Expat Communities for Retirees in Spain

Spain is a favorite destination for retirees from around the world, especially British, German, and American expats. Many are drawn to the sunny coasts, charming towns, and relaxed lifestyle. The are creating welcoming communities where it’s easy to meet like-minded people.

Some of the most popular destinations include the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Alicante, Malaga, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. These areas offer a mix of social clubs, cultural activities, and practical support. It helps retirees feel at home while enjoying Spain’s beautiful weather, cuisine, and lifestyle.

Spain has become a top destination for retirees, particularly from the UK, Germany, and the US. As of 2025, over 350,000 foreign retirees call Spain home, with significant communities in various regions.

Spanish Coastline

Spain has around 7,661 km of coastline, including Canary and Balearic Islands.

Atlantic Coastline
It is a wild or cliff-lined coast, determined by the rocky reliefs

Mediterranean Coastline
Long stretches of low coastline alternate with steep cliffs. Furthermore, the rocky promontories are never excessive.

Popular Nationalities and Their Preferred Locations

British Retirees: The UK has one of the largest expat communities in Spain. Popular destinations include:
- Costa del Sol: Areas like Marbella, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola are favored for their sunny climate and established expat networks.
- Costa Blanca: Towns such as Torrevieja, Jávea, and Denia attract British retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
- Alicante: Known for its vibrant expat community and excellent healthcare facilities.
German Retirees: Germans often choose regions with a strong expat presence and good infrastructure:
- Costa Blanca: Towns like Altea and Denia are popular among German retirees.
- Balearic Islands: Mallorca, in particular, has a significant German-speaking community.
American Retirees: Approximately 41,000 Americans reside in Spain, many of whom are retirees. They are drawn to:
- Costa del Sol: Malaga and Marbella are top choices for American retirees.
- Valencia: Offers a blend of city life and beach access, appealing to American expats.

📍 Key Retirement Locations in Spain

Costa del Sol: Located in the Malaga region, this area boasts over 1.3 million inhabitants, with a large expat community, especially from the UK and Germany. Cities like Malaga and Marbella are popular choices.
Costa Blanca: Stretching along the southeastern coast, towns like Torrevieja, Jávea, and Denia are known for their affordability and welcoming expat communities.
Alicante: A city with a growing expat population, offering a Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and a range of amenities catering to retirees.
Valencia: A vibrant city combining cultural heritage with modern amenities, attracting retirees from various countries.
Balearic Islands: Islands like Mallorca and Ibiza are popular among retirees seeking a tranquil lifestyle with easy access to the mainland.

Living among other expats can help you adapt to the local lifestyle, find support, and enjoy shared experiences while exploring the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty Spain has to offer.

Number of Foreign Retirees in Spain

Spain remains a top retirement destination, with coastal regions dominating the numbers. Nationwide roughly 415.517 people over 65 are registered as residents. Would you like to see more precise figures on how many foreigners live in a specific location, or how many nationals from a particular country reside in Spain?

Search at INE

We will use the search tool on the INE (National Statistics Institute) website. The data provided comes from city hall records, surveys, and other official sources. There are several search options available, but we have chosen these four.

Search 1: Population by City

The platform allows us to filter by gender, city, nationality, and age. For example, according to the 2022 data, Marbella had a population of 150,725.

Search 2: Foreigners Population and Age Range

In this second search, we are looking at how many foreigners aged 65 and over live in Marbella.

Sarch 3: Nationals by Autonomous Community

Here, you can select a country to see how many of its nationals live in Spain, broken down by gender and by autonomous community. Here you have some figures about USA, UK, France and Germany.

Search 4: Nationlity by Province

For this example here you have the search for Málaga. The image at he left just shows a portion of all the nationalities.

British Go Costa del Sol, Germans Go Baleares

The British have historically settled on the Costa del Sol, but they have also established communities in the Balearic Islands. On the other hand, the largest German community in Spain is found in the Balearics.

In the Balearics, there is a large number of German and British residents, while the British community is also significant in Andalusia, particularly in areas such as Marbella and Estepona.

British Community in the Costa del Sol and the Balearics

Costa del Sol: The Costa del Sol has traditionally been a popular destination for British expatriates. They are attracted by the climate, lifestyle, and property market.
Balearics: Although Germans are the main focus in this area, the British community is also significant in the Balearics, especially in Mallorca. Some areas are such as Port Andratx and Santa Ponsa serving as meeting points.

German Community in the Balearics and the Costa del Sol

Balearics: The Balearic Islands are the main area of residence for Germans in Spain, with a very high number of residents and strong tourist flows.
Costa del Sol: The Costa del Sol, particularly the province of Málaga, is also home to a notable German community, although smaller than that of the Balearics.