Portugal has been voted as the best place to retire in 2020 thanks to the low cost of living, climate and healthcare system in the country detailed in the latest report by International Living.
The Annual Global Retirement Index from International Living highlights destinations from around the globe where you can "live a healthier and happier life, spend a lot less money, and get a whole lot more".
Portugal topped the table for retirees, beating off competition from Panama in second place, Costa Rica in third and Mexico in fourth. Spain was ranked in eighth on the table while France came in ninth position.
A variety of factors were measured for the index including the cost of living, healthcare, climate and ease of obtaining a visa or residence permit. While Portugal faired especially well when it came to healthcare, scoring 98 out of a possible 100, the country did not come out so favourably when it came to visas and residency (75), governance (78) and opportunity (78).
High scores for Portugal in the climate category (88), entertainment (91) and housing (93), helped Portugal obtain a final score of 86, placing it at the top of the table and leading to International Living crowning the country as the best place to retire to in 2020.
Tricia Pimental from International Living said: "It’s hardly surprising that Portugal topped the 2020 Annual Global Retirement Index. From north to south, from the Atlantic west to the Spanish east, this country’s gracious people, bustling capital, brilliant sun, tantalizing beaches, and verdant valleys are more appealing than ever to a growing number of people".
"Steeped in history and culture, it has a pleasant climate year-round in most regions, as well as an extremely affordable cost of living. Whether you are looking for surfing beaches or ancient ruins, fine museums or hiking paths, a place to windsurf or to polish your golf game, you will find it in Portugal".
The safety of the country is also an important factor in the index and with Portugal rated as the third safest country in the world on the 2019 Global Peace Index, it makes the country not only a beautiful place to live but also a safe one too.
Those looking to spend their ‘golden years overseas will enjoy (Portugal’s) mediterranean climate, sandy beaches and seafood cuisine’.
Yahoo finance online picks up on the story, calling Portugal a “safe, friendly European haven with cosmopolitan cities and many beach towns, internationally acclaimed and affordable healthcare and the lowest cost of living in Western Europe”.
According to updated information, Portugal is in fact the 8th most affordable country in Europe. But according to ‘farandwide.com’, it is indeed the country with the friendliest people in which “94 percent of expats say the country has a friendly attitude towards out-of-towners”.
Get a budget Car Hire in Portugal to visit the country and discover the small hidden gems Portugal has to offer. Rent a Car is available all over the country and at the main portuguese airports.