Are you considering retiring somewhere hot and sunny? If you want to get away from England’s mainly miserable weather and live out your retirement years someplace with a more agreeable climate, Malta is a fantastic and very popular option. This Mediterranean country is a top choice amongst British expats and retirees, because not only is it gorgeous with wonderful weather most of the year, it’s also one of the most British places on earth aside from Britain. Under British rule until the 1960s, Malta has been heavily influenced by British culture and you’ll find many reminders of home throughout; even traditional red telephone boxes in the capital, Valletta.
So, what makes Malta a great retirement choice?
Amazing Weather:
Malta gets around 300 days of sunshine each year, so if you’re tired of the rain and cloudy skies over in England, it’s the place to be. While there is a winter, it’s usually fairly short and nowhere near as cold as what you would expect in the UK. Long, hot summers mean that you get to enjoy gorgeous weather almost year-round, with an average temperature of 19 degrees.
Sea and Sand:
If you love the beach and the sea, Malta is a fantastic retirement destination for you. This country has an average sea temperature of 22 degrees and there are many beaches, both sandy and man-made, where you can relax and enjoy the view. Since the island is quite small, you’re usually in short driving or even walking distance of a beach where you can enjoy the warm water or take a boat trip. And, divers around the world have voted this island the 3rd best diving location worldwide.
Location:
If you want to spend your retirement years exploring, Malta is a great place to set up base. Its perfect geographical location right at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea means that you can easily access all major cities in Europe from the island, and flights to North Africa are relatively short compared to flying from the UK. And, the gorgeous islands of Sardinia, Sicily and Corsica are right next door.
Safety:
For most people planning retirement, safety and a low crime rate are important. You want to choose somewhere to retire where you feel safe and secure, and Malta provides the perfect location for this. Very low crime levels make Malta one of the safest countries in Europe to visit or live in; it consistently ranks in the top ten safest countries on the continent.
English Language and Community:
If you want to go somewhere where you can enjoy stunning weather but don’t want to miss home too much, Malta provides an ideal combination of English and Maltese. English is one of the official languages of the islands, along with Maltese, and is spoken widely and taught in schools, so there should be no issue communicating with anybody – even though many retirees in Malta end up picking up some Maltese phrases too. Since Malta is such a popular destination for British expats, you should have no problem finding a likeminded English community. There are many British-owned businesses and several organised expat groups where you can get to know English people who’ve been living in Malta for a while or those who have just recently moved.
Great Healthcare:
If you are worried about your health either now or in the future, Malta is a country with an excellent standard of healthcare. The island boasts a wide range of high-standard hospitals, clinics, and doctors with both private and public options available.
History and Culture:
Retiring in Malta means that you’re not going to easily run out of new things to see, do and learn. The Maltese islands have a very interesting and diverse array of historical and cultural buildings, natural attractions, museums and much more. If you like to keep busy, explore and learn new things, you won’t be disappointed here.
Low Living Costs:
When compared to other countries in the EU, Malta has a relatively low cost of living and taxation rates, making it perfect for making the most of your retirement funds. Transport, for example, is fairly cheap – even if you don’t feel the need to purchase a car, you can get to pretty much anywhere on the island by bus for just two euros, and food is very affordable especially at the markets, where you can find a huge selection of locally sourced produce.
Food:
If you enjoy trying new dishes and want to explore different cuisines during your retirement, Malta will not disappoint. The wide variety of international influences on the history of this country means that along with traditional Maltese food, you can try pretty much any cuisine on the island with Italian, Asian, African and of course British restaurants to choose from among many more. If you enjoy eating out and trying new restaurants, Malta has plenty to try.
Housing:
The housing market in Malta is very favourable and retirees should have no problem finding a suitable place to live. Rentals are available, but purchasing a home is more popular on this island. There is a wide range of houses to choose from, whether you want a cosy flat or a large home with a gorgeous view of the sea. Check out these homes for sale in Malta to find a living space that’s suitable for your retirement plans.
If you hate the cold and are looking for a warm and sunny place to enjoy your retirement years, Malta is an ideal choice!
