This conversation compares Torremolinos and Sitges in Spain. Torremolinos is in the Andalusian region, while Sitges is in Catalonia. Both places have a similar climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

The cost of living is relatively high in both areas, especially for housing. Healthcare is accessible in both places, with private health insurance being standard. However, the public healthcare system in Catalonia does not cover PrEP for HIV prevention.

Overall, Torremolinos and Sitges offer a vibrant lifestyle with access to beaches, outdoor activities, and various amenities. In this part of the conversation, the speakers discuss healthcare, language barriers, transportation, and arts and culture in Torremolinos and Sitges.

They mention the availability of STD testing and HIV medication in Catalonia, the friendliness of the Spanish and Catalan people, the language differences between Catalan and Spanish, and the importance of meeting people halfway in terms of language.

They also talk about the transportation systems in both places, including the local trains and buses, and the ease of walking to most places.

In terms of arts and culture, they mention the presence of art galleries, museums, festivals, and theaters in Torremolinos, Sitges, Barcelona, and Malaga.

Tormelinos and Sitges are excellent destinations for food lovers, offering a variety of cuisines. Tormelinos is known for its fresh sardines grilled on swords, while Sitges provides a range of Spanish and international dishes.

Both places have a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with numerous gay bars and clubs. The communities are welcoming and accepting, making it a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Regarding residency and taxes, Spain offers retirement visas for those who can prove they have the means to support themselves. The country has a double taxation treaty with the US, allowing residents to deduct what they pay in Spain from their US taxes.

Crime rates are generally low in both Torremolinos and Sitges, and there is a strong police presence and a sense of safety.

When moving to these areas, it is recommended to join local expat and LGBTQ+ communities for support and advice.

Richard Jasicki

He just turned 65 in May! He had a Mid-Atlantic Ocean childhood in Europe and the US as a US Air Force brat with an English “Mum.” He worked many years in the UK and California before retiring at 62 and moving to Spain.

He met his life partner, Charles, in 2001 online. Their first meeting turned out to be at a wedding venue that had been canceled and opened its doors to the public—very auspicious! They married as soon as it was legal in 2014 by their pool in San Diego.

He has lived in Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol for almost two years and loves it. Their apartment has a beautiful view of the Mediterranean.

Leo Boni

They wanted a change of lifestyle. They lived in the SF Bay Area and are both tired of the high cost of living, the lack of vacation time, and not being able to shake the feeling that they could not afford to retire there. He is Italian by birth, so they first wanted to move to Italy; they chose Spain because of its weather and infrastructure. They made an exploratory trip to Barcelona and liked it but didn't fall in love with it. They did fall in love with Sitges. They moved to Barcelona first for various reasons, mainly because this was pre-pandemic, and his job required him to be in the office, located off Passeig de Gracia in BCN. When quarantine came, they took the opportunity to move to Sitges. There were several deciding factors, being on the beach, in a smaller town, with a vibrant gay and food scene. Sitges offered them the more tranquil life they were looking for. 

He is an Italian citizen, so he and his partner have the right to live and work in Spain. For Leo, the immigration process was easy; it took less than 10 minutes, but for Bill, his partner, it took over six months.