The best places to retire in Spain 2022/2023

Spain is one of the best countries in the world to retire to. Retirement, the so called ‘golden age‘; you leave the world of work behind and retire after years of paying contributions and your pension comes along that allows you to enjoy a relaxed and leisurely life. Nowadays, many countries are going through a severe pension crisis, not to mention the minor complications as a result of Brexit. In spite of this, Spain is still one of the best places to retire in 2022 and 2023.

Moving abroad and enjoying a relaxed retirement as a British expat is an attractive option for many and there are countless options for those who have already retired or see retirement coming on the horizon. If you’re considering moving abroad for this ‘golden age’ in your life, you may however find yourself bombarded with choices.

We have put together a list of the best places to retire in Spain in 2022 and 2023, taking into account the cost of living, safety, pensions, healthcare and visas amongst other factors, and Spain turns out to be one of the best countries to retire to – let’s have a look at which regions are best for retirement in Spain, and other important questions about retiring in Spain. From the best places to retire in Spain by the sea, to retirement villages and cities, there is somewhere for everyone. 

The Costa del Sol: Retire by the sea

The Costa del Sol is one of the most important tourist areas in Spain, especially for people flying in from the U.K. and one of the best places to retire in Spain by the sea. The Costa del Sol has more than 1.3 million inhabitants, a large community of expats and English speakers that are spread throughout the area which is located in the Malaga region, from the luxurious Puerto Banús in Marbella, to the bustling beaches of Nerja, Benalmadena and Fuengirola. The Costa del Sol is perfect for pensioners who want a lively and active lifestyle – especially for those who enjoy a round of golf, given the province’s fame as home to some of the top golf courses in Spain and Europe. The region also has a range of smaller towns and villages which are great for pensioners and some of the best retirement villages in Spain.

The Costa de Azahar: Enjoy retirement in Mediterranean

Moving up the coast, the lesser known Costa del Azahar, also known as the Orange Blossom Coast, is in the province of Castellón and is made up of 120 kilometres of stunning sandy beaches and coves. Another great option for those who whish to retire in Spain by the sea, and located just over one hour’s drive from Valencia, this golden coast gets some of the best weather in Spain and is a welcoming area for English speaking expats, as well as being an affordable option for pensioners. The population in the Costa del Azahar is more scarce than in the Costa del Sol, meaning that even in the capital you’ll be in peace. The main cities of interest include Benicarló, Peñíscola, Torreblanca, La Llosa, Benicasim and Oropesa. And if you prefer life in a bigger city, you can also opt to retire in Valencia Spain just a short distance away. 

Bilbao: A thriving expat community

The Spanish city of Bilbao, located in the Basque Country in Northern Spain, also makes our list of the best places to retire in Spain. This is perhaps a more surprising addition for some, as expats moving to Spain to retire tend to gravitate towards the southern coast. However, due to the high quality of life and low crime rate, it’s an ideal destination to those who don’t want to just spend their retirement on the beach, as well as a spot for enjoying mild summers without the intensity of the heat of the South and Mediterranean coasts. Bilbao is also known for having one of the best healthcare systems in Spain and also has a growing English speaking community, making it a worthy choice for your hard-earned retirement in Spain.

Madrid: the best quality of life for pensioners

Madrid is one of the best places to retire in Spain because of its high quality of life. Once again, Madrid is for those who want to stay clear of the coast, but with excellent transport links, a buzzing cultural scene and lots of English speakers, you’re sure to find plenty to do! Madrid also has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the country at almost 84, while in Spain’s capital, retirement is also the second longest in Europe averaging at 22 years. Madrid also has a great safety record, pushing to close to the top of the ranking of the best cities to retire in Spain. 

Is retiring to Spain a good idea?

So, to round things up, is retiring to Spain a good idea? Most definitely! Retiring to Spain has a lot of benefits for expats, including a lower cost of living compared to other countries and an excellent healthcare system, all of which leads to a higher quality of life.

Filed under: Headlines by Wendy Jackson
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