Why Marbella?
This luxury resort town has become an increasingly attractive destination in recent years.Millions of people throughout Europe associate the name Marbella with sunny days spent on the beach or golf course, sumptuous yachts moored in the marina, luxurious resort hotels on the seashore, villas tucked into the folds of hillsides, and nights filled with the glamour and excitement of a Mediterranean jet set location.
Why do people choose the Marbella lifestyle?
Marbella, famed for its bustling, cosmopolitan social scene, summer parties, and a full calendar of spectacular events, is also becoming focused on culture and entertainment, with Fine Arts Societies organizing art appreciation classes and excursions to museums, theatres, and concert venues. International ballet groups, opera companies, and philharmonic orchestras visit Málaga’s exquisite classical Teatro Cervantes. There are English-language theatre productions at Salon Varietés in Fuengirola, summertime jazz festivals, traditional Flamenco, and organized tours to local cultural landmarks, including the Ralli Museum, Museo Del Grabado, and Cortijo Miraflores in Marbella. However, the most internationally famous art museum in the region is the stunning Picasso Museum in Málaga.
There are wildlife and sealife parks for the younger crowd, as well as open-air concerts with everyone from Elton John to Shakira and Lenny Kravitz. Apart from an ever-expanding selection of professional services, business people can retreat to the beautiful surroundings of The Exchange, Marbella’s very own business club. In contrast, business networking forums and charitable organizations like the annual charity galas of Cudeca, Triple-A, and Concordia bring people together in business and support noble causes. Organizations such as the Rotary Club, CIT Marbella, the Circulo Financiero Internacional, and Costa Networking often invite internationally prominent speakers to Marbella to promote business conferences and public events.
Outdoor Living.
The region’s allure is centered on its sunny climate and outdoor lifestyle. With over 50 courses spanning a 200-kilometer stretch between the legendary Valderrama course in Cádiz province and the Desert Springs course in Almeria, it is no exaggeration to describe Spain’s south coast, not just the Costa del Golf but also the epicenter of European golf. Nowhere else in Europe has such a concentration of great courses and a climate that allows for such an extended playing season and various possibilities.
The outstanding facilities and circumstances for golf, tennis, water sports, and horseback riding are reflected in the vast number of devotees, and the major international sporting events staged here. From the annual Volvo Masters, which attracts players such as Colin Montgomery and Sergio Garcia to Valderrama’s fairways, to international polo stars competing in Sotogrande and sailing teams congregating in its harbor, to Marbella’s annual Seniors Tennis Tournament, sports fans do not have to travel far to experience top-level competition.
Equestrian enthusiasts may also enjoy horse riding at the Marbella Club Golf Resort or performances of extreme skill at the Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol in Estepona. At the same time, an expanding number of sophisticated spas & health centers offer relaxing health and beauty treatments. A glamorous brand of leisure is available at contemporary beach clubs such as Ocean Club, Spain’s only Nikki Beach, and Laguna Village—the elegant new beachside shopping center. The region even has its cutting-edge racing circuit, where racing fans can congregate in safe circumstances—an sign of how much Marbella and its surrounds are developing from a wealthy resort to a vibrant modern town.
Surroundings.
Marbella, like any other city, does not exist in isolation. The Mediterranean Sea—the primary focus—and a cordon of gorgeous mountains surround it, concealing a region rich in beauty and authentic Andalusian culture. Although this rural location appears to be a world away from Marbella’s cosmopolitan melting pot, it is usually only a half-hour drive away. This brings the highly developed services of places like Marbella and Málaga within easy reach, but it also opens up the many hidden treasures of the hinterland to residents on the coast; Córdoba, Sevilla, Granada’s Alhambra, and the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada are just a few of the delights on Marbella’s doorstep.
Why Marbella is a fantastic place to retire to.
Marbella is one of the most attractive and intriguing cities in Andalucia, attracting travelers all year round due to its outstanding amenities, lovely beaches, and desirable temperature. However, for retirees, it is also an intriguing destination for a new way of life. These are just a few reasons why an increasing number of individuals are looking for a sunny retirement in Marbella.
Beautiful Neighborhoods.
Marbella has many desirable expat neighborhoods, but some are unquestionably more suited to year-round luxury living than others. For example, Puerto Banus on the Marbella Golden Mile is ideal for retirees wishing to spend their final years in luxury, with a glamorous lifestyle, lavish amenities, and stunning houses to choose from.
If you want to spend your retirement on the golf course soaking up the sun, Nueva Andalucia may be an intriguing alternative, whilst Benahavis offers authentic Andalusian culture and heritage. Marbella is a highly safe city to live in, reassuring individuals who are moving to Spain for the first time.
Affordability of living.
Marbella has a great selection of cheap homes, making buying a house here possible for many individuals despite rising property costs. You may not expect luxury living on a fixed retirement income, but you’ll be pleased to discover that luxury costs less here than anywhere. Property taxes aren’t excessive and eating out, groceries, and entertainment are all reasonably priced.
Amazing Weather.
With an average of 320 days of sunlight each year in Marbella and the surrounding area, retiring here will provide you with plenty of sunny days. Winter temperatures are generally around 18º, so you’ll be able to maintain an active lifestyle all year, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, whatever the season.
Thriving expat community.
Expats from all over the world flock to Marbella, mainly from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, so you’ll have an immediate social circle of English-speaking neighbors to help you adapt to your new life abroad. Moving alone, with your spouse, or as a family, having people who speak your native language can make the experience less stressful.
Access to Excellent Healthcare.
You will not be able to use the National Health Care System if you are not a Spanish citizen, as you must pay into the social security system to be eligible. Even if you don’t have this, you’ll be able to get excellent healthcare in Marbella as an expat. Most doctors here speak fluent English, making conversation about symptoms easier, and the healthcare facilities are well-equipped should you require emergency medical assistance.
There is plenty to do.
Since you’re retired, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area’s culture and history, explore old ruins, swim at the beach, or visit museums and galleries. If you’re looking forward to spending your days honing your swing at the nearby tennis clubs or golf courses (see out our golf homes) or sailing is your passion – with the abundance of coastline, it’s the ideal location. The quantity of amenities and activities offered in Marbella attracts an increasing number of expat retirees each year.
An Accessible Location.
Marbella’s transportation connections are well-established and reasonably priced, with Malaga Airport about 40 minutes away and direct flights to well over a hundred destinations every week. Buses, trains, and taxis are all readily available, so retirees who want to explore their new surroundings can get around, even if they don’t drive.
Visa for retirement.
Retiring to Marbella as a non-European citizen is facilitated by the Non-Lucrative Visa (also known as the Retirement Visa). This is the best option to retire in any European country, and if you can establish sufficient financial means to match the conditions, you will be granted a Spanish resident card. The Retirement Visa facilitates and simplifies relocating to and settling in Marbella.
Marbella, A Lovely City to Call Home
Marbella is one of the most fascinating and culturally rich retirement destinations. Marbella has a lot to offer retirees who wish to make the most of their golden years by enjoying the beautiful weather, warm people, and rich culture.
We have a plethora of experience in luxury houses in Marbella and the surrounding area, and we’d be glad to assist you in finding your dream home, whether you’re looking to purchase or rent. If you have any questions, please get in touch with a member of the team right away.