From a sun-kissed artists’ enclave on the French Riviera to a storybook town nestled below Mount Olympus, International Living has unveiled a new initiative highlighting Europe’s most underrated havens for expats.
The Hidden Places Initiative features under-the-radar destinations that offer affordability, authenticity, and immediate livability—what the editors call “Ready Now” locations.
“Everybody talks about places like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Florence,” says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living. “But the best overseas destinations aren’t always the ones you’ve heard of. We’ve made it our mission to seek out overlooked, underappreciated, and just-right-for-someone places—and we’re finding them.”
The Hidden Places Initiative builds on decades of International Living research and is designed to help readers move beyond the obvious choices.
“This isn’t just about finding places that are pretty,” Stevens says. “It’s about identifying places where people can build real lives. These towns offer good internet, local healthcare, accessible transport, and a pace of life that’s hard to find in cities overrun with tourists.
“You don’t need to be wealthy or an adventure-junkie to live a more international life,” Stevens says. “You just need the right guidance—the shortcuts and on-the-ground intelligence that can save you time, trouble, and money.”
Each of these destinations has been scouted in person by an IL contributor and evaluated based on housing costs, amenities, expat integration, and overall livability. They’re overlooked and underappreciated gems.
The first cohort of European towns to earn the “Ready Now” label includes:
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Nestled between Nice and Monaco on the Côte d’Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a quieter, more intimate take on Riviera life. With its pastel-colored village homes, sweeping bay views, and strong community of part-time expats, it’s a place where Americans feel instantly welcome. Cultural life thrives year-round with open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and jazz nights in cozy harborside clubs. Though hilly and upscale, the town’s charm, walkability, and café culture more than justify the cost.
A couple should budget at least $3,000 a month, with rent starting around €1,300.
Toulon, France
Toulon is an under-the-radar gem along the Côte d’Azur, often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbors like Nice and Cannes. But this sunny port city offers all the Mediterranean lifestyle perks—waterfront living, 300+ days of sunshine a year, and a thriving food and arts scene—at a far more accessible cost. Residents enjoy a revitalized historic center, trendy bistros, and highlights like Les Halles, a gourmet food hall, and Rue des Arts, a creative hub with galleries and performances. Along the Mourillon beachfront, retirees swim, practice yoga, or enjoy wine at café-lined bays.
Housing remains around 20% cheaper than other coastal destinations, with two-bedroom apartments renting from $950 and a full monthly budget of around $2,800 for a couple.
Esposende, Portugal
Located in northern Portugal’s Braga District, Esposende feels more like a quiet coastal town than a city. It offers a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle ideal for creative pursuits, retirement, or remote work. Residents enjoy ocean breezes, an historic town center with an extraordinary fountain-boat sculpture, and walkable, mostly flat terrain that’s great for seniors. The area is popular for outdoor activities, including surfing, golf, horseback riding, and hiking, as well as cultural attractions such as ancient ruins and vibrant local markets. A legal resident can access affordable public healthcare, with both public and private hospital options available nearby.
A two-bedroom rental ranges from $872 to $1,090 per month, and you can live well here on a modest budget after housing.
Guimarães, Portugal
Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is a historic city with a strong medieval character, a UNESCO-designated center, and a vibrant contemporary culture. The old town—with its cobbled lanes, Gothic architecture, and wrought-iron balconies—gives way to modern cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, making it a livable blend of old and new. The city also boasts lush green parks, art galleries, and music festivals, appealing to creatives and nature lovers alike.
Despite its heritage status, Guimarães doesn’t feel like a museum—it’s a functioning, forward-looking city with a lively student population and a growing international profile. Just 40 minutes from Porto by train, it offers easy access to a major airport while maintaining a slower pace of life. The cost of living is appealing, too, estimated at $1,800 per month for a couple.
Santo Tirso, Portugal
Santo Tirso is a riverside gem in northern Portugal that blends historic charm with peaceful living. Best known for its 10th-century monastery and public gardens, the town also boasts thermal spas, riverside parks, and an “urban beach” by the River Ave.
Retirees will appreciate its affordability and relaxed atmosphere—furnished one-bedroom apartments rent for around $925 a month. Healthcare access is excellent, with a local 24-hour hospital and easy access to Porto’s major clinics. English is not widely spoken, but the community is welcoming, and daily life is refreshingly unhurried. For those seeking nature, serenity, and small-town character, Santo Tirso offers a compelling base.
Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
This modern, middle-class city in northern Portugal is on the rise. Vila Nova de Famalicão features excellent infrastructure, strong transport links, and a youthful energy thanks to its vibrant cultural scene and growing economy. It’s only 20 minutes from Porto and well-connected by train to Lisbon and other cities.
One-bedroom apartments start at $179,000, and four-bedroom rentals can be found for around $1,516 a month. The town is walkable, has ample green space, and even offers co-working areas in the local libraries. With its mix of opportunity and affordability, Famalicão is a “ready now” choice for expats seeking convenience and community without the crowds.
Litochoro, Greece
Set between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus, Litochoro offers the rare blend of alpine charm and coastal access. The village of 7,000 is known for its vibrant local life, proximity to world-class hiking trails, and mild four-season climate. Two-bedroom rentals cost around $270 to $380 per month, and daily life remains affordable, with meals at tavernas running just $11 to $16. Healthcare is accessible and affordable, with top-tier hospitals an hour away in Thessaloniki.
While the expat population is small, it’s a welcoming and active community, especially appealing to nature lovers, digital nomads, and retirees. For those seeking a wholesome, outdoorsy lifestyle in a place where myth meets mountain, Litochoro is Ready Now.
Ascoli Piceno, Italy
This stunning city of 46,000 in Italy’s central Marche region is older than Rome and brimming with grandeur. Made entirely of travertine stone, its historic center is an architectural wonder, full of churches, piazzas, palaces, boutiques, artisan studios, and cafes. Expats are drawn by the flat, walkable layout, active cultural life, highly rated healthcare, and proximity to Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains. A small but happy expat community enjoys year-round festivals, Italian language schools, and excellent restaurants—don’t miss the local delicacy, olive all’Ascolana.
A two-bedroom rental in the historic center ranges from $650 to $1,200 per month, while countryside homes can be purchased for under $200,000. You can enjoy life in Ascoli Piceno from around $2,000 a month, making it an ideal destination for expats seeking rich culture, timeless beauty, and accessible Italian living in a city that feels authentically local.
Read the full report here: 8 Secret Towns in Europe Where You Can Live Better for Less
International Living will continue to grow its Hidden Places Initiative in 2025, with more under-the-radar destinations being assessed for their retirement, investment, and part-time living potential. You can explore the full list of destination reports here.
A Luxury Weekend at The Mole Resort: Why Devon’s Best-Kept Secret Is Worth the Drive