Want to move abroad, escape the crowds and save money?
A new list from the expat experts at International Living has revealed eight of Europe’s best ‘secret towns’.
Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living, says: ‘Everybody talks about places like Barcelona, Lisbon and Florence. But the best overseas destinations aren’t always the ones you’ve heard of.
‘We’ve made it our mission to seek out overlooked, underappreciated and just-right-for-someone places.
‘You don’t need to be wealthy or an adventure junkie to live a more international life.
‘These towns offer good internet, local healthcare, accessible transport and a pace of life that’s hard to find in cities overrun with tourists.’
From a sun-kissed town on the French Riviera to a storybook town close to Mount Olympus…these spots might have you itching to relocate.
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Jennifer reveals: ‘With its pastel-coloured village homes, sweeping bay views and strong community of part-time expats, Villefranche-sur Mer is a place where expats feel instantly welcome’
A beautiful town located between Nice and Monaco on France‘s Cote d’Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers expats a ‘quieter, more intimate take on Riviera life’.
Jennifer reveals: ‘With its pastel-coloured village homes, sweeping bay views and strong community of part-time expats, it’s a place where expats feel instantly welcome.’
She adds that the town’s cultural life ‘thrives year-round’ with open-air concerts, art exhibitions and jazz nights at ‘cosy harbourside clubs’.
A couple can expect to spend at least $3,000/£2,233 a month, with rent starting around €1,300/£2,527/$3,394.
Toulon, France
Jennifer explains that Toulon offers Mediterranean ‘lifestyle perks’ such as ‘waterfront living, 300+ days of sunshine a year and a thriving food scene’ at a much ‘more accessible cost’
Toulon is an ‘under-the-radar gem along the Cote d’Azur’ that’s ‘often overshadowed by glamourous neighbours like Nice and Cannes’.
However, Jennifer explains that the ‘sunny port city’ offers Mediterranean ‘lifestyle perks’ such as ‘waterfront living, 300+ days of sunshine a year and a thriving food scene’ at a much ‘more accessible cost’.
She reveals: ‘Along the Mourillon beachfront, retirees swim, practice yoga or enjoy wine at cafe-lined bays.’
And it’s a bargain. Housing is 20 per cent cheaper than in other French coastal destinations with two bedroom apartments available from $950/£706 and couples needing a monthly budget of $2,800/£2,471.
Esposende, Portugal
Esposende has ‘an historic town centre with an extraordinary fountain-boat sculpture and walkable, mostly flat terrain that’s great for seniors,’ reveals Jennifer.
A city that feels more like a ‘quiet coastal town’, Esposende is located in northern Portugal’s Braga District.
‘Residents enjoy ocean breezes, an historic town centre with an extraordinary fountain-boat sculpture and walkable, mostly flat terrain that’s great for seniors,’ reveals Jennifer.
She adds that it’s a popular area for outdoor activities with many residents enjoying surfing, golf and horse-riding in their free time.
A two bedroom apartment costs anywhere between $872-$1,090/£649-£811 and expats are able to live on a modest budget.
Guimarães, Portugal
While its old town has cobbled lanes and Gothic architecture, Guimaraes is also home to modern cafes, restaurants and boutiques
This historic city is known as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’ and has medieval character, a UNESCO designated centre and ‘vibrant contemporary culture’.
While its old town has cobbled lanes and Gothic architecture, the city is also home to modern cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Jennifer reveals: ‘Guimaraes doesn’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 to be around $1,800/£1,340 for a couple.
Santo Tirso, Portugal
Santo Tirso is best known for its 10th century monastery but the town also has thermal spas and even an urban beach
Santo Tirso is a ‘riverside gem’ located in northern Portugal that blends ‘historic charm with peaceful living’.
It’s best known for its 10th century monastery but the town also has thermal spas and even an urban beach.
Jennifer adds: ‘Retirees will appreciate its affordability and relaxed atmosphere. For those seeking nature, serenity and small-town character, Santo Tirso is a compelling base.’
Furnished one bedroom apartments in Santo Tirso cost around $925/£688 a 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 a ‘youthful energy’.
‘The town is walkable, has ample green space and even offers co-working areas in the local libraries,’ says Jennifer.
A four-bedroom apartment costs around $1,516/£1,128 a month while the cost of a one-bedroom apartment starts from $179,000/£133,282.
Litochoro, Greece
A village of 7,000 people, Litochoro is known for its ‘vibrant local life’ and ‘proximity to world-class hiking trails’
Located between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus, Litochoro has a ‘rare blend of alpine charm and coastal access’.
A village of 7,000 people, Litochoro is known for its ‘vibrant local life’ and ‘proximity to world-class hiking trails’.
Jennifer says: ‘While the expat population is small, it’s a welcoming and active community, especially appealing to nature lovers, digital nomads and retirees.’
A two bedroom apartment in Litochoro costs around $270-$380/£201-£283 per month.
Ascoli Piceno, Italy
International Living describes Ascoli Piceno’s centre as ‘an architectural wonder’ with churches, piazzas, palaces, boutiques and cafes
A city in Italy’s central Marche region, Ascoli Piceno is ‘older than Rome’ and ‘brimming with grandeur’.
International Living describes the city’s centre 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 rated healthcare and proximity to Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains.’
Countryside homes can be purchased for under $200,000/£149,013 while a two-bedroom rental in the centre of Ascoli Pisceno costs around $650-$1,200/£484-£894 a month.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .