The European ‘secret cities’ where expats can live for less better – with walkable neighborhoods and beautiful surroundings

Do you want to move abroad, escape from the crowds and save money?

A new list of the expat experts at International life has unveiled eight of Europe’s best ‘secret cities’.

Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International lifeSays: ‘Everyone talks about places like Barcelona, ​​Lisbon and Florence. But the best overseas destinations are not always the one you have heard of.

‘We have made it our mission to overlook, undervalued and net-right places.

‘You don’t have to be rich or an adventurous junkie to lead a more international life.

“These cities offer good internet, local health care, accessible transport and a pace of life that is hard to find in cities that are flooded with tourists.”

From a sun -drenched city on the French Riviera to a storybook city close to the Berg Olympus … these places may be itchy to move.

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

A beautiful city located between Nice and Monaco France‘S Cote d’Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers expats a’ quieter, more intimate view of Riviera Life ‘.

Jennifer reveals: “With his pastel -colored village houses, sweeping the view of the bay and a strong community of part -time expats, it is a place where expats immediately feel welcome.”

She adds that the cultural life of the city thrives all year round with open -air concerts, art exhibitions and jazz evenings in ‘Cozy Harborside clubs’.

A few can expect to spend at least $ 3,000/£ 2,233 per month, with rent from around € 1,300/£ 2,527/$ 3,394.

Toulon, France

Toulon is a ‘Under-the-radar gemstone along the Kote d’Azur’ that ‘is often overshadowed by glamorous neighbors such as Nice and Cannes’.

However, Jennifer explains that the ‘Sunny Port City’ Mediterrane ‘lifestyle -benefits, such as’ Living Living, 300+ days sunshine per year and a flowering food scene ‘at a much more accessible costs’.

She reveals: “Along the Mourillon beach, pensioners swim, practice yoga or enjoy wine at cafe-omzoomed bays.”

And it’s a bargain. Housing is 20 percent cheaper than available in other French coast destinations with two bedroom apartments from $ 950/£ 706 and couples that need a monthly budget of $ 2,800/£ 2,471.

Espodente, Portugal

A city that feels more like a ‘silent coastal city’, Espopente is in the Braga District in Noord -Portugal.

“Residents enjoy Ocean Breezes, a historic city center with an extraordinary fountain boat sculpture and walkable, usually flat terrain that is great for seniors,” Jennifer reveals.

She adds that it is a popular area for outdoor activities, in which many residents enjoy surfing, golf and horse in their free time.

An apartment with two bedrooms costs somewhere between $ 872- $ 1,090/£ 649- £ 811 and expats can live with a modest budget.

Guimarães, Portugal

This historic city is known as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’ and has medieval character, a center designated by UNESCO and ‘lively contemporary culture’.

While the old city has paved on lanes and Gothic architecture, the city is also the home of modern cafés, restaurants and boutiques.

Jennifer reveals: “Guimaraes does not feel like a museum – it is a functioning, future -oriented city with a lively student population and a growing international profile.”

The monthly living costs are estimated at around $ 1,800/£ 1,340 for a few.

Santo Tirso, Portugal

Santo Tirso is a ‘riverside gem’ in the north of Portugal that combines ‘historical charm with peaceful life’.

It is best known for its 10th -century monastery, but the city also has thermal spas and even an urban beach.

Jennifer adds: ‘Pensioners will appreciate his affordability and relaxed atmosphere. For those looking for nature, serenity and small city character, Santo Tirso is a compelling basis. ‘

Furnished apartments with one bedroom in Santo Tirso costs around $ 925/£ 688 per month.

Villa Nova de Famalicao, Portugal

Villa Nova de Famalicao is a ‘modern middle class city’ in the north of Portugal and is ‘on the rise’, says International Living.

The city is only 20 minutes from Porto and has ‘excellent infrastructure’, ‘strong transport connections’ and a ‘youthful energy’.

“The city is walking, has enough green space and even offers cooperating areas in the local libraries,” says Jennifer.

An apartment with four bedrooms costs around $ 1,516/£ 1,128 per month, while the costs of an apartment with one bedroom start from $ 179,000/£ 133,282.

Litochoro, Greece

Litochoro is located between the Aegean Sea and the Mount Olympus and has a ‘rare mix of Alpine Charme and Kust access’.

A village of 7,000 people, Litochoro is known for its ‘lively local life’ and ‘proximity to hiking trails of world class’.

Jennifer says: “Although the expat population is small, it is a hospitable and active community, especially attractive for nature lovers, digital nomads and pensioners.”

An apartment with two bedrooms in Litochoro costs around $ 270- $ 380/£ 201- 283 per month.

Ascoli Piceno, Italy

Acoli Piceno, a city in the Central Marche region, is ‘older than Rome’ and ‘full of grandeur’.

International Living describes the center of the city as ‘an architectural miracle’ with churches, Piazza’s, palaces, boutiques and cafés.

Jennifer says: “Expats are drawn by the flat, walkable layout, active cultural life, highly appreciated healthcare and proximity of Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains.”

Countryside Homes can be purchased for less than $ 200,000/£ 149,013, while a rent with two bedrooms in the center of Ascoli Piskeno costs around $ 650- $ 1,200/£ 484- £ 894 per month.