Retiring Abroad to Spain
WITH a warm climate, beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, majestic mountain ranges and quaint coastal havens, it comes to no surprise as to why Spain is such an alluring destination for those looking to experience a taste of “the good life”.
SPAIN ranks 2nd out of 46 countries for experience based on categories such as lifestyle, people and setting up a home. Together with its pleasant climate, cosmopolitan lifestyle and charming architecture, Spain is a favourite location for expats, particularly those looking to retire. The country offers retirees an abundance of beauty, warmth and adventure. A place where you can keep your mind and body active and embrace life with energy, creativity and passion.
5 reasons why Spain is such an attractive and popular destination
Climate
If you ask retirees why they chose Spain, the weather will likely be one of the first things mentioned. Spain is famous for having sun all year round, especially in the areas along the Mediterranean coast. Although the country can get very hot in late summer, you’ll enjoy warm, sunny days, little to no rain, and no cold weather.
There is an overwhelming majority of expats that positively recognise the Spanish climate as a contributor to an improved quality of life and many people with arthritis come to the Costa Blanca and within days feel much better.
Health
A kind climate generally creates a sense of well being, both mentally and physically.
A Life in Spain is lived mostly outdoors, all year round in some regions and at a slower pace. Access to outdoor leisure activities such as hiking, riding, golfing, beach-combing all make it easier to get fit without even trying. The health-boosting Mediterranean cuisine along with the highly regarded public healthcare system also add to the chain of advantages Spain has to offer.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Spain is much lower than other western European countries, making it a relatively affordable country to visit and live in for expats.
The collapse of the Spanish property market that led to the financial crash of 2008 is now beginning to pay dividends for expats looking to rent or buy property in Spain. Property prices dropped for seven consecutive years before leveling out in 2015 and now today, where the market and standard of living shows signs of significant recovery. Property prices in Spain are still substantially lower than the pre-2007 property boom.
The sky is the limit for high-quality properties in prestigious locations and also some exceptional bargains to be found. Generally speaking, the closer a property is to the coast, the more it will cost and this is particularly true of the Mediterranean coastline. This trend is due to a passion for the beaches of Spain, a love which is shared by both the Spanish and foreigners alike. The strategic location on the sultry Mediterranean, laid-back culture, welcoming society, decent infrastructure and Spain’s cheap living costs all have an appeal that is extremely difficult to resist.
Lifestyle
Spain’s outdoor, face-to-face lifestyle makes it easy for expats to slot right in and start living the life. People who have moved here from overseas tend to find a warmer welcome from locals than in many other expat destinations and having a basic grasp of Spanish will make a big difference and is most appreciated by the locals. The people of Spain are known for their friendly and laid-back attitudes and are often welcoming of new residents.
Family life is at the heart of the Spanish lifestyle and it is not unusual to see four, maybe five generations of the same family filling a lunch table. It can take a while to adjust to the much slower pace of life but once you do you will find it a much easier and happier way of living. Things do not always happen in a hurry in Spain, which comes with rewards as well as the inevitable downsides.
Expats find their way exploring the country from wherever they’ve made their new home and it is easily done since the transport infrastructure is well served by generally toll-free roads and by a highly affordable bus and rail networks. Given the comparatively low costs involved, a short break away won’t break the bank and is especially rewarding when you head off the beaten track. You can explore all of Spain’s rich culture, history and heritage.
Food and Drink
One of the biggest draws for many of us is the food and drink. Anything from dining out in local tapas bars to exploring the fish and meat counters at the nearest supermarket. There is no shortage of places to sample some of the classic local dishes.
Eating out can be such an adventure and many restaurants provide a mixture of traditional Spanish food, fused with international options, reflecting the cosmopolitan clientèle that sunny Spain attracts.
There is nothing better than sitting back and sipping a refreshing summer drink, don’t you think? Well Spain is no stranger to such drinks. There are of course the famous Spanish drinks we all know such as sangria, wine and beer but there are many more that some of us are not familiar with.
There is plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy and numerous reasons for moving to Spain but one thing’s for sure, the laid-back lifestyle, low cost of living and beautiful scenery will always be high on the list.
Whatever city or region you choose to live in, be sure that you will be able to enjoy a memorable experience.
written by Kudos Villas – 12th October, 2018
