9 Best Places to Retire in Spain, According to Local Expats

Madrid

Madrid is a dynamic city that attracts many types of people. “From babies in bars to octogenarians playing cards and drinking canas Outdoors, Spain, and especially Madrid, welcomes everyone,” says Lori Zaino, an American freelance journalist who has lived in Madrid for almost 20 years. As the capital of Spain and the country's largest city, Madrid is full of shopping, restaurants, nightlife and cultural activities. It's a excellent choice for retirees who always want to be in the middle of the action.

A thriving expat community and low cost of living make Madrid an easy choice for American retirees. “Madrid is an affordable city, especially if you live on an American salary or pension,” Zaino said. The city center is walkable and there is no need to own a car to explore further. Madrid has excellent public transportation and residents over 65 can get a free metro pass.

Retirees who are also frequent travelers will love the convenience of Madrid; Spain's largest and busiest airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located less than 30 minutes' drive from the city center.

Valence

If your idea of ​​a great retirement is living on the coast in a city that is both historic and futuristic, consider Valence. Located on the east coast of Spain, Valencia is the third largest city in the country. It not only includes a bustling, walkable city center, but also coastal communities with more than 12 miles of serene beaches.

While you'll definitely want to take in the area's historic and Spanish charm (including the UNESCO World Heritage Site La Lonja and Valencia Cathedral), don't miss the City of Arts and Sciences. This ultra-modern complex includes a concert hall, a science museum, an aquarium (the largest in Europe), a 3D digital cinema and a large public garden.

Another highlight is the central market of Valencia; with over 1,200 stalls selling various meats, cheeses, produce, seafood, nuts and spices, it's a foodie's paradise.

Sitges

Retirees looking for a small-town atmosphere with quick access to big city amenities may want to consider Sitges. Located on the northeast coast of Spain, it is just 30 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car from Barcelona.

“Spain has a different lifestyle and pace of life than most Americans. People take time to enjoy life, whether it's chatting at the market or having a coffee on morning with a friend outside a cafe,” said Johnson, also an expat living in Spain. Sitges. Moving to Spain found that Spain was a more pleasant country to live in than the United States and the United Kingdom when taking into account factors such as cost of living, healthcare and life expectancy.

Sitges is a laid-back town known for its beaches, natural scenery and walkable city center. It is also home to a diverse population including families, retirees, an expat community and an LGBTQ+ community.

Barcelona

For retirees who want it all, there is Barcelona. This city is full of art, culture, history, nature, beaches, nightlife and much more, making it a popular choice for expats.

“The largest American expat communities are in the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona,” Johnson said.

Barcelona has a varied climate, hot in summer and cool in winter (although it rarely snows), with average high temperatures ranging from 56 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents enjoy strolling along the waterfront, dining al fresco or shopping along Las Ramblas, visiting one of the city's many parks, or attending an FC Barcelona match.

The nearby international airport, as well as train, bus and ferry terminals, make Barcelona a fantastic starting point for exploring the rest of Europe or even Africa. “Pay $30 for a flight to Ireland or $50 for an express train to Germany. Get on a bus to France or a ferry to Italy or Morocco,” Johnson said.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a small seaside town located on the northern Atlantic coast of Spain, just under 22 km from the French border.

“We are seeing many Americans beginning to explore the Spanish Atlantic coast,” Johnson said. “These (cities) offer a cooler climate, less tourist traffic and an exciting cultural experience compared to the Mediterranean coastline.”

San Sebastian is one of the most popular cities in the Basque Country, a region known for its alluring beaches and incomparable cuisine. In the Basque language, it is often called Donostia.

One of the city's highlights is La Concha Bay, flanked by the Urgull and Igeldo mountains. With a three-kilometre-long promenade and the shell-shaped Playa de la Concha, this area is frequented by tourists and residents alike.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma is a seaside resort located on the Spanish island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean. It is the capital of Balearic Islandsan archipelago that also includes Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, it's easy to see why Palma is primarily known as a beach town. However, it has much more to offer, including a historic and charming old town, hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains or golf on more than 20 championship courses.

Residents of Palma will not need a car; much of the town is walkable and buses and trains connect all parts of the island. Palma de Mallorca Airport offers hundreds of flights per day to national and international destinations. There is even a seasonal direct flight to the United States (Newark) on United Airlines.

Almunecar

Almuñécar, located on the southern coast of Spain, in the province of Granada, is nicknamed the best place for retirees in Spain.

“Almuñécar still feels like an authentically Spanish town,” said José Correa, a real estate agent and owner of Tropicana Estates, a local real estate agency. “The locals are warm and welcoming, the cost of living is very affordable and of course, the fabulous subtropical microclimate enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine per year!

Residents can hike in the Sierra de Almijara mountains or Cerro Gordo Natural Park, explore historic sites like San Miguel Castle, swim at one of the area's 20 beaches, enjoy green spaces like the Parque del Majuelo or savor local specialties like alhaju torta in a café terrace.

Although Almuñécar is a small town, several clinics and medical facilities, including the Almuñecar Medical Center, provide retirees with easy access to medical care.

Seville

Seville is a traditional town known for its tapas, flamenco dancing, Spanish guitar and regional art.

Its architecture is extravagant and elegant, and much of it dates back to the city's time under Roman and then Moorish rule. One of the highlights is the Royal Alcázar, which is one of the best places to visit in Spain. (It was also a filming site for Game of Thrones.) With the cathedral and the Archives of the Indies, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Retirees are attracted by Seville's slow pace of life and favorable climate. Although not as large as Barcelona or Madrid, Seville remains the fourth most populous city in Spain with an active expat community.

Downtown Seville is flat and walkable, and full of parks and green spaces. Residents can even go canoeing or rowing on the Guadalquivir River.

Málaga

Málaga is a city located on the Spanish Mediterranean coast and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Named the sunniest destination in Europe, it enjoys around 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.

This thriving port city has no shortage of things to do. One of the highlights of Malaga is the Muelle Uno, an open-air seaside shopping promenade. In addition to great shopping, this lively spot hosts concerts, shows, children's activities, entertainment shows, arts and crafts and other events.

The historic city center is home to Marqués de Larios Street, another shopping and dining hotspot. This street hosts many festivals and events throughout the year and is a popular gathering place for residents and tourists.