Easy Living in Marbella in Spain

Marbella is in Andalusia in Southern Spain; it is a beautiful Mediterranean city, an affluent beach resort, a wealthy expatriate haven, a fantastic golf centre, a popular national and international tourism destination, a sun soaked city and a dream destination for many of those who fantasize about starting a new life in the Spanish sunshine.

If you dream of easy living in Marbella in Spain and want to know if your idea of what life’s really like in this neck of the woods is accurate, then read on for our comprehensive guide to what life is really like in Marbella.

The majority of expatriates moving to Andalusia in Spain and Marbella in particular choose to live in ‘urbanizaciones’ of the city rather than in the hustle and bustle of downtown Marbella.  Popular districts include Elviria, Mijas, Las Chapas, El Rosario, Cabopino and more recently La Cala has become very popular. 

Each suburb or district has its own feel and architecture and Spanish property prices vary depending on the proximity of the suburb to the airport and city centre for example.

To the west of Marbella you have San Pedro de Alcantara which is a typically Spanish town and which provides a link to the likes of Guadalmina, Estepona and Sotogrande.  Or if you want to live in what is quite possibly the most affluent, desirable and attractive area of greater Marbella then head for Puerto Banus – you’ll know you’ve arrived when you head for the water and see all the multi million dollar yachts blocking your views of the Med! 

Puerto Banus is actually about a 10 minute drive west of Marbella and a popular Sunday afternoon destination for expatriates living elsewhere around the city.

Further on from Puerto Banus is the main golfing district for Marbella in the Nueva Andalusia region and it is here where you’ll find all of the exclusive, manicured and lovely golf courses one associates with living in this part of Spain.

If you’re thinking of moving to Spain but golf is not on your list of favourite activities then don’t panic, there is more to life in Marbella.  Because the climate in this part of Spain is so fantastic for the majority of the year there is a great deal of emphasis on sporting and outdoor activities…you can swim, play tennis, go diving, learn to sail, fish or snorkel.  There are also many gyms, spas and health clubs available for those who want to keep young and beautiful - or if you’re retiring to Spain and want a slightly slower pace of life, how about bridge, bingo, or bowls?

In the winter months it’s popular to leave Marbella behind and drive to the Sierra Nevada for fantastic skiing and winter sports - and in the spring and autumn when the sunshine is less intense walking the Paseo is a favourite early evening and weekend activity supplemented with a stop at a café or bar for a coffee or a glass of wine.

It is very easy living in Marbella in Spain because there are just so many English speaking expatriates living around you and the majority of Spanish people speak at least some English meaning that you don’t have to rush to pick up Spanish straightaway.  It goes without saying of course that if you do make the effort to learn the language you will get so much more out of Spain! 

The quality of life achievable in Marbella is second to none, the climate is idyllic, the scenery is stunning and the cost of living can be kept quite low.  What’s more, because Marbella is so well located and a relatively short drive from locations such as Granada, Sotogrande, Seville, Madrid, Malaga and even Gibraltar (and Morocco if you include a short boat trip) you can discover other worlds, cultures, sights, sounds and flavours from your new home in Spain.