Did you know that Marbella is the best place to live in Spain and one of the 10 best places to live in Europe? No wonder it attracts wealthy residents from all over the world. From its palm-fringed sandy beaches to its chic restaurants, shops, and hotels, there's a lot to love about this Mediterranean seaside town.

If you are thinking of living in Marbella or anywhere else in Spain, here are 5 reasons why it would be a great place to call home…

The weather is mostly sunny and warm.

Marbella enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. In summer (June-August), average temperatures range between 26-28°C, while in winter they are 13-15°C. Rainfall is minimal, and there are no weather or temperature extremes.

The average sea temperature is 21°C, which makes it an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Excellent food and wine can be enjoyed throughout the day and night.

Marbella is known for its excellent Mediterranean and fusion food made with fresh local ingredients. If you are looking for a gourmet experience, you would be hard-pressed to find a better place to eat than Marbella.

There are a host of Michelin starred restaurants in the area, including the 3-star La Fonda del Sol in Puerto Banús. You can also enjoy first-class cuisine at Spain's number 1 beach club, ranked by Forbes, Boum Boum Beach.

It has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a juice bar and a shisha lounge. When it comes to drinks, you will be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't drink alcohol in Marbella. Most of the bars and restaurants offer a wide selection of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits. And don't forget the sangria, a Spanish staple that can be found in almost any bar.

There is a thriving art scene for both adults and children.

If you are an art enthusiast, Marbella is the place to be. You'll find a wide range of galleries showcasing paintings and sculptures by both renowned and emerging artists.

You can visit the Picasso Museum to see a wide range of Picasso's paintings and sculptures. If you come with children, you can visit the Children's Museum to see exhibitions made by children from all over Spain.

For those who want to make their own art, Marbella has several art studios that offer courses in painting, ceramics and other creative courses for all ages.

It is an ideal place for runners and cyclists.

Marbella is a runner's paradise, with a wide stretch of coastline that is perfect for jogging. All you have to do is decide which route you want to take. You can run on the beach or in the mountains, or even do both.

Marbella has several running clubs that meet weekly, so you will never be alone in your run. If you are more into cycling, you can join the Marbella Medalla Pedal Cycling Club. You can also visit the Marbella Cycling Center where you can rent a bike or take a class.

There are also a number of guided mountain bike tours that you can book with a local tour operator.

And finally, it is an ideal base from which to explore the rest of Spain.

From Marbella you can explore several Spanish cities. Perhaps the most popular city is Madrid, which is about 5 hours away.

You can also travel to Seville, the birthplace of flamenco, or Barcelona, and even Portugal if you feel like a longer trip. If you are looking for a relaxed vacation spot, you can visit the Balearic Islands: Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca. And if you want to ski, you can head to the nearby Sierra de los Nieves.

Residency requirements and costs: Live like a local, without being one.

To live in Spain as an expatriate, you have to apply for a residence permit and a tax identification number at the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. This will allow you to open a bank account and access the public health system.

To receive the residence permit, you will have to prove that you have a valid reason to stay in Spain, you can apply for the golden visa.

After obtaining the permit, you will need to apply for a NIE number, the Spanish tax identification number. You will need to apply for a residence permit through a Spanish consulate, and the whole process can take up to 6 months. Costs and requirements vary depending on your situation.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a great place to live, Marbella is a great option. From its sunny weather to its thriving arts scene, there's a lot to love about this coastal city. Whether you are a foodie, art lover, runner or cyclist, or even an avid skier, Marbella is the place for you.