According to a recent study by Currencies Direct, Spain continues to top the list of retirement hotspots for Brits who actually want to enjoy some sun in their sunset years. And it’s not hard to see why.

But Spain’s allure is not limited to pensioners. Indeed, it consistently ranks as the second most popular destination for British émigrés of all stripes. Only Australia attracts more. And while a life Down Under may have its attractions, it’s also a lot further away if you fancy a visit home to catch up with friends and family.

So if you’re considering joining the hundreds of thousands of people that up-sticks each year for a life overseas, then Spain could be the ideal place. Here are 10 reasons why:

1) Sunshine

What can be more appealing for a Brit than the promise of a plentiful supply of year-round sunshine? And much of Spain is well-endowed with those golden rays that prove so elusive at home.

Do your research before you pick a location though. While the southern region of Andalucía has an enviable winter climate, it can be murderously hot in the summer. By contrast the north and northwest see a lot of rainfall, with a climate and landscape more akin to Cornwall than that of Mediterranean Spain. Meanwhile, Madrid and the central regions boil in summer, but can get icily cold in the winter.

2) Outdoor Activities

Sunshine and warmth – perfect ingredients for enjoying the Great Outdoors, whatever your interests happen to be: sailing, cycling, hiking, golf, painting, or simply splashing around at the beach. And in the winter there’s decent skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the south, or the Pyrenees in the north.

3) Natural Beauty

Unfortunately, for many people Spain has become synonymous with overdevelopment and tawdry beach resorts. But that is by no means the whole story. Yes, parts are overdeveloped nightmares. But for those that want them there are still plenty of low-key towns and unspoilt stretches of coast to be discovered.

And once away from the main tourist areas of the Mediterranean there is a surprising diversity of landscapes: from the wild coastline of Galicia to the remote expanse of Extremadura, the lush forests of the Basque country, and the majestic Picos de Europa or Aigüestortes national parks.

4) Cost of living

Since the introduction of the euro in 2002 Spain has become noticeably more expensive, as businesses of all descriptions took the opportunity to round up their prices. Nevertheless, prices for food, alcohol, petrol and property – to name just a few items – still compare favourably to those in the UK.

5) Food and Drink

Spain may not be a gourmet hotspot like France or Italy, but there is more to be said for it than just paella and tortilla (although both are delicious). And as you would expect from a country of such size, there is a great variety of styles between the different regions, with the Basque country’s cuisine having a deservedly high reputation. Likewise, while a nice glass of cava or a Rioja red are not to be sneezed at, Spain’s wine industry has far more going for it.

6) Pace of Life

Spain is renowned for its siestas and mañana approach to life. And while the pace may be picking up in the cities in particular, generally the Spanish follow a more relaxed approach to the clock. Great if you have time to go with the flow!

7) Health Care

The Spanish state health care system is among the best in the world. Indeed, the World Health Organization ranked it seventh overall when it compared countries’ health services for its annual report in 2000 (World Health Report 2000 – Health Systems: Improving Performance). And in my experience (having had two children here, one with severe allergies) its reputation is deserved: staff are well-trained, the facilities are modern, well-equipped and clean, and treatment waiting lists are short.

8) Family Life

In general, Spanish families tend to be close knit, and children oriented. It is common to see families spanning three or four generations sitting down to lunch together each day. Children are common sights in restaurants in the evenings too, rather than being left at home with the babysitters while the adults go out. And wherever they go, the children are the centre of attention, for doting family members and strangers alike (which is great if you happen to have some yourself).

9) 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 has its own monthly schedule of saints’ days and feast days too, which can be just as entertaining and intoxicating. And because they have specific significance to the local community they are likely to be more meaningful and entertaining for you as well.

10) Cultural Riches

Spain’s glory days as a world-conquering empire may be long gone, but a wealth of history and culture remain. There are the magnificent art galleries of Madrid and Barcelona, and 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: Salamanca, Toledo, León, Girona, Sevilla …

Paul Allen is a freelance journalist and writer who has lived in northern Spain since 2003. He is the author of “Should I Stay Or Should I Go? The Truth About Moving Abroad And Whether It’s Right For You,” a comprehensive e-book guide for people seeking advice on whether or not to move abroad. For more details about the book, and free information and advice on moving and living overseas, visit his website at www.expatliving101.com

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