Choices in Spain for expats determined to disregard the Brexit effect

If you’re still determined not to allow Brexit to wreck your Spanish retirement dream, there’s plenty of choice as regards locations.

Your final choice of destination will depend on two factors – your preferred lifestyle and affordability. The affordability requirement is straightforward, based on the fact that living in major cities or areas popular with tourists is invariably more expensive than are small towns and more remote regions. Housing preferences fit in here as well, with those looking for a traditional building more likely to find their dream home in a small town rather than in one of the country’s major cities.

Spain’s plus-points are similar wherever you relocate, and include quality healthcare at a reasonable price, convenient transportation links and a unique, historic culture. Night owls may well be happier in a major beachside expat location, whilst those craving a quiet life in the sunshine would be best in a rural area. Of course, for retired Brits who’d like to keep working as an online freelancer, a fast, reliable internet service is essential.

Famous Alicante is great for retirees, with an established, friendly expat community on tap and the best climate in which to enjoy life at or near the beach. The Costa Blanca city of Javea lies at the foot of a mountain range, has a cooler climate as a result and offers a laid-back, traditional atmosphere as well as a beachside lifestyle. The local people speak English to a degree, a plus point for retirees who aren’t hot on language learning.

The stunning city of Madrid is the first choice for many expat professionals planning to retire overseas, with its location on the Costa del Sol and the Andalusian culture both plus points for colourful festivals, a vibrant arts scene and a historic old town. Malls, markets, restaurants and shops are geared to city life, and transportation links make the rest of the country easily accessible.

For glitter, glamour and an upmarket, fast-paced lifestyle, Marbella on the Costa del Sol with its backing of the Sierra mountain range is the perfect place. Mediterranean beaches, two dozen top-class golf courses and the Golden Mile leading to the upscale port of Puerto Banus with its plethora of luxury yachts and Michelin-starred eateries are all on offer. For a peaceful change, the city’s old quarter is historic and charming.

Torrevieja is one of Spain’s most popular haunts for retired expats as well as for holiday home buyers. Established in 1803, it’s famous as a health spa due to its huge Salt Lake, and Spanish retirees adore it, as do holidaymakers as well as its expat retirement community.

If islands are your thing, Mallorca is your place. Known also as Majorca, it’s one of Spain’s offshore Balearic Islands and its capital Palma has everything expat retirees could need or want. The beaches are superb, the nightlife is lively, shopping is fun and the whole package comes complete with breathtaking scenery.