Ever feel like your days are just an endless loop of the same old routine? It doesn’t have to be.
Imagine escaping to a new country for a few months. That is one of the most exciting things you can do.
If you are not careful to take your chances to enjoy it, you could end up with the sensation that your free time just went down the drain.
You don’t want that.
I don’t want that for you.
Picture stepping out onto a sunlit balcony each morning, sipping a fresh cup of coffee, and thinking, “I’ve still got the entire day ahead of me… and it’s not going to be dull.”
Today, these seven countries I am about to show you will provide a refreshing change of scenery.
They offer new delights, new landscapes, and the sensation that you are making the best of your free time.
The Best Countries for Summer Retirement Travel
Ready? So we start with…
PORTUGAL – PORTO
Portugal, especially Porto, is admired for its coastline and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where you can find lively summer days, but without the desert-like heat. From May to September, expect temperatures around 68°F and 95°F (20°C and 35°C) during the day.
The weather has moderate humidity, minimal rain, and a refreshing Atlantic breeze to keep things comfy.
In terms of cost of living, Porto is 57% cheaper than Miami, and the biggest difference between the two cities is housing: in Porto, it is 67% cheaper.
That means that what you spend for one month in Miami, you can stay in Porto for the entire summer!
In Porto, a one-bedroom apartment in the center might cost $700–$900 per month. Daily costs like groceries and public transport are also gentle on your budget. Since not only low costs but decent infrastructure is necessary, here is what Porto offers:
- The Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport connects you to many European cities. Multiple low-cost airlines fly to this airport, so you can use Porto as a base to explore the rest of Europe!
- High-speed trains and well-maintained highways link Porto to other parts of the country.
- Portugal ranks among the top 20 in Europe for broadband speed, so if you want, you can work online without hassles.
Porto also is famous for its port wine, but it goes beyond that. The promenade across the Douro River is literally one of the most pleasant places I have been in Eastern Europe. During my stay in Porto, I went there almost every single day.
If you want to have a break from the city and spend time surrounded by nature, the Douro Valley is just a short trip away.
Portugal as a whole is VERY safe—one of the safest countries in Europe, which is the safest continent in the world, so that says a lot.
There is not much of a language barrier. Of course, if you speak Portuguese, your interactions with the locals will be more fruitful.
However, compared to other countries like Spain or France, Portugal has a remarkably high number of English speakers.
And I have a question for you: In your opinion, which European country is the easiest and which is the hardest to go around using only English?
Share your opinions in the comments!
MEXICO – LAKE CHAPALA
Now let’s say that you would rather stay closer to the US. Our next place might be just what you are looking for.
So if you prefer to stay closer to America, a good call is Mexico, more specifically Lake Chapala.
And don’t worry if you are worried that it might be too hot for you. Not all parts of Mexico sizzle through the summer.
Lake Chapala, in Jalisco, has an elevation that offers a cooler climate.
At this place located 5,000 feet high, you can expect temperatures around 75–85°F (24–29°C) from May to September. A large expat community thrives here, attracted by the constant spring-like weather and relaxed pace of life. English is common in these expat neighborhoods, but speaking a bit of Spanish will improve everyday interactions.
This is what one person who knows the region told us:
“I house sit in the region of Lake Chapala. The weather is amazing, the food is great, it’s cheaper than Puerto Vallarta, the locals speak English. However, traffic is a drag, but they have a nice bike lane.”
Despite how attractive this place is, the cost of living is still quite affordable. You might spend around 50% less than you would in a typical U.S. or Canadian city—renting a small house or apartment near the lake can run $600–$900 per month.
Local produce markets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats at great prices, and dining out can be surprisingly cheap.
It is a calm region, surrounded by nature, but still not isolated—you will be close enough to a major city, Guadalajara, in case you need something.
Guadalajara International Airport is about 45 minutes away, with direct flights to many North American cities.
Roads around Lake Chapala vary, but the main routes are decent.
Internet connectivity has improved, and fiber-optic service is available in some neighborhoods, especially where expats reside. Golf courses, tennis clubs, and lakefront promenades make staying active easy. Art walks and musical performances abound, and Ajijic, one of the main towns, has become a cultural hub.
If you want a city fix, Guadalajara’s museums, theaters, and shopping centers are within an hour’s drive.
Now, of course, you might be asking about safety—we are talking about Mexico, after all, one of the most dangerous countries in the world.
Lake Chapala, and in general the region of Guadalajara, are much safer than what one can expect in Mexico—in fact I made an entire video explaining this phenomenon.
ITALY – BOLOGNA
From Mexico, we go back to Europe for a moment, for the next place on our list of the best to save you from boredom during retirement.
And who could expect any other country than Italy?
In this case, more specifically, Bologna.
Italy’s captivating history and cuisine have long lured visitors.
For an extended stay, Bologna presents a delightful compromise—it has all the perks you would expect from Italy, but with fewer crowds than Rome or Venice. Bologna is the ULTIMATE Italian gastronomical capital.
There is a reason why Lasagna Bolognese, sauce Bolognese, and Spaghetti a la Bolognese all have similar names. It is because all of them came from this city.
Known as “La Grassa” (“the fat one”), Bologna celebrates its love of good food—from fresh pasta to artisan cheese shops.
Summertime sees open-air concerts and cultural events in Piazza Maggiore. You can also take day trips to the Emilia-Romagna countryside for Parmesan cheese tastings.
Bologna has a remarkable amount of well-conserved historical buildings and monuments—especially its medieval towers.
From May to September, daytime highs range between 80–88°F (27–31°C). While it can feel warm, it’s usually not sweltering, and rainfall is sparse in high summer. This offers many sunny afternoons to explore the city’s famous porticoes.
If you want to visit other parts of Italy, the city’s location is strategic, with high-speed trains that reach Milan, Florence, or Venice within two hours. The local airport, Guglielmo Marconi, operates many low-cost international flights, and the bus system extends through the metropolitan area. It is way cheaper than other major Italian cities like Rome or Milan.
GREECE – NAFPLIO
And talking about historic-rich cities but without the crowds during summer, the next place in our list might surprise you.
Nafplio, in Greece.
This might be a surprise for many, because when picturing Greece, the islands often come to mind.
But Nafplio is not located on any island, but on the Peloponnese peninsula. It provides an authentic, less touristy vibe.
Once the capital of Greece, it’s packed with historical sites and scenic beaches.
It is one of those rare places where you can enjoy culture, history, and a nice swim at a beautiful beach—all at the SAME place.
History abounds in Nafplio. The Palamidi Fortress overlooks the city, and the old town’s streets feature Venetian and neoclassical architecture.
You can swim at Arvanitia Beach or take a short trip to Epidaurus and Mycenae for glimpses of ancient Greek theater and history.
Cafés and tavernas line the promenade, perfect for easy afternoons. It is very popular among Athenians for weekend trips, but not among international tourists, which adds to Nafplio’s Greek atmosphere.
From May through September, Nafplio’s temperatures usually run 75–85°F (24–29°C), with limited rainfall. t’s warm enough to enjoy the beach, yet not so hot that you need constant air conditioning. Nafplio is roughly a two-hour drive from Athens, where Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport handles international flights.
Roads linking Nafplio to Athens and neighboring towns are well-maintained—I drove all this way without any incident, and it is a beautiful ride (remember to stop at Corinth and check the remarkable channel).
While I would not call Athens a very safe place since I was a victim of thieves there two times, Nafplio is different—it is a very, very safe place and you can walk around without worries.
It is also a budget-friendly place. A cozy apartment in Nafplio’s old town might cost around $600–$800 per month. Local produce, from olives to feta cheese, is both delicious and kind to your wallet.
POLAND – KRAKÓW
Let’s say that you already live in a coastal town, and you would rather spend your summer a bit farther from the sea.
In a larger city, with mountains and national parks not far.Yet still with historical architecture and classical music concerts just around the corner.
All that for a VERY LITTLE PRICE TAG. This is what Poland and, more specifically, Kraków, offer.
By the way, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably planning to travel abroad for a longer time, and you want to save money and pay fewer taxes.I’ve written three top-rated Amazon books on living abroad, based on my experiences and insights from hundreds who’ve done the same – You can purchase them through this link.
Kraków, once the Polish capital, has one of the most spectacular old towns in Europe. It also has a vibrant cultural scene, and the nearby regions have an equally impressive number of attractions. Kraków’s UNESCO-listed Old Town brims with Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
The Main Market Square is Europe’s largest medieval town square, filled with cafés, museums, and historic churches. You can catch summer concerts of classical music and open-air markets throughout the season. Weekend trips to the scenic Tatra Mountains and Podhale region are a popular getaway option.
And if you go to Podhale, try the Oscypek—it is one of the greatest cheeses I have ever eaten.
The John Paul II International Airport has flights to many European hubs, with some direct routes to North America.
Public transport—buses and trams—cover the city, and major highways link to Warsaw or the Czech border.
You can easily use Kraków as your base to explore surrounding countries like Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Western Ukraine, and the rest of Poland. High-speed trains connect Kraków to Warsaw in less than 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kraków’s city center might range from $550–$750. Groceries and dining out are also very budget-friendly compared to Western Europe or America, often costing less than half the price you would pay in a city like Milan.
Another good point of Poland is that a lot of people there speak English—especially younger people in larger urban centers like Kraków.
The next name on our list does not have a lot of people who speak English.
In fact, if you are thinking about spending some time there, you can take it as a perfect occasion to learn some Italian. Because the people there are lovely and certainly will be helpful to you.
So the 7th place in our list that I want you to pay a lot of attention to is Calabria, in Italy.
More specifically, this small town called Locri, in Italy.
Life in such small towns in Mediterranean countries like Italy, Greece, Spain, or Portugal helps you to live longer.
And that is why I wrote an entire article about the best small towns to live in Europe—you can check it right here. In some of these places, living until 100 years old is nothing extraordinary.
Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. You can find him on X here. Some of the links above might be affiliated links, meaning the author earns a small commission if you make a purchase.
