From sun-drenched coastlines to charming inland villages, Spain offers a wide variety of retirement-friendly locations to suit every lifestyle. Explore the most popular regions and towns where expats are finding their perfect forever homes.
Costa del Sol
A popular for retirees from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia, the Costa del Sol is Spain’s most established retirement destination, offering sunshine, community, and top-tier services for international retirees.
Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is a favourite for sun-seeking retirees, offering affordable living, modern comforts, and strong international communities.
Costa Brava
With dramatic coastline, charming medieval towns, and proximity to France and Barcelona, the Costa Brava offers a refined retirement option with plenty of character.
Costa de Azahar
Known for its quiet beaches, orange groves, and traditional towns, the Costa de Azahar offers a peaceful and affordable alternative for retirement living on Spain’s east coast.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are indeed a popular choice for retirees, particularly those from Northern Europe seeking a warm climate and a relaxed lifestyle.
Mallorca and Menorca are desirable destinations within the Balearics for retirement.
Canary Islands
A popular choice for retirees, with a favorable climate, relatively low cost of living (especially compared to other parts of Europe), and welcoming expat communities.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are top destinations within the archipelago.
Marbella, Costa del Sol
Marbella is a luxurious retirement destination known for its upscale living, golf courses, and high-end healthcare options.
Nerja, Costa del Sol
Nestled between the sea and mountains, Nerja offers a scenic and peaceful alternative to the busier Costa del Sol towns.
Benalmadena, Costa del Sol
Benalmadena is a lively yet manageable town on the Costa del Sol, ideal for retirees looking for convenience and community.
Fuengirola, Costa del Sol
Fuengirola blends affordability with accessibility, offering retirees a strong British community and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Mijas, Costa del Sol
Mijas is a charming hill town offering panoramic views, traditional architecture, and a relaxed lifestyle just minutes from the coast.
Torremolinos, Costa del Sol
Torremolinos is one of the Costa del Sol’s most accessible and international towns, popular with retirees seeking convenience and sociability.
Estepona, Costa del Sol
Estepona offers a quieter, more traditional feel than some Costa del Sol hotspots, with a charming old town and modern marina.
Calpe, Costa Blanca
Calpe is a charming mix of traditional fishing town and modern resort, with stunning coastal scenery ideal for retirement.
Altea, Costa Blanca
Altea offers an artistic and tranquil atmosphere for retirees who value beauty, community, and culture.
Alicante, Costa Blanca
Alicante combines city amenities, international access, and beach living, making it one of the most practical and appealing retirement bases in Spain.
Javea, Costa Blanca
Javea is a scenic coastal town with a strong international community, ideal for retirees seeking comfort and charm.
Denia, Costa Blanca
Denia offers retirees a rich blend of tradition, nature, and modern living on the northern Costa Blanca.
Torrevieja, Costa Blanca
Torrevieja is a popular and affordable retirement destination with a large English-speaking community and a sunny, social atmosphere.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Fuerteventura’s endless beaches, quiet pace, and warm weather make it an appealing retirement destination for sunseekers.
Benicarlo, Costa de Azahar
A traditional coastal town on the Costa de Azahar, Benicarló offers retirees a relaxed pace of life and an authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Mallorca offers a refined island lifestyle, blending modern comforts, dramatic scenery, and a well-established international community.
Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Beyond its party image, Ibiza offers a tranquil and upscale retirement lifestyle amid natural beauty and historic charm.
Menorca, Balearic Islands
Menorca is ideal for retirees looking for a quieter, more natural Balearic experience away from the crowds.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife offers year-round sun, affordable living, and a strong expat presence—perfect for relaxed island retirement.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Gran Canaria offers a varied retirement lifestyle, from lively resort towns to quiet mountain villages, all under the sun.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
With its otherworldly landscapes and low-key coastal towns, Lanzarote is perfect for nature lovers and peaceful living.
Peniscola, Costa de Azahar
Famous for its castle and historic old town, Peñíscola is a postcard-perfect spot for retirees seeking scenic charm and coastal living.
Torreblanca, Costa de Azahar
Torreblanca is a quiet, traditional village on the Azahar coast, offering a slow-paced and affordable lifestyle for retirement.
Seville, Andalucia
A historic Andalusian city full of culture, sunshine, and charm, Seville offers a rich retirement lifestyle with warm weather, affordable living, and world-class architecture.
Madrid
Madrid blends world-class healthcare, cultural richness, and a vibrant lifestyle ideal for active urban retirees.
Barcelona, Catalonia
Barcelona offers a dynamic retirement experience with coastal living, rich culture, and excellent healthcare.
Valencia
Valencia offers the perfect balance of affordability, climate, and culture—making it a rising star for retirement in Spain.