Tips for Brits heading to new lives in Spain

Spain is perhaps the best-known destination for British would-be expats, but it’s not just retirees who’re heading there in 2018.

In spite of the fact that the number of British pensioners living in Spain has doubled over the last decade, the perennial country’s popularity is now extending to expats with young families and millennial entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses in the year-round sunshine.

Right now, although probably not for much longer, moving to Spain is as easy as just packing up and going. If it’s city living you’re after, Madrid is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan capitals, complete with endless choices of cuisine, events, art museums and accommodation. It’s walkable as well as having a good metro system and affordable for expats on pensions with a little extra coming in. In contrast, beachside Barcelona gives the best of all worlds, with amazing museums, historic architecture, and a world-renowned history as well as being the capital city of stunning Catalonia province.

For expats wanting to get away from it all, the mysterious Basque country is the ideal destination. Its towns and villages are picturesque and traditional, and there’s an established British expat community in San Sebastian. The Basque lifestyle is unique, as is its spoken language and, for a city break, Bilbao is home to the fascinating Guggenheim Museum. The most affordable Spanish region is Andalusia, famed for its turbulent history and the Alhambra, one of the world’s most stunning historic palaces.

Wherever you choose to hang your expat hat, cultural differences will immediately become a challenge, at least for a while. The Spanish laid-back lifestyle and its siesta are world-famous, but may be tricky to get used to after a lifetime in the UK! In the tourist areas, English is spoken, but in rural areas and especially the Basque country, learning Spanish will give you an edge. Across the country, lunchtime is late and long, and the evening meal is served at or after 9 p.m. Eating is taken seriously in Spain and is never hurried!