Spain takes first place in Europe’s 2026 retirement index with 99.6 points. The Costa del Sol remains a draw for British buyers, though visas, healthcare and housing still need careful planning.

Non-resident owners in Spain face purchase taxes on every home, including VAT or Property Transfer Tax. The bills do not stop after completion, particularly when a property is rented out.

Valencia, A Coruña and Bilbao are gaining ground with people planning a move to Spain in 2026. Their coastal access and manageable pace contrast with Madrid and Barcelona’s higher everyday costs.

Ibiza settles into a gentler rhythm in September and October, when warm days continue after summer crowds leave. Quieter beaches and lower accommodation prices leave more room for unhurried island days.

Six villages across Cantabria lead into autumn with beech woods, oak valleys and stone lanes. Liébana and the Pas Valleys bring together woodland walks, local food and small-town life.

Madrid pairs Spain’s largest job market with a housing budget that can quickly become the sticking point. Updated 2026 figures compare rent, transport and daily spending with Barcelona and València.

Two Italian metro stations have joined Prix Versailles’ 2026 list of seven standout passenger stations worldwide. Rome and Naples feature for architecture that turns a routine journey into something more memorable.

A mountain village in central Sardinia has caught researchers’ attention for its older women’s unusually long lives. Women reaching 70 there are nearly three times more likely to reach 100 than Americans.

Lisbon’s yellow trams and Tagus riverfront feature in Love of Your Life, arriving on Prime Video on 14 October. Margaret Qualley’s character heads to the Portuguese capital after a life-changing loss.