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A city in the Costa del Sol has been named the top destination for expats considering a move to Spain, highlighting its easy-going lifestyle and excellent weather

A new ranking has named this seaside town the best place for expats to settle down in Spain. Beating out cities like Barcelona and Madrid, this destination topped Nomad Capitalist’s ranking thanks to its convenient access to the sea and the “relaxed lifestyle” of residents.

Malaga sits in the heart of Spain’s popular Costa del Sol, which has been a hub for holidaying Brits for years. The beaches are the biggest draw of the region, with miles and miles of sandy shores – many of which are dog-friendly – and pristine waters.

The city centre of Malaga is “lively and a cultural hub” according to Nomad Capitalist, but the if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, the villages east of the capital might be a better fit. Villages in the province of Malaga like Frigiliana are tranquil and filled with whitewashed houses in the classic Andalusian style.

The weather and superior transport in Malaga compared to other Spanish destinations are other factors that contributed to its top ranking. Though Malaga did experience a freak hail storm this past March, the result of Storm Martinho.

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While the merits of Malaga are certainly bountiful, it’s important to note that housing shortages and the impacts of over-tourism have caused tensions to grow between locals, foreigners and city councillors. In April 2025, mass demonstrations overtook 42 cities across Spain including Malaga to draw attention to soaring rental prices and housing shortages.

The clear and defiant message seems to have resonated with the Malaga City Council, which reportedly cancelled plans to build 1,300 tourist homes in the city. The new city strategy will veer away from property sales to non-Spaniards, considering a “total ban” altogether.

Malaga City Council has already worked to introduce new measures to curb the construction and acquisition of tourist housing after growing animosity from locals in recent years. But after recent protests and the projected plans for a summer of tourist disruption, Mayor De La Torre said “a global moratorium” is under consideration.

Despite the growing tensions, Malaga remains one of Spain’s top tourist destinations, attracting around 14 million visitors last year. And while it tops Nomad Capital’s list of the best expat destinations in Spain, they emphasise that there is no one single Spanish city ideal for all expats.

While Malaga may be best for sunbathers, Barcelona is ideal for foodies and Granada has proved to be an excellent based for winter sports enthusiasts. You can find the full ranking of the Top 11 Spanish expat destinations below.

The top 11 Spanish destinations for expats

1. Malaga
2. Sotogrande
3. Madrid
4. Barcelona
5. Seville
6. Valencia
7. San Sebastian
8. Granada
9. Bilbao
10. Ibiza
11. Zaragoza

The swan fountain and the Mistley Towers are the only remaining physical reminders of an ambitious plan to turn the town of Mistley into a saltwater spa in the 18th century

At first glance, the charming riverside town of Mistley in Essex might not seem particularly remarkable. However, two enduring symbols of an ambitious yet ultimately failed 18th-century project to transform the town into a saltwater spa still exist – the swan fountain and the Mistley Towers.

According to English Heritage, Richard Rigby’s father accumulated significant wealth and influence when he was appointed Paymaster General of the Forces by George III in 1786. Back then, the village of Mistley consisted of warehouses, a granary, a malting office, quays and a medieval church – only the porch of which survives to this day.

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There was also a more recent church, built to the north of the village in 1735 at the request of Rigby’s father. However, when Rigby dreamt up his grand plan to turn Mistley into a fashionable spa, the simple brick structure of the church didn’t fit with his vision.

Initially, Rigby commissioned Robert Adam to design a saltwater bath by the river, but this idea never materialised. Instead, the architect was assigned to work on the church around 1776, reports Essex Live.

In a departure from the norm, Adam’s design broke away from the traditional 18th-century parish church blueprint, featuring towers at both the east and west ends and semi-circular porticoes to the north and south.

It’s been suggested that Adam may have drawn inspiration from Roman tombs, giving the structure an unusual flair. Regrettably, Rigby’s grand plans to turn Mistley into a bustling spa destination never came to fruition.

The central part of the church was demolished in 1870, making way for a newer, trendier place of worship nearby.

Despite the original plans falling through, the remaining towers found a new purpose as a “seamark” and were sold off to local families who had aspirations of converting them into opulent mausoleums.

Yet, this idea too did not take hold, and over time, the towers were left to deteriorate. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the towers saw a revival, thanks to architect Raymond Erith and the efforts of the Georgian Group, who meticulously restored them.

The surrounding churchyard is peppered with monuments dating from the early to mid-18th century, including an eye-catching polished black granite mausoleum in the Egyptian style, erected in memory of the Norman family.

Long overshadowed by its historic neighbour, this seaside town in East Sussex has become a coveted hub thanks to its booming culinary scene and convenient commute to the capital

A seaside town in East Sussex has been dubbed one of the best places to live in Britain according to a new ranking. Long in the shadow of its historic neighbour, Hastings, this UK destination has taken the title of ‘cool cousin’ for its emerging arts scene, chic restaurants and beautiful landscape.

The award-winning lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos, has shared its list of the best places to live in the UK. While the top 10 Sussex destinations ranged from quaint country villages to sleepy hamlets, St. Leonards-On-Sea was a standout.

St. Leonards – known colloquially as Lennies – is known for its distinct combination of elegance and edge. The town sits in the shadow of neighbouring Hastings which is well-loved for its impressive historic Old Town, but St. Leonards has been gaining wider attention for its seaside charm.

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According to Muddy Stilettos, St. Leonards showcases the best of its neighbours of Bexhill and Hastings. The town offers access to “raw but beautiful Regency and Art Deco architecture” as well as a “quiet and long beach” with proximity to the greenery of Hasting Country Park.

One of the reasons St. Leonards is growing in popularity as a place for Britons to settle down has to do with its proximity to the capital. St. Leonards locals are within commutable distance to London, with trains to London Bridge taking approximately 90 – 100minutes and trains to London Victoria taking about 110 mins.

St. Leonards is also a convenient distance to other major cities. Brighton is only a 30-minute direct train ride away from St. Leonards’ Warrior Square Station and there are great links to Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks in Kent.

In addition to its ranking on Muddy Stilettos’ list of the top places to live in Sussex, St. Leonards was included in the The Times’ list of the best places to live by the sea in 2024. According to The Times, the growing popularity of the town has a lot to do with its impressive culinary scene.

The publication confirmed that the opening of a new farm-to-table restaurant Bayte confirmed the town’s status as a “top-table place for sophisticated seaside escapes”. Bayte has a family connection to the Richmond staple, Petersham Nurseries, and promises the same exceptional gastronomic experience.

Food-focused travellers will also be impressed with the many delights to be found on St. Leonards’ Kings Road. Natural wines and small plate restaurants are rife throughout the high street, with some local favourites including the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, The Royal, and the seafood-centric Galleria.

Kings Road also promises optimal shopping and cultural experiences, for both tourists and locals. Art galleries, boutique clothing and home goods stores offer a mix of high-quality and hand-made wares. The spirit of community is also one of the main attractions of the area. Cultural festivals like St. Leonards Fest and the frequent indoor vintage markets help encourage and cultivate community in the seaside town.

According to Muddy Stilletos, the pandemic saw house prices increase in the area, rising to an average of £330,000 and going as high as £900,000 for a townhouse. This is partially attributed to the strong schools in the area, with state primaries and secondaries rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Full list of Top 10 best places to live in Sussex

• Alfriston
• Amberley
• Cuckfield
• Hove
• Kingston-near-Lewes
• Petworth
• Rye
• St. Leonards-On-Sea
• Ticehurst
• Worthing

Located on the north coast of Norfolk, this town is perfect for a traditional seaside holiday, home to a bustling pier, award-winning beach and a wealth of family-friendly events and festivals

Golf enthusiasts may already know about this reputable seaside town, but it has so much more to offer than what first meets the eye. Breathtaking coastal views, beaches and a historic pier can be explored by those looking for a traditional UK seaside holiday or a perfect day trip destination.

Cromer is located on the north coast of Norfolk, about 23 miles from the medieval city of Norwich. The coastal town became a resort in the early 1800s and built its reputation welcoming rich local families, including the future King Edward VII who was known to enjoy a game of golf in the area.

In fact, the seaside town is still a world-class hub for avid golfers as it is home to one of the top 100 golf courses in England: the Royal Cromer Golf Club. The Club was founded in 1888 and is one of only 66 ‘royal’ clubs in the world and has 18 holes that stretch alongside the Cromer and Overstrand cliffs.

The clifftop course ensures golfers and all visitors enjoy fantastic and unique coastal views. Even the famous Oscar Wilde couldn’t deny the appeal of the greens, having said: “I find Cromer excellent for writing, but the golf even better.” But again, there is much more to this seaside resort than its golf attractions.

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Travellers interested in a more traditional seaside holiday will want to make a beeline for the town’s historic pier. Cromer Pier is one of only five seaside piers in the UK with an active theatre and the only one that puts on a traditional end-of-the-pier variety show each summer and winter.

A model of classic Victorian architecture, the 495-foot pier won ‘Pier of the Year’ in 2024. Open all year round, it reportedly has the best crab fishing anywhere in Norfolk and is a memorable and relaxing place to spend a day and sample local treats.

In 2025, the summer variety show at the Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre will run from June 28 to September 20. If you plan a summer visit, you may want to time your travel to coincide with another town celebration: Carnival Week.

Cromer celebrates its Carnival Week in August and the festival includes the crowning of a Carnival Queen and street parade. The family-friendly event is one of the largest Carnivals in the country and the highlight of the season. This year it will run from August 16 to August 22.

If you’re in the mood to learn about some local history as well, head to the Cromer Museum. It is located in a row of late 19th Century Victorian fisherman’s cottages and features displays on the lifeboatmen over the years, the growth of tourism and what happened to the town during wartime. There are also fascinating exhibits on the geology and archaeology of the area.

If you want to learn more about the coastline specifically, you can visit the Deep History Coast Discovery Point. Here, you can learn about what the area was like thousands of years ago. There’s even an app you can download to take a guided tour along the coast to uncover its history and see how it used to look.

There are also ample opportunities to enjoy the local landscape up close. Travellers can walk along stretches of coastal cliffs – some as high as 230-feet. And no mention of Cromer would be complete without a description of its incredible beaches.

The town is home to several impressive sands, including the award-winning West Runton Beach and Cromer Beach. Beachgoers can partake in watersports by hiring surfboards or SUPs, laze in the pristine sands.

There is also a weekly market and plenty of independent shops to browse for those wanting to take home some souvenirs.

This market town in Northumberland is ideal for history buffs and nature-lovers, home to plenty of impressive monuments, walking trails and within close proximity of one of the UK’s most iconic ruins

The UK certainly has no shortage of picturesque destinations to explore, but if you are trying to avoid the summer crowds you’ll need to expand your horizons. Instead of opting for hotspot staycation sites like the Cotswolds and the Lake District, consider a trip to Northumberland – this one spot in particular.

Hexham in Northumberland is a petit market town that has been highlighted as a top staycation destination by the travel blog The Crazy Tourist, as previously reported by The Mirror. Located 25 miles from Newcastle, the town is home to about 13,000 residents and attracts about 120,000 visitors annually.

Situated between the Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines National Landscape, visitors will have plenty of stunning vistas and landmarks to explore. Hexham is also home to family-friendly parks and green spaces, including the Sele, Hexham House and the beloved Hexham Abbey grounds.

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Originally built in 674AD with materials repurposed from Roman ruins, Hexham Abbey was rebuilt in the 13th century. Markers of the grounds’ Roman history are present in the form of pagan dedications as well.

Hexham Abbey has restored much of its medieval monastery complex – the Priory Buildings – to an impeccable standard. The impressive buildings are fully licensed premises and can thus be rented out as an event space for weddings, banquets and luncheons.

For those interested in diving further into the area’s rich history, Hadrian’s Wall is conveniently close. Just a short drive from the town’s centre, the Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. It was originally built to serve as the north-western frontier of the Roman empire.

Construction of Hadrian’s Wall began in 122AD by order of emperor Hadrian and was defended by regiments of 500 to 1,000 infantry and cavalry men. Today, the Hadrian’s Wall Path allows travellers to follow directly in the footsteps of Roman soldiers.

There are plenty of trails for curious visitors to traverse given the Wall’s unique settlement across two of England’s most picturesque counties. Following the popular Birdoswald Roman trail will set visitors along a path set against the River Irthing and down the longest continuous stretch of the Wall.

Another moderate path is the Housesteads Roman trail, which covers some of the most peaceful parts of the Northumberland National Park. This specific trail provides access to Walltown Crags – the majestic countryside area – and the Dark Sky Discovery Site of Cawfields.

One final historic landmark that must be highlighted is the Hexham Old Gaol, which is England’s oldest purpose-built prison. Constructed in 1333, the medieval prison served as a detention site for nearly half a millennium, where inmates were required to fund their own sustenance and attire.

A Scheduled Ancient Monument, the Gaol is both a fun and educational destination. Visitors can uncover a bounty of music, poetry and books about the English-Scottish border in the interior Border Library Collection while more daring guests can try out the stocks.

The town is not just a hub for history, it also has many modern attractions to boast. For instance, the Hexham Racecourse is the only racecourse in Northumberland and considered one of the most scenic in the country. Another modern marvel is the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre. The contemporary glass building is a community hub and learning centre, hosting an array of exhibits throughout the year. The centre also offers impressive views of the Northumberland National Park.

Finally, the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre – located opposite the Hexham Abbey – is a draw for the best international and national artists. The Victorian building boasts a 350-seat theatre to watch dancers, musicians and dramatic artists and is also home to two art galleries.

This seaside town in Suffolk has one of the UK’s most impressive beaches, dotted with traditional fishing huts selling freshly-caught seafood and iconic art installations

For all the galleries, parks and restaurants London has to offer, there is one thing locals still yearn for: the sea. While the UK has no shortage of charming seaside villages and coastal towns, only one has earned the moniker “London-on-Sea”.

Aldeburgh in Suffolk has claimed the impressive title. The picturesque seaside town has everything you could want from a classic UK staycation, including a sandy beach and some of the best fish and chips this side of Britain.

Less than a two-hour train ride from London Liverpool Street, it’s no surprise it has become a frequent favourite for Londoners. As reported by MyLondon, Aldeburgh’s title of ‘London-on-Sea’ isn’t just a colloquial nickname, the village was featured in a guidebook with that exact title.

Situated between the River Alde and a stretch of English coastline overlooking the North Sea, this Suffolk town offers a distinct vantage point. The main attraction for travellers will certainly be the pebble beach, home to colourful 19th-century holiday villas and a historic watchtower.

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Aldeburgh Beach is a shingle and sand beach and consistently ranks among the top spots in Suffolk and East Anglia. It has been recognised as one of the top five shingle beaches in the country, winning several national awards including a prestigious Blue Flag.

In addition to the fine shore and surf, Aldeburgh Beach is home to many historic and artistic treasures. One such feature is the Quatrefoil Martello Tower, a relic from the Napoleonic Wars era. There’s also a Norman church and a converted windmill known as Green Fort nearby.

But the most well-known fixture of the beach is the Aldeburgh Scallop. This four-meter high steel shell sculpture was installed on the beach to honour Benjamin Britten, the esteemed 20th-century composer who enjoyed regular walks between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.

There are no kiosks on the beach, but there are traditional fisherman’s huts dotted across the sand where visitors can buy some freshly-caught seafood directly from the locals. Barring that, visitors can head into town for some battered fish.

The Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has previously been honoured with the title of Britain’s best fish and chip spot, and Tripadvisor reviews attest to its quality. One visitor commented: “I love fish and chips, and this was the best I’ve ever had from a takeaway. The fish had beautiful light batter, and was translucent, flaky and delicious. Great chips too. Excellent.”

From grand hotels to cosy rental properties, Aldeburgh offers plenty of accommodation options for travellers. The Wentworth Hotel is one of the most luxurious in the seaside town – just 20 yards from the beach and home to an award-winning restaurant.

Those looking for a more laid-back option can stay at The Cross Keys. This beachfront inn exudes old-world charm and the rooms and in-house restaurant have modern, clean furnishings.

Again, the train from London to Aldeburgh is quick and frequent, but you can also get there easily by car. The drive from the capital to Aldeburgh via the A12 takes less than three hours.

ENGLAND’S Phil Foden says he shuns the nightlife to relax with board games and nature.

The Manchester City ace, 24, relishes home life at his country mansion and fishing lake.

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He said: “I love sitting in my garden and looking at all the wildlife.”

Winding down allows him to go fishing with son Ronnie, six.

He said: “I started with my dad, so it’s nice to pass it on.”

And Phil’s private chef cooks for fiancée Rebecca Cooke, mum to their three kids.

Friends join them some evenings.

The midfielder added: “We love to play Ludo and board games.

“I like to chill and relax really.”

He said the family enjoy zoo trips and hiring bouncy castles.

Instead of a footballer off-season trip to Marbella or Ibiza, Phil will be in France “where the fish are a little bigger”.

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