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As Brits, we’re lucky to have continental Europe on our doorstep. The delights of Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and so many other beautiful countries are just a short flight away. Though, for some people, going on holiday is just the beginning and they decide they want to put down roots.
Each year, almost 100,000 Brits move abroad, so if you’re dreaming of starting a new life in Europe, you’re certainly not alone.
While there are many European countries you can live happily in, when it comes to quality of life, safety, good transport links, and making friends, there are some clear standouts.
To help you find out more, we’ve partnered with Kyero, a leading real estate marketplace that helps people find their dream property abroad.
Whether you’re thinking of making a permanent move abroad or you’re in a position to buy a holiday home – either for yourself or to rent – Kyero can help you navigate the journey of buying a property. If you’re looking for inspiration, have a look at these 10 popular European destinations that are perfectly suited for a move abroad.
Spain
Spain has long been the most popular destination for British expats, and for good reason. With an alluring climate, relaxed lifestyle, welcoming culture, and tantalising cuisine, and has recently been named the healthiest country in the world – in terms of physical and mental wellbeing – by the Bloomberg Global Health Index.
Spain is also an affordable country on the whole, with great transport links and a good healthcare system. Plus, its large size means that it’s incredibly diverse, so whether you’re dreaming of settling down in a sleepy beach town or a cosmopolitan city, you’ll have plenty of options.
To find out more about what’s involved in a move to this part of the world, you might want to check out Kyero’s guide to buying in Spain. And to get you inspired, here are four of the most popular Spanish destinations to relocate to.
Alicante
Alicante is an excellent place to live if you want to meet other expats. Located on Spain’s Costa Blanca, its blissful beaches, fabulous weather, and lively resorts mean it’s beloved by tourists – but this picturesque city has lots going for it once the holidaymakers go home.
The breezy streets and wide esplanades are perfect for strolling, and there are more cafés and bars than you can count.
This is a city that’s fast becoming known for its food scene, so fans of Spanish food will be in their element. There’s also plenty of culture and history here too, and you can visit the old quarter and castle before exploring the city’s many museums and art galleries.
Alicante has a very Mediterranean feel, though its sunkissed beaches are just a short flight from the UK.
Málaga
The Costa del Sol is often associated with mass tourism – with soulless resorts and overcrowded beaches. But while parts of this region are undeniably touristy, Málaga is no mere resort town, and you’ll find far more locals here than holidaymakers.
Located between the rugged Montes de Málaga mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Málaga’s location is unrivalled.
This is a beguiling port city with a story; a unique place where old meets new. Living here, there’ll be plenty of time to wander through the city’s historic centre, explore the hilltop castle, and visit the art district, Soho, and its many galleries – after all, Málaga is famously the birthplace of Picasso.
Add to that gorgeous beaches and buzzing harbour, and you’ve got everything you could wish for. Málaga is also a foodie heaven, famous for its delicious tapas, such as gazpacho and gambas pil pil.
Granada
If you’re drawn to southern Spain’s Andalusia region, but prefer being among the mountains rather than by the sea, then the city of Granada is an excellent place to live.
Located in the foothills of the hulking Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is one of Spain’s most striking and important cities and is jam-packed with culture and history.
Granada is home to some of the world’s best-preserved medieval Moorish architecture – in particular, the Alhambra, which is a vast hilltop fortress boasting royal palaces, peaceful patios, serene fountains, and mirror-like pools.
The old-fashioned tapas bars here are also some of the best in Spain. Plus, the rich culture, fascinating flamenco, and bustling streets instantly draw you in.
Tenerife
Drawn to Spain but like the idea of living on an island rather than the mainland? Tenerife might be your perfect destination.
As the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife offers a dizzying amount of diversity, whatever you’re into. This island has everything from white sand beaches to ancient forests, and volcanic peaks to charming and historic towns.
A big perk of Tenerife is its weather, which is balmy all year round, so if you’d like to hit the beach in winter, you’re in the right place.
But the cities are just as lovely, from the lively capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife to traditional Puerto de la Cruz. There are also many unspoilt inland towns where you can enjoy fabulous local cuisine, stroll among cobbled streets, and admire views of Spain’s highest peak.
Portugal
Just like Spain, neighbouring Portugal is one of the most popular places for British expats to move to.
As one of Western Europe’s most affordable countries, the property is far cheaper here than in the UK – and the glorious weather and excellent healthcare are also major pluses.
Plus, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, and getting back to the UK is quick and easy. Though it’s much smaller than Spain, Portugal is also very diverse, and you can move to cosmopolitan cities, idyllic islands, or cultural coastal towns.
Below are three of the most popular destinations in Portugal to relocate to.
Porto
It might be Portugal’s second city, but Porto comes first if you’re looking to live in a city, yet still enjoy a slow pace of life.
Smaller and more relaxed than the capital Lisbon, Porto is colourful, atmospheric, characterful, and incredibly photogenic. Situated on the banks of the Douro River, this hilly city is packed with cobblestone lanes, grand architectural monuments, and towering cast-iron bridges.
Porto’s food and wine scene is also edgy yet opulent and has long lured visitors – particularly port enthusiasts. This is a city that’s made for walking, whether it’s losing yourself in the labyrinth-like alleys, ambling along the buzzing riverside, or finding a spot above the terracotta rooftops to watch the spectacular sunsets.
Packed with stylish bars, excellent restaurants, and vibrant street art, this city hums with life.
Faro
Portugal’s Algarve region has long been popular with British holidaymakers – but if you’re looking to put down roots and build a new life here, you’ll probably want to avoid the crowded resort towns and choose to live somewhere more authentic.
As the Algarve’s capital, Faro has a much more traditional Portuguese feel than other Algarve towns, though it still has a relaxed holiday vibe.
There’s plenty to do here, from exploring the pretty parks and plazas to wandering along the marina and mosaic-paved streets and shopping in the large, modern malls.
The history is rich here too, particularly in the intriguing Old Town, which is ringed by grand medieval walls. Plus, beautiful beaches are within easy reach and the idyllic Culatra Island is just a short ferry ride away.
Madeira
It might be part of Portugal, but the island of Madeira is nothing like the mainland.
Located off the northwest coast of Africa, Madeira enjoys a fabulous subtropical climate which has given it the nickname, ‘The Island of Eternal Spring’.
Geologically dramatic and diverse, there are magnificent mountains, sensational coastal trails, and flower-adorned levadas to explore.
Madeira is especially known for its colourful flora, and hydrangeas, geraniums, hibiscuses, and fuchsias are found all over. And the sleepy wine villages in the north are worlds apart from the energetic capital of Funchal in the south – though no matter where you are, you’re never far from a dazzling view.
Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy spotting whales, dolphins, and sea lions in the waters too.
France
If Spain or Portugal don’t do it for you, then you may want to think about moving to France. Just a short flight or train ride across the channel, this is a destination that’s long been popular with British expats and it’s perfectly situated for doing plenty of travelling across the rest of Europe.
French culture is all about living well, whether that’s taking advantage of the celebrated food and wine, or prioritising the art de vivre: the art of living.
With a good healthcare system, affordable housing, and excellent transport links, it’s easy to focus on the joys of life – and as a big, diverse country, you can pick the part of the country that calls to you most.
Below are two of the most popular destinations in France to relocate to.
The Dordogne
The Dordogne might technically refer to a river to the French, but to us Brits, it has a much wider meaning.
The Dordogne refers to the region south of Limoges and includes the captivating Dordogne and Vézère valleys. This is part of France that’s famous for its château-studded countryside, pretty villages, fortified towns, and meandering rivers.
The fact that the Dordogne is so popular with expats means it’s a very easy place to settle into – although there’s plenty of authentic culture and history here too.
You can spend your free time sampling the rich food and exceptional wine this region is known for, exploring France’s finest prehistoric caves, visiting ancient castles, and hiking through verdant river valleys.
Morbihan
If you prefer the idea of living on the coast instead of inland, you might want to consider Morbihan.
Located on Brittany’s sunny southern coastline, Morbihan – or the Golfe du Morbihan, to use its correct name – is a beautiful haven that includes around 40 different islands. Known for its sweeping sandy beaches, it’s a wonderful and tranquil place to live.
While this region of France may be most famous for its stunning coastline, it also has a whole host of charming towns to set up base in, from picturesque ports to charismatic medieval villages.
Those who love to step back in time can enjoy regular views of the Carnac Stones – a megalithic site that predates Stonehenge – while nature enthusiasts can enjoy walking on the beaches and island hopping.
Italy
And finally, there’s Italy – a country that, just like France, delights in slow living and simple pleasures. If you’re looking for a laidback lifestyle that’s centred around food, socialising, and living la dolce vita – the sweet life – Italy could be your ideal destination.
There are many places in Italy where you can easily set up a home, and prices vary significantly based on location. Generally speaking, the south is cheaper than the north, but there are exceptions – and if you avoid tourist hotspots you can easily buy a lovely property on the coast.
Taking all this into account, our pick for an Italian move abroad is Imperia.
Imperia
Imperia is an enchanting province on the Ligurian coastline. Situated close to the French border and along the so-called Italian Riviera, Liguria is famous for its rugged cliffs, azure coves, and colourful seaside towns.
Aside from the city of Imperia itself, this province encompasses hill hamlets, two ports, and plenty of rural areas that are devoted to the production of olives and flowers.
Though it’s in the north of Italy, Imperia is more affordable than other Ligurian towns like San Remo, Genoa, or Noli, yet it possesses the same Mediterranean charm, gorgeous beaches, and vibrant harbours.
Plus, if you want to get away from it all, the nearby mountains, which are speckled with olive groves, vineyards, and sleepy villages, offer some quiet respite.
Final thoughts…
Moving abroad can be a daunting prospect, but while it requires plenty of research – and a leap of faith – there are many reasons why moving to continental Europe can be one of the most rewarding things you can do with your life.
Not only is the weather better, but the cost of living is usually lower too – and life often ticks by at a far more pleasant and leisurely pace. Plus, the delicious fresh food, excellent wine, and focus on social occasions are just an added bonus.
We know how important it is to feel supported when thinking about moving abroad – and that’s why we’ve partnered with Kyero. As a leading international property portal, Kyero has the knowledge, passion, and expertise to help you feel confident about moving abroad.
If you’re not sure whether a move abroad is for you, Kyero’s comprehensive guide to buying in Spain will explain more about what might be involved.
And, while this article showcases 10 of the most popular European destinations for a move abroad, they’re by no means your only options. To find out more about which places might suit you, head over to the Kyero website.