Best Places to Live in Spain [2023 Guide]
It’s no wonder that Spain is such a popular destination for tourists from all over the world whether you are a digital nomad or a season traveler. However, Spain isn’t just a great place to visit – it’s also an incredible place to live. With its warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and excellent quality of life, Spain is an attractive choice for many expats.
If you’re considering a move to Spain, you may be wondering where the best places to live are. From lively cities to charming towns, there are many great options to choose from. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best places to live in Spain.
1: Barcelona
Barcelona, one of the most well-known cities in Spain, is famed for its distinctive architecture, outstanding art, and vibrant street life.
The vibrant arts and music scene, extensive cultural history, and multiculturalism make the city well renowned.
From the renowned Sagrada Familia to the bustling La Rambla, Barcelona never fails to enthrall.
A metropolis is a well-liked option for ex-pats as a result of its excellent public transportation, wide variety of international schools, and first-rate healthcare facilities.
According to data gathered by Numbeo, the cost of living in Barcelona is 20.91% less than that of London (including rent).
2: Malaga
Located on the southern coast of Spain, Malaga is a city that offers a unique blend of beach and culture.
It boasts beautiful Mediterranean beaches, a warm climate, and a rich history as the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso. Malaga also offers a vibrant arts scene, with museums, galleries, and street art.
The city’s laid-back ambiance and inexpensive cost of living make it a fascinating choice for ex-pats and other people looking for an easy-going beach lifestyle.
3: Madrid
Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain, is an economic engine that provides a special fusion of tradition and contemporary.
Madrid is well known for its world-class museums, recognizable landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.
The city is also a major financial and business hub, providing ample job opportunities.
Madrid’s diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone, from trendy areas like Malasaña to upscale districts like Salamanca.
Madrid also offers a trustworthy public transit infrastructure that makes getting about the city simple.
4: Valencia
Valencia is a city that offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Its old town is one of the largest in Spain, with winding streets, charming squares, and beautiful buildings that reflect its rich history.
Valencia is also famous for its futuristic architecture, thanks to the iconic City of Arts and Sciences. This modern complex is made up of several buildings, including a planetarium, an opera house, and a science museum.
The City of Arts and Sciences is a must-visit for anyone living in Valencia, and it’s a great place to take the family for a day out.
Valencia is also known for its fantastic culinary scene. The city is famous for its paella, which is a rice dish that originated in Valencia. There are many restaurants in Valencia that serve authentic paella, and it’s a must-try dish for anyone moving to the city.
Another great thing about Valencia is its location. It’s situated on the east coast of Spain, which means it has access to some of the best beaches in the country.
There are many beautiful beaches in Valencia, including Malvarrosa Beach and El Saler Beach. These beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
5: Seville
Seville is a city that offers a true taste of Andalusian culture. Known for its flamenco music and dance, Seville is a vibrant and lively city that is full of energy.
The city is home to many beautiful buildings that reflect its rich history, including the stunning Seville Cathedral, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Seville is also famous for its Alcázar, a beautiful palace that was originally built for Moorish rulers in the 14th century.
One of the best things about Seville is its food scene. The city is known for its tapas, which are small plates of food that are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Seville has many great tapas bars, where you can try a variety of dishes, including local specialties like salmorejo (a cold soup made with tomatoes and bread) and tortilla de camarones (a shrimp omelet).
Seville is also a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. The city is home to many beautiful parks, including the Parque de María Luisa, which is a large park that is full of trees, fountains, and monuments.
Seville is also situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, which is a great place to take a stroll or enjoy a bike ride.
The city is located in the south of Spain, which means it enjoys warm weather for most of the year. Seville is also close to many other great destinations, including the Costa del Sol and the Algarve in Portugal.
6: Marbella
Marbella is a city that is synonymous with luxury and glamour. Located on the Costa del Sol, Marbella is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike.
The city is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and upscale restaurants and shops. But Marbella is not just a playground for the rich and famous; it’s also a great place to live for anyone looking for a high quality of life.
One of the best things about Marbella is its climate. The city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, which means you can enjoy outdoor activities like golf, tennis, and swimming almost year-round.
The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and nature reserves, including the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park
Another great thing about Marbella is its food scene. The city is known for its seafood, which is caught fresh from the Mediterranean Sea.
Marbella is also home to many beautiful beaches, including the famous Puerto Banus beach, which is lined with luxury beach clubs and restaurants.
Marbella is also a great place to raise a family. The city has many international schools that offer high-quality education in English, and there are many family-friendly activities and events throughout the year.
Overall, Marbella is a great place to live for anyone looking for a luxurious lifestyle and a great climate. With its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, fantastic food scene, and great schools, Marbella offers a high quality of life and a great place to call home.
7: Granada
Granada is a city that is steeped in history and culture. Located in the Andalusia region, Granada is famous for its beautiful architecture, including the stunning Alhambra Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, lively music scene
The city is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It offers stunning views and a cooler climate than other cities in Andalusia. Granada is also close to many beautiful natural parks, including the Sierra Nevada National Park
Another great thing about Granada is its cultural scene. The city is home to many festivals throughout the year, including the famous Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations and the Festival Internacional de Música y Danza (International Music and Dance Festival).
Granada is also home to many museums and art galleries, including the Museo de Bellas Artes, which has an impressive collection of Spanish art.
8: Bilbao
Bilbao is a city that is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a great place to live for anyone looking for a lively and dynamic city. Located in the Basque Country, Bilbao is known for its innovative architecture.
One of the best things about Bilbao is its transformation over the past few decades. The city was once a declining industrial center, but it has undergone massive regeneration in recent years.
The most famous example of this is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which was designed by Frank Gehry and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
The museum is home to a fantastic collection of contemporary art and is a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting Bilbao.
The city is famous for its pintxos, which are small plates of food that are similar to tapas. Bilbao has some of the best pintxo bars in Spain,
The Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, which boasts an outstanding collection of Spanish and Basque art, is one of the city’s many museums and galleries. Additionally well-known for its music culture, Bilbao hosts a number of music events every year, including the renowned Bilbao BBK Live Festival.
9: Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic Islands and is located on the beautiful island of Mallorca.
Palma de Mallorca’s beautiful architecture is one of its outstanding features. Many exquisite structures can be seen in the city’s old town, known as La Seu, including the well-known Palma Cathedral, one of Spain’s most stunning cathedrals.
The city is also home to numerous lovely parks and gardens, including the Soller Botanical Garden and the Parc de la Mar.
Palma de Mallorca is also known for its beautiful beaches. The city is surrounded by many beautiful beaches, including the popular Playa de Palma and Cala Major.
10. San Sebastian
San Sebastian, a city in the Basque Country of northern Spain, is renowned for its stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, and interesting cultural events.
The city is famous for its annual International Film Festival and its renowned pintxos culture, with its numerous bars offering an array of delicious Basque tapas. With its first-rate healthcare system, effective public transportation, and well-kept parks and gardens, San Sebastian provides a good quality of life.
A lively theater, gallery, and music festival scene are also found in the city.
San Sebastian’s unique blend of natural beauty, gastronomic excellence, and cultural richness makes it a top choice for those seeking a refined and vibrant lifestyle.
Conclusion
For anyone wishing to relocate to this stunning country, Spain offers a wide variety of alternatives.
Spain has something to offer everyone, from modern cities to charming beach communities. Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Granada, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, and San Sebastian are some of the best places to live.
Other cities discussed in this article include Malaga, Granada, and Valencia. These cities are ideal destinations to live in because of their outstanding facilities, rich cultural heritage, and individual personality. When thinking about relocating to Spain, it’s necessary to evaluate aspects like lifestyle quality, cost, safety, amenities, and personal preferences.
Conducting thorough research and visiting potential destinations to experience their unique vibes firsthand can help you make an informed decision that best suits your lifestyle and needs.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes, Spain can be an excellent choice for ex-pats or individuals seeking a new place to call home.
