Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Live and Invest Overseas.
“It rains more here than back in England!”
Over tea and madeleines yesterday, my British friend Lucy groused a bit about the recent weather. A recent transplant to Paris from the U.K., she hadn’t expected to see as much precipitation here as her home country is famous for.
“At least back home it’s just a steady mist or fine drizzle, you can still live your life,” she continued. “It’s been pouring here for days and you just can’t imagine leaving the house in it!”
Here in Paris, it’s been rainy for weeks, and we haven’t seen much of the sky, just lots of gray clouds of late. I can’t complain, though … honestly, I love this moody, broody atmosphere in the fall.
But I recognize it’s not what most people imagine when they plan for a new life in Europe. And even I admit, when November rolls around in Northern Europe, it’s hard not to let your mind wander south.
Here are my top picks for a new life in Europe’s sunnier, southern climes.
1. Spain: 3,000+ sunshine hours per year
Spain’s southern coast has long been famous for its year-round sunshine…
From the famous Costa del Sol all the way along the coast through Valencia and up to Barcelona, there’s no shortage of fantastic havens to choose from that promise sandy beaches and plenty of warm days in which to enjoy them.
Hometown of Picasso and a city renowned for its arts culture, Malaga gets roughly 320 days of sunshine per year in its position on the Mediterranean coast.
This part of Spain, the uber-famous Costa del Sol, has been well-populated by Brits for many decades already, so it’s easy to get by speaking English here.
Beaches are a few minutes’ walk from the city center, mountains just 30 minutes to the north, and the city boasts a wealth of historic sites.
That said, Malaga isn’t my first choice in Spain. I’d opt for Valencia or Barcelona myself.
Sun and fun in Valencia and Barcelona
Valencia is a cosmopolitan city full of parks and green spaces, and it’s won countless accolades, from “most pleasant place to live as a foreigner” (first out of 50 cities in InterNations’ Expat City Ranking 2022) to “Green Capital of the Future” (2024 winner).
It’s innovative, full of art, and even offers beaches, just a 20-minute metro or bus ride from the city center.
Barcelona’s beaches were created in 1992 and have since become one of the stunning city’s biggest draws. I’m a city girl who loves history and art, and Barcelona has a wealth of both in addition to its seaside attractions.
If I were to move from Paris, I’ve often said that Barcelona would be my first choice for a new home.
Between the art, the history, the nightlife, the mountains, and the beaches, there’s something in Spain for everyone.
2. Cyprus: 3,803 sunshine hours per year
For about 320 days a year, the sun shines full-faced on Cyprus, legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love.
Ever dream of living on a quiet island in the middle of the Mediterranean, but it always seemed out of your price range?
With white-sand beaches, warm water, year-round sunshine, and one of the world’s healthiest diets, Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, could be the answer.
This lesser-known corner of Europe is a welcoming land of ancient history, and romance.
With real estate and day-to-day living expenses at a fraction of the cost of mainland Europe, Cyprus is quickly becoming a popular retirement destination for expats from around the globe.
Expat community in Cyprus
Cyprus may be an off-the-radar choice for North Americans, but that doesn’t mean it’s an unheard-of retire-overseas destination.
A strong expat community made up of mostly Brits and people from other parts of Europe has established itself here.
As a former Crown colony, English is widely spoken across Cyprus. Having a language in common with the locals breaks down barriers. In short, it makes it easier to settle here.
Beyond its beaches, Cyprus is a place to embrace the outdoors. Cyprus has world-class golf courses with sweeping views over the ocean and hiking trails through its mountains and forests.
Cyprus is exploding with ancient sites of history and culture.
From Neolithic villages and tombs to Roman amphitheaters to medieval castles … the island is a testament to its rich history, much of it in a well-preserved state.
3. Italy: 2,300+ sunshine hours per year
Northern Italy gets less sun exposure, but if you look from the center of the boot down, you’re guaranteed at least 2,000 hours a year.
Abruzzo, one of my favorite regions in Italy, boasts over 2,300 hours of sunshine, and it offers both beaches and nearby mountains for hiking or skiing in the winter.
Go farther south to Puglia or Calabria, and you’re looking at more than 2,500 hours a year.
Sicily and Sardinia, Italy’s two largest islands, both see over 3,000 hours a year, and offer some of the most idyllic, rustic lifestyles in Europe.
Plenty to explore in Italy
Along with its generous stretches of coastline, Italy offers one of the most varied landscapes on Earth, including scenic mountain ranges and stunning lakes.
Home of the Roman Empire, Italy maintains a solid connection to its past, with hundreds of ruins still visible in many cities and towns.
The Renaissance is also seen across the country, with some of the most famously beautiful architecture in the world.
Art galleries, museums, cultural tours, delicious cuisine, local wines, festivals, and historic train routes abound.
Plus, la dolce vita (“the sweet life”) is much more affordable than you think.
4. Portugal: 2,500 to 3,200 sunshine hours per year
Depending on where you go in Portugal, you’re guaranteed at least 280 sunny days per year. Capital city Lisbon is known for its clear sunny skies, and the southern coast, the Algarve, has long attracted Brits for its sun exposure.
Expats enjoy Portugal’s beautiful landscapes, historical architecture, stunning beaches, and welcoming residency programs. It’s also one of the most consistently peaceful countries in the world.
Nowadays, Portugal is home to 700,000 expats: mostly Europeans and North Americans.
Expat Jeff Woodruff says, “We found the climate comparable to what we had in California.
“Portugal gets more than 300 sunny days per year, and its climate is mild year-round. We don’t worry about exorbitant heating or air conditioning bills thanks to reduced need and reasonable energy rates.”
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