Spain's Top Living Spots Unveiled - Underestimated Coastal Gem Claims Top Spot
Living in Spain is a dream for many, and the European country offers a plethora of options for expats seeking a new home. Nomad Capitalist, a renowned resource for expats, has recently revealed top destinations for those seeking to relocate in Spain. Here's an insider's guide to their ranking of the best places to live in Spain.
11. Zaragoza
Known as the capital city of the Aragon region, Zaragoza offers an enchanting journey back in time with its cobblestone streets. As the country's fifth-largest city, the ancient location boasts a history dating back to the Roman Empire. With a preference for city life over sunny beaches, this inland city serves as an ideal location for city slickers.
10. Ibiza
Famed for its legendary parties, Ibiza is a top choice among Balearic islands. The island boasts diverse and unique ecosystems, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage site designation in 1999. Visitors will find that the island offers a relaxed, mystical interior that contrasts with its party-loving coastline. The island tends to be busiest during the spring and summer months, but it becomes much quieter during the winter season.
9. Bilbao
Nomad Capitalist highlights the mid-sized city of Bilbao as feeling more manageable compared to larger, busy cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Easily accessible to northern Spain’s unspoiled and wild beaches, Bilbao is a great destination for those seeking a slower pace of life. While Bilbao is one of Spain's pricier cities, it is a desirable location for culture vultures because it is home to the Guggenheim art gallery.
8. Granada
Granada's lower price points for dining make it an attractive destination for expats. The city is home to the iconic Alhambra Palace and has a smaller expat community, allowing expats the opportunity to tap into authentic Spanish culture. Granada has extremely high summer temperatures, but expats can enjoy easy access to skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter.
7. San Sebastian
Known as the foodie capital of Spain, San Sebastian also boasts one of the country's most beloved urban beaches. Seashell-shaped Playa de la Concha has been previously named one of the best beaches in the world. Expats will find San Sebastian stylish and relaxed with everything within walking distance.
6. Valencia
Valencia's lower cost of living compared to other large cities in Spain makes it an appealing choice for expats. The city boasts easy access to beautiful sandy beaches, and its residents enjoy delicious, traditional paella for lunch rather than dinner. Valencia is also conveniently located for those who wish to access high-speed rail connections to other areas of Spain.
5. Seville
Located in the heart of Spain's Andalucian region, Seville offers plenty of al fresco entertainment and is a popular destination with tourists. Seville's Feria de Abril (April Fair) transforms 75,000 square meters of the city center into a lively fairground. While popular with tourists, Seville can become overcrowded during the summer months and has extremely high temperatures during August.
4. Barcelona
Barcelona is a top choice for digital nomads and has a diverse range of expats. The city is well-known for its food costs, which tend to be higher than other Spanish cities. Despite the higher costs, Barcelona is considered one of the best places to enjoy international cuisine.
3. Madrid
More and more expats are relocating to Madrid for new job opportunities. As the capital city, Madrid offers quick access to an airport and train station, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to frequently visit family at home. While Madrid can be more expensive than smaller cities in Spain, it offers an incredible cultural, economic, and employment hub for expats.
2. Sotogrande
Luxury living is the main attraction in sunny Sotogrande. The gated community in Andalucia offers easy access to golf courses and equestrian activities. Sotogrande is home to an international community who have made a new life in this beautiful location.
1. Malaga
Malaga, the heart of Costa del Sol, offers a relaxed lifestyle and is home to a thriving expat community. While Malaga is primarily known for its beautiful beaches, it also offers easy access to national parks. The city is well-connected to the UK with plentiful direct budget flights for expats who need to visit home.
- Weather in Malaga, the heart of Costa del Sol, presents a mild and sunny climate that's ideal for outdoor-living and home-and-garden enthusiasts.
- Travel within Malaga is made convenient by its ongoing car-maintenance and the easy access to high-speed rail connections to other places, providing adventure-travel options as well.
- Living in Sotogrande, a luxury gated community in Andalucia, offers an enticing lifestyle with walkable streets, golf courses, and equestrian activities.
- News outlets often feature Malaga's thriving art scene, cultural events, and its rich history, making the city an attractive destination for those seeking a cultural-travel experience.
- Zaragoza's ranking as one of the top destinations for expats showcases its charm as the capital city of the Aragon, gleaming cobblestone streets, and manageable city life that caters to city slickers.
- Ibiza, famous for legendary parties and a balanced mix of mystical interior landscapes and vibrant coastal parties, offers a lifestyle that's ideally suited for those looking to live in balance with nature while enjoying nightlife offerings.
- Valencia, known for its lower cost of living compared to other large cities, offers an array of outdoor-living and home-and-garden options accompanied by beautiful sandy beaches and delicious traditional paella.
- Bilbao, with its manageable size, close proximity to northern Spain's unspoiled beaches, and a home for the beloved Guggenheim art gallery, makes it a top choice for those seeking cultural-travel experiences with a slower pace of life.
- Granada's lower dining costs and bundles of history, including the iconic Alhambra Palace, appeal to budget travelers and those desiring to explore traditional Spanish lifestyle.
- As the heart of Spain's Andalucian region, Seville offers an abundance of al fresco entertainment options, featuring numerous tapas bars and the popular Feria de Abril.
- Barcelona, with its diversity and large expat community, caters well to digital nomads and offers a bustling lifestyle with an array of international cuisine options.
- Madrid, as the capital city, boasts an incredible cultural, economic, and employment hub, making it an attractive location for professional growth, while offering affordable electric-vehicle maintenance for eco-conscious expats.
