We’re here to settle the argument of the best places to retire in Spain in 2025. We created a list of 38 towns or cities that regularly feature in these discussions and then got to work. We identified 13 key factors important to Expat retirees, including the proportion of retirees and retired Expats, rent price index scores, crime rates, wealth tax rates, places our clients are inquiring about, and climate in each destination. A huge thank you to all those who provided feedback on our 2024 Index. We hope that the updated criteria and research make it even more valuable.
Note: We’ve excluded Madrid and Barcelona from this list. Their size makes many of the metrics we used fairly meaningless. For interest, Barcelona would have ranked #9 and Madrid #16.
Calpe Is The Best Place To Retire In Spain in 2025
How did we choose? >> Please visit the Methodology Explained section below, where we describe all the metrics, why we chose them, and the sources we used.
Top 5 Places to Retire in Spain in 2025
1) Calpe (2024 Ranking #5)
As part of the Marina Alta region, Calpe is renowned for its stunning beauty, crowned by the Peñon de Ifach. Spectacular seafood is best eaten at one of the restaurants along the promenade – you have endless choices for food and drinks. Around 26,000 permanent residents call Calpe home year-round, but during the summer, that number increases considerably. Excellent infrastructure and healthcare, good English proficiency, and a large percentage of Expats and retirees mean that there’s everything you need in the area.
2=) Almuñécar (2024 Ranking #1)
When we visited Almuñécar, we shared a couple of sundowners with an American Expat retiree. He sang the praises of his new home, but did suggest that they weren’t happy to rank #1 in our report, as they didn’t want the secret to get out. Dave, we hope that this slip to #2 makes you happy (and second place is shared with two other cities)! All the things that made it #1 are still true about this small, laidback gem on the southern coast of Spain. We loved our time there – and if we didn’t have work to do, it would have been even better. Retirement in Almuñécar would be golden indeed.
2=) Benidorm (2024 Ranking #6)
A share of second place goes to Benidorm, up from 6th in 2024. Benidorm’s reputation is often associated with young people and fiestas, but savvy Expat retirees know there is far more to the city than that reputation suggests if you look beyond it. Outstanding Expat facilities, leisure and social opportunities, and outstanding healthcare. There is a high level of English-language capability and a large expatriate population. We know Benidorm isn’t for everyone, but for a smooth transition into your retirement in Spain, it is a compelling option for many retirees.
2=) Javea/Xàbia (2024 Ranking #4)
The third city to share second place is Javea, a two-place increase from 2024. This gem is high on our list of places to visit – we want to know if the glowing reports we get are all true! Tucked between the sea and the Montgó mountain, Javea offers scenic beauty, cooler coastal temperatures, and a mature Expat community with lots of local color and opportunities to experience the culture for those who take the time and make the effort.
5) Salamanca (2024 Ranking #36)
Our biggest surprise was a jump from #36 in 2024. Salamanca is famous for its University, but there is a whole other world for retirees to explore. Salamanca’s high proportion of over-65s means that the infrastructure and support for retirees is exceptional. Add the low cost of rentals, and a low crime rate, and it is a compelling option. Lower rates of English, combined with a more traditional Spanish feel (such as siesta being a hard stop), will also appeal to many people. A bit of research on first-person experiences backs up our findings – people are loving living in this gem.
What More Options? See our full list of 38 towns and cities to see where your pick ranks on our long list at the end of the article.
Who Ranked Top for Each Of Our 13 Metrics?
We used 13 metrics to rank the best places to retire in Spain. Here are the winners for each metric, along with some of the other top contenders.
How did we choose? >> Please visit the Methodology Explained section below, where we describe all the metrics, why we chose them, and the sources we used.
Where do people love living life? Well, in our experience, all over Spain, but some are even happier than others. Bilbao and San Sebastian ranked top of this metric, with Dénia and Palma not far behind.
It makes sense that places with a high concentration of retirees are ideal locations for retirement. It shows that infrastructure, amenities, and social opportunities are high. Salamanca ranks highest on this metric, followed by Valladolid, Santander, and Cadiz.
Moving to a new country can be difficult, especially when you are away from family and friends. Expat communities can help you transition, providing a support network and opportunities to make new friends. You’re also likely to find people who speak your language to help you get started. Calpe has the highest proportion of Expats in Spain – but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn Spanish and make friends with locals too (in fact, we strongly recommend this!).
This is the Moving to Spain Best Places to Retire Index, so we decided to find out where our clients were choosing to live in Spain. We analysed the data from our Spanish Private Health Insurance quote tool (Most people need private health insurance for their residency or visa). We analyzed more than 2,000 recent quote requests from retirees to gather up-to-date, real-world information on the areas of highest interest to our clients. According to our analysis, Malaga, Valencia, and Alicante are the most requested places.
Access to high-quality healthcare and favorable health outcomes are crucial when selecting a retirement destination. We examined some public metrics to create our ranking. We know that many Expat retirees in Spain will use private healthcare, but understanding the public system’s provision is an important metric here. Bilbao and Salamanca top the list, with Valladolid and San Sebastian close behind. In our experience, the healthcare system in Spain is one of the best in the world, and in every place on this list, you’ll have access to outstanding medical facilities and professionals.
As potential retirement hotspots, it is reasonable to expect that rental costs in our 38 cities and towns will exceed the national average in Spain. We used Idealista to determine the average rental cost per square meter in each municipality for flats, penthouses, and duplexes. While this is a point-in-time figure and is influenced by changes in available stock, we believe it provides the most accurate figure currently available. The best value, according to our metric, is Ronda, followed by Cuenca, Murcia, Salamanca, and Burgos.
Many retirees prioritize peace of mind, and a low crime rate is a crucial aspect of this. We conducted independent research to answer the question, ‘Is Spain Safe?’ and the overwhelming answer is yes. Violent crime is exceptionally rare in Spain, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and burglary can be very annoying in some areas. We examined total crime rates across Spain, and among our 38 cities, Cuenca ranked lowest, followed by Santiago de Compostela, Valladolid, and Salamanca.
This was the metric on which we received the most input in 2024, so we have completely overhauled it. We’ve adopted a Goldilocks approach – not too hot, not too cold, not too dry, not too wet. You can see the calculation below in our Methodology Expained section. Sitges tops our list of the best climates in Spain, followed by Terrassa and Cadaqués. If you love baking hot or nice and green, please dive into our Where to Live in Spain article to find your Goldilocks place!
The Wealth Tax in Spain is something you should be aware of, as it is levied on global assets, including retirement savings and other investments. For many people, this isn’t an issue, but for those with a higher net worth, it can be a significant consideration. We only look at the headline tax rate here, but remember that there are also differences in deductions that you can claim in different autonomous regions in Spain. The tax is managed at the Autonomous Community level, and therefore, we have multiple candidates with a 0% rate.
At some stage, many retirees will need assistance and other social services. Which of our candidates has the highest volume of Senior Services coverage? Cuenca tops this list, with Valladolid, Burgos, and Salamanca close behind.
This metric was much requested after our last survey. These are the municipalities with good income averages, low income inequality, and low poverty rates. They have a well-funded infrastructure, which ensures stability in their budgeting. While all of Spain is relatively well-off compared to many other countries, these areas are among the most economically stable. Note: This is our most blunt metric, as much of this data is only available at the Autonomous community level. Given that qualification, our Top 5 are Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santiago de Compostela, Cadaqués, Sitges, and Terrassa.
We know, we know, not everyone likes beaches! We conducted a poll among a range of retiree clients, and the majority voted to retain this metric (although it wasn’t a resounding victory for the beach-lovers!) When many people think of the best place to retire in Spain, a beach is featured, so here we go. First is Marbella, then Alicante, Javea, Estepona, and Dénia. We’re open to feedback for 2026!
The Long List: The 38 Best Places To Retire in Spain Ranked
To rank our list, we calculated an average across our 13 metrics (see below for a key to the symbols), so the lowest score indicates the best place in Spain to retire. And a reminder, all 38 places on this list are awesome – it’s just choosing between
Beyond the Usual: Underrated Towns Perfect for Retirement in Spain
Our long list and metrics favor places that have established reputations as great places to retire in Spain. But what about those places that haven’t yet become well-known? If you are looking to immerse yourself in local culture, find a low-cost place to live, or just have an adventure, then here are some places we’d recommend exploring.
Extremadura
We loved the authenticity, friendliness, and natural beauty of this region during our visit. The region’s capital, Mérida, is a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Europe, making it a standout destination for history lovers seeking a quiet and affordable place to retire.
Badajoz, the largest city, lies along the Portuguese border and offers a relaxed pace of life, historic fortifications, and excellent value for money.
To the north, Plasencia is a charming walled town located near the Jerte Valley, renowned for its lush greenery, pleasant climate, and access to quality healthcare, making it an appealing destination for retirees seeking peace without isolation.
Cáceres, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a perfectly preserved medieval cityscape, a thriving local cuisine, and proximity to natural parks like Monfragüe. There are endless smaller villages to explore!
Girona and Surrounds
Tucked between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, Girona offers a sophisticated yet laid-back lifestyle with excellent transport links, a rich cultural heritage, and top-tier healthcare – all without the intensity of nearby Barcelona. Its medieval old town, riverside charm, and relaxed pace make it a standout for retirees seeking both beauty and practicality.
Beyond Girona, the surrounding Empordà region is dotted with hidden gems. Banyoles, with its serene lake and strong local community, is ideal for those who love nature and small-town living. Besalú, a postcard-perfect medieval village, offers charm and walkability in a historic setting. Olot, located in the volcanic Garrotxa region, combines lush green landscapes with a vibrant creative arts scene.
Coastal towns like Sant Feliu de Guíxols and L’Escala offer a quieter alternative to the Costa Brava’s tourist hubs, with year-round livability and strong local identities. The region as a whole is well-connected, culturally rich, and increasingly attractive to those seeking a high quality of life in a genuinely Catalan setting—without the crowds.
The Cool Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic coast of northern Spain offers a refreshing alternative to the sun-soaked Mediterranean, with lush landscapes, cooler summers, and a more traditional Spanish way of life. Towns like Viveiro and Baiona in Galicia boast stunning beaches, historic centers, and easy access to nature, while Ortigueira charms with its tranquil estuary and Celtic heritage.
In Asturias, Luarca stands out as a picturesque fishing village with dramatic cliffs and a laid-back pace of life, while Castro Urdiales in Cantabria offers Gothic architecture, a lively marina, and proximity to Bilbao’s services.
Hondarribia, located on the Basque border, combines medieval charm with world-class seafood and a strong local culture. These Atlantic destinations are ideal for retirees who want authentic Spanish living, excellent cuisine, a low cost of living, and cooler coastal climates without the tourist crowds.
Away from the Seaside
For retirees looking for a quieter, more authentic lifestyle away from Spain’s bustling coasts, several inland cities and towns offer rich cultural experiences, affordability, and excellent quality of life.
Zaragoza, a major city with a relaxed vibe, boasts a rich history, modern healthcare, and efficient connections to Madrid and Barcelona. Logroño, in the heart of the La Rioja wine region, offers a walkable city center, top-notch food and wine, and a welcoming local atmosphere. Segovia combines medieval charm with easy access to the capital via high-speed rail, making it an ideal destination for those chasing a peaceful, yet connected, living experience.
Teruel, often overlooked, is one of Spain’s most affordable provincial capitals, renowned for its striking Mudejar architecture and low crowds. Ávila, ringed by dramatic medieval walls, offers fresh mountain air, historical depth, and a slow-paced life. Ciudad Real provides a warm climate, low cost of living, and solid healthcare in a no-frills Castilian setting. Finally, Soria, nestled in the hills of Castile and León, is perfect for nature-loving retirees seeking peace, fresh air, and a strong sense of tradition.
Tarragona
Tarragona’s appeal goes well beyond its Roman ruins and golden coastline; this is a city where authentic Mediterranean living still sets the rhythm. Its manageable size, strong healthcare access, and relaxed pace make it a natural fit for retirees who want substance over spectacle. That said, Tarragona is very much a local city, and thriving here means embracing the linguistic landscape: a comfortable command of Spanish is essential for daily life, and even a basic grasp of Catalan goes a long way in social settings, local services, and community life. Those who lean into the culture rather than hover on the edges tend to find Tarragona especially rewarding – a place where integration feels natural, friendships grow easily, and the quieter charms of the Costa Daurada become part of everyday life.
Expert Tips on Retiring to Spain
Warm weather, welcoming locals, excellent food, outstanding healthcare, and attractive living costs are just a few reasons why around 8.7 million Expats call Spain home. However, if you want to retire in Spain, there are a few things you’ll need to know. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you through this process.
Read More >> How to Retire in Spain (Visas, Health, Tax, & More)
Choose The Right Visa
In 2025, there is one main visa option for retirees coming to Spain from outside the EU. The Spanish non-lucrative visa is often called the Retirement Visa for good reason. As our Spanish immigration lawyer partner explains:
The Spain non-lucrative visa, also known as the Spanish retirement visa, requires proof of passive income over €28,800 for the primary applicant. You can also include family members in your application. You’ll also need qualifying private health insurance, as you won’t be eligible for public healthcare.
Raquel Moreno (LLB) – Immigration Lawyer in Barcelona
This visa is a pathway to Spanish citizenship and an EU passport, making it an ideal option for many who see Spain as a permanent home.
Apply for Health Insurance
Spain has a high-quality public healthcare system, but in most cases, you’ll need private healthcare as an Expat retiree in Spain. Luckily, private coverage is affordable, with monthly policies ranging from €100 to €200 for comprehensive health care that meets immigration standards.
Look for policies with comprehensive coverage, including for pre-existing conditions and no co-payments, to meet your visa requirements. You should also look for policies with a decent network of clinics and hospitals in your area. If you initially need help with the language barrier, ensure your insurance company has a network of English-speaking healthcare providers.
Open a Spanish Bank Account
Opening a Spanish bank account will make managing your finances more manageable. You won’t have to worry about exchange rates or credit card fees, which can make paying bills and rent costlier.
The best banks in Spain for Expats offer a Spanish IBAN, allowing you to work with the Spanish financial system. Look out for low-cost options, as some of the “bricks and mortar” high-street Spanish banks have expensive fees. Access to BIZUM is also a significant advantage. It’s a simple way to transfer money between people using the phone numbers of your contacts, and we use it almost daily.
Consider the Cost of Living
Spain has a relatively cheap cost of living compared to other European countries. However, it’s best to research a location you can comfortably afford.
Like many other countries, the cost of living in Spain varies considerably from one place to another. Coastal areas and larger cities tend to be more expensive in terms of rent and property prices. Unfortunately, many places on our list have a higher cost of living than the surrounding areas, which is an inevitable outcome. But you often don’t have to travel too far from these well-known spots to find cheaper prices.
Embrace the Local Culture
Adapting to the slower pace of life and local customs in Spain can be difficult at first, but it’s essential if you’re committed to retiring to Spain. Start by engaging with your local Expat communities to build a support network that can help you ease into your new life.
Join local groups and clubs to meet new people and become an integral part of the community. Participating in local events is also a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. While many Spanish people speak English, especially in tourist areas, we’ve found that is a huge advantage to learn the basics of the language as soon as possible. Even speaking a little Spanish will make your retirement here more enjoyable.
Methodology for the Best Places in Spain To Retire Index 2025
We compiled our extensive list of 38 Spanish retirement destinations based on client feedback, our own experience, and numerous articles and studies. We evaluated each destination on the following factors. We ranked all 38 candidates across all 13 metrics and then calculated an average ranking for each.
Important: We always used the most granular source of information possible, but in some cases, reputable data sources did not break down to the municipality level. Our preference order was municipality, province, and failing that, then autonomous community.
- Goldilocks Temperature: The divergence from the Spanish average for temperature and rainfall. Source: https://www.statista.com/
- Wealth Tax Rates: The wealth tax rate for Spain in each region according to La Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Agency).
- Crimes per 100,000 people by Province: The total number of crimes in each province in 2023, according to the Ministerio Del Interior, divided by the total population of each province in 2021, according to City Population.
- English Proficiency: From EF EPI Data
- Rental Cost: We used Idealista to determine the average rental cost per square meter in each municipality for flats, penthouses, and duplexes.
- Moving to Spain Client Queries: All self-selected retiree Spanish private health insurance quote entries that included the desired destination at the province or municipality level.
- Percentage of Population over 65: The National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística).
- Percentage of Expats: The total foreign population from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística), divided by the population.
- Percentage of responses Requesting Healthcare Information for Each Province: The proportion of people searching for Spanish health insurance quotes by province, according to our own internal data.
- Healthcare and Health Outcomes: Secretaría General de Salud Digital, Información e Innovación del SNS
- Senior Care: Institute for the Elderly and Social Services, Telecare Services, Home Help Services, Other Home Help Services, Senior Centers, Day Care Centers, Residential Centers, and Senior Housing.
- Life Satisfaction: The National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística).
- Economic Stability: The National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística). Income, Poverty, Inequality.
- Beaches: Kilometers of beach for each municipality.
Of course Calpe and Almunecar top of the list…. Also my top 2 based on all my research. I guess I’m calculating correctly. Visiting in October for the first time. Excited!
You should change the photo you have for Valladolid on your 25 top places to live in Spain. I grew up in Valladolid and it’s nowhere near the sea, not even remotely close!
I’m looking to relocate to Spain after many years living overseas, hence why I chanced upon your website.
Hi Isabel – We love Valladolid – the photo is of the #1 ranked place for each section so no pictures of Valladolid in the article. Cheers, Alastair
Small seaside village, walk to sea, walk to eat. Less than 15 km from larger city. Less than an hour from international airport.
Prefer close to year round mild temps.
Cold Humidity of Vigo is not desirable at this juncture.
Hi Alastair,
I’ve just returned from Las Palmas, where I actually lived from 1968 to 1972 as a child. The city has captured my heart again, and I’m now planning to move there next autumn.
I’m a bit surprised to see Las Palmas ranked so low on your list — why is that? It has one of the best climates imaginable, and to me, Las Palmas truly has everything to offer.
Best regards,
Ragnar
Hi Ragnar. All 38 places on the list are excellent options for a wonderful retirement – we don’t pick anywhere we wouldn’t recommend to a client. If you have a look at the detailed rankings you can check where Las Palmas scores highest and lowest of each of the 13 metrics that we’ve used to rank the Best Place to Retire in Spain. We know very happy Expats living in LAs Palmas and if it is a good fit then you should enjoy it! All the best, Alastair