7 Things Expats in Marbella Learn Quickly (That No One Tells You)

Moving to Marbella or the Costa del Sol sounds like a dream, sunshine, sea views, long lunches, and a slower pace of life. And while a lot of that is true, there are a few things every expat learns quickly once real life kicks in.

If you’re new here, or thinking of making the move, this might save you a few surprises.

1. Life Runs on Spanish Time (Even If You Don’t)

• Shops close when you least expect it.
• Appointments start “around” a certain time.
• Lunch at 3pm is completely normal.

At first, it can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to Northern European efficiency. But eventually, most expats learn to lean into the rhythm rather than fight it.

Pro tip: plan your day with flexibility, and always have a coffee or beach walk as backup.

2. You’ll Spend More Time in Your Car Than You Think

Marbella looks compact on a map, but daily life often means driving:

• School runs
• Gym
• Supermarkets
• Meetings across the Costa del Sol

Having something familiar playing in the car helps a lot, which is why many expats end up sticking with an English radio station in Marbella, like Chilli.fm, as a small slice of home while navigating the A7.

3. Community Matters More Than You Expect

One of the biggest surprises for new expats is how important community becomes.

Friends back home aren’t just a quick visit anymore, so people here tend to:

• Build tighter social circles
• Support local businesses
• Recommend services constantly

Local Facebook groups, school networks, gyms, and even radio stations become part of daily life faster than you’d think.

4. English Is Widely Spoken, But Not Everywhere

Marbella and the Costa del Sol are very international, but once you step outside tourist areas, basic Spanish becomes essential.

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing:

• Numbers
• Days
• Directions
• Polite phrases

…will make your life much easier — and locals genuinely appreciate the effort.

5. Music Sets the Mood for Your Day

Something most expats don’t realise until they’re here:
music becomes a background companion to coastal life.

Morning school runs, remote work, sunset drinks, evening wind-downs – having a consistent, feel-good soundtrack makes everything flow better.

That’s why many people end up listening to stations like Chilli.fm, which focuses on non-stop music rather than talk, easy to dip in and out of without effort.

6. Summer Is Amazing… and Intense

July and August are incredible and chaotic.

Traffic increases. Parking disappears. Temperatures soar.
If you’re new, don’t panic, locals and long-term expats adjust by:

• Driving earlier or later
• Taking midday breaks
• Shifting routines instead of fighting the heat

By September, life resets, and the Costa del Sol feels like home again.

7. You’ll End Up Loving the Balance

Despite the quirks, most expats stay because Marbella offers something rare:

• International mindset
• Family-friendly lifestyle
• Outdoor living all year round
• Work-life balance that actually exists

Once you find your rhythm, favourite cafés, regular routes, familiar voices and music, the Costa del Sol stops feeling like a holiday and starts feeling like home.

Living the Costa del Sol Life

Whether you’re new to Marbella or have been here for years, the little routines matter: the drive, the background music, the familiar places.

If you want a simple, feel-good English radio station that fits into daily life on the coast, you can listen to Chilli.fm anywhere on the Costa del Sol or online.

Chilli.fm – the soundtrack to expat life in Marbella.