For years people believed in “Blue Zones.”
Five regions where humans supposedly live longer and healthier lives…often past 100…and seem to avoid many chronic diseases.
They include Sardinia in Italy, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and Icaria in Greece.
However, recent reports suggest that the evidence for Blue Zones might not be as clear-cut as previously thought.
The island of Icaria in Greece is one of the “Blue Zones” where people are said to live long and healthy lives.
While some researchers have questioned the accuracy of Blue Zone longevity statistics (suggesting that the exceptional longevity reported in these regions may be partly attributed to inaccurate record-keeping and pension fraud), the lifestyle habits in these regions—like daily movement, fresh food, and strong social bonds—are widely recognized for their health benefits.
There are places where the lifestyle tends to be healthier…where people commonly report feeling better, losing weight…maybe even ditching the diabetes medication…
Feel-good destinations…
I’ve organized my life around these types of places.
One of the great benefits of being an international real estate scout is that it gives me the chance to base myself wherever I want in the world.
I spend time every winter at my condo in Cabo, Mexico. When spring rolls around in the Northern Hemisphere, I fly across the Atlantic Ocean to spend time at my condo on Portugal’s Silver Coast and in my native Ireland.
Here I am in Praia d’El Rey on Portugal’s Silver Coast where I own a two-bed condo overlooking the ocean and a world-class golf course.
I do this because I’ve made it my goal to live a life free of extreme temperatures. No heating or air conditioning. No sweating or shivering.
I like to be able to enjoy good food, to golf, to be out in the fresh air, walking on a stunning beach with soft sand, and have the warm sun on my face…
Doing things that make me feel good.
Let’s dig in to some listings in “feel-good destination” around the world, starting with Portugal’s Silver Coast.
Nazaré, Portugal
Listing price: $392,700
The Silver Coast, stretching along Portugal’s central coastline, is known for its rugged cliffs, picturesque coves, and traditional fishing villages. Inland, historic sites such as abbeys and medieval towns offer a glimpse into Portugal’s past.
Celebrated for its pristine waters, stunning sandy shores, warm-hearted locals, and the soothing rhythm of its waves, the lively fishing town of Nazaré offers an exceptional lifestyle—perfect for socializing. Located an hour and 15 minutes from Lisbon, it offers both tranquility and accessibility.
The hilltop neighborhood of Pederneira, overlooking the Atlantic, offers peace and quiet just above one of Europe’s most iconic beaches. With its open skies, sea breezes, and pedestrian-friendly streets, this part of Nazaré promotes daily movement and connection to nature.
This two-bed, two-bath duplex at the top of Pederneira hill spans 1,087 square feet, and overlooks the sea as well as Nazaré Marina. It has an open-plan kitchen, a storage room, and a living room that extends out onto a terrace. The location is close to local amenities and the beach.
This property is on the market for €345,000 ($392,700). Read the full listing here.
This apartment in Nazare on Portugal’s Silver Coast comes with an ocean view. Listing here.
San Sebastián, Spain
Listing price: $335,900
The Basque Country, in northern Spain, is known for its strong sense of community, clean urban planning, and proximity to nature. With its ocean coastline, green hills, and temperate climate, the region promotes year-round outdoor activity and fresh-air living.
San Sebastián is one of Spain’s most livable cities, famous for its beaches, culinary scene, and walkable neighborhoods. It’s also got a great public transport system.
Altza, a quieter residential part of the city, is well-served by local amenities and green areas. The neighborhood offers access to a sports center with indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
This 753-square-foot apartment is on the second floor of a well-maintained 1960s building with an elevator. It includes two bedrooms, a living-dining room that opens onto a balcony, and one bathroom.
This property is on the market for €295,000 ($335,900). Find the full details here.
My team found this two-bed apartment in San Sebastián, considered the culinary capital of Spain. Great food definitely makes for a feel-good quality.
Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Listing price: $295,000
The area around Vilcabamba in Ecuador is known as “the Valley of Longevity.” Residents here are said to live well into their 100s! It’s a tranquil place that up until just a couple of decades ago was only known to adventure travelers and hardy backpackers.
Today, it’s got a diverse and thriving expat community that is scattered around the valley. At an altitude of 5,000, Vilcabamba has one of the best climates in Ecuador and with its stunning location among the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains and its crystal-clear streams from the nearby cloud forest, it’s no surprise that its residents live so long.
The Cucanama area, located just outside Vilcabamba, offers a serene environment with stunning natural beauty, making it a sought-after location for those seeking tranquility.
Situated on a 6,674-square-foot lot, this single-level home spanning 2,939 square feet has an indoor heated pool, plus smart home technology and a sauna. It also had three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and a study.
This property is on the market for $295,000. Read the full listing here.
This smart home with mountain views is located in Ecuador’s “valley of longevity”.
Connemara, Ireland
Listing price: $319,000
As I said, when spring rolls around in the Northern Hemisphere, I head to my condo on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Then for high summer I hop over to my primary home in Ireland where I make time to catch up with family and friends.
Many report feeling a sense of wellbeing and calm in the Irish countryside, especially in the west of the country. (Summer is the best time to visit unless you like rain.)
County Galway, on Ireland’s west coast, is famed for its rugged landscapes, traditional music, and vibrant cultural scene.
Moyard is a village nestled in the heart of the Connemara region, known for its scenic beauty, including mountains, lakes, and coastline. The area offers a peaceful rural setting while still being accessible to nearby towns and amenities.
This three-bed, two-bath detached home sits on approximately 1.3 acres with direct sea frontage along Ballinakill Bay. The property spans 1,313 square feet, and offers exceptional sea and mountain views.
Here, the fresh air and nearby mountains encourage hiking and other healthy outdoor activities.
You’ll find this property on the market for €280,000 ($319,000). Read the full listing here.
This detached house in Connemara in Ireland offers privacy and tranquil views.
Japan, Okinawa
Listing price: $321,600
Let’s finish with one of the so-called “Blue Zones”—Okinawa in Japan. Okinawa is a subtropical island chain in southern Japan renowned for the longevity of its population.
As I say, some have questioned whether its record is quite as impressive as was once thought. Regardless, the lifestyle practices observed here—such as fresh seafood, an active daily lifestyle, strong social bonds, and time spent outdoors—are consistently associated with a healthier life.
Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, is close to beaches and natural parks as well as the city itself. Its fresh air and manageable pace of life make it a compelling choice for those seeking both balance and adventure.
This newly built two-bed, one-bath apartment is located on the ninth floor of a 14-story building in the Akebono area of Naha City. With 701 square feet of interior space and an additional 127 square feet balcony offering ocean views, the apartment features an open-plan living area, and includes one parking space and is an 11-minute drive from Naha Airport.
This property is on the market for ¥45,800,000 ($321,600). Find the full details here.
This ninth-floor apartment is located in Okinawa, Japan—perhaps the most famous of the Blue Zones.
Wishing you good real estate investing,
P.S. If you’re interested in any of these listings you should hire an attorney and do your own due diligence. We haven’t done any due diligence on them.
