Why Spain is the Perfect Place for a Sabbatical and Expat Life – Just Ask Richard Gere!
This week, Granada is making news with the visit of Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish wife, Alejandra Silva, a well-known activist. Gere moved to Spain in 2024 and now lives in Madrid with his family.
While attending Spain’s biggest film awards, the Premios Goya, his presence has sparked conversations about more Americans choosing Spain as their home. His decision to live in Spain reflects a growing trend—people looking for a better quality of life away from the stress of their home country.
Gere’s visit to Granada highlights the city’s rising popularity among American families. While Madrid and Barcelona have always been top choices for expats, Granada is now attracting families who want a relaxed lifestyle, lower cost of living, and a strong community. Many American families have already chosen Granada for their sabbatical year because of its beauty, affordability, and great schools.
And why not? Granada is the perfect escape for those who want a slower, richer life. More American families are choosing to step away from the fast-paced U.S. lifestyle to reconnect, explore a new culture, and maybe even write that long-awaited book.
Granada: A Place to Slow Down and Reconnect
For centuries, Granada has attracted artists, writers, and musicians. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, with the Alhambra watching over the city, time seems to slow down here. The cobblestone streets of the Albayzín, the scent of orange blossoms in spring, and the sounds of flamenco from Sacromonte’s caves create a place full of inspiration.
Families thinking about a sabbatical in Spain are drawn to Granada’s authentic feel, and strong cultural roots. It’s a unique mix of old-world charm and modern comfort, making it the perfect place to escape stress, learn Spanish, and introduce kids to a new way of life.
Why More Americans Are Taking a Year in Spain
Spain has always been a retreat for creative minds. Writers like Hemingway and Washington Irving were inspired by Granada. Today, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) make it easier for American families to live in Spain for an extended time without needing to work there.
A sabbatical in Granada isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about living more fully. Families who come for a year often leave changed. Parents have time to write, explore, and enjoy life, while children pick up Spanish, make international friends, and learn a different way of life.
Why Granada is a Great Choice for a Family Sabbatical
- Beautiful Scenery and Culture – From the Alhambra palace to the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada, the beaches of the Costa Tropical, and the white villages of Las Alpujarras, Granada has endless places to explore.
- Relaxed Lifestyle – The Spanish way of life is all about enjoying the moment. Granada is the perfect place for long lunches, siestas, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Great Schools for Kids – Granada has excellent schools, allowing children to learn Spanish while keeping up with their studies.
- Affordable Living in Spain – Compared to major U.S. cities, Granada offers a high quality of life for much less. Rent, dining, and international schools are all more affordable.
Could This Be the Start of a New American Exodus?
Richard Gere’s move is not only the start. More Americans are choosing Spain for a year or longer. With remote work options, sabbatical policies, and a desire to escape the high-stress American lifestyle, Spain is becoming a popular choice. Political tensions, economic changes, and the search for a better work-life balance are also pushing more families to look at Spain as a second home. Writers, remote workers, and digital entrepreneurs are finding that a year in Spain is not just a break—it’s a way to rethink their future.
Whether you dream of writing in a sunlit courtyard, hiking through Moorish trails, or enjoying a coffee in Plaza Bib-Rambla while your children play, Granada is the perfect setting.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a sabbatical in Spain, maybe it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning. Granada is waiting.
