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As more and more people (especially those from northern European countries) decide to relocate to warmer climates each year, many of them decide to make
their new life in southern Spain. It's not hard to see why, with such great food, friendly local people and year round sunshine.
Andalucia, the largest of the Spanish regions, is the area which springs to the mind of many people when talking of Spain due, in part, to the images of flamenco, bullfighting and fiestas which adorn the magazine pages and television programmes. Each of the eight provinces which make up the region: Seville, Malaga, Cadiz, Huelva, Granada, Cordoba, Jaen and Almeria all offer something different to visitors from their historical heritage and local customs.
So why do the majority of people who relocate to Spain each year choose to settle in Andalucia? Laid-back lifestyle, warm climate, choice of beaches or skiing close by? Whatever the reason, the region of Andalucia is still, arguably, the most popular destination for relocators.
Here are just a few of the reasons why living in Andalucia is the best option when choosing where to live in Spain.
Standard of living.
A UN ranking of the best countries to live, using criteria such as education, health and GDP, placed Spain in 13th place out of 177 UN member countries ahead of the UK(16th), Germany(22nd) and Italy(20th).
Lifestyle in Andalucia.
Andalucia is the home to bullfighting, delicious food and fantastic wines. The welcome afforded to visitors is second to none and locals are keen to extend the hand of friendship at the many fiestas which take place throughout the year. The exciting lifestyle and pace of life is often cited as some of the main reasons people choose Andalucia as their new homeland.
Andalucias Climate.
With over 320 days of sunshine per year is great for the outdoor lifestyle which is enjoyed by residents of this region of Spain. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as walking, skiing, windsurfing, golf and many, many more to occupy their days without the threat of bad weather to spoil their fun. The quality of the regions beaches is also impressive with 72 blue flags for cleanliness being awarded in 2007.
Gastronomy in Andalucia.
As you may expect from a part of the world with a warm, year round climate, fresh fruit and vegetables are featured in many of the regions dishes. Andalucians are proud of their products and many of the villages hold fistas celebrating food from their locality. Tapas, which are small, snack sized meals, are made from traditional Spanish foods such as omelette, fish and spicy sausage to name but a few from the wide selection offered by eateries of the region.
Cost of living
Living costs are generally lower than the UK you can find that your grocery bills will be around two thirds of your UK ones especially if you cook meals yourself instead of eating out. Wine, alcohol and cigarettes are also much cheaper here than in many other countries throughout Europe.
Leisure activities
Andalucia is synonymous with golf. There are numerous world class golf courses located along the Costa Del Sol and May sees the Andalucian Open golf championship in Marbella which is attended by hundreds of spectators. Skiing enthusiasts are catered for in the Sierra Nevada regions and Aqua parks, zoos and sealife centres can all be found in the region if sports activities are not for you.
