A British expat who left the United Kingdom for the sun-drenched shores of southern Spain has hailed his new home as a veritable "winter paradise," crediting the mild seasonal climate with transforming his physical and mental health.
From UK Gloom to Andalusian Sunshine
Mark Danby, known online as 'Tapas Guy', made the life-changing move to the Costa del Sol in 2025. He describes his former existence in Britain as one where he would merely "survive" the cold, dark winters, with his energy levels plummeting and motivation scarce. The contrast with his new life, where January temperatures can reach a pleasant 17 degrees Celsius, could not be more stark.
"My first winter here felt somewhat unfamiliar," Danby admitted in a YouTube clip. "The beaches were quiet, the evenings were calm, and for the first time in a long time my winter days weren't dictated by weather extremes. I didn't realise I needed that until I had it."
A Lifestyle Rebalanced
For Danby, the shift has been profound. His daily routine now involves simple pleasures like walking and enjoying coffee outdoors, activities that "feel lighter" without the battle against the elements. He emphasises that life no longer grinds to a halt during winter but instead adopts a more sustainable, breathable pace.
"Life in general as an expat, or even if you are a remote worker, the balance here is everything. Winter is absolutely perfect," he stated. He believes the colder months are the true test for expats to see if Spanish life suits them, offering a cooler, quieter alternative to the bustling summer season.
The Allure of the Costa del Sol
Danby's experience taps into a much larger trend. The Costa del Sol is a magnet for British visitors, attracting an estimated 3.1 million people annually. British holidaymakers alone constitute roughly 30 per cent of all visitors, contributing close to £4 billion to the local economy each year.
The region's appeal for permanent relocation is equally strong. A 2025 poll indicated that nearly a quarter of Malaga's residents were born abroad, with that figure soaring to around 40 per cent in towns like Fuengirola. Alongside Britons, significant numbers of arrivals come from countries including Russia and Finland.
For Mark Danby, the benefits are deeply personal. "Physically and mentally winter has changed things for me," he explained. "I get out more, I walk more, I spend more time outside and as a result of that I do feel generally less stressed."
He concludes that the mild climate removes daily friction, allowing one to live in harmony with the weather rather than fight it. When asked if the Costa del Sol qualifies as a winter paradise, his answer is a resounding yes: "Well, if paradise means balance instead of burnout, sun without the crowds, and a lifestyle that supports work and wellbeing, then for me the answer is yes."
