Where Do Most English Live in Spain?
The sun, the beaches, and the lifestyle: no wonder many English people choose to call Spain their second home. According to Spain's National Statistics Institute, the majority of the British expat community in Spain is concentrated in specific regions offering an array of attractions for expatriates.
Popular Destinations for British Expats
The province of Alicante stands out with the highest number of British residents. In 2020, 71,277 British nationals were registered, which represents about 3.8% of the local population. Cities like Orihuela and Barcelona follow closely, with 9,602 and 8,885 British expats, respectively. Other major cities with significant British populations include Mijas, Madrid, Rojales, Fuengirola, Torrevieja, Xàbia, and Mazarrón.
Alicante: A Hotspot for British Expats
Alicante, particularly the province, is known for its vibrant expat community, with the British residents feeling right at home. The province's warm climate, stunning beaches, and affordable lifestyle make it a prime destination for British expats. Even the smaller cities, like Rojales, with more British residents than Spaniards (5,734 vs 5,294), attract expatriates.
Other Popular Regions for English Speaking Communities
While the southern and eastern regions dominate, the British community can also be found up north, particularly in the Vasque Region and Catalonia. However, this community is much smaller compared to the southern regions. Here, the British visitors and residents can often outnumber the local Spanish populations, making the streets and shopping areas feel almost uniquely British at times.
The Impact of Brexit and Economic Recession
Recently, the British expat community in Andalucía saw a massive upheaval, attributed largely to Brexit and financial issues. This has led to a decrease in the number of British residents in the region. Nonetheless, Andalucía remains the largest English/British community in Spain, with Spanish cities like Marbella topping the list of British expat hotspots with 3,940 residents.
Despite the challenges posed by the economic downturn, the southern and eastern regions of Spain continue to attract British expats, who value the area's unique combination of climate, lifestyle, and affordability. As for the future, whether British or Spanish, many are optimistic about the continued growth and vibrancy of these communities in Spain.