As severe weather continues to batter the United Kingdom, many residents dream of escaping to sunnier destinations. For one British man, that dream became reality, but with a twist that might surprise those imagining perpetual summer holidays.
An Unexpected Motivation for Relocation
Mark Danby, who uprooted his life in Britain to settle on Spain's famous Costa del Sol, has revealed that his decision was driven by an aspect of Mediterranean life that many overlook: the gentle winter season. Contrary to the common assumption that Britons move south for blistering summer heat, Danby found his calling during the cooler months.
On his YouTube channel, Tapas Guy, Danby explains his unconventional reasoning. "You may be surprised to know that I moved to the Costa Del Sol because of the winter, not because of the summer," he shares. "Winter here is when a place actually reveals whether it's the right place to live or not, or whether it's just a place to come for your summer holidays."
Transforming Daily Life and Mental Wellbeing
The expat describes how his perception of winter has fundamentally changed since leaving the UK. Gone are the short, dark days and cold, wet mornings that characterised British winters. Instead, he now experiences temperate conditions that allow for outdoor activities even in January.
"My first winter here felt somewhat unfamiliar," Danby recalls. "The beaches were quiet. Evenings were calm. For the first time in a long time, my winter days weren't dictated by weather extremes. I didn't realise how much I needed that until I had it."
This climatic shift has produced tangible benefits for his mental health and daily routine. "Physically and mentally, winter has changed things for me," he elaborates. "I get out more. I walk more. I spend more time outside. And as a result of that, I do feel generally less stressed." This reduced stress has reportedly boosted his productivity, creating a positive cycle of wellbeing.
Financial and Lifestyle Advantages
Beyond the psychological benefits, Danby highlights practical advantages that emerge during the off-peak season. "The winter in the Costa del Sol is when it becomes financially honest," he observes. "There's no tourists. Rents drop, sometimes significantly. Leases become available and eating out feels sustainable not just like a luxury."
While acknowledging that some establishments close during quieter months, resulting in slightly fewer dining options, Danby contrasts this with the Spanish summer's challenges. "It becomes too hot, everything shuts down and it takes even longer to get things done," he notes about the peak season.
Embracing a New Rhythm of Life
The overall pace of life in southern Spain, according to Danby, maintains a more relaxed tempo throughout the year. However, it's specifically the winter months that hold special significance for his sense of belonging.
"The mild climate removes friction from your daily life," he explains. "You don't have to fight the weather like you do in the summer. You can actually live with it." This harmonious relationship with the environment fosters deeper integration into the local community.
Danby concludes with a poignant reflection on his transition from visitor to resident. "When you stay through winter, something changes. You stop being a visitor. You become part of the rhythm." His experience suggests that for those considering a move abroad, evaluating a destination's off-season character might be just as important as assessing its peak attractions.
