Retiring this year and tentatively thinking of living abroad a bit (6 -12 mths) and thinking of a town/city where there might be a bit of an expat community. Is it easy to find places to rent (and how do I do it) and what sort of rents are charged and are there furnished and unfurnished places? - there's only me so I'd just need a 1 bed place. Also need an idea of which areas might be safest for a 65yo

Your post is a bit vague. I note you have started similar threads, retiring to Scandinavia, France, Netherlands, Greece and Germany.

Spain is probably the most popular place for UK retirees. However, Spain is a large country and is a good place in which to retire provided you use your head. So you need to choose a region and I suggest Mojacar Playa in Costa Almería for the following reasons:-

1. It is a low rise resort inhabited 50/50 by Spaniards and expats.
2. Costa Almeria has the driest and warmest temperatures of mainland Spain.
3. The local bus service is cheap and good and therefore a car is not a huge necessity.
4. Its Centro Medico is free and necessary for any emergency.
5. Walks are on the level for miles and miles.
6. You have a choice of several beaches.
7. Airports:- Almeria (45 mins drive); Murcia (90mins); Alicante (2 hours).
8. Plenty of activities especially for expats.
9. It is a terrific resort especially if you want friends to visit and if you use your head the beach will be no more than five minutes walk.
10. There are ample supermarkets and choice of food is excellent.
11. Mojacar Playa is an all-year-round resort.
12. Accommodation is probably cheaper there. I think you need more than a one bedroom apartment though. I suggest minimum of 2 bedrooms with swimming pool and gardens and with a decent view as you will be eating outside mostly.
13. If you want to learn Spanish (recommended but not dynamically necessary) you will have plenty of opportunity to use the language with the locals.
14. A two bedroom apartment can be rented for €500 per month.

Feel free to ask any questions and I will answer honestly.

Thanks for that, I never expected so much detail! Sounds v promising and thats about my budget for renting. I have been learning basic Spanish for a year or so at local adult ed so I have something to build on. I will google the place to try and find out more before I consider a recci but you could answer a few Qs if you dont mind.

Do any package hol firms go there?
Is there an expat/community website?
Can you suggest a reputable agent/s re renting property?
What would the sort of property you describe cost freehold or whatever the Spanish equivalent is?