A retirement in Europe could be one of the safest in the world—as well as one of the most fulfilling and affordable

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Some of the retirement havens I recommend to potential expats aren’t exactly household names in North America—some folks might never even have heard of them.

Others are in parts of Europe that, at first glance, might feel a little “too far east” for comfort, and I often get notes from readers asking if it’s really safe in these places.

I’d never suggest anyone move to or even visit a place that is unsafe. Every destination I recommend is one I’ve explored myself, often with my family, and where I know expats happily living today—people who keep me updated on daily life and conditions on the ground.

Of course, it’s impossible to say that anyplace is 100% trouble-free. There’s crime in every corner of the world, and common sense goes a long way to making sure you steer clear of any potential danger.

But when it comes to the countries I recommend, everyone who has ever visited them on my recommendation has reported back an overall feeling of security, peace, and tranquility—to an extent that they say they haven’t felt back home in a long time.

Explore these lesser-known European countries in complete saftey and security…

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What’s more, many of these countries have been given the highest safety ranking in the U.S. State Department’s official Travel Advisories.

Here are a few of my favorite, lesser-known spots in Europe that Washington says are as safe as it gets…

Cyprus

This little island is blessed with year-round warm weather, more sunshine than anyplace else in Europe, clear blue waters, and over 400 miles of coastline. The flowers that blossom across the valleys of the island give way to the mountains where you can hike year-round and even ski in winter.

Cyprus has about 400 miles of sandy beaches surrounded by stunning blue Mediterranean waters that are warm year-round.

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Formerly a British colony, English is widely spoken in Cyprus, and it’s easy to do business. It also offers a welcoming expat community, a rich culture, and delicious, healthy cuisine.

It ranked as the 13th safest country in the world by Global Finance in 2024 and 68th safest country in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index (for reference, the United States sites at 128). And it has some of the lowest homicide rates in the world.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a great place to vacation, live in, or retire to. It offers stunning scenery, rich history, warm waters, prestigious marinas, and diverse recreation opportunities—you can ski the slopes in the morning and swim in the Adriatic Sea in the afternoon.

Montenegro’s most iconic seaside city, Kotor, and its stunning bay are one of the top destinations in this small country

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This little country ranked 34th safest country in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is an under-the-radar country found in the eastern portion of the Balkans in Southeast Europe. It has a coastline on the Black Sea nicknamed the Bulgarian Riviera, and has a geographic position in the world that has influenced its fascinating history and culture.

The Bulgarian Riviera might not be mainstream to North Americans, but it’s a popular beach destination in this region

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It has a reputation as one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, and it offers endless things to see and do, from Black Sea beaches to hiking in its many mountains to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and culture-rich cities.

Plus, it ranked as the 29th safest country in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index.

Romania

The old town of Bucharest, Romania, is the only part of this city to have escaped Nicolae Ceausescu’s bulldozers. More recently, this historic area has undergone some restoration. Bucharest’s Old Town today offers walking streets, sidewalk cafes, churches, museums, and restaurants, and the city in general shares Europe’s urban history, culture, and fondness for the arts, architecture, and education.

Romania’s coastline is dotted with beautiful architecture and historical sites

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Romanian is a romance language that’s relatively easy for Westerners to pick up, unlike the other languages spoken in this part of Europe.

Eastern Europe’s homicide rate ranges from 0.8 to 2.1 per 100,000, meaning these countries are among the safest globally, including Romania, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Romania itself ranked 38th on the 2025 Global Peace Index.

Croatia

Croatia’s natural beauty is breathtaking… pristine turquoise sea, dramatic sloping vineyards, picturesque cobblestone streets, historic churches and castles, all surrounded by fields of grapes, olives, and lavender.

Just as impressive is its manmade legacy. Walled city Dubrovnik is especially famous for its gorgeous 13th century architecture, used as the backdrop in “Game of Thrones,” as well as several movies. Diocletian’s Palace in Split is arguably the world’s first ever purpose-built retirement home, built by the

Croatia has so much to offer in such a small space—from natural attractions to historical monuments

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first Roman emperor to abdicate his position in 305 A.D.

Croatia is the 19th safest country in the world according to the 2025 Global Peace Index and has an exceptionally low homicide rate.

Czechia

Prague, the famed City of a Hundred Spires, is often compared to Paris, magnificent riverside city and open-air museum that it is…

But this country has a lot more to it than just its capital city…

With 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, picturesque medieval cities, castles and forts, rolling landscapes…

Prague, the “City of 100 Spires,” is one of the most beautiful—and safe—cities in the world

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As well as being a top hiking destination, offering ski and snow sports in winter, with wine country and spa towns with historic thermal baths,

Plus, it has the claim to fame of being the birthplace of pilsner, with Pilsner Urquell brewery tours, along with a local brand.

With the impressive ranking of 11th safest country in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index, this is one of the safest countries in Europe.

Hungary

One of the oldest countries in Europe, Hungary is a destination with a complex history, beautiful architecture, rich cultural traditions, and thermal baths galore.

Capital city Budapest is breathtaking. If you’re a fan of architecture, you won’t tire of admiring the riot of architectural styles on display, which span about eight centuries.

Budapest is one of the most famous riverside cities in Europe, popular for its architecture, nightlife, and low costs—not to mention safety

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Sometimes called the Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths, Budapest sits on a fault line and its 9 medicinal baths are fed by over 120 hot springs which have been enjoyed since the time of the Celts

Hungary came in as the 17th safest country in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index.

Slovakia

A small country where fairy-tale castles teeter on mountain peaks, medieval towns send you back to the past, and the High Tatras mountain range offers excellent hiking and skiing options. Add thermal spas, hearty cuisine, giant beers, and some of Europe’s most affordable lifestyles, and you’ve got a safe bet for a happy retirement in the heart of Europe but at one of its lowest costs.

Slovakia has some of the most beautiful and under appreciated landscapes in Europe

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On top of all that, it ranked 28th safest country in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index.

Slovenia

Slovenia is one of the most attractive living options in Europe, combining the best of Western European culture, international-standard dining, a young and vibrant population, and easy access to all the outdoor amenities you can dream of—all at a fraction of the cost of comparable lifestyles in other countries.

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is a little jewel box of beautiful architecture

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With 47 kms of Adriatic coastline, dotted by charming, colorful fishing villages, and its own just as spectacular but lesser-known corner of the Alps, Slovenia is an idyllic retirement destination.

Ranked 9th safest country in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index, this country claims the title of safest country on this list.

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