Part 1 | Part 2
The Secret of Spain’s Popularity. Three Spanish Destinations Made It into the Forbes Rating. Part Two
So where do those wishing to move to Spain prefer to go? European retirees have long chosen the Canary and Balearic Islands, the coastal towns of the Costa Blanca, and more recently Murcia, in particular, its part known as Costa Calida. Although none of these destinations are in the Forbes top ten, they are still popular. The aforementioned rating includes the Costa del Sol, Costa de Azahar and Bilbao. What is the reason for this choice?
Costa del Sol
The coast, which has 1.3 million inhabitants, is probably the most popular of all the continental Spanish resort regions. Those who like a warm climate and beautiful beaches go here to relax and live. A significant part of the foreign residents of this coast are British and Irish.
From a demographic point of view, the population here is quite young, among the immigrants there are many people of working age, so it is not surprising that many shops and bars are owned by immigrants. Often expats prefer this coast precisely because you can often hear English spoken here and those who do not yet speak Spanish have the opportunity to communicate in English almost everywhere.
In most coastal towns, life does not come to a standstill with the onset of winter, as often happens at resorts. This is ideal for those who have come here to enjoy not only the warm climate, but also the traditional Spanish way of life, which involves constant lively communication. It is not surprising that this region is considered one of the best for golf lovers: the most famous golf clubs in Europe are located here.
In its recommendations, Forbes particularly highlights such coastal cities as Puerto Banus, Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Estepona, Nueva Andalucia, Mijas and Manilva. Those who can afford it buy expensive mansions here next to the villas of Spanish and world celebrities. But just a few streets away from the fashionable areas, you can find an affordable apartment. This, as realtors emphasize, is the charm of this densely populated corner of Spain: everyone can find a housing option in accordance with their needs and financial capabilities.
For those who want to live on the coast, don’t mind the large number of Brits, and want to enjoy quality European infrastructure but still have a “more Spanish” lifestyle, Forbes recommends the Costa de Azahar. This coastline in the eastern province of Castellón, squeezed between Catalonia and Valencia, is less well known than other Spanish coastlines, and many consider this to be one of its main attractions. Just an hour’s drive from Valencia, the country’s third-largest city, and less than two hours from the ski slopes of Teruel, the very Mediterranean-style, 120-kilometre Costa de Azahar offers the chance to experience a truly traditional Spanish lifestyle. Peniscola attracts attention with its amazing castle, which many know from the popular series Game of Thrones, while Benicassim is famous for its international music festival, which many compare to the British Glastonbury. Forbes also recommends paying attention to cities such as La Llosa, Oropresa del Mar and Benicarlo.
Spain is famous for its warm climate, but not everyone who would like to move here likes the stifling heat. In this case, Forbes recommends choosing the Basque Country, or more precisely, Bilbao, which occupies the third position among the most popular Spanish destinations in this rating. It is chosen by those who do not want to give up their usual city lifestyle, but who do not like living in an overly busy and crowded capital. Among the advantages of Bilbao are magnificent classical and modern architecture, one of the most efficient and “green” transport systems in the country, which explains the surprisingly clean air for such a large city. Bilbao is officially considered the second on the list of the cleanest cities in Spain. The level of safety in Bilbao can be evidenced by at least the fact that taxi drivers who drive women home are required by local laws to make sure that the passenger enters the building safe and sound.
The Basque Country countryside is often compared to Switzerland, and in this respect the region differs significantly from the rest of Spain. But it also has excellent beaches – in particular the famous La Concha, which is located in San Sebastian. Summers in the Basque Country are much less hot than in many other parts of the country, but there is still plenty of sun and no stifling humidity.
The region’s healthcare system is considered one of the best in Spain – in this respect, the Basque Country is second only to Navarre. The regional government spends more than 1,600 euros annually on the health of each resident – this is the highest figure in the country.
Surprisingly, life in Bilbao is not as expensive as one might think: the city is not among the top ten most expensive in Spain. And this is despite the fact that in other large cities of the autonomous region – San Sebastian and Vitoria – living costs 30 and 70% more than the national average, respectively. In terms of quality of life, Bilbao ranks eighth among all provincial capitals of Spain, but its position will be higher if we evaluate not only the quality of life, but also its cost. In terms of socioeconomic conditions, Bilbao is in 12th place in the country. And, of course, it is definitely worth mentioning the magnificent culinary traditions of the Basque Country, whose restaurants are regularly ranked among the best establishments in the world.
Of course, those who are planning to connect their lives with Spain should not limit themselves to the recommendations of Forbes. Each region and city of the country is beautiful and good in its own way, and thousands of immigrants who annually replenish the number of residents of this amazing country of the Iberian Peninsula have already been able to see this for themselves.
