Our hot-off-the-press 2026 Overseas Retirement Index lists 12 of the world’s best destinations for an overseas move – six of which are in Europe – making the prowess of my adopted empire impossible to ignore.
Even considering the entire world, Europe dominates this year’s rankings.
Let’s take a closer look at our picks in Italy, Montenegro and Spain.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is a gem in the Mediterranean: Italy’s second largest island, about the size of New Hampshire, with more than 1,100 miles of coastline that offers everything from secluded coves to sparkling white-sand beaches.
Famous for the Costa Smeralda, the playground of the rich and famous, Sardinia combines luxury with authentic Italian charm, historic towns and vibrant local culture.
Living here can be surprisingly affordable: furnished apartments start around $400 per month, groceries and dining out are reasonably priced, and transportation costs are low.
The Mediterranean climate provides hot, dry summers and mild winters, perfect for beach days, hiking or skiing in the mountains. Sardinia also boasts impressive healthcare options, as well as an array of festivals, sporting and cultural attractions.
With a safe environment, beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace of life, Sardinia appeals to retirees and expats looking for sun, sea and a slice of authentic Italian life – luxury or local style, take your pick.
Kotor, Montenegro
The Bay of Kotor is a hidden Adriatic treasure: a deep, fjord-like inlet surrounded by towering mountains and miles of sparkling coastline.
Medieval villages, terracotta-roofed houses and cobbled streets seem straight out of a storybook, while small towns like Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi offer modern conveniences.
For a taste of luxury, Porto Montenegro and Lustica Bay offer superyacht marinas and luxury homes, so you can enjoy the luxury life without the sky-high costs.
Montenegro’s charm lies in its mix of affordability and lifestyle options. Furnished rental prices start from $500 per month, meals at local spots hover under $20, and spa, yoga, and boat experiences are all wallet-friendly.
The Mediterranean climate brings warm summers and mild winters, perfect for beach days, mountain hikes or local skiing.
With friendly expat communities, safe streets, accessible healthcare and property-related accommodation options, Kotor Bay is a rare combination of beauty, adventure and functionality – a true Adriatic gem.
Tarragona, Spain
Once the Roman capital of the Iberian Peninsula, Tarragona today combines historic charm with modern comforts.
Located about 90 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, this small city offers golden sandy beaches, lush parks and a slower-paced, authentic Spanish lifestyle without the crowds or high prices of larger cities. In addition, the Mediterranean climate here is temperate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Enjoy the great climate and get outdoors with the region’s fantastic sailing, water sports, walking, golf and tennis opportunities.
The compact city center is best explored on foot, with Roman ruins, a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral, lively markets and a lively cultural scene with festivals, unique human tower performances (castells) and live music.
Excellent transport links connect it to Barcelona and Valencia by train, and international flights are accessible from nearby airports.
There is a growing expat community here, thanks in part to the excellent healthcare with both public and private options, and affordable living. Furnished apartments start under $650 per month, groceries are cheap, and eating out is budget-friendly.
With low crime, reliable infrastructure and no restrictions on foreign property ownership, Tarragona combines history, culture, affordability and coastal living, making it an attractive choice for retirees and expats looking for a balanced Mediterranean lifestyle.
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