Spain is no longer just a destination for retired people, it's now a hot destination for workers and their families who are joining the growing expat communities in Spain.
Why are so many qualified professionals and young families leaving the UK?:
- The state of the education system – The UK was once so proud of its education but people have lost confidence in it now.
- The NHS – Long waiting lists, stories of old people being left on trolleys because there aren't enough beds.
- The weather!
- Property prices – Many people just can't afford to buy a property in the UK any more.
- Cost of living – Many families struggle with even both parents working full-time at high powered careers.
Those are just a few reasons why people are leaving the UK for sunny Spain. But where are they going? Where are the popular areas for expats to settle.
The Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca has always been a favourite with retired expats but is now popular with the younger generation. The “White Coast” stretches from Denia and Javea in the North to Torrevieja and Guardamar in the South. It has much to offer its expat communities – beautiful beaches, one of the healthiest climates in the world, good travel links (Alicante Airport) and many facilities.
The Costa del Sol
Another traditional expat destination, the Costa del Sol, or Sunshine Coast, has many expat communities in popular towns such as Malaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Estepona, Nerja and Benalmadena.
It is in Andalucia, the southernmost region of Spain, and offers beautiful sandy beaches, a host of facilities and a large international airport at Malaga. Year round sun is guaranteed.
Madrid
Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is situated right in the middle of the country between Castilla-Leon and Castilla-La Mancha. Its central location gives it an interesting climate – very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It is the biggest city in Spain and is the ideal destination for people who want cosmopolitan, city life and great facilities.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is situated on the North Eastern coastline of Spain in the region of Catalonia. It is a beautiful cultural city with a wide range of facilities including its 7 beautiful Mediterranean beaches. It has many galleries and museums and is famous for Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Church.
Costa Calida
This costa is the coastline of the region of Murcia. The “Warm Coast” boasts the exclusive La Manga Club resort, near the beautiful Mar Menor lagoon, which is popular with the rich and famous, and also the seaside resorts of Aguilas, Puerto de Mazarron, Isla Plana and Bolnuevo. The main cities of the area are Murcia, with its wonderfully Gothic Cathedral, and Cartagena, with its harbour and Naval Museum. The region has an growing airport, Murcia Aiport (San Javier).
Andalucia
Home to the Costa del Sol, Andalucia also boasts the beautiful regions of Almeria, Granada, Cordoba, Jaen, Huelva, Malaga, Sevilla and Cadiz. The region offers flamenco, bullfighting, wonderful Moorish remains in Granada and Cordoba and some of the finest beaches in Spain.
As well as these popular regions, expat communities in Spain can also be found on the Costa Brava, in Valencia and Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, and a growing number of expats are settling in regions like Extremadura and the Northern areas of Galicia and Asturias. Spain is a large country and has something to offer everyone.
