Senior travel: the best destinations for retirees from Europe
Retiring means having a lot of time ahead. So many seniors decide to take advantage of it to treat themselves to beautiful trips. But what are the favorite destinations of seniors? What are the essential countries to visit for your holidays? In France, in Europe or on another continent like Africa, discover our travel ideas for seniors to sunbathe and discover other cultures, just a few hours away by road or plane.
Senior trip to France
No need to go to the other side of the world to escape. France is full of attractive destinations and beautiful landscapes for a senior trip.
Enjoy the most beautiful beaches in Corsica and discover its traditions and exceptional culture. Be amazed by the Camargue sunsets during a horseback ride and discover its extraordinary ecosystem. Visit Arles and its ancient remains from the Roman era. Go wine tourism and learn all about wine by visiting vineyards around Bordeaux and Occitanie. Let yourself be charmed by the warm atmosphere of Provence, explore the grandiose heritage of Languedoc-Roussillon or the sublime villages of the Dordogne. If it’s hiking and the great outdoors that appeal to you, go to the mountains in the Alps or the Pyrenees. The possibilities are vast and various.
Travel for retirees in southern Europe
Want to go out in the sun? There are nearby but very exotic destinations, perfect for a senior trip.
Spain
Spain is quite affordable and has many advantages such as a different culture, renowned gastronomy, a rich historical heritage, diverse regions and landscapes. It’s a perfect destination for taking a senior trip to the sun. The Catalan region is extremely different from the rest of Spain. Visit Barcelona and Gaudí’s monuments; discover the surrounding vineyards, the Delta Del Llobregat, the Sant Miquel del Fai natural park or the Romanesque monastery of Sant Cugat.
You can also take a trip to Seville, renowned for its incredible architecture that combines Phoenician, Roman and Moorish styles. The sunniest city in Europe has a flamboyant culture with flamenco and the famous Feria de Abril. Andalusia concentrates many other fascinating destinations such as Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga or Granada.
Spain also offers exceptional summer destinations such as the Balearic Islands in Mallorca, or the Canary Islands. In short, you will have understood that Spain is a key destination for senior travel.
Italy
Italy is also one of the favorite places for retirees to spend their holidays in thanks to its combination of culture, gastronomy and its remarkable historical heritage. From Rome to Venice via Florence, Milan, or even the impressive and lovely Amalfi Coast.
Whether you like landscapes or history, or both, you are bound to find what you are looking for on a senior trip to Italy. In addition, what a pleasure to hear the sound of the Italian language while tasting the best pizzas in the world. You can also explore southern Italy, very different from the rest of the country and renowned for its authenticity. Here you can visit Naples or Capri. It’s time to immerse yourself in the Neapolitan saga of Elena Ferrante, L’Amie Prodigieuse, and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of local life.
Visit the Cinque Terre, this series of colorful villages located on the coast south of Genoa. Finally, how not to mention Sicily, jewel of the Mediterranean with its natural reserves, such as Zingaro, its typical towns and villages, such as Palermo, Cefalù or Erice, Mount Etna or the ancient city of Syracuse.
Greece
Greece is another perfect destination for a senior trip. It offers a variety of landscapes, and above all, fans of ancient history will be in their full excitement. Crete, for example, makes it possible to spend a dream stay, and that as well for the large budgets as for the more modest purses. It is possible to find low cost travel offers and low cost tickets to get there. Located in the Mediterranean basin, the island offers a perfect climate to enjoy your holidays. You can spend a relaxing holiday or a more active one by setting off to discover its treasures.
The Cyclades are another very popular base thanks to its many islands and its azure sea as far as the eye can see. Admire the sunsets on the volcanic island of Santorini, with its immaculate white houses and monuments and its blue domes. Visit the islands of Paros, Naxos or Milos.
The best destinations for a senior trip to the Maghreb
Morocco
You don’t need to spend hours on the plane to get away from it all. You just have to cross the Mediterranean to discover different cultures. Morocco, for example, is a destination that attracts a lot of French people, and particularly seniors. It is also one of the countries that are most chosen by seniors who want to go abroad for their retirement. It is both an inexpensive destination and does not pose the problem of the language barrier. From Marrakech to Fez, via the blue city of Chefchaouen, there are many cities to discover, but also extraordinary landscapes. You can go to the Atlas Mountains or take a trip to the desert and dunes of Erg Chebbi, or marvel at the Dades Gorge. Don’t miss this beautiful and ideal country for a senior trip. If you opt for this country, contact this company to book your tour with best prices: https://www.moroccoguidedtravel.com/
Tunisia
Tunisia is also a superb country to discover the riches of the Maghreb and organize a senior trip. It is full of very well preserved archaeological sites such as the city of Carthage, the ruins of Dougga, Oudna, or the El Jem amphitheater, the largest colosseum in North Africa. Do not miss to visit the oasis of Ksar-Ghilane, the troglodyte villages of Tataouine, and the amazing constructions of Ksar Ouled Soltane which were used for the filming of Star Wars. You can also visit the beautiful coastal town of Sidi Bou Said, if you are looking for more relaxation. From Tozeur and its oasis, you can visit Medina or take camel rides. It’s an unforgettable experience.
These are some ideas for senior trips to take during your retirement. We have offered you destinations close to France, but obviously this list is not exhaustive. Southeast Asia, Canada and the United States are also popular destinations for seniors who want to travel.