Top 10 Spanish destinations for English speakers
Spain is one of the most popular destinations in the world for the British
Spain continues to be one of the most popular destinations for British travellers, both for a holiday in the sun and as a permanent getaway. As the number of expats grows year on year, many new residents choose areas where they can be among their fellow countrymen, and pockets of ‘little Britains’ have sprung up throughout Spain.
A recent survey conducted by Spain-Holiday has drawn up a list of the towns and cities with the most English speakers, and one or two might just surprise you.
10. Marbella
Offering warm hospitality, stunning weather and pristine beaches, it’s easy to see why more than 3% of the entire population of this Andalusian resort is British. Over the years, Marbella has been completely transformed from a quaint seaside town into a thriving holiday hotspot.
9. Arona
Situated in Southern Tenerife, roughly 5% of Arona’s inhabitants hail from Britain. Most expats choose the bustling regions of Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Las Galletas – all part of Arona’s thriving tourism landscape.
8. Benalmádena
Located on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, nearly 5% of Benalmádena’s population consists of British citizens who enjoy vibrant nightlife options, ranging from lively clubs to cosy late-night pubs.
7. Benidorm
Surprising fact: only 4.9% of Benidorm’s locals are actually British. Despite this figure, you can find numerous establishments offering traditional English meals due to the region's popularity amongst UK visitors. Often dubbed ‘the most British town in Spain’, Benidorm remains a favourite among travellers seeking familiar comforts abroad.
6. Estepona
Boasting close to 6% British residents, Estepona is a family-oriented coastal gem along the Costa del Sol, famous for its picturesque whitewashed buildings and charming historic centre.
5. Torrevieja
Found on Spain’s stunning Costa Blanca, Torrevieja boasts a diverse demographic with 5.7% British residents enjoying the city and coast. Known for enticing holidays and natural beauty spots like the Laguna de la Mata-Torrevieja Nature Reserve, this city provides endless adventures.
4. Fuengirola
Narrowly missing the top three, 6.6% of Fuengirola’s permanent residents are from the UK, drawn by its pristine sandy shores and cultural gems like Sohail Castle.
3. Calvia
Set on the captivating island of Mallorca, Calvià proudly claims more than 7% of its populace originating from Britain, positioning itself as one of Spain’s wealthiest municipalities.
2. Mijas
With charm in abundance, from its whitewashed houses to its rugged coastline, around 10% of the people who now call Mijas home are British.
1. Orihuela
Securing the top spot, Orihuela takes pride in having more than 12% of its inhabitants hailing from the United Kingdom, becoming an obvious preference for expats who struggle with the Spanish language. Centrally located in Alicante province and just a car ride away from the stunning Orihuela Costa, the city is now a firm favourite with Brits seeking their new life in the Spanish sun.
Images: Wikimedia Commons
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