For many years, Spain has been one of the most popular countries in Europe for retirees. Its pleasant climate, relaxed lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and relatively affordable housing make the country an attractive destination for thousands of Dutch and Belgian citizens.

Still, we’re often asked: "Where in Spain should you avoid retiring?"

The surprising answer is that there aren’t really any neighborhoods that are bad for everyone. What we see much more often in practice is that people buy a home in a location that ultimately doesn’t align with their lifestyle, expectations, or future plans.

The worst place to retire in Spain is therefore often not a specific city or region, but a location that isn’t right for you.

The biggest mistake: choosing a home first and only then considering the neighborhood

Many people start their search by looking at properties. They see a beautiful villa with a pool or an apartment with a sea view and get excited right away.

But a home is just a small part of your life in Spain.

Equally important are questions such as:

• How far is the nearest hospital?
• Are there any shops and amenities nearby?
• How active is the area in winter?
• Would you prefer to live among many other foreigners, or would you rather not?
• How important are restaurants, culture, and social activities?

We therefore always advise customers to first choose a region, then a city, followed by a neighborhood, and only then the specific property.

Don’t be swayed solely by a low home price

The Spanish inland regions offer beautiful homes at prices that are often unthinkable on the coast. For the same budget, you can sometimes get a much larger home, more land, and more privacy.

That sounds appealing, but it’s important to look beyond just the purchase price.

A home may be inexpensive because:

• amenities are located further away;
• public transportation is limited;
• there are fewer medical facilities available;
• there are few international communities;
• the village gets very quiet during the off-season.

For some retirees, that’s actually ideal. For others, it can start to feel isolating over time.

Think carefully about the climate

Many people move to Spain because of the sun. However, the climate often turns out to be a bigger factor than they initially thought.

In parts of Andalusia, summer temperatures can stay above 40 degrees for weeks on end. Some people love it, while others find that they become less active during the hottest months.

On the Mediterranean coast, the sea breeze often brings some relief from the heat, while northern Spain is known for its milder temperatures and greener landscapes.

That’s why it’s a good idea to visit a region not only in the spring or summer, but also during the winter months.

Visit a region in different seasons

One of the most underrated aspects of moving to or retiring in Spain is the difference between the seasons.

A coastal town can feel bustling and lively in May, while the same place is considerably quieter in January.

So ask yourself:

• Are there sufficient facilities available year-round?
• Will restaurants and stores remain open?
• Is the area still pleasant to visit outside of peak season?
• Does the winter atmosphere meet your expectations?

If you visit a region during different seasons, you’ll get a much more realistic picture of daily life.

An international community isn't always a bad thing

Some people deliberately seek out a typical Spanish village without many foreign residents. Others, on the other hand, feel more at home in an area where there are already many Dutch, Belgian, or other European residents.

Neither choice is better or worse.

An international community can offer benefits such as:

• build social connections more easily;
• activities and clubs;
• Services in Dutch;
• assistance with practical matters.

At the same time, other retirees are deliberately choosing to fully integrate into Spanish culture.

The most important thing is that the environment matches what you're looking for.

Please take healthcare into account

As we get older, proximity to medical facilities becomes more important for many people.

Spain has an excellent healthcare system, but the availability of facilities varies by region.

In larger cities and popular coastal areas, hospitals, specialists, and private clinics are often easily accessible. In rural areas, distances can be greater.

That is why we recommend that you consider not only the home itself, but also the accessibility of medical facilities.

The cheapest region isn't always the best value

A lower home price does not automatically mean lower overall costs.

If you need a car for almost every errand, regularly drive long distances for medical appointments, or frequently visit family and friends, the actual costs may end up being higher than expected.

It is therefore wise to look at the big picture:

• home price;
• daily necessities;
• zorg;
• accessibility;
• social opportunities;
• quality of life.

So, what’s the best place to retire in Spain?

We get that question almost every day.

The honest answer is that there is no one right choice.

For some, an apartment on the Costa Blanca is ideal because of the sunshine, amenities, and international community. For others, a quiet home in the Spanish countryside is the perfect place to enjoy retirement.

The best location is the one that suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Conclusion

When people look for the worst places to retire in Spain, they are often looking for security.

But in reality, it’s not about good or bad regions. It’s about making the right choice for your personal situation.

If you give careful thought in advance to the climate, amenities, healthcare, accessibility, and social connections, you’ll significantly increase your chances of a successful and carefree future under the Spanish sun.

Would you like to know which region best suits your needs? Then read our in-depth article on retirement in Spain and find out what to consider when planning your new life in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in Spain

Is Spain a good place to retire?

For many Dutch and Belgian people, Spain is an excellent destination to enjoy their retirement. The country offers a pleasant climate, a relaxed lifestyle, good healthcare, and a relatively affordable housing market. In addition, there are many regions with international communities, which can make it easier to build social connections.

However, the most suitable region depends on your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Where do most Dutch and Belgian retirees live in Spain?

Many Dutch and Belgian retirees choose to settle on the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida, and Costa del Sol. Towns such as Torrevieja, Ciudad Quesada, Orihuela Costa, Jávea, Altea, and Estepona are popular because of their climate, amenities, and the presence of other international residents.

Nevertheless, interest is also growing in lesser-known regions where housing is often more affordable and daily life is more peaceful.

How much does it cost to live as a retiree in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain varies greatly depending on the region and lifestyle. In general, daily expenses for groceries, dining out, and local services are lower than in the Netherlands and Belgium.

In popular coastal towns and large cities, housing costs are often higher than in smaller towns or rural areas. That’s why it’s wise to consider not only the price of the home, but also fixed costs, healthcare expenses, and daily living expenses.

Am I entitled to healthcare in Spain as a retiree?

Yes, many retirees are eligible for Spanish healthcare. The exact situation depends on your personal circumstances, retirement status, and country of residence.

Spain has an extensive network of public hospitals and health centers. In addition, many foreign retirees opt for supplemental private health insurance to gain faster access to specialists or enjoy greater comfort.

See also our article on healthcare in Spain for more information.

What are the biggest drawbacks of retiring in Spain?

Most of the challenges have less to do with Spain itself than with the transition to a new country. Many retirees cite issues such as bureaucracy, language barriers, administrative procedures, and tax regulations as areas of concern.

In addition, the climate may be different than expected. Some regions experience very hot summers, while northern Spain is cooler and wetter.

With proper preparation, these challenges are usually manageable.

Is living on the coast more expensive than living inland?

In general, homes on the coast are more expensive than comparable homes inland. Popular regions such as the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, in particular, have higher home prices due to high demand.

On the other hand, coastal areas often offer excellent amenities, good accessibility, international communities, and strong resale value for homes.

Can I get by in Spain speaking only Dutch or English?

In tourist areas and popular expat destinations, you can usually get by just fine with Dutch or English. Still, learning Spanish usually makes everyday life a lot easier.

Even a basic knowledge of Spanish can help when interacting with neighbors, local authorities, shops, and medical facilities. It also increases your opportunities to become a full member of Spanish society.

What is the best region to retire in Spain?

There is no single region that is the best choice for everyone. Some people prefer the sunny climate and international community of the Costa Blanca, while others opt for the tranquility of the inland areas or the greener north of Spain.

Ultimately, the best region is the one that meets your needs in terms of climate, amenities, healthcare, accessibility, and lifestyle.

How long do I need to live in Spain to become a tax resident?

In many cases, you become a tax resident in Spain if you stay in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year. From that point on, different tax rules may apply.

Since every situation is different, it is advisable to seek advice in advance from a tax advisor who specializes in international matters.

Is Spain cheaper than the Netherlands or Belgium for retirees?

For many retirees, the cost of living in Spain is lower than in the Netherlands or Belgium. This includes lower costs for dining out, local services, and often lower property taxes as well.

However, the actual savings depend on factors such as the region you choose, the type of home, and your personal lifestyle. In popular coastal areas, housing costs can be significantly higher than in less well-known regions.