More than half a million Americans receive their Social Security checks abroad -- up from 400,000 just a year ago. Live and Invest Overseas has identified the top nine European destinations for the retiree. 

“Retiring in Europe is about launching a new life in a new country, starting over in a unique place with Old World culture,” said Kathleen Peddicord, author and publisher of "Live and Invest Overseas."

To pick these top locations, the publication looked at 13 categories: cost of living, crime and safety, English spoken, entertainment, environmental conditions, expat community, health care, infrastructure, recreation, residency options, taxes, real estate based on affordability, and restrictions.

Based in Paris, France, and Panama City, Panama, LIOS is the leading resource for people who want to live, retire and invest overseas.  The nine locations are not ranked against each other.

Portugal’s Algarve

Considered the best place to retire in Europe with its great weather and lots of sunshine year-round. Portugal offers an expat community, modern medical facilities and health care, plus an affordable cost of living. English is spoken due to the longstanding British presence. A new retiree residency program for foreign pensioners and easy access both from the United States and from all of Europe makes Portugal an easy transition for retirees.

No. 9 Valletta, Malta

This tiny island is one of Europe’s smallest countries. Only 122 square miles, it’s a private paradise. The city is lined with cobblestone streets filled with a rich history of historical treasures. Malta’s coastline has dramatic cliffs, coves and quaint fishing harbors. Inland, stone walls separate fields of olives, wheat, potatoes and hanging grapes popular for wine production.

No. 8 Saint-Chinian, France

Saint-Chinian began as a monastery in the Languedoc region, but is no longer active as a monastery and serves as the town hall. The area has evolved into a thriving economy producing grains, olives and wines. The robust reds to sweet whites to dry rose wines of Saint-Chinian are well known for their excellence.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has warm, sunny weather year-round. With traditional sophistication to beautiful beaches, elegant apartments to luxury condos, Lisbon has lifestyle options for every budget. Lisbon has Europe’s lowest crime rates and is known for a high quality of life in a safe environment. Compared to most European capitals, Lisbon is still affordable and quiet.

Budapest, Hungary

Sitting on the Danube River, Budapest is divided into two sections, Buda and Pest. The Buda side is hilly, mostly residential with forests and thermal spas. The Pest side is flatter and lively with the ruin pubs, open-air pools, and and the opera house. Enjoy plenty of shopping areas, cafes and the stunning Hungarian Parliament building.

Citta Sant’ Angelo, Italy

This city is often included in “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.” Citta Sant’Angelo is located on a hill in eastern Italy and an hour’s drive from Rome. Citta Sant’Angelo has many historic churches, the most notable being the Collegiate of San Michele Arcangelo. Crops of olive trees and vineyards blanket the landscape.

Chania, Crete, Greece

Crete is the largest among Greece’s nearly 6,000 islands. Crete is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful locations in Greece, if not the entire world. The island offers sunny, sandy beaches and an abundance of tourist areas. Shop owners understand and speak English and can help you with whatever you need.

Bled, Slovenia

Bled is a resort town located on Lake Bled and a major tourist attraction. With its many castles, it has become a popular wedding destination. In summer, go alpine climbing, ballooning, golfing, horseback riding, caving, kayaking or swimming to name a few. In winter, enjoy alpine skiing and snowboarding, ice climbing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing or head to the sports hall for ice-hockey competitions.

Paris, France

Marais is one of Paris’ most desirable neighborhoods, with many restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Marais still has much of the medieval character that was bulldozed in the 19th and 20th centuries for new construction. Enjoy the numerous bakeries and pastry shops in the heart of Marais considere to be the geographic, cultural and social center of refined western culture.

For more visit www.liveandinvestoverseas.com.