Best cities to retire in Europe

Retirement-ready cities in Europe: every pick has a dedicated retirement visa route, ranked on healthcare, safety, climate and how far a pension actually stretches.

Methodology: Only cities with a dedicated retirement visa and solid healthcare (55+) qualify; ranked by a blend of healthcare (30%), safety (25%), climate (25%) and affordability (20%).

  1. 1. Heraklion, Greece

    Healthcare 80/100 · Safety 90/100 · $1,260/mo

    Greece Foreign Pensioner Tax Regime plus 80/100 healthcare on about $1,260/mo.

  2. 2. Aix-en-Provence, France

    Healthcare 92/100 · Safety 84/100 · $1,930/mo

    France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-T) plus 92/100 healthcare on about $1,930/mo.

  3. 3. Faro, Portugal

    Healthcare 82/100 · Safety 84/100 · $1,490/mo

    Portugal D7 Visa plus 82/100 healthcare on about $1,490/mo.

  4. 4. Limassol, Cyprus

    Healthcare 80/100 · Safety 88/100 · $1,620/mo

    Cyprus Category F Visa plus 80/100 healthcare on about $1,620/mo.

  5. 5. Malaga, Spain

    Healthcare 80/100 · Safety 84/100 · $1,590/mo

    Spain Non-lucrative Visa plus 80/100 healthcare on about $1,590/mo.

  6. 6. Kotor, Montenegro

    Healthcare 78/100 · Safety 88/100 · $1,190/mo

    Montenegro Temporary Residence Permit plus 78/100 healthcare on about $1,190/mo.

  7. 7. Valencia, Spain

    Healthcare 84/100 · Safety 82/100 · $1,580/mo

    Spain Non-Lucrative Visa plus 84/100 healthcare on about $1,580/mo.

  8. 8. Cádiz, Spain

    Healthcare 80/100 · Safety 84/100 · $1,430/mo

    Spain Non-Lucrative Visa plus 80/100 healthcare on about $1,430/mo.

  9. 9. Tenerife, Spain

    Healthcare 78/100 · Safety 82/100 · $1,550/mo

    Spain Non-Lucrative Visa plus 78/100 healthcare on about $1,550/mo.

  10. 10. Maribor, Slovenia

    Healthcare 84/100 · Safety 92/100 · $1,130/mo

    Slovenia Self-employed / Pensioner Residence Permit plus 84/100 healthcare on about $1,130/mo.

  11. 11. Alicante, Spain

    Healthcare 80/100 · Safety 78/100 · $1,370/mo

    Non-Lucrative Visa plus 80/100 healthcare on about $1,370/mo.

  12. 12. Madeira, Portugal

    Healthcare 78/100 · Safety 84/100 · $1,355/mo

    Portugal D7 / D8 Visa plus 78/100 healthcare on about $1,355/mo.

Frequently asked questions

Best cities to retire in Europe — which city is #1?

Heraklion, Greece tops this list. Greece Foreign Pensioner Tax Regime plus 80/100 healthcare on about $1,260/mo. Aix-en-Provence and Faro round out the top three.

How is this ranking calculated?

Only cities with a dedicated retirement visa and solid healthcare (55+) qualify; ranked by a blend of healthcare (30%), safety (25%), climate (25%) and affordability (20%). 63 catalog cities in Europe qualified for this list; the top 12 are shown. Scores are catalog averages, not personalised — Jonzy re-ranks every city for your own income, passport and lifestyle when you sign in.

How much does it cost to live in the top city in Europe?

Heraklion runs about $1,260/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Heraklion city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.