A beautiful city has been named the best for people to retire to in Spain – despite not being on the coast.

Oviedo is home to more than 220,000 people and is the capital city of the Asturias principality, lying in northern Spain.

This charming city has much to offer, including several museums, delicious local specialities and a rich architectural history dating back to the early Middle Ages.

But the city is also an unsuspecting gem in terms of quality of life too, boasting a relatively low cost of living when compared to the rest of the country among other perks.

These and more factors led to Oviedo being ranked first in an analysis looking for the best Spanish city to retire to.

Made by CW Real Estate Ibiza compiling existing data on best places for expats and factors impacting the quality of life, this analysis took into account how cities cater to the needs and wants of retirees, as well as their affordability, quality of life, and cultural richness.

Explaining why Oviedo is a top choice, the company’s CEO, Christian Wolf, said: “Oviedo is known for its high quality of life, excellent air quality, and robust healthcare system.

“For retirees, Oviedo’s lower cost of living compared to larger cities is an attractive feature. The city is also renowned for its safety, making it an ideal place for a serene and secure retirement.”

While it is not on the coastline, Oviedo is less than 19 miles away – or a half-an-hour drive – from the ocean and the seaside city of Gijón.

The proximity to the ocean and elevated position above the sea gifts Oviedo with a maritime climate, despite not being a seaside city.

Calling the whole of Spain a “true paradise for retirees”, Mr Wolf noted each area offers its “unique blend of advantages”.

While Oviedo has a “serene environment”, people who want to spend their retirement years on a beach can head to Alicante or Malaga, second and 10th in the ranking.

The expert added: “Whether you prefer to marvel at the coastal sights of Alicante and Vigo, Elche’s historical allure, the metropolitan charm of Madrid, or the serene environment of Oviedo, Spain offers various retirement destinations that can suit the preference and lifestyle of any retiree.”