SPAIN

Escape to Spain

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 12:57:13 GMT

Spain Uncovered - Explore the Best Opportunities in This Country

Revealed: Where to Find the Best Bargain in Europe Today

Dear Reader,

Lingering into the wee hours over drinks in color-splashed Barcelona...savoring scrumptious paella on a warm summer afternoon, the Mediterranean sparkling in the background... watching the moonlight play off the high walls of the thousand-year-old Alhambra...or sitting on a balcony in Seville overlooking the largest Gothic church in the world, sipping a chilled glass of fino...

If you like Europe and its history... its romance and culture... then Spain should be calling your name. Loudly. It offers sophistication, charm, comfort... and, in places, at a price you'd expect to see in Latin America.

The "Spain Uncovered" bundle (value $227) you’ll get:

Spain's Secret Income Opportunity (Value:$23, Yours FREE)
Gracious, Good-Value Spain: Where You Can Enjoy "Old World" Living at Latin American Prices (Value:$27, Yours FREE)
Spain & Portugal: Low-Cost, Laidback Europe (Value $29, Yours FREE)
Sunshine, Tapas, Great Healthcare and More: The Secrets of Southern Spain Revealed (Value $19, yours FREE)
Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less (Value:$129, Included)

Total Value: $227
Your price today: just $103

The value today is truly excellent... in fact, in the 30-plus years we've been writing about Spain, we've never shouted "go now" with such enthusiasm.

Your dollars go a long, long way today in lovely pockets all over the country — hilltop towns, beach retreats, cosmopolitan cities. Fire sales offer eye-popping deals. And even at full price, the values are genuine... and the cost of living is modest. A couple can live very well here for less than $30,000 a year.

Plus right now the favorable exchange rate is making the equation ever more attractive. In fact, the dollar is about as strong today against the euro as it's been in the last decade. And that means Spain is, effectively, "on sale" if you're shopping with dollars.

So there’s an unusual opportunity right now to leverage your increased buying power and pick up added value when you’re shopping — whether it be for your dream property or simply a good dinner out!

Just as compelling:

The lifestyle in Spain is truly enviable...

You could spend days following in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway in the Navarre region with its wide open spaces, delicious regional cooking, and mild climate...

Or consider the pleasures of wandering the narrow, labyrinthine streets of Granada's old quarter and being transported back to a time when the exotic Moors ruled Spain...

You might enjoy exploring the country's southern coast for some of the most pristine (and un-crowded) beaches in Europe (yes those beaches still exist, you just have to know where to look).

My name is Glynna Prentice, and I'm a long-time editor at International Living. In the 1970s, traveling after I finished college, I lost my heart to Spain. Its romantic—and rich—history, its people, and the rhythm of the days captured me.

Years later, when I lived and worked in Madrid, for instance, I loved the lifestyle. I loved going to lunch with my work colleagues. Make no mistake; we worked hard. But every day we took time for a civilized, sit-down lunch, in a restaurant, away from the office...because this is what you do in Spain.

Life here is easy...relaxed...and wonderful.

And it's not just the cities that have drawn me back time and again...yes, Barcelona is fabulous with its attractive urban beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and lively street ambience...but Spain offers a lot more than just buzzing cities.

I love visiting Spanish villages...walking through the cool, quiet aisles of medieval churches and having a drink in the main square, under the shade of spreading elms.

Spain really does have it all...and now is the time to check it out.

You Can't Beat the Value for Your Dollar in Spain Today

Spain is arguably the best bargain in Europe today, offering First-World living at a cost that can compete with some spots in Latin America. We're talking serious bang for your buck.

Thanks to the ongoing recession, real estate prices in many parts of the country have plummeted. Buying (or even just renting) here is more affordable now than it's been in decades. Just take a look...

On much of the Mediterranean coast, you can buy a beach condo today for $150,000 or less—sometimes much less—when you know where to look.
Prefer to rent? Long-term rentals start at about $565 a month in Alicante and at about $542 in Málaga, for instance. (And although these are both tourist destinations, they're also real cities, with shops, markets, and cinemas, so you can easily live a non-tourist life, just as local Spaniards do.)
Within walking distance of one of Barcelona’s most popular beaches, you can own a two-bedroom apartment with a balcony and 430-square-foot of living space. This area has a Greenwich-village feel with tons of cafes and vibrant shopping. Price for this apartment? Just $190,970.
In a laid-back artists and artisans' enclave full of university students, you'll find a hilly, medieval core where buildings are made of cream-colored stone and the streets are cobbled. Here a bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel spans the river that bisects the town. And in this pretty, culture-rich community of nearly 100,000 you can own a three-bedroom, one-bath apartment, with plenty of light and near all amenities for just $109,510.
Right on the Mediterranean coast, you can be close to the water and have great views from a 915-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment. It has sea views, a balcony and is conveniently near all shopping…all for just $91,530.

These are the kinds of prices you expect to see in Latin America where, along with the good values, you usually make a few compromises, too.

But in Spain... it's First World, old-world, easy, comfortable... AND remarkably affordable.

Affordable Living Day-to-Day

Even before the recession, Spain was one of the least-expensive countries in Western Europe, and that remains true.

Live the Good Life for Less

"In the late afternoon, all the locals gather to stroll and to stop for a drink, and I did, too. A glass of good local wine at a terraza, with a free plate of olives as a tapa, cost me about $3.90—and it wasn't the cheapest wine on the menu."
— Glynna Prentice in Spain

Day-to-day expenses, for instance, can be very low. Pick one of the many areas with a warm, mild climate, and your monthly utilities can run you $136 or less.

And though you may pay less to live here, you're still living in a First-World country. In fact, Spain has one of the fastest Internet speeds in the world...

Spain's airports are sleek and modern...fast highways and high-speed trains link all the major towns and cities around the country...and everyone, it seems, has a cell phone.

You'll sacrifice nothing living in Spain...but will gain immeasurably in quality of life...

I'd like to show you exactly where—and how—to take advantage of the best Spain has to offer right now in our newest, most comprehensive guide to this country, called Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less.

We've invested the funds and the time on the ground there over the last 18 months to research and write this guide because Spain just makes sense today—and not just from an economic standpoint...

The European Country That Has It All

The click of castanets, the swirl and passion of flamenco dancers, whitewashed villages tumbling down hillsides toward the blue Mediterranean...for many people, this is their impression of Spain.

But those are only the bold headlines...

Spain is one of the largest and most geographically diverse countries in Europe. Depending on where you are, the terrain, the look of the people, the accents—even the language they speak—can be different. In Spain, you can find almost any sort of geography you choose.

"Beyond our Wildest American Dream"

"Here in Castelldefels we enjoy an active lifestyle better than we could ever afford in the States. We spend most of our time outdoors, either exploring one of the world's greatest cities or the nature that surrounds it. Every few months we take an extended weekend trip to a European destination. In May we head to Paris, in June we'll explore Rome, and we're currently planning a trip to Budapest. Our new life in Spain is beyond our wildest American Dream. "" – SK, an American enjoying life in Spain
— SK, an American enjoying life in Spain

And living in Spain, no matter where you go, won't break the bank. A couple can live well in many towns on $2,000 a month, including rent...eat out for less than $30 (and you'll want to—Spanish food is amazing)...and travel the country by rail or bus at discount rates.

Speaking of transport, no matter where you live in Spain, you'll have easy access to the rest of the country—and to the rest of Europe, too. Modern, high-speed trains can get you from one end of Spain to the other in about seven hours.

You can fly directly from North America to Madrid, Barcelona, and other metropolises. The many smaller, regional airports can zip you around Spain and to the rest of Europe (often on cheap, discount airlines).

If you're worried about the healthcare here...don't be. Spanish healthcare has a good reputation, with excellent medical schools and many qualified doctors. In the major cities and popular tourist destinations, you are likely to find health care every bit as good, if not better, than what you have back home, with attentive care and modern amenities.

But Spain's biggest plus may be the people and the lifestyle. Warm and engaging, Spaniards believe in enjoying life, and they put a high value on friends and family. So do as they do...

On long summer evenings, when the sun doesn't set until 10 p.m., sit at an outdoor café with friends until late into the night...bathe in the warm waters of the Mediterranean...gaze on the Alhambra at sunset...hike the hills of green, northern Spain...explore castles both ruined and restored...

You'll get the details about where you can embrace this good life for less today in Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less.

Inside you'll discover how easy—and enjoyable—Spain really can be... and the many ways and places you can make this country part of your life... full-time, part-time... whatever suits you...

Ah, the Good Life...

Expats already on the ground love it... "We can drink coffee from our bedroom while watching the sunrise to the east, and in the evening sip wine on our balcony while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean," says expat Shane Kutz. "Before moving to Spain we could not have imagined that our standard of living would be so breath-taking."

Another transplant to Spain says she appreciates the laid-back, "Old World" lifestyle. "One of the things I like most about living here is that I don't need a car to get around. That's a big change from life in California, where people practically live in their cars. My husband goes to work by bike, and the kids can take a five- minute walk to school. Then I stroll to the center of town to buy freshly baked bread for lunch, which in Spain is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.

"Everything is just a walk away. There are a couple of small grocery stores, a medical center, a sports complex, a pharmacy, and, of course, several bars where you can enjoy a glass of wine before lunch (Navarre's specialty is rosé). For anything else I might want, Pamplona is just a 10-minute bus ride and costs me just 75 cents each way."

Ben Ostrom says of life in his adopted hometown of Seville, "Blue skies more than 300 days a year, restaurants and tapas bars lining the streets, and culture pouring from every corner...It's one of the architectural jewels of Spain.

"I've been living here six years now and I love how you can choose your lifestyle. If you prefer to live the simple life, groceries are cheap, or you can eat out without breaking the bank. For breakfast, a tostada con jamon (cured ham on toast) and a coffee will set you back $3.50, while dinner for two and a couple of glasses of wine is around $20.

"Having traveled the world and lived in dangerous cities, I love feeling safe in Seville. The atmosphere is pleasant. There is a large expat community and you can mingle with Brits, Irish, Americans and Canadians. My wife and I have private healthcare and pay $120 a month between us. I've been to the hospital a couple of times and the service was excellent."

Real Estate is Now More Affordable than Ever

There are lots of tempting reasons to consider making Spain your new home, and now is the time to think seriously about it.

The Lament of Gypsy Guitars and the Scent of Aging Sherry

"In Spain you'll find plenty of genuine local retreats and unexplored corners, age-old villages where women still wash clothes at the local fountain, or the occasional burro pulls a cart.

"I love the plaintive lament of gypsy guitars you hear in Spain...its orange and jacaranda trees...a Moorish fortress...the taste of fresh anchovies...the raisiny aroma of oloroso sherry aging in dark cellars."
— Steenie Harvey in Spain

As I mentioned before, since the financial crisis engulfed the country, Spain's property market is on the floor. Bargains abound.

Whether it's the lure of big cities like Barcelona or Seville...the beaches of Marbella...or the often-overlooked city of Malaga, there is a home here for you...

And at prices, as I've said, that may surprise you...

It's no secret that the global economic crisis has affected Spain's real estate scene. For 15 years, real estate prices there soared. Then in 2007 demand slowed. By the time the worldwide economic crisis rolled through Spain and Europe, the real estate bubble had well and truly burst.

That means that Spanish real estate is now more affordable than ever. Consider these properties, for instance...

A three-bedroom, one-bathroom, apartment of 732 square feet within walking distance of a popular beach resort. Price: €74,000 ($82,880).
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a balcony and 753 square feet of living space in the Old Town of Hemingway’s favorite hangout. Price: €114,000 ($128,820).
In one of the Costa del Sol's most popular (and nicest) towns, is a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with sea views and over 900 square feet of living space. It's a short walk to the beach. Price: €81,000 ($91,530).

In Escape to Spain we'll tell you where you'll find these—and many other—affordable properties. Properties with price tags you'd expect to see in Latin America.

You Can Rent for as Little as $450 a Month (No Kidding)

But you don't have to buy. There's nothing to stop you renting for a few months and enjoying the unique Spanish lifestyle. In Escape to Spain we also look at rentals and give you all the info you'll need if you do decide to enjoy Spain for a few months at a time.

Tips and Guidance for Renting and Exploring in Spain

There's nothing to stop you renting for a few months and enjoying the Spanish lifestyle part of the year. In Escape to Spain we look at rentals and give you all the how-to details you'll need if you do decide to enjoy Spain for a few months at a time.

Escape to Spain also includes our editors' insider travel tips: The best ways to get there and get around...where to learn about bullfighting...the best tapas in Andalucia...undiscovered wine towns...and lots, lots more.

Consider Girona, for instance, about 50 minutes from the Barcelona Airport. This is a university town where the Onyer River provides lots of water views. The popular Plaça de la Independència has colonnades lined with restaurants and tapas bars. In late afternoon all the locals gather here to stroll and to stop for a drink. A glass of good local wine at a terraza starts at €2.50 ($2.75) and it comes with a dish of tasty, locally-cured olives as a tapa, for free.

And you can rent an apartment here in the center of town for as low as €425 ($485) a month for student-style digs. For €500($565) a month, though, you can get one or two bedrooms and at least 700 square feet of space, all in good condition. For €750 ($848) a month you'll get a family-sized apartment, with perhaps three bedrooms and 1,000 square feet or more of living space.

Or if you'd prefer life on the Mediterranean... I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the rental bargains to be had there, too.

Take, for instance, a little town we recommend about 30 minutes from the big city of Cartagena. This place, right on the coast and surrounded by golf courses, hiking trails, and lovely sand beaches, is an unsung gem. Its 15,000 permanent residents have a good range of shops and supermarkets, as well as a covered market and Sunday street markets—it's a proper town. But along with its stunning beaches, it boasts miles of promenade, a new marina, and numerous bars and restaurants. Scuba diving, shore fishing, and sailing are year-round activities.

And here—the values are truly extraordinary. You can rent apartments long-term starting at about €350 ($396) a month. But vacation rentals are also inexpensive here, working out to as little as about €15 ($17) per person per night.

Talk about "Latin American pricing!"

In Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less we'll fill you in on all the details about opportunities like these—and many, many more...

A Couple Can Live Generously in Spain on a Modest Budget

The modest cost of living in Spain is no exaggeration. You really can enjoy the richness of life in this diverse country for a lot less than you may think.

Let's take a look at a typical budget in Alicante, for instance. To give you some context, this town on the Mediterranean is situated in the Valencia region, the garden of central Spain. Inland Valencia is home to vast vineyards and to cultivated fields growing vegetables of all kinds. Valencia also grows rice—not surprising in a region whose signature dish is paella.

But Alicante is on the coast, what's called the Costa Blanca, which boasts what is arguably Europe's best climate, with 325 sunny days a year and low humidity. Unlike other towns along Spain's Costa del Sol, which were overbuilt and attract hordes of British tourists, Alicante is pretty and sophisticated and many visitors are Spaniards. There's a convenient airport here so it's easy to get in and out of.

And Alicante has eight splendid beaches. Below St. Barbara's Castle, an old Moorish fortress, there's a marina, parks, shady plazas, cinemas, and a theater. So the living is not just comfortable, but a notch above. And it'll cost you less to live here than you probably imagine.

Sample Budget for a Couple in Alicante

Expense	Euros ($)	($)
Housing (rent of furnished, two-bedroom apartment)	€550	$662
Utilities (gas, electricity, water, phone, Internet)	€120	$136
Groceries	€250	$283
Entertainment (dining out and other)	€400	$452
Health care	€246	$278
Household help—maid once a week (3 hours)	€120	$136
Incidentals	€150	$170
Total	€1,836	$2,077

Now, the health care cost is based on the Sanitas (Spain's largest private health- insurance company) rate of €123.26 ($138) per month per person for a healthy 65-year-old. For reference, the monthly rate for a healthy 55-year-old is €90.35 ($101). The plan includes complete health care plus and dental, with optional pharmacy.

Depending on how you choose to spend your money, your individual budget could be more or less than the one here. Small apartments in Alicante start as low as €300 ($337) a month...or can be €1,000 ($1,1123) or more if you want a large house with pool, ocean views, and other luxuries.

Likewise, you may choose not to have a maid, or to spend more on entertainment. But a couple should be able to live comfortably on $2,000 a month in Alicante or a number of beach destinations in southern Spain.

Rent in large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao, and in some northern coastal areas like San Sebastián and the Catalan Coast, will be somewhat higher.

Still, we're talking about less than $30,000 a year for a couple to live comfortably and enjoy the pleasures of life in a beautiful, welcoming, friendly, sophisticated European nation.

The Most Comprehensive Guide to Living in Spain

In Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less, we'll share with you stories from expats already enjoying Spain as well as insiders' guidance about living, renting, and buying property there. You'll find examples of what's on the real estate market... the best things to see and do... and much, much more.

And you'll benefit immediately:

SAVE TIME! Whether you're a city, mountain, or beach person, there's a perfect place in Spain for you. And we provide the pros and cons to help you narrow down the choices. We've done the legwork so you don't have to, and it'll save you hours of painstaking research and expensive travel time. We'll help you pick the locales in the country that best fit your lifestyle.
SAVE MONEY! We've done the scouting work for you and provide you with the names, phone numbers, and email addresses for our most trusted and helpful contacts. This information is worth its weight in gold (and could save you thousands of dollars).

And Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less includes:

A brief, concise history of Spain, which puts today's economic and political situation in context and shows you why there's opportunity on the ground there today.
The low-down on Spanish in Spain, how it differs from Latin American Spanish (very little, in fact), why it's a great place to learn Spanish (and the best places to go to do just that), plus useful vocabulary for everything from shopping to measuring to meals.
A region-by-region assessment of the spots most worth your attention in Spain today — so you can begin to match what you're looking for with a place on the ground. You'll know what to expect and what to look for, with guidance about everything from towns we like to specific neighborhoods worth checking out. You'll get the straight story on what properties, rent, and day-to-day life cost and how the character of each place is different from the next.
A value-minded tour of Spain — from the city in the north that's a "modern urban miracle," with miles of waterfront living, and excellent food...to an active fishing port and beach town we like in the south, where you can scuba, sail, and fish year-round — and own an apartment right in the heart of town, five minutes from the beach, for just $66,670... and everything in between, all around the country...
Four extremely useful resources to check when you're investigating the Spanish property market... including the inside scoop on Spain's "bad bank," which took on foreclosed property and bad loans to real estate developers from some of Spain's weakest banks. They're starting to sell off these properties — and when you know what to look for (and what to avoid)—which we'll walk you through in Escape to Spain—you can snag fire-sale deals at unbelievable prices...
The how-to steps to buying property in Spain. It's not overly complicated to buy in Spain—but it's not the same as buying in the US or Canada, either. Find out the differences between buying an existing property versus new construction and the four steps you go through anytime you buy, no matter what kind of property you've chosen.
The charges you can expect when you buy in Spain. Generally speaking, closing costs, taxes, and other costs related to buying a property in Spain will run you between 10% and 14% of the purchase price. Find out how it all works and who traditionally pays what, including an insider's tip about the seller's capital gains tax—and how you can ensure you don't get stuck for it.
A Rolodex of the best contacts complete with email and phone numbers for folks who can help with everything from residence to buying your home...expat resources... and much more. You could argue this guide is worth the price for this reference list of contacts alone...
First-hand tales from the field—stories from people who have already done what you're thinking about doing. Their hard-won advice will save you time, money, and hours (more likely weeks) of frustration...

All the Practical Know-How You Need to Live in Spain

What you need to know about visas and residence and why, in fact, you may want to keep your boots on the ground in Spain only 182 or fewer days a year.
The cost of living, including a sample budget, plus specifics about costs for all kinds of things you'll need—from real estate to clothing, electronics, meat and fish, bus and train fares, healthcare, eating out, and more. Good news is: A couple can live very comfortably here—in a lovely apartment or home, dining out regularly and eating well, enjoying all Spain has to offer—for about $2,000 a month (that's less than $25,000 a year).
The medical system in Spain is excellent, ranking well above that in the U.S. We'll tell you how the system works... what to do about insurance (including eight resources you should check out)... how much you can expect to pay (about 40% less than in the States)... why Spain has become a medical-tourism destination for folks from the UK... and more...
How to easily get your pet into Spain. The process isn't complicated at all—before you go, you get your dog or cat a rabies vaccine, a chip, and have some paperwork filled out. Once you're in Spain, you get a "pet passport" for travel within the EU. We lay it all out—including the specific forms you'll need—in Escape to Spain.
VAT, property tax, income tax—find out what you may owe and how to arrange your affairs so you can minimize your tax obligation. In a full chapter on taxes in Spain, we lay out the way the system works and how much you can expect to be charged. It's dependent on how you use your property and whether you're resident in Spain or not. In Escape to Spain, we lay it all out so it's clear and easy to understand.
What you need to know about moving your household goods to Spain. Find out what's worth bringing (probably less than you think) and how you can ship duty-free what you do decide to move. Plus all kinds of useful, money-saving hints, like this one: Spanish beds aren't the same size as US beds, so don't bother bringing linens, they just won't fit.
And lots, lots more...

The Best Ways to Explore Spain for Yourself

Spain has so much to offer beyond good-value living... and in Escape to Spain, we dive into all of it...

Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches, golf, historic architecture, sightseeing, adventure sports, great food and wine, or simply walking, you'll find it in Spain.

Public transportation is excellent, and many expats find they don't need a car for day-to-day life. (Of course, renting a car to wander off the beaten track is another matter...Spain is full of hidden gems—out-of-the-way villages, ancient ruins, soaring scenery and more—that epitomize this country's romance.)

Go a few miles into Andalucia's hinterland to find white-washed villages on mountain slopes. Drive the winding coast of northern Spain's Bay of Biscay, where green mountains tumble almost to the sea. Here, beyond bustling beach resorts like San Sebastián and Santander, you'll find less-visited fishing villages along the Cantabrian and Asturian coasts.

Wander the vast, lonely stretches of Castilla-La Mancha, stopping to savor towns like Chinchón and Almagro, whose stately buildings speak of former wealthy days.

Explore the many provincial capitals—Avila, Oviedo, Zaragoza, just to name a few—that are rich in history and charm.

For every cliché—sangria, bull-fighting, and flamenco—there are a hundred secrets just waiting to be discovered.

In Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less we share our editors' insider travel tips, including secrets like...

How to snag bargain airfares to Spain—and around the country once you're there, including the discount carriers a typical web search won't reveal.
Where to find an authentic Old World Spanish lifestyle without sacrificing any first-world luxuries. In this gem of a La Rioja wine town, you'll find a perfectly preserved medieval village surrounded by battlements on a low hill against a backdrop of mountains.
How to tap into the amazing public transport system in Spain and get from Madrid, in the center of the country, to just about any other destination in Spain in three hours or less (sometimes for as little as €20, about $22)...
Where to find the best-value wine in Spain... and an $11 three-course meal while you're at it.
The best tapas in Seville—including ham and peppermint croquettes and pork in a spicy "mojo" sauce—all for less than $5.
Plus lots, lots more... like where to learn about bullfighting..undiscovered wine towns...and the list goes on... we guide you as you plan your trip—including recommendations for hotels and activities you shouldn't miss.

Everything You Need to Make an Informed Decision

We've gone through Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less page by page and sentence by sentence to ensure that all the information and recommendations...all the resources and contact details, including websites, email addresses and telephone numbers...all the maps, statistics, dollar figures and prices quoted...are completely up-to-date.

We've left no stone unturned. And the best part is that we publish this manual electronically...so it's not just useful, but also colorfully illustrated and interactive.

There's no debate: Escape to Spain is the best guide available to a comfortable retirement in enchanting Spain.

We spent many months—and tens of thousands of dollars—putting it together. It would be easy to justify a price tag of $200 or $300—and, frankly, it would be worth every penny.

But right now you can put your hands on all of our current on-the-ground guidance, advice, and recommendations for just $103.

That's a serious bargain considering this guide could save you many times that in time, money, and frustration.

Request your copy now, and because it's electronically delivered, you'll have access to it quickly. Of course, as with all our International Living products, this guide is guaranteed...

Our Guarantee to You

Request your copy of Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less now and you'll have it in your hands just as soon as your order has processed.

I'm so confident you'll be impressed by all the useful insider guidance our manual includes—and by all Spain has to offer—that I'll give you a 30-day, no-hassle, money back guarantee.

If for any reason you're not completely satisfied with the depth and breadth of information and guidance you find in Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less, simply let us know within 30 days and we'll refund your purchase, no fuss, no questions asked.

And—when you order your copy now—we'll send you something extra, too...

Order Escape to Spain now and you’ll also get FOUR special bonuses

Right now we're offering a special deal for anybody who orders Escape to Spain. When you request your copy now, we'll send you a little something extra—free.

Free Special Bonus #1: Gracious, Good-Value Spain: Where You Can Enjoy "Old World" Living at Latin American Prices (value: $27, yours free).

As I've said already: Spain makes very good sense right now. But not everywhere offers equal value. A lot of "cheap stuff" was thrown up in Spain in the boom times—much of it sub-par in construction (and often permitting). You may see ads for these places, but they do not represent good value at all.

In Gracious, Good-Value Spain: Where You Can Enjoy "Old World" Living at Latin American Prices, we share with you the cautions you should be aware of—as well as our top picks for best-value locales today.

You'll find out secrets like the best places to watch for fire sales... and how to know if a place is worth your attention or not.

We'll tell you about a comfortable, casual coastal community of 182,000 that flies well under the North American radar screen. The temperatures are moderate all year here. Average summertime highs are in the mid-70s F, while winter lows average in the low- to mid-40s F. And values are very good. You can buy a comfortable, 700-square-foot apartment starting from about $200,000, and rent one long-term from about $600 a month.

You'll find out about a great community outside Barcelona that keeps you within easy, quick reach of the city but offers you lower prices, a more laidback lifestyle, and great beach access. It's a lively place filled with cafes, and though it's at the coast, it's a proper "business" city, which means you'll see guys in suits and women in sweater sets. Yes, tourists come here, but it's a proper, year-round town. And you can own a renovated 2-bedroom apartment close to the beach in a building with a parking space, pool, and green areas for about $206,000.

A three-bedroom, two-bath apartment in central Castelldefels, right next to the pedestrian-only area, is available. It has 968 square feet of space and has a terrace. Price: €115,000 ($129,500).

Free Special Bonus #2: Spain's Secret Income Opportunity (value $23, yours free)

This report explains how, in just a few months from now, you can be set up to live and earn in Spain thanks to a government program that wants to pay people from the U.S. and Canada. They'll set you up with a visa and a contract. You'll spend just 12 hours a week earning an income in Spain. No experience necessary.

Free Special Bonus #3: Spain & Portugal: Low-Cost, Laidback Europe (Value $29, yours free)

Spain and Portugal offer some of the lowest-cost living in the Old World… along with plenty of charm, history, and an enviable lifestyle. In this video presentation, we’ll give you the scoop on attractive destinations, the cost of living and real estate, and how to make these Old World havens your new home.

Free Special Bonus #4: Sunshine, Tapas, Great Healthcare and More: The Secrets of Southern Spain Revealed (Value: $19, yours FREE)

Lying at the heart of sunny Andalucía, Seville is one of southern Spain’s most beautiful cities. Waves of conquerors, from the Romans to the Moors, have left their stamp on its spectacular architecture. Thousands of tapas bars line the streets, and the warm Spanish sun nurtures parks full of palm trees. With such beauty all around, it’s easy to imagine how you could adjust to ﬁne dining, a great social scene, and terriﬁc, inexpensive healthcare. In this report, we’ll share one couple’s story and advice as well as specifics about this part of the country to help you decide if this part of Spain would be a good fit for you... Plus, lots more...

That’s a total value of $227…

But it’s yours today for only $103.

The best part is that we publish this bundle electronically in PDF format… so it's much more useful, colorful, and interactive than ever before. And you'll have access to it as soon as your order has processed.

These special reports are yours today, free with our compliments, when you order Escape to Spain. And they're yours to keep, no matter what, even if you decide to request a refund.

I don't think you will, though. I feel confident you'll be impressed by the deep wealth of research, guidance, and on-the-ground recommendations Escape to Spain and our special reports deliver.

For Sophistication, Charm, Comfort, and Value You Can't Beat Spain Today

There's no better way to launch you on your way to an enjoyable life in sunny Spain—on a budget you'd expect to see in Latin America.

If you like the idea of a locale that offers sophistication, charm, and all the comforts and excitement of Europe—at a price you'd expect to see "south of the border"—look no further today than Spain.

The value you'll find on the ground is excellent today—probably the best values you'll see in your lifetime... the lifestyle is enviable... and in Escape to Spain we'll show you how—step-by-step—you can make it your own...

Sincerely,

Glynna Prentice,
International Living Editor

P.S. With Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less in hand, you'll have exactly the guide you need to help you see the opportunities in Spain that make the most sense for you and home in on them quickly and efficiently. Today, in the right places, you really can find values you'd expect to see in Latin America. But here they are in Europe—and not just anywhere in Europe—but in sunny, friendly, culture-rich Spain.

This is the kind of opportunity that comes around once in a lifetime.

If you've always liked the idea of a retreat in Europe... of a place you could return to again and again where it's safe... the pace of life is slow... the culture values family, friends, art, music, good food, and rich experiences... then Spain deserves your close attention today.

With Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less you'll have exactly the guide you need to take the idea you have in your mind's eye and make it your reality on the ground in Spain. It's a modest investment that could enrich your life immeasurably. Give it a try today—if you don't like what you see, just let us know within 30 days and we'll give you a full refund.

With this special deal we'll also send you four special reports, Gracious, Good-Value Spain: Where You Can Enjoy "Old World" Living at Latin American Prices (value: $27, yours free) … Spain's Secret Income Opportunity(value:$23, yours free) ... Spain & Portugal: Low-Cost, Laidback Europe (value $29 – yours free) and Sunshine, Tapas, Great Healthcare and More: The Secrets of Southern Spain Revealed (Value: $19, yours free). And they're yours to keep, no matter what.

Spain Itineraries

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:42:54 GMT

Here's How You Do It…Find Out How YOU Can Experience The Very Best Of Spain On Your Own "Exploratory" Trip!

Dear Reader,

If you’re excited about the opportunities in Spain today—then you’re going to want to check out your options there for yourself, and we can help.

Whether you have one, two, three weeks or more to explore the opportunities on offer in Spain today—you’ll want to use your time (and travel funds) wisely. Our Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide will show you the way.

Marsha Scarbrough, our IL Spain correspondent, created this guide to give you a framework for a variety of trips—with day-by-day recommendations.

Inside, she shares her most useful tips and insights for planning and enjoying a successful expedition.

Spain is a diverse country that offers many options to potential expats. From beaches in the sunny south, to historic pueblos, to green forests in the rainy north, to wild nightlife in throbbing cities, this dynamic country has something for everyone as well as excellent public transportation designed to let you adventure in ease.

Six useful apps to have on your phone to make getting around easier...
A cheap, easy way to get your phone to work in Spain so you avoid expensive carrier charges but gain the conveniences of having a working cell while you’re there...
On-the-ground tips for cheaper train, hotels, home rentals, and air in Spain, plus what you definitely need to know about tickets for some museums to ensure you get the best deal—and get in when you want to, and more...
Seven easy, door-opening phrases to know in Spanish before you go...
PLUS where to go, what to see, what absolutely not to miss, what’s overrated, what you can expect to pay, and lots, lots more...

Find out how to make the most of your time on the ground, people to connect with, and more.

Why Wait To Get In On This?

The Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide is priced at $63.

Just click the 'Add to Cart' button now.

Your Satisfaction Is 100% Guaranteed

If you are not completely satisfied with the Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide for any reason whatsoever, just let us know within 30 days for a full refund.

No questions asked.

I hope you'll take me up on this offer to get yourself a copy of the latest digital edition of the one-of-a-kind resource Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide.

Like I said, you have our no-hassle guarantee if, for any reason, you are not satisfied.

Order the Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide by clicking 'Add to Cart' now.

Spotlight on Spain

Wed, 31 May 2023 09:16:35 GMT

Late to Rise...and Late to Bed

And in Between, a Long Lunch, An Afternoon Siesta, and a Starlit Alfresco Dinner With Friends...

Is Spain, as Hemingway Once Called it, ''The Last Good Country Left?''

Stunning vistas, an idyllic Mediterranean climate, glorious food, wine...and oh so affordable, a couple can live on $2,500 a month (rent, healthcare included!)

Dear Reader,

No one pays much attention to time in Spain.

In fact, for 8 decades now, the country has been in the “wrong” time zone.

Spain sits directly south of Great Britain. When it’s noon in London, it should be noon in Madrid.

But about 80 years ago, Spain moved its clocks to align with Rome...and it’s never been inclined to switch back.

That means the sun both rises and sets an hour later in Spain. Daylight stretches longer into the evening hours.

Mornings start at 9 with café solo...strong black coffee usually served in a small glass...or a cortado of milk and espresso...

At 2 pm everything stops for the day’s big meal. Restaurants dish up an appetizer, entrée, wine or beer, dessert and coffee, all for a fixed price of about $12 or less...delicious homemade food with locally sourced ingredients (and no added tax or tipping).

Lighter dinners are taken alfresco with friends and family somewhere between 8 and 10 pm, typically small shared plates...tapas...of olives, Manchego cheese, patatas bravas, croquettes stuffed with ham or salted cod that keep coming until you push away...washed down by a cold Sangria or sparkling glass of Cava...

In between is siesta...the afternoon nap.

Siesta is serious business. When the Spanish government tried to abolish it in 2006 (most businesses shut down during siesta), public officials were nearly charged with treason.

To be fair, not everyone in Spain takes siesta, especially in the big cities.

But venture into the countryside and to the golden beaches of the south and you will find the siesta alive and well.

It’s ingrained tradition to a culture that’s unhurried and relaxed...except during fiestas, of course, when merrymaking takes precedence over everything else...

Time, you see, is valued in Spain. The Spanish treat it like food and wine, as something to be savored.

And that’s why expats there ...dating back to Hemingway, who proclaimed it “the last good country left”...are adamant that there is no place better to be.

You can leave Spain, but Spain will never leave you.

I’m Jackie Flynn, International Living publisher.

If you’ve been to Spain, you know why it was Ernest Hemingway’s adopted home and the setting for so many of his classic novels.

He famously called it “the country that I loved more than any other except my own.”

Steeped in tradition and romantic Old-World charm, Spain is rich in culture, landscapes, and history.

We can thank the Phoenicians for Spain’s robust red wines and fine whites...and the Romans for the countless ruins...of aqueducts, temples, and palaces...that adorn Spain’s cities and countryside...

Give a nod to the Celts for the cozy fishing villages and ciders of the northwest (legend has it the Irish Celts actually originated in Spain)...

And the Moors are to thank for the beautiful tile work and exotic architecture along Spain’s coast, where you’ll find 3,000 miles of beaches and coves...

There are spectacular mountain ranges, charming fishing villages and a rustic countryside dotted with vineyards, almond and olive groves...

(...and I almost forgot the cheese... oh my goodness, those delicious cheeses...)

No wonder Spain has long dominated the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, akin to the Academy Awards for cuisine. It’s home to 7 of the world’s top restaurants.

Looking for the world’s best paella? Love Manchego cheese, jamon iberico, green olives stuffed with almonds, anchovies, or garlic?

It’s all there for you, and you can wash it down with a cold craft cerveza or Sidra (cider), a tasty glass of Rioja or Sangria...or sherry or vermouth from the tap...

Not to be an enabler, but to share an interesting piece of trivia: According to the World Bank, alcohol prices in Spain are among the lowest in the world.

Away from the tourist trail, a tapas plate will run you only $2-$3....a bit more if you add shrimp, calamari, mussels, or clams. Even in the biggest cities, a glass of beer or wine can be had for less than $2.

Overall, the cost of living in Spain is among the lowest in Europe, even in its biggest cities.

To live comfortably in a big city like Madrid or Barcelona a couple might expect to spend between €1,700-$1,850 ($1,700-$1,850) per month at today’s equal conversion rates.

In smaller towns and villages, your costs can be even lower, from about $1,500 a month.

And the quality of life is hard to beat.

“Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you. This is the dream of all the world,” said Anthony Bourdain.

“You know, work in the morning, have a one-hour nap in the afternoon, at night go out and have that life. Go out and see your friends and eat tapas and drink red wine and be in a beautiful place.”

I don’t know anyone who would disagree with that.

But What Could Your Life Be Like in Spain?
Let Us Show You.

There’s never been a better time to spend time or live in Spain.

That’s why, not too long ago, I reached out to our International Living correspondent in Spain, Marsha Scarbrough.

For more than five years, she’s been our eyes and ears in Spain.

She’s been to every corner of the country—from the Basque region in the north to Costa del Sol and Costa Brava in the south...from Barcelona and Catalonia to Madrid and the rolling hills of Spain’s vast interior.

Formerly a Hollywood Assistant Director who produced major movies and tv shows, Marsh has interviewed dozens and dozens of expats about life in Spain...retirees, business owners , permanent vacationers, digital nomads...

So when I wanted someone to go out and capture real expat life for readers like you, there was no one more qualified...

As she says,

“Spain ticks a lot of boxes on my list: warm weather, affordable cost of living, great food, wonderful wine, fascinating culture, dependable infrastructure, and most important: warm, welcoming people.

“Without a doubt, moving here was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made. Today, my social life is on fire. My health is fantastic. I’m learning a new language. I’m seeing the world. I have more friends than I can count, most of them 30 or 40 years younger than me. My late-life adventure is in full swing.”

You’ll find her attitude infectious. She’s all about finding joy and embracing life. Which is really what made Spain perfect for her in the first place.

So when I wanted someone to go out and capture real expat life for readers like you, there was no one more qualified than Marsha...

There are plenty of tourism videos you can find on the internet, for sure, but we were after the real-world “Inside story,” told from an expat point of view.

Little did I know that the impressive collection Marsha and her crew created for you would now be more relevant than ever.

If you’re ready to get back in gear and make plans for your future, as many of us are doing today after more than two long years of lockdowns, you’ll want to take a serious look at Spain.

And there’s no one better to show you the “insider’s Spain” and explain its secrets than Marsha.

Whether you’re looking to retire...or just spend time there...

If you’re ready for a new life...or just want to spice up the one you currently have...

If you want to start a business...or work online...or invest there...

Or if you just want to soak up the colorful culture and reconnect with a gentler, happier way of life...no matter your age and on any budget...

Then get ready to discover Spain’s secrets...

Let Marsha Scarbrough Give You a Personal, Guided Tour of the Spain That Could Be Yours... and You Don’t Even Have to Leave Your Home

Maybe you’ve already been to Spain. If you have, you know it’s a magical place.

If you haven’t been there, put it at the top of your bucket list right now.

And before you go, settle in and immerse yourself in the real-life Spain Marsha knows so well...

Mediterranean beach towns where you can enjoy warm sunshine nearly every day of the year, and where English is commonly spoken
Little-known neighborhoods in culturally rich cities where your rent...sometimes including utilities...can be less than $500 a month
The jewel of the Atlantic Coast, near the border with France—a favorite of young European travelers for its inexpensive amenities
Secret spots where you can buy a beach home or condo for a small fraction of the cost of similar properties in the U.S....and with very low-interest (less than 2%) financing.

Let her introduce you to the art and culture, the people, and the fun places and activities that await you in top-quality, low-cost Spain.

She reveals all the secrets in this brand-new multi-series documentary project, called Spotlight on Spain: Old World Charm, Sunny Skies, and Low-Cost Living.

This has been no small undertaking. And it’s far more than just a few videos...

Marsha has spent years getting to know the ins and outs of life in Spain...and the best places there.

But don’t worry... while Marsha has her favorites (and will tell you what they are)... this video series is really about YOU and helping you find YOUR perfect Spain depending on the “perfect lifestyle” you want.

Do you want the quiet life of a small town perched among the vineyards and olive groves of the Spanish countryside?

Or do you prefer the buzz of an Old-World city chock full of museums, top-rated restaurants, and non-stop nightlife?

Or maybe you just want to soak up the sun on the beach and leave behind the snow, the damp, and the cold forever...

Marsha can help you narrow down your choices to pinpoint your perfect spot.

(By the way, as I mentioned, she worked in Hollywood for 20 years as an Assistant Director on movies and TV projects. She’s also the author of two award-winning novels. She knows how to both inform and entertain.)

For this project, she dug deep and called on expats and locals alike living in many of Spain’s most appealing but also little-known communities.

In this exclusive multi-part project, you’ll get a in depth view into their lives......benefits and challenges alike.

Marsha has also put together a comprehensive primer presentation that guides you through all those nuts-and-bolts details you’ll need to consider if you’re thinking of moving to Spain yourself.

She explains how to get that all-important resident visa...how to assess your healthcare options...how to find the best rentals...and she shows you exactly how much things cost in Spain.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised there.

$2,500 a month or less for a couple to live in Spain, rent and health plan included.

You’ll also find other insightful details that are hard to uncover anywhere else, such as:

Where to find the best-quality, lowest-cost property rentals—and the best website to search for them
The most important question to ask when looking at rental apartments
The easiest expat resident visas, and documents you need to qualify
How to navigate your super-affordable healthcare and insurance options
The best places to live if you don’t want a car
Where to find 320 days of sunshine every year
Which city has the BEST nightlife for folks over 50...plus the city with the largest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants
How and where you can live on half as much as what you’re spending now...and enjoy a far better quality of life

And much, much more, including...

Spain’s Top Destinations for Good-Value Living...

Let’s start with Spain’s most popular destination...

Maybe you’ve spent time in Barcelona—the capital of Catalonia—and strolled La Rambla or through the atmospheric maze of the medieval Gothic Quarter or the bohemian barrio of El Raval...

An intoxicating medley of old and new, Barcelona oozes color, culture, and creativity. It’s a place where you can enjoy everything from cheap eats to fine dining, a day at the beach or a night of high culture...

Food markets burst with Catalan produce and fresh seafood. Home to some of the best tapas bars on the planet, Barcelona is also known for fragrant, flavorful paella topped with juicy shrimp, meaty squid, a delicious scattering of mussels, and slices of lemon.

And while Barcelona is not Spain’s lowest-cost destination, it’s a bargain compared with many European cities... especially considering all the city offers (including a much better climate than Paris, London, Berlin, or Rome).

We’ll point you to Barcelona’s under-the-radar neighborhoods for good living.

But even in a trendy neighborhood like Barceloneta, with its low-rise, Greenwich Village feel (plus walking distance to one of Barcelona’s most popular beaches), you can find small, one-bedroom apartments in the €120,000 to €200,000 ($120,000 to $200,000) range.

Or rent a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in a prime location starting at about $900 a month.

And don’t overlook Spain’s historic capital city...

Beyond Barcelona, many travelers begin their Spain adventure in Madrid. And some, like Marsha Scarbrough, end up staying there and making the capital city their home.

Marsha she says...

“Madrid is Europe’s Best Kept Secret”

“Life in this pulsing, sophisticated metropolis, with world-class museums, amazing gastronomy, off-the-chart nightlife….and possibly the best public transportation system in the world…costs a fraction of what it would cost you to live in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London or Tokyo.”

Madid is the Europe’s driest capital, Marsha adds, with only 16.6 inches of annual rainfall, most of it in Spring and Fall. Winters are mild. And summers are for nightlife, with cafés and parks full to overflowing after dark.

Free concerts start at 10 p.m. Some nightclubs open at midnight and close at 6 a.m. Madrid, a city that radiates energy, knows how to party.

That doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty to do during daylight hours.

Madrid is known for its museums....the world-famous Prado among them, home to works by El Greco, Rubens, Bosch, Goya, Picasso, and more.

The city’s diversity shines in its neighborhoods.

In Spotlight on Spain, Marsha points you to the “best of the best” of Madrid’s famous barrios.

She explains how much apartment rentals go for...you’ll be shocked at how little she pays for her bright-and-pretty studio apartment in safe, historic Chamberi.

You’ll see it for yourself and get the inside line on what you, too, can expect to spend if you choose to live in Madrid, arguably the best-value urban center in Western Europe

As Marsha says, “I’ve never been a morning person, so I love the late-to-rise, late-to-bed culture of Madrid. There is nowhere else I’d rather live.”

Prefer Sunrise To Nightlife? Spain Has Something For You, Too, Including Thousands of Miles of Sundrenched Beaches...

Prefer From the Costa del Sol to the Costa Blanca and beyond, you’ll find some of the Mediterranean’s
most beguiling beaches ...

The Sun Coast... Southern Spain’s glorious Costa del Sol—the Sun Coast—runs along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Strumming guitars, flamenco dancers, bullfighting, Moorish palaces... It’s all here...

You won’t find any beach destinations anywhere with so much culture to enjoy.

Many expat from the colder-climate U.K., come here to retire.

Love Both Beaches and Mountains? Granada Might Be Your Place.

An hour by bus from Málaga up into the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, reams of poetry and prose have been written about the beauty of Granada.

And it deserves every word. Beneath the towers of the Palace of Alhambra lie the winding streets of the medieval Moorish quarter where you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled into an Arab bazaar. While Granada attracts fewer expats than other cities in Spain, you’ll find a significant student population and over two million tourists a year.

Live in Granada and you’ll also be near some of Spain’s best ski slopes. From here, you can ski and go to the beach on the same day.

Part 8 of the Spotlight on Spain series takes you, up close, to Granada.

(In other words, you’ll find more native English speakers here than in any other part of Spain.)

In resort towns like Marbella, you’ll find golf courses that rival Pebble Beach, shopping that rivals Rodeo Drive, and marinas full of luxury yachts.

Don’t let the ritzy trappings fool you—even trendy Marbella is very affordable.

Properties for sale start at around $125,000 US for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment about a 10-minute walk from the beach and promenade.

And just 30 miles east along the coast is Nerja, and the “Balcony of Europe” where white-washed homes atop a rocky promontory overlook 10 miles of sugary white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters below.

If this isn’t on your radar, it should be.

Nerja, too, is “authentic Spain,” (no McDonald’s or Starbucks allowed) with a charming Old Town, which is the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy wine and tapas at the end of the day.

About 30% of its 25,000 inhabitants are expats, mostly Brits and Swedes.

When you go, don’t miss a visit to the famous Cuevas (caves) de Nerja, home to the world’s largest stalactite and only discovered in 1959.

The White Coast... Continuing along the coast, around the Cabo de Gata peninsula is where you’ll find the Costa Blanca—the white coast.

Alicante (population 350,000) and Valencia (Spain’s third largest city with 800,000 people) are the anchor cities here.

You can walk Valencia’s beautiful historic center, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved, end-to-end in about 45 minutes.

The smaller Alicante offers Old World Spanish flair similar to Madrid...think late lunches and dinners...with most stores and offices shutting down for a three-hour afternoon siesta.

In its centuries-old Old Town with narrow cobbled-stone passageways, you can duck into a traditional tapas bar for spicy patatas bravas and a plate of stuffed calamari washed down with a $2 beer or a $12 bottle of Rioja.

And Alicante is home to no less than eight splendid beaches...

No wonder it’s an expat favorite, especially with Brits and Northern Europeans. As much as 15% of the permanent population are expats.

It doesn’t hurt that you can rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment in the heart of the historic center starting at $550 to $625 a month.

The treasure of the Costa Blanca, though, is its 125 miles coastline, studded with small jewel-like pueblos and relaxed beach resorts that attract expats looking for a quieter lifestyle.

One such town is Dénia. Largely unknown foreigners, it’s a beloved “secret getaway place” for Spaniards from Madrid and other big cities who adore its narrow old-town streets, lined with bars and restaurants.

It’s easy to while away an evening over dinner, watching the people out on their evening walk—called a paseo—under the blossoming jacaranda trees and towering date palms that punctuate the handsome 19th-century architecture.

One couple from Denver that was lucky enough to find their way here rent a bright three-bedroom, three-bathroom duplex apartment. Each room has a view of the sea. There are four terraces, the largest of which has space for a table, chairs, lounge area, and barbecue.

“It’s great value here compared to the U.S.,” they say. “This all comes in at less than $1,000 a month in rent. Utilities are very affordable compared to the States, too. We downsized when we came, just bringing what we could fit into a couple of suitcases. We’re really happy with the light feeling of living like this.”

You need to see it for yourself. And you will, in your Spotlight on Spain docu-series...

ATTENTION FOODIES: Northern Spain is for You... (Bonus if You’re After Four Seasons and a Healthy Dose of History)

True foodies will head directly to Northern Spain and particularly to Basque Country, where growing, preparing, and savoring delicious local food ingredients is the regional pastime.

Here, it often feels like the clock stopped in the Middle Ages. The mountains hide Romanesque chapels and shrines, and also bears, wolves, wild boar, and eagles.

Along the northern Atlantic Coast beaches of the Bay of Biscay you’ll find a mild climate similar to Northern California.

This is also where you’ll find Galicia and the northern route of the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage to the burial place of Saint James. That’s what brings most tourists to the region.

Major cities here include Bilbao, Santander, and San Sebastián—the true gourmand’s paradise.

In cozy pintxo bars, choose slices of bread stacked with béchamel-topped crab...field mushrooms sautéed in garlic and olive oil...or skewers of anchovy-filled olives...

Wash them down with the local sparkling white wine txakoli or crisp hard cider.

For glamour, sophistication, gastronomy, and sheer beauty, San Sebastián and its perfect horseshoe beach, is hard to beat. But for lower property prices, head to Santander or one of its pretty nearby beach towns.

While Santander lacks the high gloss and chicness of a resort like San Sebastián, depending on the neighborhood, you can buy a comfortable 700-square-foot apartment starting below $100,000 or rent one long term from about $500 a month.

Like what you’re hearing?

Discover, Firsthand, What Your Life in Spain Could Be...

If you’re ready to take a look at Spain...up close and personal, and from the comfort of your home, there’s no better resource than the multi-video collection—Spotlight on Spain: Old World Charm, Sunny Skies, and Low-Cost Living.

It’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about living in Spain as an expat...whether it’s full time...part time... or retirement...or just for a few months...

You’ll travel along with Marsha and her professional video crew as she introduces you to the best communities in Spain that make for easy and affordable expat living.

Marsha believes these destinations are well worth your attention right now.

Dig Into Spotlight on Spain: Old World Charm, Sunny Skies, and Low-Cost Living and Find Your Perfect Place in Spain

Marsha takes you by the hand and not only introduces you to “her” Spain, but she gives you the tools to make it “your Spain” in this 9-part info-doc series:

PART 1: Madrid—Europe’s Best-Kept Secret. Begin your tour in Spain’s capital city—Marsha’s adopted home. Costs to live here are a fraction of what you would spend in other popular cities around the world. And thanks to an excellent public transportation system, you won’t need a car. Marsha shows some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods for good-value living; you’ll see the bustling streets, shady parks, history, art, and culture that make Madrid so unique.
PART 2: A Day in the Life of an Expat. Staying in Madrid, join Marsha as she goes about her daily activities...a morning Zumba class, errands at the pharmacy and bakery, Spanish class, and a long stop for lunch (the main meal of the day in Spain). You’ll also see what it’s like to take the metro, and meet up with Marsha and her friends for evening drinks.
PART 3: Málaga—The Heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol This city is the heart of Spain’s sunshine coast. You’ll take a city tour and meet expats there who explain why they love this city. You’ll learn about their new life and business and see the new seaside promenade. Once known as a scruffy seaport, all that has changed in recent years. Don’t overlook Málaga, an attractive welcoming center of culture and gastronomy… For full- or part-time living, Málaga is a great choice if you want big-city life by the sea.
PART 4: Nerja—The Balcony of Europe Just 30 miles east of Málaga you’ll find a much less developed and less touristed coastline. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, Nerja is a sightseer’s delight, with 10 miles of sugary white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here, you’ll meet Canadian expats Carolyn and Chris who explain why the climate, the culture, and the people sparked their love of Nerja. They also share their experiences with the Spanish healthcare system.... real-world insights I guarantee you’ll appreciate.
PART 5: : Costa del Sol Home Tour Canadian expats David and Josée have lived in Spain for 20 years. That’s a lot of experience to share. Take a tour of the beautiful home they carefully renovated and watch and listen as they explain why they chose this sunny region and how very affordable it is to live here very well on a modest pensioner budget.
PART 6: Alicante—Spain’s Costa Blanca Bargain The city of Alicante has 330,000 permanent residents that swells during the summer months, when Spaniards enjoy their vacation homes and other European tourists flock to the inviting seashore. About 15% of the permanent residents are expats, many of them English speakers. One of the reasons this area is so popular is because it’s one of Spain’s best real estate bargains. See for yourself as you visit properties for sale with a local real estate agent.
PART 7: The Cities of Valencia and Barcelona Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is the gem of the Costa Blanca—with much to offer, including one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved historic centers. And who doesn’t love Barcelona, perhaps Spain’s most vibrant and artistic city? Gaudí’s signature is everywhere…but he is only one of the reasons that Spain’s second largest city attracts so many tourists. This is your chance to see, up close, the different appeal of these two seaside cities.
PART 8: Fairy-Tale Granada and High-End Marbella Granada is fairy-tale Spain. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, its exotic Arabian spirit and flamenco soul conjure up visions of times past. In the winter, an hour’s drive away takes you to the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, or head south for 45 minutes to the balmy Mediterranean Sea. Marbella, “pearl of the Costa del Sol” has a different kind of beauty. The name itself literally translates as “beautiful sea,” and indeed, it is that. A high-end, international, jet-set destination, Marbella’s beachfront promenade invites sunning on the sand, sitting in sidewalk cafés, or shopping in trendy boutiques.
PART 9: Green Spain: Great Food and Milder Climes Prefer cooler summers and lush green landscapes? Then consider Northern Spain, also known as “Green” or “Celtic Spain.” Bilbao—the region’s largest city—is a center of modern art and architecture. San Sebastián is famous for its charming Old Town, first-class restaurants, and a gorgeous golden beach, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. Farther west, you’ll discover the scenic province of Cantabria and its capital, Santander. Perched on the edge of a gorgeous bay, this smaller city offers a dozen beaches with crystal clear waters, including the exquisite Playa de Sardinero.

I did mention that Marsha Scarbrough is an award-winning author and Hollywood director, right?

This 9-part docu-series is beautifully produced. And you’ll find Marsha is as comfortable in front of the camera as she is behind it. She’s an excellent guide, and her spirit and love of Spain are infectious.

★Special Extra: Once you see all that Spain has to offer you, no doubt the cogs will be turning.

You’ll appreciate this special extra bonus from Marsha-a “nuts-and-bolts” overview presentation with everything you need to know to make your home in Spain.

It’s called Spain: First-World Comfort in a Sunny Safe Haven.

In it, Marsha explains your housing options, provides all those important details (including climate and weather, cost of living, etc.) to help you compare and contrast Spain’s distinct regions, and narrow down your many options.

Discover the steps to take to make a home in Spain. With this special video presentation guiding your way, it’s easier than you think.

PLUS, a New, Updated Edition of Our Best-Selling Spain Manual:

Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less

As you’ll see, Marsha’s not one to just scratch the surface.

She recently finished a full update of our comprehensive manual, Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

In this newest edition, included as part of Spotlight on Spain, she gives you every detail…

...all the local nuances, tips, insider secrets, and every little tidbit that normally slips between the cracks…everything you need to know if you're considering relocating to Spain—full-time or part-time.

It’s the perfect complement to your Spotlight on Spain video collection.

Marsha clarifies the steps to qualify for a resident visa. It’s not complicated, but if you want to stay longer than allowed on a tourist visa (90 days), you have numerous options—and you need to choose the one that’s right for you.

You’ll discover two best options for retirees, two options if you want to work, and two more options for entrepreneurs and investors (the famous “Golden Visa”).

Because visa rules can change at any time the Escape to Spain manual includes a complete Resource Guide with a listing of visa specialists you can contact for assistance.

To get a residence visa you’ll be required to show proof of private health insurance.

So there’s also a full chapter on Healthcare in Spain. By any account, it’s among the best in the world—maybe better than you have now.

And health insurance is remarkably affordable.

A healthy 64-year-old might expect to pay about $132 per month for a plan from one of the country’s largest insurers, with a 4% discount for a lump-sum annual payment. There are no co-pays and basic dental is included.

It’s all there for you—with contact details—in Escape to Spain.

If you're interested in finding your place in an area of Europe known for sunshine and Old-World Charm…but you'd rather not pay typical European prices…you’ll want this manual at hand.

Here's Just Some of What You'll Discover in Escape to Spain :

Location, location, location. You'll learn even more about the top spots in Spain for expats…More than 30 communities are profiled. (Chapter 3)
Contacts, contacts, contacts. From expat organizations to those professionals who can help you streamline your move… (Appendix A—your complete Spain Resource Rolodex)
How much you can expect to pay for things like telephone, internet, cable TV, groceries, rent, and more. (Chapter 6)
The nitty gritty details about healthcare in Spain, ranked as among the world’s best. (Chapter 7)
What about moving your belongings? Your pets? (Chapter 8)
Everything you need to know about taxes. (Chapter 9)
And in Chapter 4, we provide detailed information about real estate in Spain...what the renting and buying processes are like and how to find the best bargains… You’ll see exactly what fees to expect and get a step-by-step guide to every process from negotiating to due diligence—including 11 documents you must obtain from the seller.

If you ever consider buying property in Spain, you want this information at hand

★Global real estate analyst Ronan McMahon says:

“I’ve been watching Spain for a long time, and I’ve seen it go from a place of deep crisis to one where I see some true opportunities for savvy investors in the right places,”

When you order Spotlight on Spain, you have the opportunity to go behind the curtain and discover exactly where those opportunities are...

Because Everyone on Our Team Feels So Strongly That Spain Deserves Your Attention Right Now, I’ll Give You THREE Very Special Bonuses—for FREE

Many people are looking for a safe haven these days.

And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Spain, where the Old-World charm and siesta culture, the accommodating climate, modern infrastructure and excellent healthcare, the low cost of living, and wide-open spaces beckon...along with warm, friendly people.

But we understand that an international relocation can be daunting. There are lots of moving pieces...

So we’re including absolutely everything we can think of that might help you.

Think of this Spotlight on Spain resource as your complete guide to that new, better life you can enjoy in Spain.

Order it now and we’ll give you, for FREE, three special bonuses to point you in the right direction and answer any and all remaining questions you may have:

Special Bonus #1: A Complete Itinerary to Follow As You Travel in Spain

Once you see the Spotlight on Spain videos, I’m pretty sure you’ll be planning a visit to check out your options there for yourself...and we can help.

Whether you have one, two, three weeks or more to explore the opportunities on offer in Spain today—you’ll want to use your time (and travel funds) wisely.

Our Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide will show you the way.

In this valuable time- and money-saving guide, Marsha shares her most useful tips and insights for planning and enjoying a successful expedition, such as:

Six useful apps to have on your phone to make getting around easier...
A cheap, easy way to get your phone to work in Spain so you avoid expensive carrier charges but gain the conveniences of having a working cell while you’re there...
On-the-ground tips for cheaper train, hotels, home rentals, and air in Spain, plus what you definitely need to know about tickets for some museums to ensure you get the best deal—and get in when you want to, and more...
Seven easy, essential phrases to know in Spanish before you go...
PLUS where to go, what to see, what absolutely not to miss, what’s overrated, what you can expect to pay, and lots, lots more...

You’ll discover how to make the most of your time on the ground, people to connect with, and more.

This guide sells in our bookstore for $59, but it’s yours FREE as part of your Spotlight on Spain.

Special Bonus #2: Mission Spain: The Full Report

Our overseas property expert, Ronan McMahon says, “Spain offers some of the best bargain real estate anywhere in Europe. It’s jam-packed with incredible opportunities both for investors as well as lifestyle buyers.”

Inside his this special report, Ronan, along with his team, takes you—on a profit-minded mission—that scouts out the premier up-and-coming communities along the picture-perfect Spanish Southern Coast—and to one particularly opportunity-rich area dubbed the “Secret Coast” where you can buy for less than $100,000.

Follow along as the team takes you up into the mountains and the beautiful vastness of Cadiz along the Ruta de Pueblos Blancos...to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Granada.

Make no mistake: This is no static ho-hum “reporting.” There’s in-depth analysis contrasting and comparing each region, links to listing, and boots-on-the-ground video footages so you can see exactly what Ronan's scouts saw and get their take on the opportunities they uncovered.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a home in Spain...for lifestyle or investment, I highly recommend you spend a few hours immersed in the Mission Spain: The Full Report. That’s how long it will take to get through it all—and well worth it.

Special Bonus #3: Spotlight on Spain Insider Q&A

We know we’re giving you a lot to digest...the videos and presentation from Marsha, the 221-page Escape to Spain manual, and the analysis and videos in Mission Spain...

So we’ll add one more valuable extra.

International Living executive editor Jen Stevens sat down with Spain expert Marsha Scarbrough and Ronan McMahon, head of the team behind Mission Spain.

You’re invited to tune into that conversation and get their take on what’s going on in Spain right now...

It’s a deep dive into some of our readers most common questions and concerns.

This Spotlight on Spain Insider Q&A with our leading Spain experts is valued at $79, but it’s yours with this special offer today, free.

Get Started Today, Crafting Your New, Better Tomorrow in Spain. Reserve Your Copy Now of Spotlight on Spain: Old World Charm, Sunny Skies, and Low-Cost Living

To re-cap, here's everything you get as part of your full Spotlight on Spain collection:

Online access to the 9-part video collection that take you on a virtual tour of the “Best of Spain.” These are yours to access any time, from anywhere, as long as you like.
The special overview presentation, Spain: First-World Comfort in a Sunny Safe Haven that hands you the details about making a life in Spain...visas, healthcare options, general cost of living, and where to live to reduce your expenses, climate overview, housing options, and more.
The updated 221-page manual Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less
Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide
The Special Report and Video Package, Mission Spain: The Full Report
Spotlight on Spain Insider Q&A

If the laidback charm of Old-World Europe appeals, there’s no better place than Spain.

Get it all and get started now. As soon as you place your order, we'll send you an email that explains how to access all of it…all the professional videos and the special presentation...the comprehensive manual, the special real estate intelligence, and the itineraries guide and that introduce you, up close and personal, to the best that Spain has to offer you.

All this will be available to you digitally…so you'll have access to it all as soon as your order has processed.

Now, about that guarantee: We're so confident that you'll be so pleased with what you find in your Spotlight on Spain that we're giving you a 30-day, no-hassle, money-back guarantee. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied with the depth and breadth of information you find in Spotlight on Spain, we'll fully refund your purchase within 30 days.

With this risk-free guarantee, you have nothing to lose.

Spotlight on Spain is the best resource available to help you get to know the very best of the Mediterranean paradise that is Spain.

The next best thing to being there in person right now, you’ll see it all via video.

And in the Escape to Spain manual, you’ll discover all the nuts and bolts details you need to make Spain your home—full- or part-time, including how to find a place to live, qualify for a residence visa, navigate your healthcare options, your taxes, and much more.

You'll see for yourself how to invest, travel, live, retire, or work in Spain.

Spotlight on Spain will show you the way…

Keep in mind…this special package to "all that is Spain" is the result of five years of research by International Living contributor Marsha Scarbrough and decades and decades of experience and input from our far-flung editors, real estate experts and analysts, expats in Spain, and many more.

Think how much it would cost you to travel to Spain and dig up all this information yourself. For sure it would take many months and thousands of dollars to compile. I can guarantee you won't find anything like it on the Internet or in a bookshop.

And when you are ready to travel in person to Spain, you’ll be well prepared, thanks to the guidance you get in Spotlight on Spain You’ll know exactly where to go, what to see, and who to reach out to for guidance and assistance or to share a drink at a shady sidewalk café.

Go ahead: Try it out. From the comfort of your home, explore everything Spain has to offer…

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Stevens
Executive Editor, International Living
July 2022

PS: If you’re interested in investing some time right now to plan for the future and get the inside track on Spain…

If you’re looking to gain a foothold in one of the most beautiful and affordable destinations in western Europe, if not the world...let us help you.

These 9 top-quality videos and the nuts-and-bolts presentation created for you by IL contributor Marsha Scarbrough, the 221-page Escape to Spain manual, and the three additional bonuses are not available anywhere else.

With International Living's rock-solid money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose.