From Greece to Bali: Full List of the World's Top 24 Retirement Destinations for 2026

Greece has been ranked the world’s top retirement destination for 2026, followed by Panama and Costa Rica, according to International Living’s 35th Annual Global Retirement Index.

The annual ranking features 24 destinations across Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. It highlights places that appeal to retirees for their climate, cost of living, healthcare, infrastructure and lifestyle.

From Greece’s sun-drenched islands to the tropical beaches of Southeast Asia, the list offers a range of options for those considering spending their retirement years abroad. Here are the 24 destinations featured in the 2026 ranking.

Greece tops the list with its Mediterranean lifestyle, historic towns and hundreds of islands, offering retirees a choice of coastal living, quieter mainland communities and lively cities. Its rich history, warm climate and relaxed pace of life add to its appeal.

Panama attracts retirees with its modern infrastructure, international air connections and use of the US dollar alongside the Panamanian balboa. Its capital, Panama City, offers urban conveniences, while smaller towns provide a quieter way of life.

Known for its rainforests, beaches, volcanoes and diverse wildlife, Costa Rica offers a tropical setting for retirement. Its healthcare services, residency options and welcoming communities have also helped it build a long-standing reputation among expatriates.

Portugal combines Atlantic coastlines, historic towns and scenic countryside with a relaxed European lifestyle. From its bustling cities to its quieter seaside communities, the country offers a variety of settings for retirees seeking a slower pace of life.

Mexico remains a popular retirement destination for North Americans, thanks to its proximity to the US and Canada, varied climate and diverse living options. Retirees can choose from coastal towns and fishing villages to historic colonial communities and cosmopolitan cities.

Italy appeals to retirees with its rich cultural heritage, celebrated cuisine, historic architecture and picturesque countryside. Beyond its major cities, smaller towns and coastal communities offer opportunities for a more relaxed lifestyle.

France combines scenic countryside, historic villages, renowned cuisine and a rich cultural scene. Retirees can choose between the sophistication of Paris, rural communities surrounded by vineyards and the warmer Mediterranean coast.

Spain offers sunny weather, beaches, lively cities and a strong food culture. Its varied regions provide options ranging from bustling urban centres to quieter coastal towns, while living costs can be relatively affordable in some areas compared with other parts of Western Europe.

Thailand attracts retirees with its tropical climate, beaches, vibrant cities and relatively affordable cost of living. Its food, cultural attractions and access to healthcare services add to its appeal for those considering a move to Southeast Asia.

Malaysia blends modern urban centres with tropical beaches, rainforests and a diverse cultural landscape. Cities such as Kuala Lumpur and destinations such as Penang offer modern amenities and established expatriate communities.

Ecuador offers striking geographical diversity, from the Andes Mountains and Amazon rainforest to Pacific beaches and the Galápagos Islands. Its range of climates and comparatively affordable lifestyle make it an option for retirees seeking different living environments.

Malta is a small Mediterranean destination known for its sunny weather, historic architecture and coastal scenery. English is widely spoken, and the island combines a rich cultural heritage with modern infrastructure and access to the wider European region.

Uruguay stands out for its political and social stability, established infrastructure and mild climate. Retirees can choose between the cultural life of Montevideo, seaside destinations such as Punta del Este and quieter communities in the countryside.

Ireland appeals to those seeking green countryside, historic towns and a rich literary and cultural heritage. Its changing seasons, traditional pubs and welcoming communities offer a distinctive lifestyle, although the climate is generally cooler and wetter than in Mediterranean destinations.

Colombia's varied landscapes range from Caribbean beaches and coffee-growing regions to mountain towns and bustling cities. Its cultural traditions, warm local communities and relatively affordable living costs in some locations contribute to its appeal among expatriates.

Belize offers a Caribbean lifestyle with sandy beaches, coral reefs and tropical forests. English is its primary language, which can make the transition easier for English-speaking retirees, while its coastal islands and inland communities provide different ways to live.

Nicaragua combines volcanic landscapes, lakes, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, and historic colonial cities. Its relatively low cost of living and warm climate appeal to retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle, although individual circumstances and local conditions should be considered.

Vietnam offers a mix of energetic cities, coastal communities and rich cultural traditions. Its relatively affordable living costs, varied food scene and modern conveniences attract expatriates, while destinations such as Da Nang and Nha Trang offer access to beaches.

Croatia is known for its Adriatic coastline, historic towns and more than 1,000 islands. Coastal destinations offer Mediterranean scenery, while inland areas feature lakes, rivers and mountains. Its European location also appeals to retirees who want to travel around the continent.

The Dominican Republic offers warm weather, Caribbean beaches, colonial history and a range of coastal and urban communities. Its international airports and established tourism infrastructure provide convenient connections, while housing and everyday expenses vary by location.

Montenegro combines Adriatic beaches, medieval towns and dramatic mountain scenery. The Bay of Kotor and its historic waterfront settlements are among its best-known attractions, while the country's smaller size offers a different pace of life from Europe's larger retirement destinations.

Bali attracts expatriates with its tropical scenery, terraced rice fields, beaches and distinctive cultural traditions. From the wellness and arts scene in Ubud to the coastal communities in the south, the Indonesian island offers a range of lifestyles, although local living costs vary by area.

Roatán offers a Caribbean island lifestyle with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and a slower pace of life. The island has a small but established expatriate community, while its natural surroundings appeal to those who enjoy outdoor activities and coastal living.

Sri Lanka rounds out the list with tropical beaches, tea plantations, ancient temples and wildlife-rich national parks. Its cultural heritage, warm climate and relatively affordable living costs offer appeal to retirees looking for an island lifestyle in South Asia.

The 2026 ranking highlights the variety of destinations available to people considering retirement abroad, from Mediterranean Europe and Latin America to Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. However, the right choice depends on an individual's budget, healthcare needs, residency eligibility and lifestyle preferences. Prospective retirees should research local living costs, visa requirements and access to medical services before making a decision.