Don’t get us wrong, Spain isn’t perfect. It has struggled out of a crippling economic crisis, as well as having high pollution levels and a perpetually corrupt political system. But despite all that, living in Spain is still amazing and life enriching. Spain is a place where for every one thing that is wrong, three things are right.
Here is why we love living in Spain:
Incredible weather all year round
The first thing many people think of about Spain is its sunshine, which attracts millions of holidaymakers to its coasts and cities every year, making Spain the most tourist-friendly country in the world. Everyone feels happier in the sunshine, so grab a cocktail and bask in the Spanish rays.
The Spaniards
The Spanish people are a lot of fun. Reserved, yet often exuberant. Friendly, yet sometimes grumpy. Gracious and outgoing, they’re a great reason to live in Spain.
It’s easy to strike up conversations with friendly locals… but it’s only when you’re invited into a Spaniard’s home that you know you’ve “arrived.” Once that happens, you’ll be treated like family: Brace yourself to be loved—and chastised and nagged—accordingly.
High life expectancy
Whether it’s the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fish and fresh vegetables, the excellent (and FREE) healthcare, the highly sociable society, or even the red wine, Spaniards have the highest life expectancy in all of Europe.
Maybe after living in Spain for a while you’ll pick up some of their healthy habits and live to see your great-great-great grandchildren ;-)
Behold mothers, this is your place to be
Why? A recent survey has revealed that Spain is one of the best places in the world to be a mom. It is so good in fact that children never want to leave home – well, until at least the age of 30, which is the average age for people to leave the nest.
3rd country with the most UNESCO world heritage sites
Spain has the third most UNESCO world heritage sites out of all the countries in the world (after China and Italy) with 45. The country’s rich and multicultural history is kept very much alive by the many impressive sites that dot the country: From the Andalusian cities steeped in history and Moorish architecture such as Seville, Cordoba and Granada and natural beauty spots such as the rich wetlands of Donaña or the weird and wonderful moonscape of Tiede in Tenerife.
Cost of living in Spain
Spain has become noticeably more expensive, especially since the introduction of the euro in 2002. Nevertheless, prices for food, alcohol, petrol and property – to name just a few items – still compare favorably to many other parts of Europe.
It is well-proven fact that you can live and own a property in this glorious area for considerably less than back at home. Estimated savings on general yearly property running costs are between 30-40% less than in the U.K. with heating and food being noticeably cheaper. Ask anyone who lives there permanently and you will soon find out the many reduced cost and savings on offer.
Free Health Care
Spain’s health care system was rated seventh in the world by the World Health Organization when it compiled a report on the subject back in 2000 (World Health Report 2000 – Health Systems: Improving Performance).
And its reputation is deserved: the staff is well-trained, facilities are modern, well-equipped and clean, and treatment waiting lists are short and most important of all, it is completely free.
Spanish Fiestas
Fiestas are a central feature of Spanish life. Famous extravaganzas like the bull-running in Pamplona (San Fermín), Sevilla’s Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, or Valencia’s las Fallas are well worth a visit if you can get there.
But each village, town, and city have its own monthly schedule of saints’ days and feast days too, which can be just as entertaining and intoxicating (in every sense). And because they have specific significance to the local community they are likely to be more meaningful and entertaining for you as well.
Rich in Culture and History
Spain’s glory days as a world power may be gone, but a wealth of history and culture remain: from the magnificent art galleries of Madrid and Barcelona to architectural jewels such as the Alhambra in Granada, the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and Bilbão’s Guggenheim museum.
Or you can simply soak up the atmosphere with a stroll around one of its many beautiful cities like Salamanca, Sitges, Toledo, León, Girona or Sevilla.