22 Thrifty Retirement Spots with Affordable Options for Senior Bliss

14. Portugal (Beyond the Algarve): Hidden Charms & Atlantic Breezes

While the Algarve is famous, Portugal offers incredible value further north or inland. Explore the historic university city of Coimbra, the charming coastal town of Nazaré (known for surfing), or the verdant Dão wine region. Here, you'll find stunning architecture, delicious food, and a slower pace of life at a fraction of Lisbon's or the southern coast's prices. Portugal boasts excellent, affordable healthcare, a rich history, and warm, welcoming locals. Its Golden Visa program for non-EU citizens offers pathways to residency, making an idyllic, budget-friendly European retirement a very real possibility.