A move to Spain is a move to a better way of life, less stress and healthy living. In a survey for Your Overseas Home, health benefits were the priority for people planning to retire to Spain. Embracing el paseo – Spain’s cherished evening stroll – could be the healthiest decision you’ll make. Discover how this simple daily ritual brings joy, connection and calm to everyday life – and why it’s one of the most loved aspects of Spanish living.
In a recent Your Overseas Home survey, future retirees ranked “better health” as their top reason for moving to Spain – and el paseo is the perfect symbol of why. It’s a gentle but powerful expression of the relaxed, outdoor living that defines Spanish life.
What is the paseo?
In Spain, life often moves to a different rhythm – slower, more deliberate and beautifully attuned to the small pleasures of daily living. One of the most charming examples of this is el paseo, a cherished evening tradition that brings communities together and celebrates the simple joy of walking.
The paseo was first mentioned between 1825 and 1835, and derives from the Spanish verb pasear, which literally means to take a walk. However, the paseo is more than just a walk; it’s a cultural ritual enjoyed in the early evening, typically after the heat of the day has passed. Families, couples, friends and neighbours take to the streets, promenades and plazas to enjoy each other’s company, catch up on the day’s news and simply be part of the social fabric of their town or city.
There’s no rush, no particular destination, just the pleasure of being outdoors, well-dressed and among others doing the same. It’s a time to see and be seen, often punctuated with a stop at a café or an ice cream parlour. The paseo is a gentle celebration of life itself, of presence, connection and tradition.
The paseo is often punctuated with a stop at a café (Image: Radiokafka via Shutterstock)
Why it matters – benefits of the paseo
The paseo is beneficial to people of all ages, particularly for the older generation, as it is a gentle form of exercise with a social element. Often enjoyed in an avenue of trees or in a park, strolling with nature all around is not only a pleasure but also good for your wellbeing and mental health.
Say “goodbye” to stress! Slow yourself down and take in your surroundings. Meet people, old and new, chat to a dog owner, smile as you pass others and you will immediately feel calm and content. For those who live alone, the paseo prevents isolation as, after a while, you will see many familiar faces. Arrange to meet friends in a café – be part of your community.
Consider the alternative in the UK: rushing home from work and collapsing on the sofa to watch TV or heading straight out to the local pub. Life is on the run and people are understandably tired. There’s little time to unwind and appreciate what is around you. For Spanish people, getting home from work and possibly changing clothes before taking an evening stroll, chatting to friends and neighbours and maybe stopping for a beer or glass of wine, is all part of life’s routine. It is part of a healthy work/life balance.
Where to experience it best
The most authentic paseo takes place in inland towns and villages, which are predominantly Spanish and where there is a real sense of community. Of course, you can also enjoy the paseo on the Costas, on promenades and in town centres, but they are more tourist driven. Though it is still a pleasant and beneficial experience – not just for holidaymakers but for locals too.
Living like a local – how to make the paseo part of your life
To truly live like a local and make the paseo a natural part of your daily life, it’s important to find a property that places you at the heart of the community. Look for a home in a lively neighbourhood or near a central plaza, where evening strolls are a shared tradition and familiar faces greet you along the way. Being within walking distance of cafés, shops and public spaces means you can easily step out each evening to enjoy the paseo, blending in with the local rhythm, exchanging pleasantries and feeling genuinely part of the place. Choosing the right location is key to embracing this timeless custom and experiencing an authentic, slower-paced way of life.
By learning some Spanish, you can converse with the local people. A smile goes a long way to make friends and remember not to hurry! It is not an exercise trip, rather a way of belonging to the place you have chosen to call home.
Clergyman Mike Murdoch once said: “the secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine”, and joining others in the evening ritual of the paseo is just that: the secret to a happier and healthier future, less stress and time to breathe!
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