Spain offers an exceptional mix of gorgeous weather, rich cultural heritage, an affordable cost of living and a relaxed lifestyle – making it the perfect place for a new life in the sun. So, if you are considering a move to sunnier climes, here are just a few of the many reasons to choose Spain.
1. Beautiful Weather
Spain is known for its wonderful climate, which brings long, sunny summers and mild winters. The country's coastal regions, especially the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava and Costa del Sol, are particularly famous for their warm weather, making it an attractive destination for those looking to escape harsh winters and enjoy outdoor activities year-round. The southern Costa Blanca especially offers fabulous weather with its own microclimate that means particularly mild winters.
2. Rich Culture and History
Spain is steeped in history and boasts a vibrant cultural heritage. From world-renowned art museums like the Prado Museum in Madrid to historical landmarks such as the Alhambra in Granada or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain offers an abundance of cultural experiences. The country’s diverse regions also offer unique customs, festivals, music (like flamenco), and culinary traditions.
3. Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to many Western European countries, Spain offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Housing, groceries, and dining out are generally cheaper in Spain than in countries like the UK, France, or Germany. This affordability makes Spain an attractive option for expats, retirees, and those looking to enjoy a high quality of life without the high price tag.
4. Laid-back Lifestyle
Spain is famous for its relaxed pace of life, which many people find appealing. The concept of siesta (taking a break in the afternoon) is a well-known part of Spanish culture, and the slower pace allows people to prioritize family time, socializing, and enjoying life. Whether it’s a coffee in the plaza or a stroll along the beach, Spain encourages you to enjoy life at a more leisurely pace.
5. Delicious Food and Wine
Spain is a food lover’s paradise. The country is known for its fresh and flavorful cuisine, including dishes like paella, tapas, jamón ibérico, and tortilla española. Every region has its own specialties, such as gazpacho in Andalusia or pintxos in the Basque Country. Spain is also one of the largest wine producers in the world, offering an extensive range of wines to pair with every meal.
6. High-Quality Healthcare System
Spain's healthcare system is often ranked amongst the best in Europe and provides both public and private healthcare options. Public healthcare is accessible to most permanent residents, and private healthcare is affordable compared to other countries. Many expats are impressed by the quality of care and the friendly, professional service offered by healthcare providers in Spain.
7. Strong Expat Community
Spain is home to one of the largest expat communities in Europe, especially in the coastal areas. The strong presence of other international residents can make it easier for newcomers to adapt and find support and social networks. Whether you're interested in meeting other expats or learning Spanish, there are plenty of resources to help you settle in.
8. Excellent Public Transport and Infrastructure
Spain boasts an efficient public transport system, including high-speed trains (AVE), metros, buses, and ferries, making travelling around the country easy and affordable. The AVE train network makes visiting cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia fast and comfortable, making it ideal for those who love to explore.
10. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Spain’s diverse landscapes offer countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. You can go hiking in the Pyrenees, ski in the Sierra Nevada, or relax on the beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands or Canary Islands, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Brava. Spain’s natural parks, such as Doñana National Park and Picos de Europa, provide stunning backdrops for nature lovers.
11. Safety and Quality of Life
Spain consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe. Its low crime rate and friendly locals contribute to a high quality of life. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with an emphasis on family and community, makes it an appealing option for people looking to settle down in a safe, welcoming environment.
12. Retire in Spain
Spain is often considered one of the best countries for retirement, thanks to its warm climate, lower cost of living, and high-quality healthcare. Expats from around the world, particularly from the UK and other European countries, are drawn to Spain as a retirement destination.
Explore Spain’s Costa Blanca with Lisa Frain
Come and explore Spain with the Lisa Frain Real Estate team. We love all of Spain but especially the Costa Blanca where we are based and where we sell not just houses, but the Spanish dream to our many happy clients.
We love the Costa Blanca for its variety, relaxed pace of life, culture and beaches – and for the opportunities it offers all our clients, no matter what they are looking for.
Choose from -
A city pad in Alicante city with its theatres, music venues, art galleries, shops and yachting marina
A beach-front villa with stunning views of the Mediterranean in the north or south Costa Blanca
A party home in resorts such as Benidorm
An apartment, townhouse or villa in family friendly towns with great schools
A golf property with all the facilities of a top golf resort.
Whatever you want, the Costa Blanca has it and Lisa Frain Real Estate can help you find it.
A few facts about the Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca means White Coast
The Costa Blanca is located on the southeastern coast of Spain, in the province of Alicante, within the Valencian Community.
The area stretches for 200km along the Mediterranean Sea and has some of the best beaches in Spain.
The Costa Blanca is home to a variety of lively festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous is Las Hogueras de San Juan, held annually in Alicante, which involves spectacular bonfires, fireworks, and traditional parades to celebrate the arrival of summer.
The region boasts several natural parks, such as the Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park and the Sierra de Aitana, perfect for hiking, bird watching, and exploring Spain’s diverse flora and fauna.
The two main cities of the Costa Blanca are Alicante and Valencia. Both have an international airport.
We look forward to meeting you, sharing our passion for the Costa Blanca with you and helping you to live the Spanish dream.