Expats flock to sunny Spanish spot with 'spectacular' pubs as population soars

Spain is one of the most popular places for Britons to move to.

A recent study found the three most desirable cities for expats were all in the country.

​Malaga took the number one spot of where expats feel "happy and at home", followed by Alicante and Valencia.

While Marbella was not on the list, it has had a surge in people moving there.

The number of expats has soared by 11,000, with nearly half arriving within the last year.

This has led to an overall population increase of 6.7 per cent in the past five years, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

Data shows there are around 150,000 registered citizens in Marbella city, but the number could be much higher.

High levels of water use suggest there could be as many as 200,000 inhabitants in Marbella.

The number of people occupying the city increases even more in the summer.

The population doubles during peak travel season, with around 400,000 people in the city at that time.

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Nueva Andalucia is the most area in Marbella populated by expats.

Some 86 per cent of residents there are foreign. This is followed by Las Chapas where 56 per cent of residents are expats.

Nueva Andalucia is a modern residential area with many bars and restaurants.

It is home to top-rated pubs including the GastroFeelGood pub that is rated five out of five stars on Tripadvisor.

One reviewer said it is "spectacular" and a "charming place and a different atmosphere, unmatched in Marbella".

Another added it had "Good food, great atmosphere, great service".