Best Places

For over 30 years, International Living has searched around the world for retirement destinations that are right for you. We have explored all manner of dream locales, assessing how well they can provide for all your retirement needs—including cost of living, retiree benefits, climate, healthcare, and much more. The result is a comprehensive resource of essential information to help you find your dream retirement overseas.

The Best Places to Retire in 2022

Where can you find the best quality of life in the world…the best places to live…the best climate…the healthiest places to live…the cheapest? Which countries make it into the lists as the perfect destinations for your retirement…and why? We have all the answers.

From bustling beach towns to small fishing communities, stunning stretches of sand to lush rainforests teeming with life, there’s a huge variety of choice on offer for expats. In all of the destinations we speak about, you can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with established expat communities, friendly, welcoming natives, good healthcare, and an ideal climate.

Each destination is desirable in its own way, but they all offer something increasingly hard to come by at home: A good quality of life for a reasonable price.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and dive into our selection of articles to learn more about the best places in the world to retire.

Best Places Archives

Costa Rica’s Best Beach Towns Within Two Hours of San José

Costa Rica’s Best Beach Towns Within Two Hours of San José

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April 8, 2020

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast has a long history as a beach destination. Costa Ricans from the Central Valley (the mountainous interior region surrounding the capital, San José, where most of the population lives), have been coming to the area for vacation and beach getaways for decades. And North American and European visitors have been right there with them for many years, too. They’re drawn by several factors, many of which also attract expats to the area for long-term living…

Exploring Chania: Peaceful, Sun-Soaked Bliss on Greece’s Largest Island

Exploring Chania: Peaceful, Sun-Soaked Bliss on Greece’s Largest Island

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April 3, 2020

The island of Crete is one of Greece’s major highlights. It’s the biggest of all the Greek islands and one of the most fascinating, whether you’re inspired by nature, history, Greek food, or the beach-focused Mediterranean lifestyle. While exploring the charms of Crete, most visitors base themselves in one of three small cities along Crete’s northern coast: Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion...

10 Best Restaurants in Bali

10 Best Restaurants in Bali

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February 12, 2020

Forty years ago, the island consisted of dirt roads and small beachside warungs, where locals cooked the favorites Nasi Goreng and Babi Guling, but oh-boy, has Bali evolved over the years. Now there are 5-star resorts dotted all over, and amongst the designer stores and local markets, you’ll find upscale restaurants serving the most amazing food.

Exploring the Mysterious and Beautiful Island of Vis, Croatia

Exploring the Mysterious and Beautiful Island of Vis, Croatia

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February 7, 2020

Waves rolled and crashed along the bay’s rocky slopes. The steady roar would crescendo when the waves hit the breakwater, throwing a fine mist into the air. Despite the thunderous cacophony, the waterfront town of Komiža was peaceful and quiet. It was late January on the Croatian island of Vis, and the tourist season was still a few months away...