Spain is among the top 10 spots for retirement worldwide.

The concept of Retirement often means something different these days. We are aging slower and when finally free of all our middle-aged responsibilities, such as mortgages, kids and jobs, we often are at liberty to relive the passions of our youth. (or desired to undertake!)The time or money just wasn’t there.

A healthy approach to retirement certainly seems a sensible way to enjoy yourself and this has started to be recognized by some property developers.

Spain is a very popular retirement destination because of the climate, breathtaking vistas and scrumptious cuisine. This place has it all! Only the Greek islands have a better climate. If you find yourself lonely as a tourist, you will find lots of Anglo-Americans there. On top of all that, you will find everything you need in the way of day-to-day items as well as the extras.

It’s quite apparent why Spain is among the best places to retire the world over.

This country is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It borders Portugal, Gibraltar, Andorra and France.

Living in Spain is also a pleasure with many everyday living expenses far lower than you would find in the UK. Eating out is a way of life, affordable and outdoors. How can you choose a restaurant? When there are so many good choices, one right after another: Spanish, English, Chinese, and Indian, it is hard not to get spoiled!

These are by far not the only arguments as to why you should consider moving to live and retire in Spain. For example, the landscape is very beautiful. It has all of the modern conveniences, but you’ll find tranquility just a few steps away. In terms of cost, when you retire in Spain, the cost of living is more affordable than in the United States, but higher than more rural countries. Compared to other European countries, Spain continues to be affordable.

Spain offers something for anyone and everyone with amazing heritage and culture and folks all over who wish to invite you and welcome you into their own homes.

Although Spain is better known for flamenco dancing and bullfighting, there are some world famous painters from Spain as well. The most well known are obviously Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

Spain has also produced some world class composers and opera singers. World famous Spanish composers include Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla and Joaquín Rodrigo. Placido Domingo – the most renowned opera singer in Spain – is famous the world over. Then there’s Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe.

Spain has a public health system that is free or low cost if you pay social security. (this includes families and retirees).

The Spanish National Health System has an extensive network of health centers and hospitals throughout the country which offer primary health care services (family/GP services, pediatrics and nursing,physiotherapists,social workers with midwives). The Spanish health care system combines both public and private healthcare and within each separate state free or low cost health care is given to those who contribute to the Spanish Seguridad Social (welfare).

Full retirement or seasonal retirement (eg winter months) are quite celebrated in Spain. In 2004, there were 150,000 foreign residents over 65, including some 40,000 Britons. Although, the country of Spain is extremely family oriented, thus there are fewer retirement homes because families care for their elderly members. Consequently, many Brits return to the UK if they are unable to look after themselves when they are elderly.

Spanish public pensions provide retired people with around ninety percent of that country’s normal wage.

Spain’s Menorca has built her reputation as a holiday island on the island’s strengths – peace and tranquility.

So if you are looking for one of the 10 best places to retire, Spain surely qualifies to be on that list.

To learn about the other 9 best places to retire in the world, visit Best Places To Retire