Do you want to move abroad, escape the crowds and save money?
A new list of Expat experts at International Living revealed eight of Europe’s best ‘secret towns’.
Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International lifesays: ‘Everyone talks about places like Barcelona, Lisbon and Florence. But the best overseas destinations are not always the ones you have heard of.
“We made it our mission to overlook, undervalued and just seek right-to-duck places.
‘You don’t have to be rich or an adventurous junkie to live a more international life.
‘These towns offer good internet, local healthcare, accessible transport and a pace of life that is difficult to find in cities that have been inundated with tourists.’
From a solarist city on the French Riviera to a storybook village near Mount Olympus … these places may itch you to move.
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Jennifer reveals: ‘With his pastel-colored village houses, livestock bay views and a strong community of part-time expats, Villefranche-sur Mer is a place where expats immediately feel welcome’
A beautiful city between Nice and Monaco to France‘S Cote d’Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers expats a’ quieter, more intimate approach of Riviera Life ‘.
Jennifer reveals: “With his pastel-colored village houses, livestock bay views and a strong community of part-time expats, it is a place where expats immediately feel welcome.”
She adds that the city’s cultural life “thrives through” thriving “with open-air concerts, art exhibitions and jazz evenings at ‘Cosy Harborside Clubs’.
A couple can expect to spend at least $ 3,000/£ 2.233 per month, with rent that starts around € 1.300/£ 2.527/$ 3.394.
Toulon, France
Jennifer explains that Toulon offers ‘lifestyle benefits’ to the Mediterranean such as ‘Waterfront Living, 300+ Days of Sunshine per year and a booming food scene’ at a very ‘more accessible cost’
Toulon is an ‘under-the-radar jewel along the Cote d’Azur’ which ‘is often overshadowed by glamorous neighbors like Nice and Cannes’.
However, Jennifer explains that the ‘Sunny Port City’ Mediterranean ‘lifestyle benefits’ offer, such as ‘Waterfront Living, 300+ Days of Sunshine per year and a thriving food scene’ at a very ‘more accessible cost’.
She reveals: “Next to Mourillon beach, swim pensioners, practice yoga or enjoy wine at cafe lined bays.”
And it’s a bargain. Housing is 20 percent cheaper than in other French coastal destinations with two -bedroom apartments available at $ 950/£ 706 and couples who need a monthly budget of $ 2,800/£ 2.471.
Esposing, Portugal
Esposende has “a historic city center with an extraordinary fountain boat sculpture and runable, mostly flat terrain that is ideal for seniors,” Jennifer reveals.
Esposende, a city that feels more like a ‘quiet coastal village’, is located in the Braga district in northern Portugal.
“Residents enjoy Ocean Breeze, a historic city center with an extraordinary fountain boat sculpture and runable, mostly flat terrain that is ideal for seniors,” Jennifer reveals.
She adds that it is a popular area for outdoor activities, with many residents surfing in their spare time, golf and horseback riding.
An apartment with two bedrooms costs everywhere between $ 872- $ 1.090/£ 649- £ 811 and expats can live on a modest budget.
Guimarães, Portugal
While the old city has paved jobs and Gothic architecture, Guimaraes are also home to modern cafes, restaurants and boutiques
This historic city is known as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’ and Have medieval character, a designated center and ‘live contemporary culture’.
While the old city has paved jobs and Gothic architecture, the city is also home to modern cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Jennifer reveals: “Guimaraes don’t feel like a museum – it’s a functioning, forward -looking city with a lively student population and a growing international profile.”
The monthly cost of living is estimated at about $ 1,800/£ 1,340 for a couple.
Santo Tiro, Portugal
Santo Tiro is best known for his monastery in the 10th century, but the city also has thermal spas and even an urban beach
Santo Tiro is a ‘river jewel’ in northern Portugal that blends ‘historical charm with tranquil life’.
It is best known for the 10th -century monastery, but the city also has thermal spas and even an urban beach.
Jennifer adds: ‘Retirements will appreciate the affordability and relaxed atmosphere. Santo Tirso is a compelling basis for those looking for nature, calm and a small village character, a compelling basis. ‘
Furnished one bedroom apartments in Santo Tirso cost about $ 925/£ 688 per month.
Villa Nova de Famalicao, Portugal
Villa Nova de Famalicao is just 20 minutes from Porto and has ‘excellent infrastructure’, ‘strong transport links’ and a ‘youthful energy’
A ‘modern middle -class city’ in northern Portugal, Villa Nova de Famalicao, is ‘on the rise’, says International Living.
The city is just 20 minutes from Porto and has ‘excellent infrastructure’, ‘strong transport links’ and ‘youthful energy’.
“The city is runable, has sufficient green space and even offers cooperation areas in the local libraries,” says Jennifer.
An apartment with four bedrooms costs about $ 1.516/£ 1.128 per month, while the cost of a one -bedroom apartment starts from $ 179,000/£ 133,282.
Litters, Greece
Litochoro, a village of 7,000 people, is known for his ‘live local life’ and ‘proximity to world-class steps’
Located between the Aegean Sea and the Mount Olympus, Litochoro has a ‘rare mix of alpine charm and coastal access’.
Litochoro, a village of 7,000 people, is known for his ‘live local life’ and ‘proximity to world-class steps’.
Jennifer says: “While the expatriates are small, it is a welcoming and active community, especially an appeal to nature lovers, digital nomads and retirees.”
A two-bedroom apartment in Litochoro costs about $ 270- $ 380/£ 201- £ 283 per month.
Ascoli Piceno, Italy
International Living describes Ascoli Piceno’s center as “an architectural wonder” with churches, piazzas, palaces, boutiques and cafes
Ascoli Piceno, a city in the central marche region in Italy, is ‘older than Rome’ and ‘full of greatness’.
International Living describes the center of the city as “an architectural wonder” with churches, piazzas, palaces, boutiques and cafes.
Jennifer says: ‘Expats are drawn by the flat, walkable layout, active cultural life, highly judged health care and proximity to Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains.’
Rural homes can be purchased for less than $ 200,000/£ 149,013, while a two-bedroom rental in the middle of Ascoli Pisceno costs about $ 650- $ 1,200/£ 484- £ 894 per month.
