Are you dreaming of a sunny retirement in Spain? Here, we will explore the best places to retire in Spain, taking into account factors such as the cost of living and the culture whilst living in the city.
Is it time to retire? Are you looking for the perfect spot that combines your entertainment choices with a relaxed atmosphere? Spain is the place to be.
In each of these remarkable cities, you’ll uncover a vibrant world of delicious cuisine, rich flavours, and fascinating local charm. Bask in the warmth of the Mediterranean sunshine and let the gentle breezes carry you away from chilly days to a life of relaxation, comfort, and true indulgence.
This list highlights the most popular retirement destinations based on insights from those who have already moved with PSS International Removals. These cities and towns are known for their fantastic amenities, excellent healthcare, and quality of life, making them ideal for retirees. So, whether you’re looking for a bustling city full of activities or a quiet seaside escape, Spain has something to offer everyone.
If you’re ready to start your retirement relocation in Spain, our team at PSS International Removals is here to help. From packing up your current home to ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new one, we take care of every detail so you can focus on embracing your new life. Let’s take a closer look at the best places to retire in Spain and find the perfect spot for you to call home.
1. Costa del Sol – Laid-back atmosphere
Many expats feel that the Costa del Sol could be the best place to retire in Spain. Its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant community atmosphere will instantly make you feel right at home.
The city has a completely laid-back atmosphere, and the healthcare here is amazing. Healthcare in Costa del Sol is largely free at the point of use once you’re properly registered in Spain (for example, through the S1 form for UK pensioners). You’ll usually just pay a contribution towards prescriptions. Expats generally have no issues receiving retirement-related healthcare as there is a variety of private and public hospitals to choose from.
Costa del Sol caters to its retired residents by offering a range of activities to keep them moving and active. Golf, swimming, water sports, and shopping are all on the table in this epically beautiful place. Many walk along the coast and take in the awe-inspiring views every day. Whether you live in Malaga, Fuengirola, Marbella, or Estepona, you will be happy in your retirement as an expat.
2. Barcelona – Cosmopolitan living with a coastal lifestyle
Sometimes, retiring means giving up a certain aspect of life, but that is not the case if you retire in Barcelona. This location offers cosmopolitan living with a coastal lifestyle as well as the ability to hike into the mountains. You will never get bored while living in Barcelona. Not only can you always find something fun to do, the rich history and architecture throughout the city is simply amazing.
Barcelona offers the true heart of Spain all in one place. You will enjoy mild winters and comfortable summers along with rich culinary adventures around every corner. Find a local market to buy ingredients to cook for yourself or indulge in some of Spain’s most delectable culinary delights.
Apart from scenery and everything you could desire, retirees enjoy easy transportation throughout the city with public transit, taxis, ride shares, or just strolling along the streets. Also, you are never far from help when you need it with Barcelona’s incredible healthcare system. For those who want culture and city life alongside beaches, Barcelona may be the best place to retire in Spain.
3. Madrid – Leisure lifestyle of retirement
Even though you will enjoy the leisure lifestyle of retirement, travel may be on your to-do list whilst living in Spain. If that is the case, Madrid is the place you will want to retire.
Madrid is the capital city of Spain and its central location makes it easy to travel to different parts of the country without taking forever to get there. Take a train to one of the surrounding cities. Retirees can also benefit from the Tarjeta Dorada (Gold Card), which offers generous discounts on train travel for over-60s. Not only that, the trains are clean and affordable, so zipping over to another city or a small town in Spain is no problem.
However, it is likely you will want to live the enjoyment of Madrid very often. Madrid is home to some of the best museums. Just a few examples of these are the Museo del Prado, the Naval Museum of Madrid, and the Templo de Debod. These are great when the rain keeps you from enjoying the outdoors, but on most days, you will enjoy strolling through the many parks such as Retiro. If easy travel connections are important to you, Madrid could be the best place to retire in Spain for convenience and lifestyle.
4. Valencia – Vibrant culture and incredible cuisine
Those who want to enjoy the bustling nature of a larger city, but still maintain the charm of a much smaller town, enjoy Valencia. It is the people that make this city so welcoming to expats and retirees.
Retirees can choose to live in standard homes or apartments or invest in one of the many retirement homes offered in the city. These homes offer a variety of amenities such as pools, exercise rooms, and even activities with other residents. Many retirees enjoy living amongst friends of similar ages.
One might think that Valencia is one of the more expensive cities in Spain due to its coastal location, but it is actually among the more affordable locations in the country. In Valencia, you can enjoy the vibrant culture, incredible cuisine, and jaw-dropping beaches. Whether you want to go out for a stroll or drive yourself through the city, the views are simply amazing. Valencia is often highlighted as the best place to retire in Spain for affordability without compromising on lifestyle.
5. Mallorca (Majorca) – Strong expat community within the island
Sometimes, retirement involves getting away from it all and if this sounds like something you want to do, Mallorca is the place to do it. Mallorca is an island and part of the autonomous community within the Balearic Island System. The main draw to Mallorca is the strong expat community within the island and the amazing 300 plus days of sunshine the region experiences annually.
Peace is a part of the package in Mallorca with the ability to walk along the coastline and enjoy stunningly beautiful villages dotting the coast. Mallorca remains unmarred by time, so you will not see intensely large high rises on the coast, but rather, quaint homes and smaller apartment style residences. If tranquillity is on your retirement list, you can’t miss Mallorca.
6. Alicante – True gem full of beauty and comfort
Over 62,000 of residents in Alicante are immigrants from all over the world. Within the past 20 years, more migrants have come to Alicante to enjoy the amazing beaches, a calm atmosphere, and warm, inviting people. Alicante is a true gem full of beauty, comfort, and everything a retiree would want.
When retiring to Alicante, you will want to register with the city to ensure you enjoy the benefits of the country’s impeccable healthcare system. Alicante embraces its retirement age residents offering them the respect, but not forgetting that older individuals love to have fun as well. Whether you are enjoying a day on the beach or eating at one of the incredible local eateries, you will enjoy the whole retirement experience in Alicante.
7. Seville – Full of character and charm
Seville is a city that seamlessly blends classic architecture with a deep sense of history, creating a place full of character and charm.
When moving to Seville for the purpose of retirement, most retired UK nationals apply for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which requires proof of sufficient income or savings. This means you will not be working in the country, but living there as a retiree. Retirees who have moved into the area have stated how peaceful Seville feels. Even though it is a substantially large city, the people and the atmosphere make it feel much smaller than it is.
Seville is also a city full of history. This is the city where the Flamenco was born and natives of Spain love to embrace this culturally important dance. Not only will you enjoy the dancing, but vibrant culinary culture as well. Paella and a variety of other classic Spanish dishes are available throughout the city.
8. Torrevieja – Perfect for a slower pace in life
Large, impressive cities certainly have their place with some retirees, but what if you are the type of person that prefers a slower pace in life? Torrevieja is the place for you. Torrevieja offers a quaint seaside village ambiance that is ideal for those looking to actually slow their pace down during retirement. Another unique attribute of this city is the fact that it has one of the highest proportions of foreign residents in Spain and a very large British community.
Apart from the laid back lifestyle of residents of Torrevieja, it is the salt lakes that draw many retirees. The two salt lakes that are found in the city are protected national parks and offers incredibly enticing health benefits. That combined with Spain’s amazing healthcare system, retirees will have good health on their side. Torrevieja is also a contender for the best place to retire in Spain if you want a slower pace of life with a strong British community.
9. Granada – Variety of residential opportunities for retirees
There are a lot of benefits to embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle when you retire and in Granada, you can enjoy all of them. First, the climate is highly attractive to many retirees. Although the winters can be wet at times, the summers are remarkably mild and perfect for enjoying Granada’s coastal atmosphere. Best of all, in Granada, you are perfectly situated between the Sierra Nevada Mountain region and the Mediterranean beaches. Best of both worlds.
Possibly the best aspect of Granada is their variety of residential opportunities for retirees and their incredible healthcare system. The public healthcare system in Granada is free, and retirees are free to choose their preferred residence styles, such as retirement communities or standalone residences.
Retirees can also enjoy a range of parks and recreational activities that allow for movement and getting out and enjoying the scenery.
10. Tenerife (Canary Islands) – Very laid back atmosphere with beautiful beaches
The low cost of living and access to free healthcare draw more retirees every year to Tenerife. If you are looking for a relaxed, yet highly populated island to call home during your retirement years, look no further than Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Residents of Tenerife enjoy a very laid back atmosphere with epic beaches and a unique volcanic landscape. The large expat community will have you feeling right at home and the ability to simply walk out and enjoy the sun, virtually anytime of the year will keep your mental state at its best. Tenerife, while a popular beach destination, is generally more affordable than major mainland cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
11. Altea (Costa Blanca) – Small town atmosphere and picturesque
The small town atmosphere and picturesque setting make the city hugely popular for UK expats. Local artisans throughout the area make Altea a retiree’s dream and the strong community with value placed on living a life of happiness.
Finding amazing cuisine is effortless as the locals pride themselves on producing the best food imaginable If the small town life becomes a little mundane for you, many larger cities are just a train ride away from Altea.
12. Marbella – Bustling town with great beaches, culture and natural settings
Marbella began life as a simple mining and fishing town. Today, however, it is hard to believe this bustling city residents was ever small. Those who live in modern Marbella enjoy high end amenities in this sought after location. Retirees tend to enjoy the variety of residences available to them along with stunning beaches and endless shopping.
Although Marbella is considered a luxury location, it is remarkably affordable which tends to draw in expats from around the globe. Expect to see a range of languages spoken and people from all walks of life enjoying the stunning beauty of Marbella. Apart from the luxury of living in a high end area, residents also enjoy the mild weather throughout the year with very few rainy days during the warmer months.
13. Jávea (Xàbia) – Quieter environment and friendly locals
Let’s talk about a little slice of heaven known as Jávea. Do you tire of living in a beach location filled with endless tourists throughout the year? You won’t have that problem in Jávea. The city maintains a warm, traditional community that oozes with unique charm. However, do not think you will be left in the dark ages, Jávea maintains all the modern conveniences you have grown to love.
While enjoying your retirement in Jávea, you will also have the blessing of over 300 stunningly beautiful sunny days each year. The rich, cultural heritage in the city can be felt in the warmth of its people. Residents are helpful, friendly and largely from all over the world. Where native residents are very prevalent, there are more and more expats moving in each year. For retirees, it can be a comfort to find the unique blend of natives and people from their own country.
14. Cádiz – Beautiful landscapes and great climate
Is history what you are searching for in your retirement years? Look no further than Cádiz. This city is among the oldest cities in Europe. The founding of this unique city dates back to 1100BC. It has been a hub for various civilizations including Greek, Roman, Moorish, Visigoth, and of course, Spanish. What you get when you retire here is an amazing mix of all cultural influences making Cádiz among the best places to live while enjoying various cultures.
The cultural influences combined with the naturally warm, and inviting nature of locals makes this Cádiz feel like a world away from the hustle and bustle of general life. Not only is this city among the oldest in Europe, it is also said to be the sunniest as well and home to the best carnivals the world has to offer. Enjoy the sunshine, carnivals, and conversing with locals in one of the many plazas that act as meeting places for all.
Are you looking to move you personal belongings overseas and retire in Spain?
When you decide to retire abroad there’s a lot to consider – from getting the right visa to finding the right place to live. It’s a big decision but also an exciting opportunity to start a new chapter in a beautiful location. Spain has been a top choice for retirees for years and it’s easy to see why. With sunshine, culture, affordable living and good healthcare it ticks all the boxes for a happy and relaxed retirement.
Whether you like the buzz of Barcelona, the laid back vibe of Costa del Sol or the picturesque scenery of Mallorca, Spain has a place for every kind of retiree. It’s an amazing place to live with fresh Mediterranean food to enjoy and spending afternoons on sandy beaches. Also, with a big expat community and loads of things to do it’s no wonder so many people choose to spend their golden years here.
At PSS International Removals we know how important it is to make your move as seamless and stress free as possible. That’s why we’ll take care of the hard work for you. From packing and shipping your belongings to handling customs and delivering everything to your door we’ll make sure everything is taken care of so you can focus on starting your new life overseas.
With over 40 years experience and thousands of international moves each year our team knows what it takes to make your transition easy and hassle free. If you’re moving to Spain after retirement, there are countless options to suit every lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re downsizing, shipping sentimental items or bringing larger items we’re here to help every step of the way.
