents to rate the quality of roads
and public transport available in their host
nations. Do you need a car or is the bus
system up to scratch? And these days the
availability of fast, reliable Internet is as
important.
• Climate. A forgiving climate works
wonders for your health and complexion.
But tastes in climate vary, and what is
too hot or cold for one expat can be just
right for another. So in this category,
we assessed not only the hard data of
temperatures, rainfall and humidity but
also the comfort level of each destination’s
climate by talking to as many expats as we
could find.
Country Buying &
Renting
Benefits &
Discounts
Cost of
Living
Fitting In Ent. &
Amen.
Health
Care
Infra. Climate Total
Ecuador 100 96 92 95 98 82 78 100 92.7
Panama 80 100 91 97 100 89 84 85 90.6
Mexico 80 80 90 95 97 84 85 89 87.6
Malaysia 81 66 90 97 96 94 95 76 86.8
Costa Rica 84 76 90 97 97 89 82 78 86.6
Spain 84 70 89 84 93 87 100 83 86.1
Malta 78 84 87 100 78 86 93 82 86.1
Colombia 84 68 90 82 91 88 85 95 85.4
Portugal 79 74 90 86 88 81 98 82 84.8
Thailand 76 68 92 94 100 89 79 79 84.6
Italy 73 69 82 84 100 83 95 79 82.9
Uruguay 68 70 62 92 97 89 90 86 82.0
Belize 83 84 92 100 74 80 66 78 81.9
Nicaragua 92 70 100 90 75 79 68 80 81.7
New Zealand 64 72 57 100 100 83 91 83 81.0
Brazil 71 76 81 81 96 80 79 82 80.8
France 60 84 57 84 100 87 96 79 80.8
Ireland 69 76 57 100 100 84 97 57 80.0
Honduras 76 73 87 95 79 80 67 79 79.5
Chile 78 73 63 86 97 83 93 60 79.1
Dom. Rep. 84 68 78 82 89 79 73 71 78.1
Guatemala 76 62 92 68 84 80 72 81 77.0
Philippines 73 57 92 92 86 80 66 64 76.3
Cambodia 73 57 92 76 94 72 57 68 73.7
Vietnam 57 57 100 57 57 76 62 72 67.3
Ent. & Amen. = Entertainment and Amenities
Infra. = Infrastructure
Dom. Rep. = The Dominican Republic
and mornings are pleasantly cool, and
rains rarely last more than an hour. At
either extreme, the weather is perfectly
manageable. The temperature is generally
warm, but not so hot as to be stifling,
and the ocean water reflects this, making
Panama a perfect place if you love to swim.
Unlike some other countries in the region,
hurricanes do not pose a threat.
This favorable climate makes Panama
a perfect place for those who love the
outdoors, with plentiful opportunities for
hiking, bird-watching, fishing (among the
best in the world), and water sports. It
also has a vibrant arts and cultural scene
centered on the larger towns and cities.
The John Hopkins-affiliated Punta
Pacífica Hospital in Panama City provides
care comparable to what you’d receive in
the U.S. It’s one of five major hospitals
spread throughout the country, although
smaller facilities also provide first-rate
service at highly competitive prices. Because
of its small size, you are never more than
an hour’s drive from a medical facility in
Panama. The local health-care system is
both cheap and reputable. A visit to the
doctor can set you back as little as $5.
Mexico—Thriving Expat
Communities South of the Rio
Grande
One of the world’s best expat havens lies
just south of the border, proving that you
don’t have to traverse the globe to find your
own piece of paradise. Due to its proximity
to the U.S., the comforts of home are never
far away in Mexico. English is widely spoken
in expat havens (though Spanish will help
tremendously) and U.S. food, products, and
sports are also popular.
“In Mexico I can get almost anything
I could get back home, between the U.S.
chain stores and the local shops and markets,
We only recommend places we can vouch
for, such as San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.
©GlynnaPrentice

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“There is very little that you cannot
find here in terms of cuisine, whether you
are looking for a small bistro or a five-star
dining experience,” Steve says. “There are
many art exhibitions on a regular basis and
lots of concerts. Chiang Mai has a large arts
community as a result of the universities
here.”
But culture isn’t the only draw. The
country is an outdoor-lover’s paradise, with
a rich mosaic of rainforests, exotic wildlife,
and breathtaking temples. On islands such
as Koh Samui, Thailand also boasts some of
the most beautiful tropical beaches you’ll
find anywhere in the world, with properties
available at highly affordable prices. But
then, affordable homes and a relatively low
cost of living can be found right across
Thailand. Even in the likes of Chiang Mai,
a couple can live comfortably on a modest
budget of $1,500 a month.
Excellent health care is available
throughout the country, but the best care
to be had is in the city centers, especially in
Bangkok. Basic doctor’s visits and dental
procedures (such as cleanings and fillings)
can cost as little as $30, while a basic health
insurance plan starts at around $300.
Europe
Spain—Europe’s Most
Affordable Retirement Haven
For those seeking sun and affordable
living in Europe, Spain remains by far the
best option available, evidenced by its
standing as the top European nation in this
year’s index.
“Spain is a great favorite with many
people, including me,” says IL Editor
Glynna Prentice. “It has the rich history
and traditions that you expect from Europe,
and all the First-World conveniences. But
it also has a fun-loving, late-night culture,
wonderful food, and people who place great
value on family and friendships, and that’s
very appealing.”
Although not as cheap as in most of
Latin America, property in Spain is often of
a high standard and far better value than in
many other European countries. Likewise,
Spain’s cost of living is lower than what
you find in much of Europe. A couple can
live comfortably in many cities in Spain
for about $2,600 a month, including rent,
making Spain a great warm-weather, low-
cost choice for anyone who wants to spend
time in Europe.
For years, Spain’s famously warm climate
plus I can get all the wonderful local
specialties,” says IL Editor Glynna Prentice.
“The big difference is the prices. Tickets
to a top-notch concert may cost me $8 or
even less…and I can walk to the concert
hall through a beautiful colonial city. I can
buy a week’s worth of groceries for $15 or
$20, and I don’t know anyone who pays
more than a few hundred dollars a year in
property taxes.”
Established expat havens in communities
such as Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel
de Allende ease the integration process,
while excellent property can still be found
for far less than you’d pay in the States. In
communities where expats flock, health care
is as good as what you’d expect at home,
but delivered at a much lower cost, leaving
you with plenty of money in your wallet to
enjoy the innumerable activities and cultural
treasures this large and diverse country has
to offer.
From the pristine beaches of Puerto
Vallarta and the scenic streets of San Miguel
de Allende to the Mayan ruins of the
Yucatán, Mexico has it all. This country can
cater to a wide range of tastes—whether
you’re in search of a quiet getaway or on
the hunt for adventure.
The country’s large size also affords it a
diverse range of climates to accommodate
every tolerance of heat, humidity, and
rainfall. Good Internet and infrastructure
can be found throughout most of the
country, and Mexico’s famed cuisine is
another much-loved plus. Regular flights
to and from the U.S. are also a distinct
advantage…or you could drive home if so
inclined.
Asia
Malaysia—Great Value for
Money in a Cultural Melting Pot
Every year, more and more expats are
waking up to the amazing opportunities
Malaysia has to offer. The country has one
of the most robust economies in Asia, and
this is reflected in the consistently high
standard of living available to locals and
expats alike. It’s just one of many factors
that led to it being ranked the highest Asian
nation in this year’s index.
Quality of life in Malaysia is cost-efficient
as well as excellent. In typical expat locations
such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, high-
quality real estate is available for rent at
a low cost. Why buy when you can rent
a 1,600-square-foot apartment with a
swimming pool for just $850 a month?
On a modest budget, you truly can savor
a life of luxury here. With your money going
further, you can afford to treat yourself to
the stunning array of local food—which
mirrors Malaysia’s diverse cultural make-up.
For as little as $5, you can enjoy an excellent
meal, with a bottle of wine setting you back
the same price. The street food is similarly
scrumptious and one of the true charms of
Malaysian cuisine.
“I rent a 1,600-square-foot apartment
with an amazing pool, just five minutes’
walk from the ritzy Gurney Plaza shopping
mall,” says New Yorker Thomas O’Neal
of his new life in Penang. “It costs me just
$850 a month. I don’t need a car, either, so
I’m saving money left, right, and center.
“I love the weather—82 F on average—
and the ease of getting to Thailand,
Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. When you
combine that with a cost of living of $1,500
per month, including my rent, it’s almost
unbeatable.”
The country makes a perfect base from
which you can explore the innumerable
natural, historical, and cultural treasures that
Southeast Asia has to offer. The proliferation
of cheap Asian airlines in recent years has
made it easier (and more affordable) than
ever to explore Thailand, Indonesia, India,
and Japan. In Malaysia, Asia is truly at your
doorstep.
Direct flights to the U.S. are also
available, so getting home for the holidays
needn’t be a concern. Neither is Internet
access, as every year high-speed Internet
makes more and more inroads into the
country. It’s already widely and cheaply
available in popular expat destinations like
Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
As a throwback to the British colonial
period, English is widely spoken by locals,
making it all the easier to adjust and find
your way around. And cities like Penang
have plenty of social occasions and festivities
for you to enjoy, perfect opportunities to
mingle with locals and expats alike.
Because of its easy mix of the archaic
and modern, Malaysia has been described
by expats as stepping back in time, yet
with all the benefits of modern comforts.
Twenty-first century conveniences abound,
but Malaysia holds onto enough of its
Old-World, Asian charm to make it a real
haven for those eager to experience new
cultures and traditions. The public transport
network is comprehensive—you don’t need
a car, particularly in the cities. And the
quality of the roads is first-rate, so if you
do decide to invest in a vehicle, dirt tracks
won’t be an issue. Health care quality is
similarly top-notch, particularly in the larger
cities, where it is comparable to that in any
First-World nation. A doctor’s appointment
will set you back as little as $15.
Thailand—Low-Cost Health
Care and Lots to Do
As Asia’s appeal to North American
expats continues to grow, Thailand has
become a popular destination. The country
combines the best of authentic Asian cuisine
and culture with enough North American
influences to help you feel at home.
Thriving expat communities already
exist in the larger cities, such as Bangkok
and Chiang Mai, and resort areas, such as
Phuket and Hua Hin. The Thai people are
also well-known for their welcoming and
accepting nature, their hospitality readily
extended to expats.
“Here in Chiang Mai, it is easy to make
friends if you make the effort. There are
lots of opportunities to get involved with
both locals and other expats,” says Steve
LePoidevin, who relocated to Chiang
Mai from Canada. “There is a large expat
community in Chiang Mai, with a Chiang
Mai Expat Club that meets monthly, as
well as many expat clubs that get together
weekly. Whatever your interest, from
computers to hiking to motorcycles, there is
a group here dedicated to that hobby!”
The choice of restaurants and dining
spots is vast in Thailand, and there’s much
else besides to immerse yourself in. Choices
for concerts, gigs, and exhibitions abound
in Bangkok, and Chiang Mai has a huge art
scene.
Malaysia’s beaches are among the most
beautiful in Southeast Asia.
The southern Spanish town of Torrox is famed
for having the “best climate in all of Europe.”
©afby71/istock
©NazareenHeazle
has been attracting expats from colder
climes. So if it’s sun you’re after, you can
do much worse. The aptly named Costa del
Sol (“Coast of the Sun”), a 100-mile stretch
along Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast,
is blessed with some of the best summers
(and beaches) in the world. But even the
more northern reaches of the country (such
as Catalonia and parts of the northwest
coast) provide tee-shirts-and-shorts weather
late into the year. Winters in these areas are
never worse than mild.
Spain is truly a country that has it all.
“Whether you want to dine like royalty in
San Sebastián, ski in the Pyrenees, run with
the bulls in Pamplona, explore museums
in Barcelona, hit the beach in Alicante, or
wander Moorish palaces in Granada, Spain
delivers,” says Glynna. “Spain is incredibly
diverse, with something to suit everyone.”
Spain’s people, cityscapes, and famed
food draw influence from the many groups
who have settled there over the centuries:
Basques, Moors, Celts, Catalans, and
others, with each region flavored by its own
identity. It all guarantees you have plenty to
see and do.
For lovers of wide-open spaces, Spain’s
vast, photogenic landscapes are a hiker’s
heaven. Owing to its location at the
meeting point of Eurasia and Africa, it also
boasts some of the best bird-watching on
the planet: Each season brings different
feathered treasures, as they migrate from
one continent to the other.
All the First-World amenities you would
expect of a European country are abundant
in Spain. The Internet is reliable and fast,
with coverage everywhere. Public transport
is so efficient that you only need a car in the
most remote regions. Home comforts—
U.S. television, movies, and music—are easy
to come by, too.
Spain’s health-care system is routinely
recognized by the World Health
Organization as one of the best in the world.
Malta—The Mediterranean’s
Hidden Treasure
Sitting right at the heart of the
Mediterranean, Malta blends the best of
southern-European graciousness with one
of the best qualities of life to be found in
Europe. First-World standards of service
and infrastructure, a wealth of historical
and architectural treasures from its eons of
history (including nine UNESCO World
Heritage Sites), world-class golf courses,
and the sparkling Mediterranean—all in
a country one-tenth the size of Rhode
Island— ensure that this tiny island will keep
you occupied.
“Malta is small, but it packs a lot into
that space: ancient ruins, charming cities,
some beautiful beaches, and a varied,
interesting population,” says IL Editor
Glynna Prentice. “In Valletta, the capital,
there’s something going on almost every
night—for instance, a concert, a fireworks
display or an exhibit. So you’re never
bored.”
Owing to its time as a British colony,
locals speak fluent English—which, together
with their warm and welcoming attitude,
makes for easy integration. Malta enjoys
plentiful sunshine year-round, on top of
world-class health care (consistently ranked
among the top five in the world by the
World Health Organization) and tasty
Mediterranean cuisine. The island also has
one of the lowest crime rates to be found
anywhere. Malta may be one of the more
expensive locations on our list in terms of
real estate, but bargains can be found if
you’re willing to shop shrewdly.
“You can still find comfortable
apartments in beach areas, or even right in
Valletta, for under $175,000,” says Glynna.
Due to its small size and excellent public
transport network, getting around and
seeing the sights is easy. Malta also makes
an excellent base from which to explore the
wider Mediterranean region. n
“Fun-loving culture,
wonderful food
and people who
value friendship.”