Top 20 most popular coastal towns for retirement in the world

Retirees often seek coastal towns that offer a slower pace of life, affordable living, good healthcare, a pleasant climate, and a strong sense of community. Proximity to cultural activities, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities also make coastal towns highly desirable. Here’s a list of 20 of the most popular coastal towns for retired people around the world, known for providing a fulfilling and relaxed lifestyle:

1. Cascais, Portugal

• Why it’s great: Close to Lisbon, Cascais offers a mild climate, excellent healthcare, and a peaceful, upscale lifestyle. Its beautiful beaches, vibrant expat community, and relatively low cost of living attract many retirees.

2. Malaga, Spain

• Why it’s great: With a warm Mediterranean climate, Malaga offers great healthcare, an affordable cost of living, and easy access to both beaches and cultural activities. Its large expat population makes it a top destination for retirees.

3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

• Why it’s great: A coastal gem with warm weather year-round, Puerto Vallarta is affordable and has a welcoming expat community. The healthcare is excellent, and the cost of living is significantly lower than in many U.S. coastal towns.

4. Nice, France

• Why it’s great: Located on the French Riviera, Nice offers stunning sea views, cultural richness, and world-class healthcare. Though it’s more expensive than some other coastal towns, it provides a high quality of life and a relaxed pace.

5. Naples, Florida, USA

• Why it’s great: Known for its luxury living, Naples offers beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, warm weather, and a slower pace of life. With a large retirement community and top-notch healthcare, it’s a favorite among American retirees.

6. Algarve, Portugal

• Why it’s great: The Algarve, with towns like Lagos and Faro, is renowned for its golden beaches, affordable living, and warm climate. It’s a favorite spot for retirees from all over Europe, offering excellent healthcare and a peaceful lifestyle.

7. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

• Why it’s great: Cabo offers retirees a lively community with beautiful beaches, a sunny climate, and affordable healthcare. Its mix of modern amenities and natural beauty makes it a favorite for expats and retirees alike.

8. Corfu, Greece

• Why it’s great: Corfu combines affordability with Mediterranean charm, offering beautiful Ionian Sea views, great food, and a relaxed lifestyle. Its slower pace and low cost of living make it perfect for retirees seeking tranquility.

9. Alicante, Spain

• Why it’s great: Alicante on Spain’s Costa Blanca offers sunny weather, excellent healthcare, and affordable living. Its proximity to beaches and cultural activities makes it a top choice for retirees, particularly from Northern Europe.

10. Sarasota, Florida, USA

• Why it’s great: Sarasota is known for its cultural offerings, beautiful beaches, and great weather. It’s a quieter alternative to Florida’s larger cities and attracts many retirees seeking a peaceful yet vibrant community.

11. Valletta, Malta

• Why it’s great: Malta offers a mild climate, a relaxed pace of life, and excellent healthcare. Valletta’s historic charm, combined with access to beautiful beaches, makes it a popular retirement destination.

12. Paphos, Cyprus

• Why it’s great: Known for its ancient history and sunny beaches, Paphos is popular among retirees for its affordable cost of living, good healthcare, and laid-back lifestyle. Cyprus’ mild climate adds to its appeal.

13. Phuket, Thailand

• Why it’s great: Phuket offers retirees a tropical paradise with affordable living, excellent healthcare, and beautiful beaches. It’s a great choice for those looking for an exotic location with plenty of amenities.

14. Hua Hin, Thailand

• Why it’s great: Hua Hin is a favorite among retirees for its beaches, affordable cost of living, and proximity to Bangkok. It has a slower pace of life with access to modern conveniences and healthcare facilities.

15. Madeira, Portugal

• Why it’s great: Madeira is a stunning island with a mild climate year-round. It’s known for its lush landscapes, affordable living, and friendly communities, making it a great choice for retirees who love nature.

16. Panama City, Panama

• Why it’s great: Panama offers attractive retirement incentives, including discounts on healthcare, entertainment, and transportation. Panama City is a bustling, modern city with nearby beaches and a vibrant expat community.

17. San Diego, California, USA

• Why it’s great: San Diego offers retirees beautiful Pacific beaches, great weather, and excellent healthcare. While the cost of living is higher, the quality of life and abundance of outdoor activities make it popular for retirees who value an active lifestyle.

18. Sibenik, Croatia

• Why it’s great: Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast offers affordable coastal living, with Sibenik providing a mix of history, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. Its lower cost of living and Mediterranean charm make it a great option for retirees.

19. Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

• Why it’s great: Vancouver Island offers retirees stunning coastal views, mild weather, and a peaceful, nature-focused lifestyle. Known for its hiking trails, gardens, and whale-watching, it’s ideal for active retirees who love the outdoors.

20. Split, Croatia

• Why it’s great: Split offers beautiful Adriatic beaches, a rich cultural history, and affordable living. It’s a favorite among European retirees seeking a slower pace of life with easy access to the sea and nearby islands.

These coastal towns offer retirees the perfect combination of affordability, excellent healthcare, community, and beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a tropical paradise, a Mediterranean escape, or a quieter coastal retreat, these towns provide an ideal setting for a relaxed and fulfilling retirement.