6 Best Places to Live in Spain

Madrid: For a Bustling Life in the Capital City

For those that hate the rain and love having plenty of things to do day and night, living in Madrid is a fantastic choice. Just keep in mind that while Madrid does see 4 true seasons, the summer is no joke and tends to get brutally hot.

The city is centrally located in Spain, meaning it's awkwardly near and yet far from most places on your travel bucket list. Luckily, the country is well-connected by train though so your trips should be comfortable.

Not only is Madrid the capital but it's also the largest city in Spain, which can be a pro or con based on your preferences. This can mean more opportunities to make friends, plenty of job opportunities, and an endless supply of new bars and restaurants to try out.

Madrid, like many places to live in Spain, has a thriving expat community from all over the world, many of which are professionals who moved to Madrid for work.

Not only is Madrid one of the best places to live in Spain, it's considered one of the best cities to live in Europe.

Best Areas of Madrid to Live in

Living in the city center of Madrid is the best choice if you're eager to meet new people and want to have your job likely not far from your doorstep.

I recommend the neighborhoods of:

• La Latina: Here you'll enjoy the stereotypical Spanish charm that likely attracted you to the country in the first place. Get a feel for the neighborhood by booking your initial stay to Miyas Madrid Apartment.
• Retiro: For those craving extra green spaces, you'll love living in Retiro. You'll still be in the city center but have a quieter neighborhood to call home. To be as close to Parque de El Retiro as possible, stay at Amazing Retiro 2BR.
• Sol: Sol is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Madrid for tourists, locals, and expats alike, which can come with its trade-offs. If you want plenty to see and do, it's great but if you're turned off by a bustling atmosphere, look elsewhere. Give it a try at this Spectacular Terrace Apartment.
• Malasaña: This is one of the trendier areas of the city and while it's a super cool neighborhood, you will lose some of the typical Spanish charm living here. Corner of Love is a pet-friendly apartment ideal for 2.

Learn more about living in Madrid.

Barcelona: For a Beach with City Amenities

Barcelona is easily one of the most famous places in Spain and for good reason. Out of all the Spanish cities, Barcelona is truly a unique one. Just know that by moving to Barcelona you're far from moving to a hidden gem.

Too many tourists and digital nomads tend to flock here, especially during the summer which could get old creating some riffs between locals and foreigners that might make day-to-day life uncomfortable.

Although your Spanish-speaking skills will come in handy here, know that Barcelona natives speak Catalan, a language that somewhat blends Spanish and French together. If you're moving to Spain to learn Spanish, Barcelona won't be the best place to learn. But, if you like the idea that you can get by with English, it is.

Not only is Barcelona a big city with plenty to see and do, it's located on the coast and has a huge sandy beach right off the city center. The fact that you get city amenities and a fantastic beach is a huge reason many expats consider this the best place to live in Spain.

Best Areas of Barcelona to Live in

Before you sign a long-term lease, I recommend scoping out the neighborhood you're interested in first to see first-hand if it's the right place to live for you. The top recommendations for areas of Barcelona to live in are:

• Gràcia: This neighborhood is home to mainly young adults and has cute pedestrian lanes with trendy shops and great restaurants. This 1 Bedroom Apartment is ideal for those moving to Barcelona solo.
• El Born: This neighborhood is small but is super jammed packed with trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques. The architecture here is stunning and the nightlife scene here is buzzing. Try the area out at Mid-Term Apartment 12.
• Barcelona-Sants: If you're looking for easy access for day trips and longer getaways, the area right around the Barcelona-Sants train station is a great choice. It's ideal for expat families who want a calmer daily life yet easy access to the city center. Casa Cosi offers great views of the neighborhood and beyond.
• Eixample: If you want to be in the absolute heart of Barcelona, this is your neighborhood. It's big, it's busy, and has everything you could possibly be looking for. Try the area out at 130 Metre Bright Apt.

Learn more about living in Barcelona.

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Mallorca: For Mediterranean Living on Island Time

Living in Mallorca offers a chance to live in paradise on the Mediterranean Sea but you will have to deal with typical island woes. That means a typically high cost of living, lacking public transport, and a high influx of seasonal tourists.

That being said, living in Mallorca means living in the Mediterranean Sea so if you're after beautiful beaches, historic towns, and a warm climate, you'll be hard-pressed to beat this island.

Depending on where you choose to live in Mallorca, you could be surrounded by a large international community complete with great international schools or you could go for a more local lifestyle in one of the small towns inland.

Like Barcelona, Mallorca natives speak Spanish, Catalan, and their own dialect Mallorquin. Some areas that receive a lot of tourists will speak English but knowing Spanish, at the least, will help you get by and make the most of living here.

Best Areas of Mallorca to Live in

Depending on what you're looking for in your lifestyle, you'll be attracted to a different part of the island. I recommend checking out:

• Palma de Mallorca: Palma is located on the seafront and is the most popular city on the island. If you want restaurants, nightlife, and plenty to do this is a good choice for you but know that due to popularity, it's also the most expensive area. Samaritana Suites offer pet-friendly studio apartments.
• Sóller: This inland town is most popular with older residents. The town is beautiful and has modern architecture and stunning mountain views. Can Abril is the perfect place to stay right in the main square.
• Pollensa: This town is most popular with British expats thanks to the affordable cost to buy property. Also inland, the town center here is super compact, giving you the ability to explore everything you'd need to within walking distance. Desbrull is a great place to stay for solo expats.
• Santanyí: While Pollensa is most popular with British expats, expats from all over Europe tend to flock here. If you're looking for an authentically rustic town, you'll love living here. Give it a try at Can Ferrereta.

Learn more about living in Mallorca.

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Cádiz: For Warm Weather & Beautiful Beaches

If you're looking for a beautiful city with a warm climate, Cádiz could be the best place to live in Spain for you. Although it still gets its fair share of tourists, Cádiz is still relatively under the radar when it comes to places to visit or move to in Spain.

In this region, many expats tend to head towards Seville but I'd recommend heading just a little bit farther down Southern Spain instead.

Like Barcelona, Cádiz also has its own beaches stretching out from the city center. A walk in the sand is nice year round but you'll be thankful for the easy access to the water during the hot summers. If you look at a map, you'll see Cádiz is on a peninsula, surrounded by water and long sandy coastlines.

The architectural wonders, the lengthy coastal promenade, scattered parks, and the sea all bid for the top spot of what to see and experience when living here.

Not only is Cádiz lovely to look at, it's also a really great place to call home if warm weather equals good weather in your book.

Best Areas of Cádiz to Live in

All throughout the province are beautiful towns to call home, I recommend living in La Viña or the surrounding neighborhoods. Here you'll have everything you could ask for in terms of great beaches, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of local culture surrounding you. To get living in La Viña a try, book a stay at this one-bedroom apartment just steps from the beach.

Learn more about living in Cádiz.

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Córdoba: For a Cultural Hub in Andalusia

The history of Córdoba is phenomenal and runs deep through the cobblestone back alleyways of this old city. Once occupied by practicing Muslims, Christians, and Jewish religions simultaneously, the runoff of each is still felt, seen, and tasted throughout the city. 

Córdoba is a special place to live in Spain for many reasons but king among them is its diversity as a result of the different cultures in its history.

Like Cádiz, living in Córdoba means living in a warm climate yet you will forgo the beach by choosing this inland city.

One thing most love about living here is the stunning architecture. Your daily life abroad will play out under orange trees and buildings painted white. It's really one of those places that you can get wrapped up in the ambiance and the romanticism daily life now has.

Best Areas of Córdoba to Live in

These are the most popular neighborhoods in Córdoba to live in with easy access to the city center:

• Juderia: This neighborhood houses the most popular landmark of the city, the Mezquita. That means that a lot of tourists tend to visit here which can take away from the local atmosphere. Give living in Juderia a try by booking a stay at Tandem El Patio.
• San Andres-San Pablo: If you're looking for the busiest part of the city, this is it. Here you won't lack for bars, restaurants, shops, and nightlife but alongside plenty of noise and clutter. Casa San Mateo is a great spot to dip your toes into the neighborhood (and swimming pool).
• San Basilio: Nearest to the old town, this neighborhood is known as Alcazar Viejo and is where you'll find the most stereotypical white-washed buildings and patios overflowing with flowers. This 2-bedroom apartment is ideal for a family moving to the area.

Learn more about living in Córdoba.

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Gran Canaria: For a Taste of Spain Unlike Anywhere Else

Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands, located right off the coast of Western Africa instead of Spain itself.

Life on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands means consistent sunshine, plenty of black volcanic sand beaches, and rocks…so many volcanic rocks. Life on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands means consistent sunshine, plenty of black volcanic sand beaches, and rocks…so many volcanic rocks. 

These islands are far from hidden gems and tend to get their fair share of English-speaking tourists throughout the year. This means that it's not as necessary to speak Spanish but knowing the local language will take you far and help you integrate and make local friends. That being said, Gran Canaria doesn't see nearly as many tourists as some of the other Canary Islands.

Of the islands in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria is the smallest, roundest, and most densely populated. The majority of the island is dry and mimics a desert. Here, among the colorful houses, you'll live in island paradise.

Best Areas of Gran Canaria to Live in

Now that you agree that Gran Canaria is one of the best places to live in Spain, it's time to pick where on the island you should unpack your bags:

• Las Palmas: This is the capital of the island and has the largest expat community. It's convenient for the immigration office and international schools but otherwise a bit overly congested. If you want to give it a try, stay at Chez Abel until you find your long-term base.
• Moya: This hilltop town offers sweeping views and isn't so far from Las Palmas to commute into the city when needed yet to enjoy a daily life that's far more laid back. Pico Lomito House will put you right in the center of town.
• Mogán: The southern half of the island is more touristy and resorty, giving it a higher cost of living. This town, like many nearby, have become hubs for digital nomads which is great for community but not so great for daily costs. Scope it out from Apartmento Sunset.
• Telde: Situated on the eastern side of the island, this is a larger city that offers everything you could need to live in Spain comfortably and doesn't get nearly the amount of tourists other parts of the island does. Casa El Roque is perfect if you're moving to Spain with your family.

Learn more about living in Gran Canaria.

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Before You Move to Spain

Now that you've found which Spanish city or town best suits you as your next home abroad, there are a few more things to know before you pack your bags.

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Getting a Visa

Lucky for you, Spain, especially when compared to other European countries, offers a wide variety of visa options for expats seeking to move here.

Most nationalities are given 90-days in Spain every 180-days for tourism. Keep in mind that these days add up with time spent in other European Union countries. As a tourist you can't work here and it'll be tough to get a long-term rental contract but it's a good option to come and test out if living in Spain is a good fit for you.

The most common visa options for a long-term stay are:

• Work Visa: This is the visa you'll get if hired by a company within Spain. If you're looking to work in-person while living in Spain, this is the route you'll want to go. Many on this visa teach English either through the Auxiliares de Conversacion or BEDA programs.
• Digital Nomad Visa: This is the newest visa offered by the Spanish government and it's for digital nomads or remote workers to come and legally work online from Spain. There are some general qualifications you'll need to meet, namely your income, but in general isn't as competitive as other digital nomad visas out there.
• Non-Lucrative Residence Visa: This visa is for those that can prove they have the financial means to support themselves (without a job) in Spain. This is mostly used as a retirement visa.
• Student Visa: If you're able to study in Spain, be it at a university or through a language program to learn Spanish, you're likely eligible for this visa.

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Learning the Language

The official language throughout Spain is Spanish but different regions do have some varieties. The Catalan cities of Barcelona and nearby speak Catalan and the Basque Country speaks Basque, or Euskara.

Throughout the country you'll find different dialects of Spanish being spoken which can make learning challenging but if you stick with learning the base form of Spanish, you'll be good to go wherever you travel in Spain.

I personally would hold off on learning dialect or Catalan until you have a good understanding of Spanish or if your goal is to live full-time in one of the cities that speaks it and aren't worried about traveling to other Spanish cities too much.

Depending on your goals, I'd recommend the following apps to learn Spanish:

• Drops: Use the free version of this app for 5-minutes of vocab lessons a day. This is good for improving vocab but little else.
• Mondly: If you want to have a little bit more practice, this app is similar to Duolingo but has less silly prompts and more realistic phrases and sentences.
• Babbel: Babbel is similar to Mondly but also teaches cultural tidbits during the language lesson.
• iTalki: If you're more serious about learning to speak Spanish, this platform allows you to have 1:1 or group lessons with native teachers. This is best app to use if you're hoping to practice Catalan or dialects.

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Where Will You Move in Spain?

From bustling cities to small towns, these are the best places to live in Spain according to expats. Depending on what you're looking for in a life abroad, you're sure to find it in Spain...unless you're a cold weather lover, then you might struggle a bit in the Spanish heat.

Whether you choose one of Spain's islands, head inland, or go for a coastal city, you're bound to find large expat communities and an exciting Mediterranean lifestyle.

Plus, with so many visa opportunities, living in Spain is a more realistic dream than those who dream of living in more closed off countries in Europe and beyond.

The only question you need to ask yourself is which of these is the best place to live in Spain for you?