8 Best Places to Live for German Expats

Little town near Lago di Garda

Germans are among the most traveling nations in the world, and this is part of their lifestyle and culture.

We all know what are the most popular tourist destinations to visit but what about the best places to live for German-speaking expats?

Some places are very closely related with the German culture and this is what attracts more and more new settlers today.

1. Santa Catarina, Brazil

Santa Catarina beach from above
Santa Catarina beach from above by Francisco Anzola

Santa Catarina in Southern Brazil is considered the most German destination outside Germany.

The city of Blumenau even holds the second largest Oktoberfest in the world after the one held annually in the German city of Munich.

German settlers here are so much that in some places German is even more popular than Portuguese!

The large number of German descendants here has influenced the culture, cuisine and even the economy of this rich Brazilian state.

German expats will find here lush nature, green forests, coconut palm trees, paradise beaches and prosperous cities to live in.

In addition, properties in resort cities such as Florianopolis, Itapema and Bombinhas are much more affordable than they are along the coast of Southern Europe.

2. Espirito Santo, Brazil

The Brazilian state of Espirito Santo is considered one of the most attractive places in the world for German-speaking expats.

The German culture here is very popular as a result of the large number of settlers that live here.

Even today the language is widely spoken even if you still have to speak Portuguese if you want to live more easily your everyday life.

Locals are very friendly, the weather is perfect 12 month a year, and the beaches are just fabulous.

Vitoria is probably the most attractive and beautiful place to live here. The reason is its location and natural beauty, which reminds for Rio de Janeiro.

3. Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife street, Canary Islands
Tenerife street, Canary Islands

Tenerife is famous for its year round great weather. Even in January the average daytime temperature is over 21 degrees on the shade.

This is what attracts millions of German tourists here every year.

Most of them fall in love with the island because of its endless opportunities for entertainment, great natural diversity, beautiful golden or black volcanic beaches, and of course, because of its cosmopolitan spirit.

Here you can meet people from around the world, and most Germans love that.

It is easily to call Tenerife your home because many people here are from other places so you will always find friends here.

The island of Tenerife is attractive for young Germans but also for retirees searching for better weather and safe place to live.

4. Florida, United States

Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach, Florida by Ricardo Mangual

Florida is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for German settlers. What attracts Germans here is the great weather, which reminds for the Caribbean Islands.

Practically, summers here last 12 months a year, and the weather is great for the beach even in winter.

Of course, we are talking about South Florida because to the north the climate is subtropical and for this reason is quite different.

Besides the great weather, Florida acts as a magnet for Germans because of the prosperous property market.

In fact, in Florida is much more affordable to buy a villa with swimming pool and garden than in countries like France or Italy for example.

5. Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca, Spain by Kyle Taylor

Mallorca is often called the most German Mediterranean island.

The main reason is that Mallorca is an attractive place for many Germans from different ages who come here in a variety of reasons.

Some of them are just holidaymakers who want to spend their summer vacation on the beautiful island with pristine beaches. Others, however, settle down here for permanently.

The island is home to many German retirees who just want to find a place with nice weather conditions and beautiful Mediterranean nature.

There are also a large number of young families buying homes to grow their kids here.

There are also numerous Germans athletes who come here because of the great options to practice outdoor activities throughout the year.

6. Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Macarelleta beach, Menorca
Macarelleta beach, Menorca by Morfheos

Menorca is not very different from Mallorca but is more relaxed, more quiet and with less tourist crowds during the summer season.

In addition, the island is greener, and its beaches are more secluded and incredibly beautiful.

The island is not so popular amidst German-speaking tourists and expats as Mallorca but on the other side, this is not so bad because in comparison with Mallorca, Menorca is somehow more pristine and unspoiled.

If you decide to live here, the island will be a very comfortable place for you because most locals speak German.

This is because Menorca has always been visited from many German travelers even if the island is relatively less popular than Mallorca and Ibiza.

7. South Tyrol, Alps, Northern Italy

Little town near Lago di Garda
Little town near Lago di Garda by Volker Kannacher

The northern parts of Italy, and more specifically the Alpine region of South Tyrol, is traditionally an attractive destination for German settlers.

Today in the mountains live thousands of German descendants, and you can feel that in the local culture, cuisine and spirit.

German language is quite common in this area, and most people here speak the language at least to some extent.

South Tyrol is one of the most beautiful areas in Europe and for this reason is not surprising that Germans still settle down to live here.

The area attracts a lot of retirees because of its clean mountain air and the indescribable beauty of Lake Garda (in Italian Lago di Garda), which is the largest lake in Italy.

8. Corfu, Greece

Corfu is not home to many expats from Germany but these who decide to settle down on the island say this is the Paradise on Earth.

The island is quiet, safe and in contrast to many other Mediterranean Island, it is covered by lush and green forests.

Many people in Corfu speak German because the island has always been an attractive place where numerous German families spend their summer vacations.

Corfu is the most western from all Greek islands from a cultural point of view because here live thousands of British settlers.

For this reason, locals do not remain surprised when see foreigners to buy properties here and to walk around calling this place their home.