10 reasons why Spain is number one for retirees

Spain has always been a popular destination for retirees but if you’re in any doubt whether Spain is for you, here are 10 reasons why people choose to retire to Spain:

Reason 1 – The weather!

Spain is famous for its fabulous weather with 300 days of sunshine on average a year. While this means the outdoor lifestyle is yours to enjoy, be careful – Spain is a vast country with a wide spectrum of climates. Do your research, and you’re sure to find your perfect spot, from roasty-toasty 40 degrees on the beach in summer to ski-ing in powder in the sierras in winter.

Reason 2 – Affordable cost of living

Spain is still relatively inexpensive compared to other Western European countries, making it a great place to retire on a budget. You can pop along to your local butchers, fruit and veg shops or those amazing weekly markets for fresh local produce at great prices. The warmer weather means heating costs aren’t as eye-watering either, win-win!

Reason 3 – Great food

Spain is renowned for the quality and variety of its food – from tapas to paella, Michelin excellence to those beachside chiringuitos, retirees can enjoy a great meal almost anywhere. You don’t have to break the bank either, you can still find a very reasonable “menu of the day” and  if a G&T is your thing, drinks tend to be cheaper and the measures plentiful – what’s not to like!

Reason 4 – Easy to get around

Spain has an extensive public transportation system, making it easy for retirees to get around and explore the country. Both buses and trains are fantastic value for money and offer a relaxing alternative to driving everywhere You can check out more in this article

Reason 5 – Rich culture

You’re never going to get bored if you’re a culture buff. Spain has a rich cultural heritage, with no less than 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites plus world famous museums, art galleries, and of course events. From Roman ruins, to Moorish Alcazabas, Catholic cathedrals and week-long parties, you could do something new every day!

Reason 6 – Friendly people

Spanish people are known for being friendly and welcoming, making it easy for retirees to make friends and feel at home. Spaniards are naturally family orientated, and we have seen so many of our clients taken under the wing of their Spanish neighbours and great friendships born.

Reason 7 – Access to healthcare 

Spain has a well-regarded public healthcare system available to retirees through the S1 or Convenio system. Private healthcare is excellent and most Spanish families use both public and private networks, choosing the option that best suits their needs. 

Reason 8 – Active lifestyle 

Spain is a great place for retirees who want to stay active, with plenty of opportunities for pretty much any sport or leisure activity you can think of – golf, hiking, biking, windsurfing, tennis, horse-riding, and of course swimming (not just in pools either, the Med and some wonderful lakes should be on your list too). Spain is also famous for its `carreras solidarias´ as most towns have annual charity walks and runs. For the more serious athlete, cycle and running races are plentiful, covering everything from 5km to ultra marathons plus regular IronMan type events across the country.

Reason 9 – Good value property

Spain offers good value for property, and retirees can find some real bargains on buying a house or renting an apartment. Of course, there are hotspots just like anywhere else, but there’s a forever home for every budget.

Reason 10 – Well-connected

Spain is well-connected by air, train and bus, so retirees can travel to other parts of Europe cheaply. And it’s not just Europe, Spain’s top airports have direct flights all over the world – even smaller airports like Malaga have direct connections to the USA and further afield.

This “connectedness” really comes into its own when family visits are on the cards, with budget airlines offering cheap regular flights to most UK and European airports.

If that wasn’t enough …

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed pace of life or a multitude of activities to make the most of your retirement, Spain offers something for everyone. With a welcoming attitude towards foreigners it is an ideal place to retire. It’s no surprise that Spain is still one of the most popular destinations for retirees.