Spain's Top Living Spots Unveiled - Aromatic Seaside Hideaway Emerges victorious as the Hidden Gem
From spectacular coastal towns to city life brimming with culture, Spain smashes it out of the park as a top destination for British expats. But what are the best places to set up shop in this sun-drenched county?
A new rundown from the expat gurus at Nomad Capitalist unveils the cream of the crop when it comes to settling down in Spain. Check out these heavenly locales that made the cut...
11. Zaragoza
Nestled in northern Spain, Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon region, is hailed for its old-world charm with cobblestone streets that take you back in time. This city might not be Spain's most famous destination, but it's the country's fifth largest.
It's steeped in history, dating back to the Roman Empire, offering a refreshing change for those who prefer city life over sunny beaches.
10. Ibiza
Known worldwide for its legendary parties, Ibiza is the number one Balearic island on Nomad Capitalist's list. The island is an UNESCO World Heritage site because of its diverse and unique ecosystems.
Nomad Capitalist encourages expats to explore Ibiza's mystical interior, a stark contrast to its party-hearty coastline. During the off-season, the island's crowd dies down, offering a calmer vibe for those who aren't into the raging nightlife.
9. Bilbao
The mid-sized city of Bilbao, situated in Spain's Basque region, fits the bill for those who find larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona overwhelming. Bilbao boasts easy access to the unspoiled, wild beaches of the north coast.
This city offers a more manageable feel compared to its overcrowded counterparts, but it's generally more expensive, especially when it comes to property prices. Art lovers will feel right at home thanks to the Guggenheim art gallery, one of Spain's most iconic cultural attractions.
8. Granada
Famed for the iconic Alhambra Palace, Granada boasts a smaller expat community, providing opportunities for expats to delve into authentic Spanish culture. The city's summer temperatures can be brutal, but the bonus is easy access to skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains come winter.
One plus? Eating out in Granada won't break the bank compared to other Spanish cities.
7. San Sebastian
Often referred to as the foodie capital of Spain, San Sebastian also lays claim to one of the country's most beloved urban beaches. The seashell-shaped Playa de la Concha has been named one of the best beaches in the world.
Once the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, this stylish resort offers a slow-paced lifestyle where everything is within a 15-minute walk from the train station.
6. Valencia
Spain's third-largest city, Valencia, offers a lower cost of living compared to other big cities. It's also the homeland of paella, a popular Spanish dish enjoyed by locals at lunchtime rather than dinner.
Valencia is the urban hub of the Costa Blanca, providing easy access to beautiful sandy beaches. As the dish gained popularity across Spain, the city has become a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast.
5. Seville
Seville is a tourist hotspot with plenty of al fresco entertainment. During the Feria de Abril (April Fair), 75,000 square meters of the city center transforms into a lively fairground.
However, Seville's popularity means it can feel a bit crowded in the summer months, and the heat can soar beyond 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in August.
4. Barcelona
A favorite among digital nomads, Barcelona is Spain's second-largest city and offers a diverse range of expats. With Sant Sebastia beach conveniently located in the central La Barceloneta neighborhood, expats won't be far from a stretch of sand.
But be warned, food costs are higher than other Spanish cities, so budget accordingly. On the plus side, Barcelona offers a diverse food scene with a wealth of options, including international cuisine.
3. Madrid
More and more expats are moving to Madrid for new job opportunities. With a well-connected airport and a train station offering fast access to other major cities in Spain, Madrid is an excellent choice for those who want to visit family often.
As the capital city, expats should expect higher prices compared to smaller cities in Spain.
2. Sotogrande
In sunny Sotogrande, luxury living reigns supreme. This gated community in Andalucia offers easy access to golf courses and catering to equestrian activities.
Residents enjoy an upscale lifestyle, but the high property prices mean this destination isn't ideal for budget-conscious expats.
1. Malaga
Malaga takes the cake as the number one destination for expats in Spain. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, and the broader region boasts a thriving expat community.
The city provides easy access to sandy beaches and national parks, and it's well connected to the UK with numerous budget direct flights available for those who need to pop home.
In the list compiled by Nomad Capitalist, Malaga stands as the top choice for expats in sunny Spain, offering a relaxed lifestyle and a well-connected network to the UK. Sotogrande, a gated community in Andalucia, caters to luxury living with its golf courses and equestrian activities, although high property prices make it less attractive for budget-conscious expats. Barcelona, a favorite among digital nomads, provides a diverse range of expats, but food costs can be relatively higher. Madrid, Spain's capital city, attracts expats seeking new job opportunities and is well-connected to other cities, albeit with higher prices.
On the Costa Blanca, Valencia offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, being the homeland of popular Spanish dish paella. San Sebastian, regarded as the foodie capital of Spain, boasts an urban beach, Playa de la Concha, and a laidback atmosphere where everything is within a 15-minute walk. In summer, Granada's temperatures can be brutal, but the city's proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains offers easy access to skiing in winter, and dining out is relatively affordable.
Moving away from coastal towns, Bilbao, in Spain's Basque region, caters to those who find larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona overwhelming, while still providing easy access to unspoiled, wild beaches. Known worldwide for its parties, Ibiza is an attractive choice for expats who want to explore its mystical interior during the off-season. Lastly, nestled in northern Spain, Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon region, offers old-world charm, history dating back to the Roman Empire, and a more manageable city feel, although it is generally more expensive, particularly when it comes to property prices.
