Lifestyle in Spain: top reasons to live in Spain if you are a foreigner

When it comes to quality of life in Europe, Spain is always at the top of the ranking, and it is no coincidence: the Spanish way of life, with its perfect balance between tradition and modernity, becomes a magnet for thousands of foreigners every year.

From its dreamy beaches to its cities full of history, Spain offers a unique life experience, enriched by a welcoming culture, a relaxed pace of life and a gastronomic offer that conquers palates.

Below, we explore the top ten reasons why living here may be one of the best decisions you can make, bearing in mind that the Spanish lifestyle for foreigners is the main motivation. However, there are many more.

Will you join us to discover them?

10 reasons to live in Spain and enjoy its lifestyle

Not one, not two, not three: from Quadratia we give you up to 10 reasons why you should make the decision to move if you want to enjoy all these advantages of living in Spain:

1. Privileged climate all year round

One of the aspects that foreigners love the most is undoubtedly the climate. With over 300 days of sunshine a year in many of its regions, Spain offers an ideal environment for those looking to spend as much time as possible outdoors.

From the Costa del Sol to the Costa Blanca, the climate allows you to enjoy walks, terraces, beaches and sporting activities all year round.

The climate factor is particularly attractive for retired or teleworking people, as it is known to significantly improve their emotional well-being.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia

To give you an idea, in Murcia, for example, the annual average temperature is 18ºC. Except for the winter months (which, even so, are much milder than in other European countries), the rest of the time it is possible to enjoy very pleasant temperatures, and even very hot temperatures, depending on the area of Spain where you are.

2. Unique culture, tradition and gastronomy

Spain is a country rich in traditions, with popular festivals such as the April Fair in Seville, Easter Week in Malaga, the Sanfermines in Pamplona, the Tomatina in Buñol and the Bonfires of San Juan in Alicante. Spanish culture is lived with passion and passed down from generation to generation.

Added to this is a gastronomy that will make your mouth water: tapas, paellas, Iberian ham, gazpacho, succulent stews and a huge variety of wines and cheeses make every meal a sensory experience. And this is undoubtedly one of the advantages of living in Spain that foreigners value most highly.

Eating in Spain is not just about eating: it is about socialising, bonding, sharing and enjoying.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia

3. Historical heritage and impressive architecture

Another of Spain’s strengths is that it is steeped in history. Spain has been built on the foundations of many different cultures, and this has a direct effect on the architecture of its cities.

Indeed, touring Spain is like walking through an open-air museum: from the Andalusian palaces of the Alhambra in Granada to the Gothic wonders of Barcelona or the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, the architectural heritage is vast and diverse.

In short, it is a country full of historical sites ready to be discovered. Every town and village holds secrets that speak of an ancient history.

The coexistence of Moorish, Roman, Gothic and modern styles, such as Gaudí’s, make Spain a fascinating destination for lovers of history and architecture.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia

4. High quality public health system

The importance of the Spanish lifestyle for foreigners is undeniable, but when it comes to establishing your residence here it is not the only thing you should be concerned about. There are other more practical aspects that you should also bear in mind, and one of them is healthcare.

Spain has one of the most efficient public health systems in Europe and, indeed, in the world. Medical care is universal and free for registered residents, including legally resident foreigners.

The quality of services, access to specialists and the hospital infrastructure make our health system one of the great advantages of living in Spain. Many foreigners are pleasantly surprised by the speed, professionalism and warmth of the medical treatment they receive.

5. Wages in Spain: how much can you earn?

While salaries in Spain may be lower than in other European countries, costs are also lower, allowing a very good quality of life to be maintained.

For professionals working remotely for other European or North American countries, Spain is an ideal choice because of its excellent quality of life/cost ratio.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia

6. Efficient and accessible public transport network

Getting around Spain is easy and convenient thanks to its transport network. High-speed trains (AVE) connect major cities in a very short time, while buses and metros are modern, clean and accessible.

In large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, you can easily do without a car. And for those who live in rural areas, there are also good connections to urban centres. This facilitates daily mobility and encourages a more sustainable way of life.

7. Vibrant nightlife and limitless entertainment

One of the most distinctive features of the Spanish way of life is its leisure, both day and night. If we focus on the nightlife, this can start in one of its countless tapas bars and end in any of its nightclubs until well into the early hours of the morning.

As examples you can take note of, Madrid, Ibiza, Valencia and Barcelona are just some of the destinations that offer an electrifying nightlife.

But entertainment is not limited to the evening: theatres, cinemas, concerts, music festivals and craft fairs fill the cultural agenda of any town or city, something that is even more accentuated on special dates, such as Christmas. In Spain, entertainment is guaranteed for all ages and tastes.

8. Large expatriate community across the country

Did you know that Spain is one of the European countries with the highest number of foreign residents? So many people can’t be wrong, don’t you think? And the best thing is that this phenomenon has led to the creation of very diverse communities, making integration easier for those arriving from abroad.

Cities such as Alicante, Malaga and Valencia have a strong presence of British, German, French, Polish, Dutch and Russian nationals, who often organise events, associations and mutual support networks.

In short: if you decide to live in Spain you will be welcomed by a multicultural and welcoming environment.

9. Profitable and diversified real estate investment

The Spanish property market offers multiple opportunities for both home seekers and investors. Properties on the coast, in rural areas or in historic centres are available at competitive prices compared to other European capitals, as you can see by reviewing the details of any of our current projects.

Likewise, the possibility of renting to tourists all year round, especially in Mediterranean destinations such as the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol or the Costa Cálida, makes property investment a very attractive and profitable option.

10. Exceptional quality of life recognised worldwide

Living in Spain is synonymous with enjoying a relaxed lifestyle, where leisure, family, food and personal wellbeing take priority over everything else. This approach to life, together with the security of the city and access to services, translates into a first class quality of life.

Various international rankings place Spain among the best countries to live in, especially for retirees, families and digital nomads. So much so, in fact, that it is not at all uncommon to find those who came just to spend a season and decided to stay forever.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia