Portugal voted 4th best country in the world to retire
Portugal ranks fourth in the "2022 Annual Global Retirement Index", which lists the ten best countries in the world where retired people can live, International Living has announced.
The Annual Global Retirement Index 2022 ranks 25 countries according to ten categories, such as cost of living, housing, governance, health and retirement benefits, among others. Security at each destination is also taken into account.
The 2022 list puts Panama on top for the 11th time, demonstrating that the transcontinental country in Central America and South America can offer a low cost of living for retired expats along with safety and low-cost healthcare. The second spot was bagged by Costa Rica and followed by Mexico.
According to Travel Noire, Portugal is a popular country for Black American travellers and has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. However, the factors that contributed to the country’s fourth position was its cost of living, warm climate, safety and affordable health care.
The Southwestern European country’s warm climate, safety, affordable health care and low cost of living helped Portugal gain the fourth spot.
Terry Coles writing in the Lifestyle online edition indicates that it is not surprising that Portugal has topped the charts for the best places to retire through the years. “This tiny country in the southwest corner of Europe has something for everyone. Vibrant cities full of Old World charm, miles of golden sandy beaches, green, rolling hills, some of the best healthcare in the world, low cost of living, and safety.”
Coles further opines that “the best part about living in Portugal is the people. The Portuguese people are warm, friendly, and greet everyone with double-cheeked kisses… …Portuguese woman that spoke no English but always filled our arms with fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden.”
English is very widely spoken particularly in big cities and tourist destinations like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region. In fact for those unaware, British author, film producer, and screenwriter JK Rowling taught English in Porto in the 1990s. “Portuguese do speak some English” agrees Coles, “which makes retiring here a little easier. Cinemas throughout Portugal offer first-run movies in their original language, which is often English, with Portuguese subtitles.”
The full report can be found here.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. SSIL does not guarantee the accuracy, legality, completeness, reliability of the information and or for that of subsequent links and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.