Many pensioners and expats consider warmer climes when it comes time to retire from work life in their home country. Spain is a popular destination for sunny relaxation and retirement, and although not impartial, we think we know the best place to retire in Spain. Without a doubt, one of the best places to retire in Spain is Elviria Hills, Marbella. Marbella has over 320 sunny days a year, as well as ample cultural, shopping and outdoor leisure activities. Here are a couple of points to keep in mind if you are searching for a place to retire in Spain. We think you’ll agree after reading that Elviria Hills Marbella may be one of the best places to live in Spain!
Convenient and close to home
If you are considering retiring or moving to Spain, you are not alone: there are over 5 million foreign citizens who have choses Spain as their home. The official British population here is about 300,000 people, whilst 150,000+ German and Italian citizens have made Spain their permanent base. Spain is also a popular place for Nordic nationals, with about 100,000 Swedes and 50,000 Norwegians calling it home.
One of the reasons for Spain’s popularity as a place to retire is its proximity to many European countries and the economic price of flights between European countries, with discount airlines and extra routes to Spain making travel easier than ever. In addition, as Spain is an EU country; many bureaucratic processes such as transfer of state pensions or driving permits are much easier for European nationals than if they choose to retire outside of the European Union.
Cost of Living in Spain
Another reason Marbella and Spain are among the best places to retire for expats is the cost of living. Although Marbella offers many exclusive services such as upscale spas, shopping, golf, entertainment and restaurants, like the rest of Spain, Marbella offers a great standard of living when compared to other Western European countries. Retirees note that the cost of living is often lower than their home countries, and this means that they can afford more and enjoy their life to the fullest in Spain. Scroll down this article offered by Sanitas Health Insurance and discover the table comparing the cost of daily items in Spain versus the UK.
Staying in touch with your roots
One of the wonderful things about retiring in Elviria Hills, Marbella is that you are in the centre of an area with great cultural and historical diversity. Marbella is located in Malaga, and 73% of the province’s foreign residents hail from the EU. There are residents from the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, France, Denmark, Russia and the UAE to name some of the nationalities represented here. Whether you are looking for an international school, an activity for your grandchildren, or simply want to connect with other people from your country or background, you won’t get homesick here! There are local clubs formed by expats from a variety of countries, another reason that for many expats, the best place to retire is Marbella, Spain.
Culture, Art and History
Of course, we’d be remiss to talk culture without mentioning the Andalusian culture and heritage exploration opportunities that the Marbella area offers to retirees as well. You’ll want to check out traditional festivals and activities such as the Feria de Málaga, the San Bernabe fair in Marbella, Holy Week celebrations or Marbella’s Flamenco scene.
Top art attractions include the Picasso Museum in Málaga, the Ralli Museum in Marbella, and lovers of international art will enjoy the Centre Pompidou and the Russian Museum of Málaga. Those who prefer their belles arts with a bit of fresh air will appreciate Estepona’s Poetry Route or the street art murals in the old town. If ancient history is your passion, you will not want to miss Marbella’s Roman bath ruins or the Basílica de Vega del Mar ruins, one of the only examples of North African Visigothic churches built in the area during the sixth century.
Outdoor living
Many of us hail from countries that are not known for great weather. If you love sunshine and outdoor activities, Elviria Hills Marbella is one of the best places to retire in Spain. This area is also known as the Costa del Golf, and Elviria Hills offers great golfing right in your own garden, as well as swimming and tennis on grounds. Beaches are 5 minutes away, and our residents enjoy boating, sailing and fishing. The more adventurous can also partake in climbing, canyoning, bungee jumping or race car driving in the area!
Shop til you drop
Finally, Marbella and Puerto Banus are well known luxury shopping destinations. You’ll find high-end as well as niche designers and of course there is something for everyone, including those who prefer outdoor street markets. A quick search online, and you’ll see that there are multiple guides to shopping centres as well as smaller atelier boutiques in Marbella.
Without a doubt, one of the best places to retire is Elviria Hills in Marbella. If you aren’t sure, check out our properties online, or better yet, come visit!
