Three unexpected joys of living in Spain

You know about the sun, sea and sangria, but what else does Spain offer?

You don’t need an article to tell you that life in Spain is blessed with brilliant warmth, near year-round sunshine and many hours spent on beaches, in swimming pools and frequenting local bodegas and tapas bars with reassuring regularity.

But there are certain joys to Spanish living that may not appear immediately apparent, but are nonetheless brilliant reasons to finally make that move…

1. The freedom

All countries in Western Europe are ‘free’ in the traditional sense, but for a Brit used to the rules, regulations, access restrictions and warning signs of the modern day UK, life in Spain can feel wonderfully liberating in comparison.

On your hike! Spain has endless opportunities for exploration

This is particularly true of the Costa del Sol. While Spanish bureaucracy may make life feel rather controlled, paperwork aside there are boundless opportunities to feel free in southern Spain. The geography helps – it is incredibly easy to head for the hills, mountains and scrubland that hems in the resorts of the Costa del Sol and simply go off-track, exploring crooked valleys, coming upon deserted streams and creeks, and stumbling upon breathtaking views.

More tangibly, life at street level is less controlled by petty regulations, with Spaniards treated like the adults they are. This means no early-closing in bars that are still full; it means children are invited to the dinner table until late; and it means society still plays a meaningful part in most people’s lives.

2. The correct priorities

That Spain is not as ‘modern’ as the UK is probably a true statement. Films arrive at the box office later, new mobile phones are launched one or two months after they hit the shelves in the UK, and the lack of sleek, glass and steel modern architecture is starkly apparent.

But the UK’s desire to be at the cutting edge of progress sometimes causes the country to lose sight of the good things it does well. Sure, travel England and you can easily find cute chocolate-box villages where time appears to have stood still, but across most parts of Spain, this is the norm rather than the exception.

Children are placed at the centre of Spanish society

Spain places emphasis on the traditional aspects of life that the UK turned its back on decades ago – affordable restaurants, rent and property, a healthy work-life balance, family and society rather than individualism and materialism, and a love of children allied to an acceptance of showing love to children. Spaniards are affectionate, passionate, open-minded, argumentative, emotional, gregarious and welcoming – and they have their beguiling society to thank for that.

3. The new you

New Year’s Day tries, and fails, every year to create a new you. It is doomed from the start. Something as arbitrary as a date in the calendar simply does not have the requisite oomph to shake you from your stupor.

Moving to a new country, however, does. And moving to Spain will not only shake you from your comfort zone: it will create a whole new, expanded one. Whether it is tackling – and mastering – a new language, learning to love your body, gaining confidence in new social situations, or discovering a new found passion for art, fitness, food or something completely unexpected, Spain gives you the impetus you need to really become the person you want to be.

If that sounds woolly, it’s because it is. Self-improvement, personal growth, empowerment and betterment – by their very nature these things are a little clichéd, but they are also very real and if you have even the tiniest of inklings that life can be something much more fulfilling, then you’ve already got one foot on the plane to Málaga.