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

Madrid

Madrid is a vibrant city that attracts many different types of people. “From babies in bars to octogenarians playing cards and drinking cañas outdoors, Spain, especially Madrid, welcomes everyone,” says Lori Zaino, an American freelance journalist who has lived in Madrid for almost 20 years. As Spain’s capital and the biggest city in the country, Madrid is buzzing with shopping, dining, nightlife, and cultural activities. It’s a great choice for retirees who still 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’re living on a U.S. salary or pension,” said Zaino. The city center is walkable, and there’s no need to own a car to explore further. Madrid has excellent public transportation, and residents over 65 are eligible for a free Metro Pass.

Retirees who are also avid travelers will love the convenience of Madrid; the biggest and busiest airport in Spain is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), which is less than a 30-minute drive from the city center.

Valencia

If your idea of a great retirement is coastal living in a city that is both historical and futuristic, consider Valencia. Located on Spain’s eastern coast, Valencia is the country’s third-largest city. It features not only a bustling, walkable city center but also coastal communities with over 12 miles of serene beaches.

While you’ll definitely want to take in the area’s historic, Spanish charm (including The Lonja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Cathedral of Valencia), 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 digital 3D cinema, and a large public garden.

Another highlight is Valencia’s Central Market; with over 1,200 stalls selling various meats, cheeses, produce, seafood, nuts, and spices, it’s heaven for foodies.

Sitges

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

“Spain has a different lifestyle and pace of living to most of the U.S. People take time to enjoy life, from a chat in the market to having a morning coffee with a friend outside a café,” said Johnson who is also an expat living in Sitges. Moving to Spain found that Spain was a more livable country compared to the U.S. and the U.K. when considering factors including cost of living, healthcare, and life expectancy.

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

Barcelona

For retirees who want it all, there’s Barcelona. This city has arts, culture, history, nature, beaches, nightlife, and so much more, making it a popular choice for expats.

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

Barcelona has a varied climate that’s warm in the summer and chilly in the 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 taking in an FC Barcelona game.

The nearby international airport — as well as train, bus, and ferry stations — make Barcelona a fantastic jumping-off point to explore the rest of Europe or even Africa. “Pay $30 for a flight to Ireland or $50 for an express train to Germany. Hop on a bus to France or a ferry to Italy or Morocco,” said Johnson.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián is a small beach town on Spain’s north Atlantic Coast, just under 14 miles from the French border.

“We’re seeing a lot of Americans starting to explore living on the Spanish Atlantic Coast,” said Johnson. “These [cities] offer cooler weather, less tourist traffic, and an exciting cultural experience vs. the Mediterranean coastline.”

San Sebastián is one of the most popular cities in the Basque Country, an area known for its alluring beaches and unmistakable cuisine. In the Basque language, it’s often referred to as Donostia.

One of the highlights of the city is the bay of La Concha which is flanked by the Urgull and Igeldo mountains. With a two-mile-long promenade and the shell-shaped La Playa de la Concha, this area is frequented by tourists and residents alike.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma is a resort city on the Spanish island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean. It’s the capital of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago that also includes Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera.

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

Palma residents won’t need a car; much of the city is accessible by foot, and buses and trains connect every part of the island. The Airport of Palma de Mallorca offers hundreds of flights per day to domestic and international destinations. There’s even a seasonal direct flight to the U.S. (Newark) on United Airlines.

Almuñécar

Almuñécar, located on Spain’s southern coast in the province of Granada, has been called the best place for retirees in Spain.

“Almuñécar still feels like a genuinely Spanish town,” said José Correa, 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 micro-climate has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year!”

Residents can hike in the Sierra de Almijara mountains or Cerro Gordo Natural Park, explore historical sites like the Castle of San Miguel, swim at one of the area’s 20 beaches, enjoy green spaces like the Parque del Majuelo, or dine on local delicacies like torta de alhajú at an outdoor cafe.

Even though Almuñécar is a small town, multiple clinics and medical facilities, including Almuñecar Medical Center, offer retirees easy access to medical care.

Seville

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

Its architecture is extravagant and elegant, and much of it dates back to the city’s time under Roman and later 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.) Together with the cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Retirees are attracted to Seville’s slow pace of life and favorable climate. While not as large as Barcelona or Madrid, Seville is still the fourth most populated city in Spain with an active expat community.

Seville’s downtown is flat and walkable, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces. Residents can even go canoeing or rowing on the Guadalquivir River.

Málaga

Málaga is a city on Spain’s Mediterranean coastline and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Named as Europe’s sunniest destination, it sees about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.

This thriving port city has no shortage of things to do. One of the highlights of Málaga is Muelle Uno, an open-air seafront shopping promenade. In addition to great shopping, this bustling spot hosts concerts, performances, kid-focused activities, arts and crafts shows, and other events.

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