Spain is a very popular retirement destination because of the climate, breathtaking vistas and scrumptious cuisine. Her scenery is varied, her climate probably the best in Europe, with the possible exception of the Greek islands, there is a wide Anglo-American population which guarantees companionship if you cannot find it among the Spaniards, and the luxuries as well as the necessities of life are available. Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest of Europe. It borders Portugal, Gibraltar, Andorra and France. Find out more about what makes Spain one of the best places to live and retire.
Living in Spain is also a pleasure with many everyday living expenses far lower than you would find in the UK. Eating out is a way of life, affordable and outdoors. There are tons of places to eat great food in Spain, and the diet is good for keeping the pounds off.
There are many other reasons to think of Spain as one of the best places to live. For example, the landscape is very beautiful. There is every modern amenity you may be interested in, but you will still find that around the next corner is a perfectly suitable location for tranquility. In terms of cost, when you retire in Spain, the cost of living is more affordable than in the United States, but higher than more rural countries. Compared to other EU countries, Spain's cost of living is quite affordable.
With outstanding cultural heritage everywhere you look and people who want to welcome you into their homes, Spain has something to offer for just about everyone involved!
Spain is probably best known for bullfighting and flamenco dancing but it has also produced some world famous painters over the years. The most well known are obviously Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
Spain has also produced some world class composers and opera singers. Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla and Joaquín Rodrigo are some of the world famous composers that call Spain home. Everyone’s heard of Placido Domingo – Spain’s most famous operatic performer. Then there’s José Carreras and Montserrat Caballé.
Spain has a public health system so health care is free or low cost if you pay social security.
The Spanish National Health System has an extensive network of health centres and hospitals throughout the country which offer primary health care services (family/GP services, paediatrics and nursing, with midwives, physiotherapists and social workers). The Spanish health system combines both public and private healthcare and within each separate state free or low cost health care is given to those who contribute to the Spanish Seguridad Social (social security).
Retiring completely or seasonal retirement (eg winter months) is very popular in Spain. In 2004, there were 150,000 foreign residents over 65, including some 40,000 Britons.In most cases however, there are few retirement homes in Spain, as the young usually take care of the old in their own homes. Consequently, many Brits return to the UK if they are unable to look after themselves when they are elderly.Compared to the US where you are lucky to get a pension, public pensions in Spain provide up to 90% of the country's average wage.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Related Content
