24 Remote Villages Where Expats Are Living Their Best Lives

With large cities squeezing their residents with overpriced amenities and harsh nine-to-fives, some expats have found refuge in remote villages. They have ditched the chaotic grind and moved to remote villages, offering a tranquil retreat and secluded atmospheres. From enjoying a laidback lifestyle to enjoying the local cuisines and cultural festivals, these lucky few have swapped stress for serenity. Here are 24 remote villages where expats are living their best lives:  

Vilcabamba, Ecuador

Popularly known as the “Valley of Longevity,” the cost of living in Vilcabamba is significantly lower than in Western countries. With a spring-like climate year-round, this cool and mild weather appeals to expats. The air is pure, and this village offers fresh and affordable produce. A desirable place to settle in, the weekly organic markets provide abundance.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is an absolute paradise located between the Hallstatt Lake and the Dachstein Alps. Expats enjoy the tranquility of this place, far from the chaos of urban life. With a population of under 1,000 people, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a history tied to salt mining, dating back 7,000 years.

Gimmelwald, Switzerland

Gimmelwald is perched at 1,400 meters, offering stunning views of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch peaks. It is only reachable by cable car and has no roads connecting the village. With a population of only a few hundred people, this tiny, tight-knit community invites expats who can bond over local traditions. Moreover, the fresh food and homemade items allow them to lean towards a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Dingle, Ireland

Located on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way, this remote village is one of the best places to live. The spectacular scenery combined with the laidback lifestyle is very relaxing. Traditional Irish music and vibrant festivals, hosted in venues like 200-year-old St. James Church, make the atmosphere lively.

Lamu, Kenya

Lamu is part of the Lamu Archipelago, punctuated with serene beaches. The vibrant flora and fauna and unspoiled setting draw many expats. The community is known for its hospitality, and expats are welcomed with open arms. This place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved Swahili architecture and heritage.

Aljezur, Portugal

Aljezur is a dream destination for expats with a 30-minute proximity to central cities. From historical sites like the 10th-century Castelo de Aljezur to the beautiful oceans, it is a popular spot for expats. The affordable cost of living, surfing culture, and pleasant climate are other reasons that draw expats.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Popularly known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, Chefchaouen is marked by its photogenic beauty. The colorful blue-washed buildings offer a heavenly aesthetic in the Rif mountains. With Moroccan, Andalusian, and Berber influences, Chefchaouen provides expats with a deep dive into a vibrant culture.

Olympos, Turkey

Olympos is a small village on the Mediterranean coast, punctuated with stunning beaches. From its natural beauty to the crystal-clear waters and dense forests, it is a fascinating place. Expats enjoy its dynamic environment alongside its rich history. This includes the ancient Lycian city of Olympos, with its Roman baths and theatres, among others.

Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain

Setenil de las Bodegas’s unique topography is one of the main reasons expats are living their best lives there. Houses, buildings, and some cafes are built directly into massive rock formations. With a population of a few thousand people, the surroundings and authentic Andalusian cuisine make it worth living.

Cadaqués, Spain

Cadaqués gets over 300 days of sunshine and offers a pleasant climate for expats. The affordable cost of living, coupled with the low cost of seafood, allows expats to enjoy a high quality of life. Compared to places like Barcelona or Marbella, this remote village offers a laidback lifestyle with many outdoor pursuits.

Vik, Iceland

While Vik may not cater to everyone’s preferences, the scenic landscape is surreal. Expats living in this village get to witness the Northern Lights and stunning cliffs surrounding the area. Eco-conscious culture shines in Vík, offering fresh food and supplies to thrive on. The outdoor hubs, ice cave tours, and Reynisfjara black sand beach are also captivating.

Eguisheim, France

Eguisheim has been hailed among the most beautiful villages of France due to its flora aesthetics. Expats can enjoy a peaceful life here and indulge in the village’s wine culture. The age-old winemaking tradition, combined with access to local wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer, further enhances its overall appeal.

Albarracín, Spain

Albarracin is an age-old, medieval hilltop village punctuated with pink-hued stone houses. The cobblestone walls and ancient pathways narrate a tale about its history. Surrounded by majestic mountains and the Guadalaviar River, it offers various activities. From trekking to rock climbing, expats enjoy both a quiet and adventurous life.

Reine, Norway

The Arctic beauty of Reine has drawn many tourists and photographers who come to capture this dreamlike place. In winter, the village’s northern latitude provides expats with front-row seats to the Aurora Borealis. With adequate housing facilities and a peaceful, tiny community, expats can live their best lives.

Corippo, Switzerland

Marked by its traditional Swiss-Italian lifestyle, Corippo is a charming village where expats live their best lives. It is a peaceful place to settle in, offering modern amenities. From hiking in the Verzasca Valley to enjoying the majestic waterfalls, many towns, such as Locarno, surround it.

Boquete, Panama

Boquete is located in the vibrant Panama highlands, offering an affordable and enjoyable way of life. Apart from the serene atmosphere, expats enjoy the year-round spring-like climate. Some of the activities near it include hiking, birdwatching, and exploring coffee plantations. It offers fresh local produce at low prices and hosts many cultural events.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko is a growing expat hotspot and one of Europe’s most affordable and desirable villages. Located in the Pirin Mountains, the rich cultural heritage, traditional Bulgarian architecture, and cuisine are one of a kind. With cheap rent and low taxes, it offers activities such as skiing and hiking.

El Chaltén, Argentina

An ideal destination for all adventure seekers, El Chaltén offers rugged beauty and an active lifestyle. Popularly known as the hiking capital of Argentina, it is located near the Los Glaciares National Park. Scenic views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre enable expats to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle, low cost of living, and a strong sense of community.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a fascinating expat destination known for its medieval charm and stunning Adriatic coastline. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site preserved for ancient architecture and monastic ensembles. Kotor offers a mild Mediterranean climate and activities such as hiking and sailing along the coastline.

Piodao, Portugal

Piodao is a hidden gem, an ideal spot for expats living their best lives. Located in the Serra do Açor mountain, it is famous for its schist stone houses and grand scenery. The summers are warm, and the village experiences cool winters with occasional snow. Some of the highlights include Portuguese cuisine, a secluded environment, and architecture, such as the white Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

Goreme, Turkey

With a growing expat community, Goreme has a friendly community with around 2,000 people. Expats can trek the surrounding trails, such as the Pigeon Valley or the Red Valley, and witness panoramic views. It has a rich historical significance, previously known as ‘Korama,’ acting as a refuge for early Christians fleeing persecution.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Connected by over 180 wooden bridges and crisscrossed by canals, Giethoorn is known as the “Venice of the North.” With a low population and tranquil environment, expats enjoy a slower pace of life. The houses are affordable, and numerous facilities, such as healthcare, are provided at a cheaper rate.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Shirakawa-go has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, marked for its steep, thatched-roof farmhouses. The area is filled with these traditional gassho-zukuri homes, bridging the past and the modern present. Whether it’s the seasonal beauty, cherry blossoms in spring, or the affordable housing, expats enjoy their time here.

Leavenworth, USA

Leavenworth is a Bravaian-themed village that embraced that architecture in the 1960s. With festivals like Oktoberfest and beer halls, this remote village is a blissful retreat. Compared to the bigger cities, the cost of housing and amenities is relatively low. Situated in the Cascade Mountains, it is surrounded by places like Stevens Pass, Icicle George, and Wenatchee River.

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