Top 5 Islands To Retire On

When no ordinary retirement plan will do, these dreamy island destinations are your key to happily ever after. Browse our Top 5, then read more about our number one pick in Retire on Roatan.

Island-wide Internet coverage is a two-year-old concept. Yet there are nonstop flights to at least four U.S. cities. "People have time for each other" is the chorus. Visit to a clinic opened by an expat known as Nurse Peggy (including available medicine): $3. Read more about Roatan, this year's Best Island to Retire On.

French living meets the Mediterranean's most mountainous island – morning walks, two-hour lunches, excellent health care. People live a long time here because there's no reason not to. Jug of Sciacarello wine and a wheel of sheep's milk cheese: $20.

Malaysia makes it easy to get residency, plus near-mythical street food, equatorial warmth, day trips to Bangkok and Hong Kong, and friendly people. "Everyone is always ready to help you," says resident Noeline Rose. Kuih muih bitesize desserts: 16 cents.

A $1000 per month pension qualifies you for residency. Quaint Contadora, 20 minutes by air from Panama City, has "water so blue you'd swear you were in the Caribbean," says Jessica Ramesch of International Living. Lobster and fish platter for three: $20.

Europe's sunniest island (3,000 hours of sun per year) attracts an international crowd. "Malta buzzes year-round," says Liz Ayley of Malta InsideOut. "It's a social place. Don't expect to hibernate!" Basket of giant Malta-grown strawberries in January: $3.50.