The Marbella Effect: moving to Marbella can improve your health
It’s not much of a secret that living in a warm, coastal climate can significantly improve both physical and mental health. Many people move to this part of the world for that exact reason: a better quality of life. And though Spain is renowned as a go-to Summer holiday destination, it’s during the winter months that Marbella’s Mediterranean lifestyle truly plays out its full potential.
While the vast majority of the Northern Hemisphere is battling grey skies, cold snaps and icy conditions, Marbella has stayed mild. With a great start to the New Year, Marbella climbed to temperatures of 22°C within the first two weeks of January, with many days of clear blue skies followed by evenings of extraordinarily rich sunsets.
As deep shades of orange, red and gold silhouette the mountainous terrain of Africa and Gibraltar on the western horizon, it’s hard to live here and not feel immense gratitude for being in such an amazing location. But beyond the warmth of the winter sun, there is an overarching theme of wellbeing here. Partly fresh air and nature, and partly lifestyle and social customs, but all together a phenomenon which can be referred to as “The Marbella Effect.”
Graph made using source figures from: timeanddate.com
Living the outdoor lifestyle in Marbella.
As seen by the lows in the graph, it’s not to say that Marbella nights don’t get chilly. We’ve all got our fires going or heating on to keep things cosy once night falls, and this is reflected in the flickering flames of the gas heaters seen on every restaurant terrace past 6pm. Evenings out on the town are definitely an excuse to put on your couture coats, but there is a greater point to be made in the ambience of the restaurant terraces alone: Marbella promotes living life outside, enabling a culture of social interactions throughout the seasons.
1. The social element
It’s fair to say that the Spanish, particularly in Southern Spain, have a strong cultural preference for outdoor living. This can be seen in the street life of buzzing tapas bars and plazas, year-round festivals, and cultural practices like families taking evening walks along the paseos. Being outdoors is as much ingrained in the culture as it is the architecture. Buildings here are even designed to bring the outdoors inside. Many homes feature patios, terraces, and balconies, with a focus on natural light, often having floor to ceiling windows or french doors as the standard. Not to mention it would be a hard task to try and find an urbanisation that doesn’t have at least one pool, whilst most villas have their own.
Enjoying the outdoors is more than just a tradition in southern Spain
The social connection: Marbella’s thriving international community.
Marbella’s outside lifestyle coupled with its thriving international community fosters a sense of belonging and social engagement, which are crucial for mental health. Marbella boasts the highest representation of nationalities in Andalucía, with 153 diverse backgrounds shaping its vibrant population. Expats often form social networks, attending cultural events, joining clubs, or simply enjoying the convivial atmosphere of the local cafés, parks and plazas.
As a result, everyday life here organically combats loneliness, a real issue in many parts of the world where people tend to fall into more isolated routines. Many studies have shown that loneliness has been linked to increased risks of developing certain health conditions and worsening the symptoms of existing ones.
Loneliness and its impact on health.
The National Institute of Health reports: “Population-based studies have demonstrated that both objective social isolation and the perception of social isolation (loneliness) are correlated with a higher risk of mortality and that both are clearly risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).”
Friends enjoy a coffee on a terrace in Marbella
The CDC reports that “social isolation and loneliness can increase a person's risk for heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, dementia, earlier death and suicidality” amongst their ‘Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness’.
...social isolation and the perception of social isolation (loneliness) are correlated with a higher risk of mortality and that both are clearly risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Marbella’s unique blend: a cosmopolitan village mindset.
Whilst loneliness is often thought about as an individual issue, it’s actually a broader societal concern. What makes Marbella so unique is that it has all the amenities and conveniences you would expect from a bustling city, without the accompanying overcrowding and high-rise mayhem. It’s this sweet-spot of a collective village mindset within a buzzing cosmopolitan town which makes socialising here so easy. It’s a small world, where everyone you know knows someone you know, and the most common way that businesses find new business is through word of mouth. This integrated social aspect of life in Marbella is what keeps it thriving, and in turn helps its people to thrive with it.
2. The fitness factor
This sport-friendly climate we enjoy along the coast is directly responsible for not just attracting the people that love to be outdoors, but also for promoting a continuity in sports and activities no matter the season. We’re all aware by now that keeping active is key to being healthy, and in Marbella with its fair weather and heaps of opportunities, it's so easy to stay motivated.
A couple enjoys exercising on the beach in Marbella at sunset.
Fitness opportunities in every corner.
Whether it’s simply taking a daily walk or bike ride along the many paseos, or doing some sun salutations from the comfort of your terrace, there are plenty of options when it comes to keeping fit. The countless health clubs, specialised gyms, wellness centres, spas, sports facilities and fitness-related experiences that saturate the area make staying active surprisingly hard to avoid. You could probably throw an avocado and hit at least 5 personal trainers or pilates instructors whilst food shopping at your local Mercadona any day of the week. Fitness is the trend here, and whether you’re more into a sophisticated round of golf or a free spirited group yoga session on the beach, there is an exorbitant amount of variety to cater to your personal preferences.
Couple riding horses on the beach at sunset
Year-round water and outdoor sports.
Water sports like kayaking, boating and paddle boarding can be enjoyed year-round due to the calmer seas that benefit Marbella’s shores. It’s rarely too rainy for tennis or padel, and let’s face it– cyclists will head out in almost any weather conditions. Horse riding is hugely popular in the area, and of course swimming doesn’t even need a mention. Parasailing appears to be booming, as you’ll be guaranteed to spot them whenever you’re at the beach, any given time of day.
Hiking, climbing, and adventures in nature.
Then there is a massive attraction for hiking, spelunking and rock climbing, due to the proximity of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, and even closer than that you have the Sierra Blanca mountain range which La Concha belongs to. There is also a network of rivers and world-famous cave systems in Benahavís which make for amazing day trips.
Research has confirmed what Marbella residents already experience: living near water significantly improves your wellbeing. The blue space effect is a term given to the positive impact that being near water can have on mental and physical health. We all know that green spaces have a positive impact, which is essentially being close to nature, but the same can now be said for blue spaces. The World Economic Forum carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the available evidence on the health benefits of blue spaces. The analysis revealed that living closer to blue spaces can lead to notable increases in physical activity. Additionally, blue spaces were found to reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing mood and overall psychological well-being. These results are consistent with the findings of other research in the field.
Traditional fishing boat on an Andalusian beach
Marbella’s coastal blue spaces.
The Costa del Sol boasts 150km of coastline, 27km of which belongs to Marbella alone, along with 11 of its 41 Blue Flag beaches. The mineral-rich Mediterranean sea waters have been shown to alleviate skin conditions and support respiratory health. Along with its health-promoting salt water breeze, and the psychologically restorative effect of being by the sea, Marbella also has a 5km long reservoir (Embalse de la Concepción). Located up the Istán road behind Aloha, this reservoir covers a surface area of 214 hectares, and supplies 450,000 inhabitants along the coast with drinking water. This "blue space" not only provides stunning views from hillside properties in both Marbella and Benahavís, but also offers public access for walking, swimming, fishing and kayaking.
The Istán Lake – Embalse de la Concepción
Natural blue spaces in the Marbella region.
Marbella and its surrounding areas are brimming with blue spaces, from fountain features in its squares and roundabouts, to its plethora of public and private pools in its leisure facilities and urbanisations. Though it’s not just its urban design and sea-side vibe which makes it so highly rated, but also the proximity to amazing natural water sources within its mountains. Within 30 minutes of driving the winding roads into its hill-capped backdrop, you can find reservoirs, natural lakes, fresh water pools, waterfalls and rivers. Many can be accessed along marked trails, the best of which are found in Istán, Benahavís, and within Sierra de las Nieves. There are also historical marvels, like the Casares Roman Baths, which if we’re discussing the health benefits of water sources, the Romans swore by those.
Exploring blue spaces beyond Marbella.
Heading a little further afield from Marbella, an hour’s drive west to the Costa de la Luz, you’ll find yourself in Tarifa or Caños de Meca. Here you’ll become fully immersed in a completely different shade of blue. The aqua marine waters of the Atlantic ocean greet windsurfers with gousto as the white sandy beaches give way to dunes bordered with deep green pine trees. When you live in Marbella, you don’t need to fly to Barbados for that postcard-perfect tropical holiday. All the Island vibes are right on your doorstep.
4. A higher intake of vitamin D, the “sunshine” vitamin
The Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) really does live up to its name, benefiting from 325 days of sunshine per year, which makes it officially one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. This means more hours per day in which there is sunlight, as well as there being more days where the weather forecast is clear blue skies or partly cloudy. For comparison, according to the MET office, London, U.K gets 126 days of sun annually. The downside to life in many Northern countries is the darker days and poorer weather conditions prevent people from being able to get their dose of daily vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. It’s not often that diet alone can sustain adequate levels, so the majority of people need supplements to prevent deficiencies.
Couple on the beach
The health benefits of vitamin D.
The benefits of this "sunshine vitamin" are far-reaching. Its primary role is maintaining healthy bones by promoting calcium absorption and regulating phosphorus levels. But vitamin D's influence extends beyond bone health. It supports our immune system by helping to activate T cells that fight infection, reduces inflammation, and may help prevent autoimmune conditions. Research has linked adequate vitamin D levels to improved mood and reduced risk of depression, particularly during darker winter months. It may also play a role in weight regulation, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.
Real-life stories of sunshine healing.
A recent article in The Telegraph drew attention to the health benefits of living in Spain, when author of the article Annabel Fenwick Elliott went on a trip there from Iceland, and had her bloods tested before and after. After suffering from a range of symptoms, mostly debilitating fatigue, her doctor casually recommended a stint closer to the equator. The effects of her time spent in the sun resulted in a decreased BMI and blood pressure as well as improved ferritin [iron stores] after just a few weeks. Following this she officially committed to a permanent move, and she hasn’t looked back.
Marbella: a prescription for health.
There are countless other stories just like this one, where real doctors really “prescribed” visiting or, even better, relocating to areas where the sunshine is abundant, the air is of high quality, and the weather promotes a more outgoing and outdoorsy lifestyle. Places just like Marbella.
5. Life is a celebration
The calendar year in Marbella unfolds like a continuous party, each month bringing its own traditions and celebrations. From the Three Kings parade in January to the atmospheric Semana Santa processions in spring, the vibrant San Bernabé Feria in June, and the spectacular San Pedro Alcántara Feria in October, there's always a reason to be celebrating. Summer nights come alive with the mesmerising performances during the Starlite Festival, while local neighbourhoods burst with energy during their respective festivities, filling the streets with the sounds of Sevillanas.
Spanish philosophy: work to live, not live to work.
Weekends and everyday festivities.
Even ordinary weekends transform into mini-celebrations, as families and friends gather for long, leisurely lunches that stretch into dinner, embodying the Spanish tradition of sobremesa – the art of lingering at the table, sharing stories, and enjoying each other's company long after the meal has ended.
Girl at the Marbella Fair in June (San Bernabé)
Marbella’s infectious joy for life.
In Marbella, and indeed throughout Spain, life pulses with an infectious joie de vivre. This inherent joy in connecting and living life to its fullest makes Marbella not just a destination, but a state of mind where daily positivity outweighs the negative.
The Spanish philosophy: work to live, not live to work.
The Spanish philosophy of living to work rather than working to live reflects a culture that prioritises living in the moment and savouring life's pleasures. Things that would make today too hectic are moved to mañana (tomorrow) and holidays are stretched with puentes (bridges) wherever possible. This is an extra day between a holiday to bridge the gap between the weekend and the day it falls on, and you best believe they will be out and about, enjoying the weather and celebrating their time off.
Couple walks on the beach in Marbella at sunset.
Making the move, an investment in your health
Relocating to Marbella is an investment in your health. The combination of natural elements, lifestyle factors, social impacts and year-round outdoor accessibility creates an environment where wellness is practically inevitable. As we see more scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of Mediterranean living, Marbella stands out as a premier destination for those seeking to optimise their wellbeing.
The question isn't whether you should move to Marbella, the real question is: why wait to start living your healthiest life?
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