From a sun-drenched enclave on the French Riviera to a storybook village beneath Mount Olympus, International Living’s new Hidden Places Initiative highlights Europe’s most underrated havens for expats—places that are affordable, authentic, and ready for real life right now.
While many people set their sights on well-known cities like Lisbon, Florence, or Barcelona, the truth is that some of the best places to live overseas aren’t the ones that make the travel headlines. The Hidden Places Initiative is designed to help readers look beyond the obvious and uncover smaller, lesser-known towns with the right mix of livability, infrastructure, and charm.
These are places where you can live well without breaking the bank—towns that offer walkable centers, friendly locals, good internet, access to healthcare, public transportation, and a slower pace of life. They’re not just pretty postcards; they’re places where expats can thrive.
Each destination featured here has been scouted in person by an IL contributor and evaluated for housing costs, amenities, expat integration, and overall livability. They’re the kinds of places that are often overlooked, but shouldn’t be.
Here are the first European towns to earn the “Ready Now” label under IL’s Hidden Places Initiative:
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
20 Countries Compared, Contrasted, Ranked, and Rated. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy a pampered retirement, you just need to know where to go. With our 34th Annual Global Retirement Index, our experts hand you a detailed roadmap. Details—and a Special Offer—Here
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Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Nestled between Nice and Monaco on the Côte d’Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a quieter, more intimate take on Riviera life. With its pastel-colored village homes, sweeping bay views, and strong community of part-time expats, it’s a place where Americans feel instantly welcome. Cultural life thrives year-round with open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and jazz nights in cozy harborside clubs. Though hilly and upscale, the town’s charm, walkability, and café culture more than justify the cost.
A couple should budget at least $3,000 a month, with rent starting around €1,300.
→ Read the full Hidden Places report on Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Toulon, France
Toulon is an under-the-radar gem along the Côte d’Azur, often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbors like Nice and Cannes. But this sunny port city offers all the Mediterranean lifestyle perks—waterfront living, 300+ days of sunshine a year, and a thriving food and arts scene—at a far more accessible cost. Residents enjoy a revitalized historic center, trendy bistros, and highlights like Les Halles, a gourmet food hall, and Rue des Arts, a creative hub with galleries and performances. Along the Mourillon beachfront, retirees swim, practice yoga, or enjoy wine at café-lined bays.
Housing remains around 20% cheaper than other coastal destinations, with two-bedroom apartments renting from $950 and a full monthly budget of around $2,800 for a couple.
→ Read the full Hidden Places report on Toulon.
Esposende, Portugal
Located in northern Portugal’s Braga District, Esposende feels more like a quiet coastal town than a city. It offers a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle ideal for creative pursuits, retirement, or remote work. Residents enjoy ocean breezes, an historic town center with an extraordinary fountain-boat sculpture, and walkable, mostly flat terrain that’s great for seniors.
The area is popular for outdoor activities, including surfing, golf, horseback riding, and hiking, as well as cultural attractions such as ancient ruins and vibrant local markets. A legal resident can access affordable public healthcare, with both public and private hospital options available nearby. A two-bedroom rental ranges from $872 to $1,090 per month, and you can live well here on a modest budget after housing.
→ Read the full Hidden Places report on Esposende.
Guimarães, Portugal
Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is a historic city with a strong medieval character, a UNESCO-designated center, and a vibrant contemporary culture. The old town, with its cobbled lanes, Gothic architecture, and wrought-iron balconies, gives way to modern cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, making it a livable blend of old and new. The city also boasts lush green parks, art galleries, and music festivals, appealing to creatives and nature lovers alike.
Despite its heritage status, Guimarães doesn’t feel like a museum—it’s a functioning, forward-looking city with a lively student population and a growing international profile. Just 40 minutes from Porto by train, it offers easy access to a major airport while maintaining a slower pace of life. The cost of living is appealing, too, estimated at $1,800 per month for a couple.
→ Read the full Hidden Places report on Guimarães.
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
20 Countries Compared, Contrasted, Ranked, and Rated. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy a pampered retirement, you just need to know where to go. With our 34th Annual Global Retirement Index, our experts hand you a detailed roadmap. Details—and a Special Offer—Here
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.
Santo Tirso, Portugal
Santo Tirso is a riverside gem in northern Portugal that blends historic charm with peaceful living. Best known for its 10th-century monastery and public gardens, the town also boasts thermal spas, riverside parks, and an “urban beach” by the River Ave.
Retirees will appreciate its affordability and relaxed atmosphere—furnished one-bedroom apartments rent for around $925 a month. Healthcare access is excellent, with a local 24-hour hospital and easy access to Porto’s major clinics. English is not widely spoken, but the community is welcoming, and daily life is refreshingly unhurried. For those seeking nature, serenity, and small-town character, Santo Tirso offers a compelling base.
→ Read the full Hidden Places report on Santo Tirso.
Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
This modern, middle-class city in northern Portugal is on the rise. Vila Nova de Famalicão features excellent infrastructure, strong transport links, and a youthful energy thanks to its vibrant cultural scene and growing economy. It’s only 20 minutes from Porto and well-connected by train to Lisbon and other cities.
One-bedroom apartments start at $179,000, and four-bedroom rentals can be found for around $1,516 a month. The town is walkable, has ample green space, and even offers co-working areas in the local libraries. With its mix of opportunity and affordability, Famalicão is a “ready now” choice for expats seeking convenience and community without the crowds.
→ Read the full Hidden Places report on Vila Nova de Famalicão.
Litochoro, Greece
Set between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus, Litochoro offers the rare blend of alpine charm and coastal access. The village of 7,000 is known for its vibrant local life, proximity to world-class hiking trails, and mild four-season climate. Two-bedroom rentals cost around $270 to $380 per month, and daily life remains affordable, with meals at tavernas running just $11 to $16. Healthcare is accessible and affordable, with top-tier hospitals an hour away in Thessaloniki.
While the expat population is small, it’s a welcoming and active community, especially appealing to nature lovers, digital nomads, and retirees. For those seeking a wholesome, outdoorsy lifestyle in a place where myth meets mountain, Litochoro is Ready Now.
→ Read the full Hidden Places report on Litochoro.
Ascoli Piceno, Italy
This stunning city of 46,000 in Italy’s central Marche region is older than Rome and brimming with grandeur. Made entirely of travertine stone, its historic center is an architectural wonder, full of churches, piazzas, palaces, boutiques, artisan studios, and cafes. Expats are drawn by the flat, walkable layout, active cultural life, highly rated healthcare, and proximity to Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains. A small but happy expat community enjoys year-round festivals, Italian language schools, and excellent restaurants—don’t miss the local delicacy, olive all’Ascolana.
A two-bedroom rental in the historic center ranges from $650 to $1,200 per month, while countryside homes can be purchased for under $200,000. You can enjoy life in Ascoli Piceno from around $2,000 a month, making it an ideal destination for expats seeking rich culture, timeless beauty, and accessible Italian living in a city that feels authentically local.
→ Read the full Hidden Places report on Ascoli Piceno.
Editor’s Note: Our Hidden Places Initiative will continue to grow in 2025, with even more overlooked destinations being explored for their retirement, investment, and part-time living potential. Click here to explore the full list of destination reports.
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
20 Countries Compared, Contrasted, Ranked, and Rated. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy a pampered retirement, you just need to know where to go. With our 34th Annual Global Retirement Index, our experts hand you a detailed roadmap. Details—and a Special Offer—Here
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.