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The best places to retire in Spain

By Always Spain editors · Updated · About Always Spain

Altea, Valencian Community
Photo: Leshaines123, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Retirees usually weigh four things: climate, healthcare, cost and whether there is a community they can join. The non-lucrative visa is the usual route for non-EU retirees.

The full list

Best city with a big international community

Valencian Community

Alicante

Sun, hospitals and services in English.

€€€€ 2 days

Best small town

Valencian Community

Jávea (Xàbia)

Mild microclimate and a settled international community.

€€€€ 2 days

Best on the Costa del Sol

Andalusia

Nerja

Pretty, walkable and 1 hour from Málaga airport.

€€€€ 1 to 2 days

Best for city life

Andalusia

Málaga

Culture, hospitals and flights.

€€€€ 2 to 3 days

Best for a quiet, cultured life

Valencian Community

Altea

Artists’ town with a tram line.

€€€€ 1 day

Best big city

Valencian Community

Valencia

Flat, walkable, good healthcare.

€€€€ 2 to 3 days

Best on a budget

Region of Murcia

Cartagena

Sunny and cheap.

€€€€ 1 to 2 days

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