Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain
By Johanna Gardener •
Published: 30 Oct 2024 • 23:40
• 4 minutes read
Retirement can be a daunting prospect, and choosing the right place is essential for a peaceful and fulfilling chapter in life. For those seeking comfort, luxury, and the warmth of a welcoming community, Marbella may be the perfect destination.
This vibrant town graces the extensive coastline of Spain’s Costa del Sol, offering nearly year-round sunshine, a world-class healthcare system, a thriving expat community, and a diverse array of leisure activities suited to all ages. Discover why Marbella is an ideal choice for making the most of your golden years.
Marbella boasts 320 days of sunshine a year and little rainfall
First up: the weather. Marbella and the whole of the region – the Costa del Sol celebrates an enviable climate all year round. It enjoys an astonishing 320 days of sunshine each year and is one of the top climate hotspots in Europe. This makes it perfect for old and young to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and feel motivated to do so. Marbella has mild winters with temperature drops below 8°C being few and far between. This means that come summer or winter, you can enjoy wining and dining on flower-lined terraces or even on the beachfront bars and restaurants. Summer in Marbella is warm, but not as unbearably hot, as other parts of Spain. Oscillating between 28°C and 32°C, it conjures many a balmy night for festivals and concerts. Don’t worry about rainfall either – golf, beach walks and other outdoor activities will rarely be hampered as rain is scarce.
Choose from a range of English-speaking healthcare plans
Over to the more practical concerns: what about my health? Despite some criticism of Spain’s healthcare system, it is actually one of the best systems in Europe and what is on offer in Marbella is no different. The area offers a wide range of both public and private medical facilities including consultations, hospital treatment and outpatient care. Being a resident in Marbella, you are eligible for access to the public healthcare system by applying for the Social Security green and yellow card. If this isn’t for you and you prefer a more tailor-made healthcare package, Marbella is replete with private clinics and hospitals, which are generally cheaper than the European average, including Hospital Ceram and HC Marbella International Hospital. These hospitals almost always have English speakers to ensure clear communication and reassurance.
Marbella: top in Spain for quintessential dream homes
What about that stunning home? Whether you re envisioning a beachfront villa, a charming townhouse, or a spacious plot nestled in the picturesque hills of Marbella, there is a diverse range of property options available to cater to every taste. For those fortunate enough to find their dream home, the possibilities are endless. Many apartments are located close to the sea and to areas where amenities and a vibrant social scene are close by. Key places to look into are Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía, and Marbella’s city centre – divided into the old town and the commercial centre. If space is what you need to fill your home with elegance and luxury or simply to retreat into the privacy of a gated complex, Marbella’s villas are simply stunning, with the town boasting some of the most expensive in Spain. Where villas like these are commonplace, the neighbourhoods usually come with a hefty price tag. The Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, and La Zagaleta flaunt some of the most sensational homes on the Costa del Sol, with outstanding views, sizeable swimming pools, and lush gardens. About a fifteen minute drive from Marbella is the town of San Pedro de Alcantara. This has developed massively over recent years to host a wonderful boulevard, a high street lined with shops and an excellent range of bars and restaurants, many of which adorn its impressive marine walk. It is usually more affordable than its more pricey neighbour: Puerto Banús.
Embrace the next chapter: Marbella s vibrant retirement lifestyle
When you’re not daydreaming on your front porch overlooking the azure waves of the Mediterranean, one must confess that there will be other novelties to draw you in. Retirement is not the beginning of the end but the end to a new beginning. And Marbella is the ultimate place to launch into a new lifestyle and indulge in almost any type of sport, cultural event or even nightlife. Bearing the pseudo name – the “Golfing Capital of Europe” – it is fair to say that there is no shortage of world-class golf courses including Los Naranjos Golf Club and Aloha Golf Club. Add to this the range of water sports from paddleboarding to relaxing boat rides. If indulgence means wining and dining, options are limitless, ranging from high-end Michelin-starred cuisine in the Puente Romano village or more rustic tapas bars in Marbella’s town centre. All this before you even consider the two renowned festivals gracing Marbella’s venues every year: the Marbella International Film Festival and the Starlite Music Festival.
Marbella s vibrant expat community: key to making new friendships
You might be wondering: But who can I actually socialize with? Moving abroad can feel isolating and often daunting. That’s why its so reassuring to know that Marbella thrives on its vibrant expat community, with a large population of people from the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, and other parts of Europe. This makes it an ideal location for its many social clubs, language exchanges and community groups as well as clubs of all shapes and sizes. Spanish-learning is big business on the Costa del Sol, despite the prevalence of English speakers so be sure to investigate the academies or language groups which can really help to boost confidence, make friends and keep minds and memories sharp.
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Written by
Johanna Gardener
Originally from Manchester, UK and with a degree in English with Modern Foreign Languages, she has been a permanent resident in Spain for the past 12 years. Many of these years, she has spent working as a secondary school teacher, as well as in journalism, editing and marketing. She currently lives in the historic centre of Malaga, where she enjoys writing, walking and animals.
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