Despite being bordered by only one other country (Spain), Portugal has an intercontinental feel. The culture, architecture, language and cuisine have all been influenced by centuries of global travel. Living standards are high due to the advanced economy, peaceful governance, and emphasis on moral freedom for its citizens. The weather is uniformly warm in the summer months, while temperatures in winter vary depending on location. For example, you’ll find snowfall in the mountains, mild microclimates by the coast and subtropical islands. But it’s the stunning variety of terrains that draws so many tourists and expats to the country. You can hike in the national parks, walk the cobbled streets of the historic villages, search the Atlantic horizon for glimpses of North America from dramatic cliffs or lounge on one of the many glittering beaches. The Portuguese have a hospitable nature and you can expect to eat freshly sourced ingredients cooked simply and served with a flourish. Fish, squid, smoked meats, olives, cheese, bread and local wines are plentiful and you’ll find produce markets and restaurants at every turn. Feasts are central features of many of the festivities but you’ll also find music, dancing and night-time revelries at the frequent celebrations throughout the year. The north of Portugal is rocky and rugged and famous for the port wine-growing region, the Douro Valley. Rising up from the rural interior are wild mountains dotted with hunks of granite and flowing from them, the wide, fertile Tagus, Guadiana and Douro rivers. Lisbon is the most densely populated city, closely followed by Porto, and the southern Algarve region is a tourist hotspot. The Madeira archipelago is made up of 8 volcanic peaks, only two of which are inhabited and there are 9 islands in the Azores offering pale beaches, thermal lakes, geysers and black lava fields. This land has been fought over by Celts, Goths, Greeks, Romans and Moors, each of whom have left their architectural marks. Modern property development tends towards spacious, open-plan homes with echoes of these historical styles. The people of Portugal revere a rural life and as a result, there are a lot of villas or plots of land for development available in the countryside. In contrast, the cities and coastal regions are filled with affordable apartments. The road networks are good, air travel is quick and easy from northern Europe and America and there are high-speed international trains from connecting cities in France and Spain. Children are legally required to be in education from six to eighteen years old and there is a range of schooling options for international students, from public state schools, private faith schools or international schools. There is a state healthcare system in Portugal too. EU citizens can access it for free once they’ve registered and received a healthcare number (cartão de utente).

base64_flag_pt.png

thumbnail_flag_pt.png

xsmall_flag_pt.png

flag_pt.png

Portugal

Portugal en

Beautiful weather, excellent food and wine, world-famous art and culture and low living costs are just some of the reasons you should pack up and move to Spain. Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe and also one of the most geographically varied. With some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world, breath-taking mountainous regions, fertile plains, and sun-drenched isles, there is something to suit every preference. Visit Spain and you’ll enjoy a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers, mild winters, with snow in northern and mountainous regions. If you love art and culture you’ll have much to discover in Spain, which is home to some of the finest architecture in the world. There are ancient marketplaces, Moorish palaces, and the fantastical structures of Antoni Gaudi, not to mention the Dali museum, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim, Fundacio Joan Miro, and the numerous festivals which regularly take place throughout the country. Spanish food is as varied as its landscape; the Spanish are absolutely passionate about their local cuisine. Tapas is popular worldwide, and you’ve probably sampled at least one of these delicious little dishes. The variety of tapas offered in Spain is huge, and varies from region to region and also according to season. Spanish markets are abundant with huge fruits and vegetables, thanks to the long months of sunshine. The great news as a prospective buyer, is that food, like the cost of living generally in Spain, is very affordable and of excellent quality. Moving onto more practical matters, the healthcare system in Spain is ranked among the best in the world, spending 10% of its GDP on healthcare. There are also excellent transport links throughout the country, with modern metros, high speed trains connecting most cities, long distance coach services between major cities, and bus services in all major cities and towns. It’s no wonder that Spanish public transport is known to be some of the best in Europe. For those wishing to venture further afield, it’s easy to travel from Spain to other parts of Europe by plane, train or bus. And of course, with 36 international airports, it will be easy for friends and family from back home to come and visit!

base64_flag_es.png

thumbnail_flag_es.png

xsmall_flag_es.png

flag_es.png

Spain

spain en

Are you looking for a change of scenery? &nbsp;If this is the case, France should be at the top of your list! This magnificent country is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes with a wide range of settings to suit everyone's tastes and a rich history that will captivate you. Starting with the southern part of the country, the warmth of the people will greet you at every turn. This region is well-known for its sunny weather, sun-kissed beaches, outdoor celebrations, vibrant markets, and music festivals. Over a glass of wine, people gather to celebrate life, exchange cultural traditions, and foster an environment that is warm and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. As a matter of fact, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/occitanie-0l58192">Occitanie</a> region in the southwestern part of France is truly a one-of-a-kind destination with its diverse offerings of landscapes and activities. With direct access to the Mediterranean coastline and the majestic mountains and ski resorts of the Pyrenees. &nbsp;Coastal cities such as Montpellier also offer a rich historical and cultural heritage, this region is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the nature, history and culture of France. A little further north, nature enthusiasts will find a peaceful haven in the renowned French Alps, known for their breathtaking alpine scenery and outdoor activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. With the largest skiing area in the world, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/auvergne-rhone-alpes-0l60750">French Alps</a> offer unforgettable experiences for all kinds of nature lovers, all year long. Finally, with their world-famous cuisine and vibrant arts scenes, French cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux offer an unforgettable experience that combines the best of urban living and cultural heritage. Regarding the cost of living, France is a great place to call home. Although prices have increased in recent years, it remains more affordable compared to other European nations like the UK. With a strong economy and an excellent quality of life, &nbsp;You can experience a comfortable lifestyle without overspending. Also, the French culture offers a more relaxed and laid-back way of life that will have you feeling right at home in no time. Why not seize the moment and fall deeply in love with a property in France? Start living your dream today by preparing for your move and reading our location guides on different regions and provinces in France. &nbsp;

base64_flag_fr.png

thumbnail_flag_fr.png

xsmall_flag_fr.png

flag_fr.png

France

france en

base64_flag_it.png

thumbnail_flag_it.png

xsmall_flag_it.png

flag_it.png

Italy

italy en

Where are you thinking of moving to?

Advice Italy Header

Italy Guides

Best destinations in Italy

Buying in Italy

Moving to Italy

Living in Italy

If you are dreaming of a life change in a sun-soaked paradise, Italy offers unparalleled beauty and charm. Need a nudge to take the plunge? These five reasons to buy property in Italy should inspire your journey towards la dolce vita!

base64_Beautiful Italian farmhouse in Tuscany (1).jpg

large_Beautiful Italian farmhouse in Tuscany (1).jpg

medium_Beautiful Italian farmhouse in Tuscany (1).jpg

small_Beautiful Italian farmhouse in Tuscany (1).jpg

thumbnail_Beautiful Italian farmhouse in Tuscany (1).jpg

xlarge_Beautiful Italian farmhouse in Tuscany (1).jpg

xsmall_Beautiful Italian farmhouse in Tuscany (1).jpg

Beautiful Italian farmhouse in Tuscany (1).jpg

5 Reasons to buy a property in Italy

Whether you’re looking for ideas on how to make friends in Italy or you want to learn more about the culture. Read on for our guide on living in Italy as an expat retiree.

base64_Retired friends in the street of Cefalu town, Palermo region, Sicily island in Italy.jpg

large_Retired friends in the street of Cefalu town, Palermo region, Sicily island in Italy.jpg

medium_Retired friends in the street of Cefalu town, Palermo region, Sicily island in Italy.jpg

small_Retired friends in the street of Cefalu town, Palermo region, Sicily island in Italy.jpg

thumbnail_Retired friends in the street of Cefalu town, Palermo region, Sicily island in Italy.jpg

xlarge_Retired friends in the street of Cefalu town, Palermo region, Sicily island in Italy.jpg

xsmall_Retired friends in the street of Cefalu town, Palermo region, Sicily island in Italy.jpg

Retired friends in the street of Cefalu town, Palermo region, Sicily island in Italy.jpg

How to make friends as an expat retiree in Italy

From quaint countryside villas to elegant apartments in historic city centres, there is a retirement property to suit every taste and budget.

base64_lombardy.jpeg

large_lombardy.jpeg

medium_lombardy.jpeg

small_lombardy.jpeg

thumbnail_lombardy.jpeg

xsmall_lombardy.jpeg

lombardy.jpeg

Our favourite retirement properties in Italy

The romantic charm of Italy is alluring and fresh and while you may choose to live near friends or family in Italy, you might also indulge yourself by considering your own preferences. 

Lake Como, village Bellagio, Italy. Senior couple weekend getaway having rest on the bench by spectacular lake Como in Italy. Sunny day scenery. (1).jpg

base64_Lake Como, village Bellagio, Italy. Senior couple weekend getaway having rest on the bench by spectacular lake Como in Italy. Sunny day scenery. (1).jpg

large_Lake Como, village Bellagio, Italy. Senior couple weekend getaway having rest on the bench by spectacular lake Como in Italy. Sunny day scenery. (1).jpg

medium_Lake Como, village Bellagio, Italy. Senior couple weekend getaway having rest on the bench by spectacular lake Como in Italy. Sunny day scenery. (1).jpg

small_Lake Como, village Bellagio, Italy. Senior couple weekend getaway having rest on the bench by spectacular lake Como in Italy. Sunny day scenery. (1).jpg

thumbnail_Lake Como, village Bellagio, Italy. Senior couple weekend getaway having rest on the bench by spectacular lake Como in Italy. Sunny day scenery. (1).jpg

xsmall_Lake Como, village Bellagio, Italy. Senior couple weekend getaway having rest on the bench by spectacular lake Como in Italy. Sunny day scenery. (1).jpg

Best destinations to retire to in Italy

This guide will take the stress and unknowns out of finding out how you can move to Italy. We’ve covered you from visas to residency, working and driving, to owning a second home.  

base64_Friends in Milan cathedral.jpg

large_Friends in Milan cathedral.jpg

medium_Friends in Milan cathedral.jpg

small_Friends in Milan cathedral.jpg

thumbnail_Friends in Milan cathedral.jpg

xsmall_Friends in Milan cathedral.jpg

Friends in Milan cathedral.jpg

Moving to Italy: Legal considerations

Moving to another country is an exciting adventure that your furry friends can absolutely join in with. Read on to find out how to take your pet to Italy.

Dog enjoying the Amalfi coast in Italy.jpg

base64_Dog enjoying the Amalfi coast in Italy.jpg

large_Dog enjoying the Amalfi coast in Italy.jpg

medium_Dog enjoying the Amalfi coast in Italy.jpg

small_Dog enjoying the Amalfi coast in Italy.jpg

thumbnail_Dog enjoying the Amalfi coast in Italy.jpg

xsmall_Dog enjoying the Amalfi coast in Italy.jpg

Taking your pet to Italy

An overview of everything retirees need to know about retiring to Italy.

base64_Main image.jpg

large_Main image.jpg

medium_Main image.jpg

small_Main image.jpg

thumbnail_Main image.jpg

xsmall_Main image.jpg

Main image.jpg

Retiring to Italy: Everything you need to know 

An overview of what you need to know if you plan to work in Italy after you’ve moved there. 

Feature Image: Winemaker harvesting Bobal grapes in mediterranean vineyard fields.jpg

base64_Feature Image: Winemaker harvesting Bobal grapes in mediterranean vineyard fields.jpg

large_Feature Image: Winemaker harvesting Bobal grapes in mediterranean vineyard fields.jpg

medium_Feature Image: Winemaker harvesting Bobal grapes in mediterranean vineyard fields.jpg

small_Feature Image: Winemaker harvesting Bobal grapes in mediterranean vineyard fields.jpg

thumbnail_Feature Image: Winemaker harvesting Bobal grapes in mediterranean vineyard fields.jpg

xsmall_Feature Image: Winemaker harvesting Bobal grapes in mediterranean vineyard fields.jpg

Working in Italy as an expat

Thinking of moving to Italy from UK? There are legal aspects that you should know in advance. Visit this guide and prepare for living in Italy after Brexit.

Back view of a women enjoying view of Atrani village on Amalfi Coast

base64_Shutterstock_2153204865 (2).jpg

large_Shutterstock_2153204865 (2).jpg

medium_Shutterstock_2153204865 (2).jpg

small_Shutterstock_2153204865 (2).jpg

thumbnail_Shutterstock_2153204865 (2).jpg

xlarge_Shutterstock_2153204865 (2).jpg

xsmall_Shutterstock_2153204865 (2).jpg

Shutterstock_2153204865 (2).jpg

Moving to Italy from UK: 5 legal aspects you should consider

Thinking of making the move to Italy as a British citizen? Find out about the visa requirements and how to obtain an Italian residence permit

Select a language

Your account

Moving to Italy

Get property bargains in your inbox