Spain offers a wide range of lifestyle options for retirees, from sunny coastal towns to vibrant cities and peaceful countryside escapes. Whether you’re looking for affordability, culture, a thriving expat community, or beachside living, there’s a perfect retirement spot for you.
Here are some of the best places to retire in Spain for expats from the UK, USA, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond:
1. Costa del Sol (Andalucía)
Top towns: Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, Nerja, Fuengirola
Why retire here?
- 300+ days of sunshine
- Large English-speaking expat community
- Excellent healthcare facilities
- Great mix of golf, beach, and leisure
2. Costa Blanca (Valencian Community)
Top towns: Jávea, Denia, Torrevieja, Calpe, Altea
Why retire here?
- Affordable coastal living
- Strong British and Northern European expat population
- Beautiful beaches and promenades
- Excellent public transport and healthcare access
3. Balearic Islands
Top islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza
Why retire here?
- Island charm and natural beauty
- Relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle
- International airports with year-round flights
- Peaceful villages with modern amenities
4. Canary Islands
Top islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura
Why retire here?
- Spring-like weather year-round
- Lower cost of living compared to mainland Spain
- Increasing expat infrastructure
- Scenic landscapes and outdoor activities
5. Valencia
Why retire here?
- Coastal city with a vibrant cultural scene
- More affordable than Madrid or Barcelona
- Excellent hospitals and transportation
- Clean, green, and highly walkable
5. Valencia
Why retire here?
- Coastal city with a vibrant cultural scene
- More affordable than Madrid or Barcelona
- Excellent hospitals and transportation
- Clean, green, and highly walkable
7. Inland Escapes & Small Towns
Examples: Ronda, Frigiliana, Almuñécar, Tossa de Mar, Haría (Lanzarote)
Why retire here?
- Quieter, authentic Spanish living
- Lower property prices
- Slower pace of life
- Often with strong regional identity and charm