Else Beekman
Over 300,000 Brits have chosen to make Spain their home, with the Mediterranean coast being a favourite. Regions like Alicante, Málaga, and the Balearic Islands top the list of preferred destinations for British expats.
More than half of the British expats in Spain reside along the Mediterranean coast, attracted by the pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, vibrant cuisine, and rich cultural offerings. The regions of Alicante, Málaga, and the Balearic Islands are the most popular among these expats. Additionally, cities like Barcelona, Murcia, Tenerife, Las Palmas, Almería, and Madrid also host significant British populations, particularly among retirees. About 34% of British expats in Spain are over 65, and 30% are between 50 and 64 years old.
Top towns for Brits
Orihuela in Alicante is a favourite, with over 10,000 Brits out of a total population of just over 80,000, making up 12% of the population. In Málaga, the charming white village of Mijas is home to over 8,000 Brits, where English is commonly spoken among residents. Other popular destinations include Calvià in Mallorca, Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, Torrevieja, and Benidorm.
Towns with a majority British population
In some smaller towns, British outnumber Spaniards. Partaloa and Los Gallardos in Almería are prime examples, where Britons make up the majority of the population, often exceeding 50%. Coastal towns like Arboleas and Sierra de los Liabrales also attract many British expats, drawn by the peace and natural beauty.
Rojales: A British enclave
Rojales in the Vega Baja del Segura in the Valencian Community is one of the towns with the highest concentration of British, with nearly 70% of its 16,560 inhabitants being foreigners, mostly Britons. The town’s appeal began in the 1970s with the development of Ciudad Quesada, a large urbanisation created by entrepreneur Justo Quesada. This area, now with 30,000 homes and a golf course, initially attracted Swiss residents but quickly became a favourite among the British. Today, Ciudad Quesada is a popular enclave that offers a lifestyle reminiscent of the UK, with shops, restaurants, and services catering to British tastes.
Impact of Brexit
Brexit has significantly influenced British migration to Spain. With Brits no longer enjoying EU citizenship, Spain has become the preferred destination for those seeking residency in the EU. According to Eurostat, half of the British who applied for residence permits in the EU chose Spain, making them the third largest foreign community in the country.