12 Peaceful Places To Retire in Spain
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For decades, Spain has been a popular retirement destination choice for expats worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why. Spain has much to offer, including charming seaside towns, historic cities, scenic landscapes, and beautiful culture. Better still, Spain offers visa services that make it easy for retirees to settle there.
However, with so many amazing places, finding the perfect retirement place takes time and effort. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll show you 12 serene places to retire in Spain. We’ve selected these destinations based on beauty, tranquility, and things to see and do.
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Alicante
Let’s kick things off with Alicante, a beautiful port city in southeastern Spain. Found along Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline, this city offers panoramic coastal views, breathtaking Spanish architecture, and a lively marina lined with palm trees. Oh, and how could we forget the long golden sand beaches with turquoise waters?
In Alicante, you’ll spend your golden years exploring the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Barrio de la Santa Cruz), admiring the sea views from the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which sits above the city, and soaking up the sun on one of the many beaches, San Juan Beach being one of the best. What’s not to like?
Read more: Must-Visit Cities in Europe
Malaga
Admittedly, Malaga isn’t the quietest city on this list. Still, it makes up for its popularity and liveliness with the promise of long sandy beaches, beautiful architecture, and a rich history and culture. Even better, Malaga has mild winters and hot summers, many things to see and do, and a pedestrian-only city center offering a tranquil place to relax and enjoy Spanish cuisine.
The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Malaga also has a whopping 16 beaches for beachgoers to enjoy, countless bars, cafes, restaurants, museums, galleries, and so much more. Picturesque landmarks in the city include Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, and the Roman Theater. Meanwhile, Malagueta Beach offers serene coastal views. Popular activities in Malaga include hiking, water sports, and golfing.
Read more: Charming Small Towns in Europe
Ronda
Ronda is perfect if you’re dreaming of a quiet and picturesque retirement away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Set majestically above a deep canyon, Ronda is a city in Spain’s Malaga province. The city is best known for its scenic countryside views and rich history, which are arguably a match made in heaven.
El Tajo (a deep gorge) separates Ronda’s 15th-century new town from its Old Town, dating back to Moorish rule. The two areas are connected via a bridge called Puente Nuevo, where you’ll find some of the best views in the city. Some of the city’s most iconic points of interest include the Arab Baths Archaeological Site, Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda, and El Tajo de Ronda.
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Sitges
If you’d prefer to wake up to sea views every morning instead, Sitges is a better retirement choice. Sitges is a stunning coastal town in Spain’s Catalonia region. Found southwest of Barcelona, it’s much loved for its pristine Mediterranean beaches, picturesque seafront promenade, and impressive mountain views.
An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, you can spend your time swimming in the sea, strolling along San Sebastian Beach, and hiking and cycling in Parc Natural del Garraf, which is 16 miles (26 kilometers) away. You’ll find a vibrant Old Town packed with Spanish culture in Sitges. The Old Town is where you can find the town’s best traditional shops, restaurants, and impressive architecture, like the Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla Parish Church.
Read more: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
Bilbao
Bilbao is a surprising inclusion on this list because most expats retiring to Spain gravitate towards the southern coast and its beaches. However, the city makes our list for several reasons. First, Bilbao has a high quality of life, low crime rates, and a thriving expat community. Numbeo says it’s also more affordable than other cities such as Barcelona and Madrid.
Secondly, and most importantly, Bilbao is a serene place to live. Located in the Basque Country in Northern Spain, Bilbao combines natural beauty with Spanish art and architecture. The Nervión River runs through the city, and lush green mountains surround it. Notable attractions in the city include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Plaza Nueva, and Erriberako Merkatua.
Read more: Affordable European Cities
Santander
The cost of living in Santander, the capital of Spain’s Cantabria region, is lower than that in most major cities, including Barcelona, Malaga, and Madrid, making it a more affordable place to retire. Santander is an excellent retirement destination for retirees seeking a combination of big city life and coastal escape.
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Here, you’ll find several mind-blowing beaches with golden sand and turquoise waters, miles of coastal hiking trails, peaceful clifftop parks with sea views, and a lively city center with countless cafes, bars, and authentic restaurants. Beachgoers spend most of their time on Primera Playa del Sardinero, while history buffs love the museum district. Meanwhile, foodies can find all the food their hearts desire in Mercado de la Esperanza.
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Deià
Generally, Mallorca is best known for its lively seaside resorts, vibrant nightlife, and party atmosphere. However, the island has much more to offer, especially if you dream of a serene coastal village retirement. Tucked away in the northern ridge of Mallorca, Deià is a picturesque sanctuary loved by laid-back travelers, retirees, writers, and artists.
This small coastal village is much appreciated for its mind-blowing sea views, lush landscapes, and beautiful buildings. Here, retirees can enjoy the luxurious side of Spain, with secluded beaches, exclusive art galleries, upscale dining experiences, and a tight-knit community. Major sights in the village include Cala de Deià, La Casa de Robert Graves, and Son Marroig.
Read more: Romantic European Destinations
Nerja
Nerja is a fascinating town in southern Spain that experiences mild winters and hot summers. The town’s full of exciting and interesting things to see and do, and house and food prices are generally affordable. If you were to retire to Nerja, you’d likely spend most of your time soaking up the sun on the beach, shopping in the town center, enjoying authentic cuisine, and exploring the coast.
Burriana Beach is the most popular beach in the town. You can enjoy a long stretch of golden sand, clear waters, and beachfront restaurants here. Nerja Caves and their prehistoric cave paintings and sculptures are also worth visiting. Don’t miss Aqueduct Eagle and Plaza Balcon De Europa, either.
Read more: Natural Wonders in Europe
Cádiz
Cádiz is an ancient port city in southwestern Spain bursting with charm, history, and scenic coastal views. Aside from its apparent beauty, one of the biggest draws for retirees in Cádiz is the city’s affordability. Compared to other cities, Cádiz offers a high quality of life without the exorbitant prices.
It’s ideal for retirees who want to enjoy the ocean and immerse themselves in Spanish history. The Old Town of Cádiz features winding cobblestone streets, ancient churches, lively plazas, and pastel-colored buildings. Meanwhile, Playa de la Victoria is the perfect place to admire the sea views, swim, and stroll along the beach.
Read more: Hidden Gems in Europe
Murcia
Like Cádiz, Murcia is a beautiful city loved most for its stunning architecture, pristine coastline, and Spanish history. Retirees will also be pleased to hear that Murcia is one of Spain’s most affordable cities to retire. According to Expatistan, you can rent an apartment in the city for as little as $698 (€642) a month.
In this well-loved city, life moves slower, so relax, unwind, and spend your days leisurely strolling through the city and along Playa de Poniente. Famous landmarks and attractions in Murcia include the Veronicas Market, Romea Theatre, Episcopal Palace, and Plaza Cardenal Belluga.
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Marbella
Marbella could be the ideal place if you dream of a more luxurious retirement in Spain. Famed for its glitz, glamor, and serenity, Marbella is a luxury city and seaside resort on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. Marbella has many exclusive places to live, but Puerto Banus is arguably the most luxurious.
Puerto Banus is a picturesque marina in Marbella’s Nueva Andalucían neighborhood. The marina has luxury yachts, high-end boutique shops, world-class restaurants, and luxury housing. In and around Puerto Banus, retirees can purchase property with private pools and scenic coastal views. What more could we ask for? Other popular places to live in Marbella include Marbella Center, the Golden Mile, and Marbella East.
Read also: European Cities With Stunning Architecture
Granada
Located at the back of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada boasts impressive mountain views, a relaxed atmosphere, rich culture, and historic architecture. Therefore, it’s a great place to retire if you want to surround yourself with Spanish charm and picturesque landscapes.
The best thing to see in Granada is the Alhambra. This hilltop fortress is a fine example of the city’s medieval architecture, which dates back to Moorish rule. Other examples of medieval architecture include the Royal Chapel of Granada, Catedral de Granada, and Monasterio de San Jerónimo, Granada. Away from history, Granada is also home to countless shopping centers with high-end retailers, cafes, bars, and restaurants serving traditional cuisine, and a famous soccer club.
Read more: Underrated Places in the Mediterranean
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