Nordic Retirees Flock to Tenerife in Search of Sun and New Beginnings
Finnish retiree Tua Sjöblom’s relocation to Tenerife highlights the growing trend of Nordic seniors moving to the Canary Islands in search of a milder climate and a better quality of life.
The trend of Nordic citizens moving to the Canary Islands for retirement is well-established, and 71-year-old Tua Sjöblom offers a perfect look at why so many make the leap. As featured in Kotona Living, the Finnish native moved to Tenerife permanently at 65, trading her Nordic lifestyle for the Mediterranean sun.
Now living in Costa del Silencio, Arona, Sjöblom’s story reflects the common motivations of many retirees: seeking a milder climate to ease cold-weather health issues and maintaining personal independence. Her move, which she planned using social media, highlights how digital communities help expatriates settle in. However, her journey also reveals the challenges of the local housing market, including the difficulty of finding stable rentals and the need to renovate older properties to make them comfortable.
Beyond the logistics, Sjöblom’s home has become a hub for her family. Frequent visits from her children and grandchildren show that moving abroad doesn't necessarily mean isolation. She has also built a strong local support network through her neighbors and her pets, which she credits as essential for feeling at home.
From a broader perspective, Sjöblom’s experience offers a balanced view of her new life. While she is happy, she notes that social inequality is more visible in Spain than in Finland, adding a layer of reality to the idea of a "climatic paradise." Ultimately, her decision to sell her assets in Finland and settle in Tenerife is part of a growing movement of seniors who are prioritizing their quality of life and choosing to embrace new opportunities in their later years.