Taking a sabbatical year means ditching the daily grind of work and job for a few days. You focus on your mental health, relax in scenic cities, and sip some pina colada on the sunny beaches.

So, when it comes to spending quality time, Spain is at the top of the list for many tourists. You can choose the best place to live in Spain for expats to spend ‘me-time’ there.

Following are the reasons why Spain is the first destination for a sabbatical year:

1. Laid-back Lifestyle
Spanish people have a culture of spending a relaxing life beyond work. Their excellent work-life balance and habit of eating leisurely meals with their family and friends help them chill after a tiring workday.

They love to go to social gatherings and enjoy festivals and celebrations. Their healthy diet also contributes to their life satisfaction.

2. Personal Skill Development & Networking Opportunities
People also like to get a long stay visa Spain to spend their holidays because they want to participate in business and networking events. Especially in Barcelona, according to Statista, the number of business tourism events increased in 2023.

Taking a sabbatical year can help you learn new skills or try hobbies you never have time for when you’re busy with work. Spain’s lively culture, sports, music, art, and beautiful architecture are dream destinations for travelers who love exploring.

Given the trend of learning and development, Spain can surpass giants like the US and APAC in travel technology development, according to Morgann Lesné, a leading investment banker.

3. Extremely Delicious Cuisines
Many people find eating therapeutic. Spending your sabbatical year in Spain means you can experience the diverse food culture. Every region of the country has its own specialty.

For instance,
● Andalusia is known for gazpacho, which is a cold soup made from tomatoes and vegetables with fried fish.
● Valencia is famous for paella, a rice dish with saffron, seafood, and meats.
● Catalonia is famous for hearty casseroles and pa amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato).

4. Best Place for Personal Growth
Spain is famous for its resorts, wellness centers, hydrotherapy, and hot springs. Their historic spas will remove all of your stress and anxiety.

In ancient Rome, thermal baths were the go-to for relaxation and healing. These days, thermal pools, saunas, and chill spaces are a favorite for wellness enthusiasts. Just look at Ibiza. It’s one of the top spots where you can unwind yourself.

Retirees can spend quality time in the spas by completing Spain non-lucrative visa income requirements 2025 and getting their residency approved to enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating lifestyle.

5. Diverse Geography
Andalusian deserts, sunny Mediterranean beaches, lush green Galicia, and volcanic Canary Islands, Spain has everything. You can surf in the morning, hike by noon, and sip sangria under palm trees by night. It’s like nature’s ultimate mix tape of nature.

But, to enjoy all of this, you have to get a TIE card first as a foreigner.

Wondering how to apply for a TIE card in Spain? It’s easy! To get a TIE card, ensure eligibility, gather documents, book an appointment, submit your application, and collect the card once approved.