Romania and Bulgaria Set to Join the European Schengen Area in 2024

Schengen Visa

Romania and Bulgaria are poised to join the European Schengen area for air and sea travel in March 2024, following a landmark agreement with Austria, the Romanian government announced earlier this month.  The Romanian Interior Ministry confirmed that a “political agreement” was reached among the three countries, allowing for the expansion of the Schengen zone … Read more

Best 5 Towns to Live in Sicily for English-Speaking Expats

Palermo Italy

Mostly known for its portrayal in Hollywood films and TV shows, Sicily is an incredibly beautiful, serene area. As the third-most affordable region in Italy, Sicily is quickly becoming a favorite for expats, retirees, digital nomads, and more. Quality of life is the main criterion for our list of the five best towns in Sicily … Read more

Best Places to Retire in Portugal

Albufeira Portugal

Imagine retiring in Portugal, a country that embraces you with its warm weather and beautiful landscapes. It has become a favored destination for American and British retirees seeking a relaxing lifestyle for their golden years. So, where are the best places to retire in Portugal? And what makes the country so appealing for retirees? Firstly, … Read more

Top Portuguese cities with the largest communities of American expats

Faro Portugal

The number of Americans living in Portugal has been increasing rapidly since the NHR tax incentive program and the Golden Visa were first introduced over a decade ago, reaching a total of 6,885 according to the latest statistics published in September 2023 by the Portuguese Strategies and Studies Office. Americans are intrigued and fascinated by … Read more

Cyprus in January: Leave the Cold Grey Days of Winter Behind

Paralimni Cyprus

The famous eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a perennially popular destination. Although it is most visited during the summer months, Cyprus also enjoys relatively mild and sunny winters, especially in the coastal areas, which makes it a lesser-known winter escape worth discovering.  In complete contrast, the Troodos Mountains, which form the island’s central spine, … Read more

Americans’ Interest in Moving to Europe Drops in 2023: The Most Popular Countries Are the Biggest Losers

London Berlin Lisbon collage

Key takeaways:  Interest in moving to Europe from the U.S. dwindled in 2023, as online searches for living abroad dropped by 14%. The United Kingdom, Germany and Portugal saw the sharpest drops in interest, more than 20%, compared to one year prior. Out of the top 15 most sought-after countries in Europe for Americans, only … Read more

5 Best places to find cheap houses for sale in Italy

Perugia Umbria Italy

Besides its beautiful cities and towns, charming lifestyle, and incredible culture, Italy is one of the best places for expats to move because of its low cost of living and affordable real estate prices.  When compared to the United States and northern European countries, everyday necessities like food, healthcare, homes and apartments are well within … Read more

Discover Malta’s Festive Charm in December

Malta

Malta, along with its sister islands Gozo and Comino, is a delightful destination for everyone seeking a sunny winter getaway, including families, couples, digital nomads or retirees. Enjoy an average of five sunshine-filled hours each day and a cozy average daily temperature of 15°C (59°F) — a pleasant contrast to much of Europe’s chill. While … Read more

How much does it cost to buy an apartment in Italy?

Venice Italy

Apartments are a great, affordable option for buying property throughout Italy, with the average price of a two-bedroom apartment in Italy around $152,000. You may be surprised that unlike in the United States, you’ll find apartments for sale in big cities, small towns, and tiny villages, with interesting architectural styles that can vary widely from … Read more

Nice, France from January to December: What to expect every month of the year

Nice France

Are you planning a visit or moving to Nice, France, and wondering what the weather is like and what events are taking place during your visit? Nice, France is a widely known tourist destination in the South of France and a great place to live, known for its sunny Mediterranean climate and upscale lifestyle filled … Read more

Weather in Italy by month: what it feels like to live in Italy year-round

Are you looking for a place to live with great weather in addition to world-class culture, beautiful scenery, and soul-pleasing food? If so, Italy is your place. The weather in Italy is variable depending on which region you are in. Generally, summers are hot and humid while winters tend to be chilly and wet. However, … Read more

The best hospitals in Italy, reviewed

Hospital room

Italy’s healthcare system, known for its quality and accessibility, is predominantly publicly funded through a tax-based system, providing universal coverage to its residents. Notably, it’s ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization. The Italian hospital network excels in areas like preventative measures, early diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. The medical … Read more

Does Cyprus have a Golden Visa Program?

Larnaca Cyprus

The Cyprus Golden Visa Program is considered one of the quickest routes to permanent residency in Europe. The minimum investment requirement of €300,000 (about $330,000) is relatively accessible compared to other programs. Accepted types of investments include the purchase of residential or commercial real estate, buying shares in a Cypriot company, or purchasing securities. The … Read more

Barcelona from January to December: What’s the weather like and what to do each month

Barcelona Spain in the fall

Planning a trip or a long stay in Barcelona, Spain, and wondering what Barcelona’s weather has in store for you? Let’s explore the climate and seasonal variations of this popular Mediterranean city, along with the best activities and places to see during each month, according to locals. Barcelona consistently ranks as one of the best … Read more

Weather in Lyon, France: What it’s like and what to do every month

Lyon France

Planning to check out the beautiful city of Lyon, France, and wondering what the weather will be like? Look no further. Lyon enjoys relatively warm temperatures throughout the year, with July being typically the hottest month, with an average high of 81°F (27°C), while January sees lows of around 32°F (0°C), according to timeanddate.com. In … Read more