Where do most Brits go in Spain?

Brits flock to Spain's sunny coasts for holidays and expat life, with hotspots including the Costa del Sol (Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Marbella, Torremolinos), Costa Blanca (Benidorm, Torrevieja, Orihuela), and the islands like Majorca (Santa Ponsa, Port de Pollença) and Tenerife (Arona) for traditional beach breaks and lively scenes. Larger cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia also attract many British tourists and residents seeking culture, food, and easier travel connections.

Where do all the Brits go in Spain?

Majorca remains a top destination for Brits, with Santa Ponsa offering lively nightlife and a relaxed beach scene. If you prefer a more tranquil escape, Port de Pollença is an excellent choice, known for its charming marina, stunning coastal walks, and local seafood delights.

Where in Spain has the most Brits?

Alicante (Valencian Community): the largest hub for UK nationals, with close to ~99,000 registered Britons. Málaga (Andalusia): the second largest, with around ~74,000 British residents across the Costa del Sol (Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona).

What is the most English part of Spain?

The Costa Blanca town of Benidorm is the most British city in Spain! The Costa del Sol dominates the ranking, with 5 towns in the top 10.

What part of Spain is best for Brits to live in?

The best places for Brits to live in Spain are those with a strong expat community and an English-friendly environment. Cities like Malaga, Marbella, Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Seville, Valencia, Las Palmas and Palma de Mallorca offer a welcoming atmosphere where English is commonly spoken.

Brits Abroad In Benidorm: The Truth 🇬🇧🇪🇸

How much money do you need in the bank to get residency in Spain?

In calculating the proof of income for non-lucrative residency, you must have an annual income of 400% of IPREM in your bank account. The IPREM for 2025 remains at €600 per month. Therefore, as an individual, you will need to have €2,400 as a regular guaranteed monthly income or a yearly income of €28,800.

Where do Brits settle in Spain?

Regions like the Costa del Sol, particularly Marbella and Estepona, and the Costa Blanca, with Alicante and towns like Benidorm and Torrevieja, are top choices for British expats.

Where do rich Brits live in Spain?

Marbella – La Zagaleta & Sierra Blanca (Costa del Sol) – Two of the most exclusive luxury enclaves in Europe. Castelldefels (Barcelona coast) – Popular with elite athletes and high-net-worth families. San Sebastián (Basque Country) – One of the wealthiest cities in Spain with premium property prices.

Where do most British tourists go in Spain?

Benidorm and the Costas: British tourist hotspots

Benidorm and the wider Costa Blanca sit within the Region of Valencia. The area's appeal is familiar: beach time, nightlife, family‑friendly amenities and competitive packages.

Why are Brits moving out of Spain?

The new residency rules, uncertainty around healthcare, tightening financial situations, and job market difficulties are just a few of the problems they face. These issues have transformed what was once an ideal expat experience into a situation filled with red tape and cultural hurdles.

Why is Spain turning tourists away?

Local governments and residents believe that, rather than sustaining the locations, the overtourism has contributed to a reduced quality of life and increased cost of living for residents.

What Spanish town is paying Brits to move there?

The Spanish town paying Brits (and others) to move is Ponga, located in Asturias, offering around £2,600 (€3,000) for relocation and an extra £2,600 for each baby born there, provided you commit to living there for at least five years, as part of schemes to combat rural depopulation, alongside other regions like Extremadura offering grants for remote workers. 

What do Spanish think of British tourists?

“We call the British 'guiris' [an affectionate Spanish word for foreigners, comes from guirigay meaning festive chaos]. They're people who are out of place, disorientated, who come here looking for sunshine, food and the fiestas in Spain, who has no sense of the ridiculous,” says Luis.

Which city in Spain speaks the most English?

Madrid might have more English speakers than other parts in Spain, but that doesn't mean people are more likely to switch to English if your level is B2. One could argue it's a much better choice than many other places in Spain.

Can you live off $1000 a month in Spain?

Average income and cost of living in Spain

However, a single person can comfortably live on just €1,000 per month. This budget encompasses all daily expenses, from renting a cozy apartment in a Spanish city to indulging in delicious tapas at local bars.

Is healthcare free in Spain?

Except for prescriptions for medicine, access to the public healthcare system, including primary care, specialised care, hospital treatments and emergency care, is free of charge, without co-payments.

Can a Brit live in Spain permanently?

After five years legal residency in Spain, there is the opportunity to apply for a long-term residence permit. Once you have obtained permanent residency after ten years of residency you can then apply to become a Spanish citizen. Obtaining Spanish citizenship will mean you will have to give up your UK citizenship.

What is the nicest part of Spain to live in?

Within the autonomous communities, Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country, Castile y Leon, Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia, Madrid, Castile-La Mancha, Canary Islands are among the best. Foreigners who chose to live in Spain, opt for the most comfortable cities such as Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona, Tenerife, Aviles and others.

Where are Brits going instead of Spain?

Naturally, British holidaymakers are not exclusively visiting North Africa. While the full data for last year's outbound tourism has yet to be released, information from 2023 shows holidaymakers heading to perennial favourites like Greece, Italy and the US.

Can I move to Spain with no savings?

Financial Independence: Proof of sufficient passive income, such as pensions, rental income, or savings, is essential. Applicants need at least €2,400 per month (400% of IPREM) for a single applicant, or €28,800 annually.

Can you retire to Spain on a UK state pension?

UK pensions remain accessible for those living in Spain. Even when retiring to Spain, retirees can receive their state pensions while residing there; these pensions continue to increase annually under current agreements between the two countries.