Why Andalusia, Spain Is The Best Place In The World To Live

Imagine, you have beautiful views everywhere for an affordable price. In many other countries, beautiful places are reserved only for the wealthy.

When I moved to Andalucia, Spain five years ago, I was not aware that it is considered one of the best places to live in the world.

However, I have since published several articles about my experiences and perspective on life in the region, which seem to resonate with many people, including the well-known publication The Telegraph.

A few years ago, Andalucia received an award from the British publication The Telegraph for being one of the top 20 places to live a great life.

Before Paris, France, Parma, Italy, and the Caribbean paradise, southern Spain earned the top spot.

A British newspaper included the climate, cuisine, friendly locals, culture, and heritage as top reasons for naming a certain place one of the world’s best places to live.

I have personally experienced living in Andalucia as I write in many of my stories here on Medium and have gathered a list of the top reasons why it’s a great place to call home.

I offer my honest opinion.

Everywhere is picturesque

The Telegraph article highlights various features, including the architecture, the presence of Moorish-style buildings, and the typical white houses and cottages scattered around the mountains. These features are enjoyed by visitors of all kinds.

If you want to see the beautiful architectural designs in Andalucia, take a walk through the streets of Mijas in Málaga or the villages of Costa del Luz in Cadiz, among other places.

To experience the ambiance of the Moors, the best places to visit are Frigiliana or El Borge, both located in the province of Malaga.

Meanwhile, if you want to see the region’s villas, head to Ronda or Seville. This diverse cultural mix has contributed to these unique destinations.

During my fifth year in Spain, I always lived in places with breathtaking views even though they were very affordable. For the first two years, my home had a view of the Alhambra Palace, and now I have a view of the mountains in Sierra Nevada National Park.

Beaches

Another attraction of the area is the beaches, stretching over the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Telegraph points out that beaches are an important part of the province’s claim to good living. Along the Mediterranean coast, you will find the Costa del Sol with beaches and affordable services.

I am not a fan of the beaches in Costa del Sol because they are overly commercialized and during the summer months, the water tends to be cold. Additionally, if the water is warm, it is often infested with jellyfish.

If you’re looking to enjoy Caribbean-like beaches, head to the east of Almeria, to Gabo de Gata, where you can experience warm turquoise blue waters.

The Climate

The sun shines for most of the year, encouraging people to make the most of life on the street, which characterizes the joy of living in southern Spain.

The local climate is perfect for beach visits year-round, with mild winters and refreshing summer breezes.

The climate in the Torrox region of Málaga is certified as the best in Europe, providing ample opportunities for a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle with numerous organized activities.

But this mild climate and warm winters are only along the coastline in Andalusia. I live in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the winters are cold, especially at night but during the day you have sun.

The good thing is it lasts only 2 months and before you know it the winter is over.

The summer nights are mild and refreshing. However, it’s best to avoid Granada during the summer months as temperatures can reach up to 50°C or 120°F.

More affordable than the rest of Spain

Andalusia is special for being less expensive than Barcelona, Madrid, or Northern Spain. In many of my stories, I mentioned how Spain is affordable and many readers object that Barcelona wasn’t the cheapest.

And they are right, Southern Spain is cheaper than the North.

Imagine, you have beautiful views everywhere for an affordable price. In many other countries, beautiful places are reserved only for the wealthy.

In Andalucia, only Granada Province provides complimentary tapas when you order drinks. I have frequently spent less than 10 Euros while eating out there.

Also, the real estate outside of Granada Capital offers still affordable prices.

Low Crime Rates

The crime rate in Andalusia is low, making it much safer than the rest of Spain. This is especially true if you stay away from large cities like Seville and Málaga.

In Conclusion

Living in Andalucia has been an enriching experience for me because of the culture, friendly locals, affordable prices, and especially the views of its stunning landscapes. Despite being mostly unknown to travelers, this region still has plenty to offer.

From learning about its Moorish past, visiting incredible sights, or indulging in tapas and seafood; Andalucia will continue to be a special place that I hope I can always call my home.

What else do you need for good quality of life?

I have been able to enjoy everything that Andalusia has to offer without spending too much money.

In my opinion, if a place is expensive, it may be difficult for me as an average person to fully enjoy it and that is why I am grateful to live here.

And that is my Andalusia. I have been here for 5 years and believe me, I have fulfilled my dream.