10 Best Cities to Move to in Spain
10 Best Cities to Move to in Spain
Are you thinking about starting a new chapter in a different country? Well, Spain is calling, and here’s why these places are so special. From the lively streets of Barcelona to the historic charm of Granada, each city has its own unique vibe and reasons why it could be your next home.
We’re here to guide you through the exciting possibilities and help you understand why these Spanish gems should be on your list of places to move. So, prepare for a journey filled with culture, lifestyle, and new opportunities as we explore why these cities could be the perfect fit for your next adventure. We recommend scouting the country on an expat tour to find your perfect spot.
Seville
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Seville is known for flamenco dancing and jamon iberico (Iberico ham), but those delicacies are just a sampling of what Seville has to offer. The capital of Andalusia has about 700,000 residents and a rich history of Christian and Muslim conquest, which you can see melded in its architecture. You can take a train to the coast, which is called Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light).
Our favorite neighborhoods: Nervion, Alameda, Triana, Macarena
Great cities nearby: Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz
Fun fact: The first Costco in Spain was built in Seville
Malaga
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Malaga is a stunning city of half a million on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun). It has a thriving tech hub and an annual film festival. The city is covered with options to learn and enjoy art, like the SOHO art neighborhood and five major art schools. Not surprising since Picasso was born here.
Our favorite neighborhoods: Centro, Soho, El Perchel
Great cities nearby: Marbella, Rincon de la Victoria, Nerja
Fun fact: Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians 2800 years ago, making it one of Europe’s oldest cities
Alicante
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Alicante is a city of about 350,000 on the Costa Blanca (White Coast). The city is right on the beach, and you can visit dozens of other beach towns by tram. It’s a friendly, relaxed spot with expat communities of all origins. Visit in June to attend the Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John), a festival that features fireworks and burning elaborate and beautiful papier-mâché sculptures.
Our favorite neighborhoods: Centro, Altozano, Campoamor, Carolinas Altas, El Campello
Great cities nearby: Villajoyosa, Altea, Albir, Calp, Denia, Torrevieja
Fun fact: Some people say tapas originated in Alicante
Valencia
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Not to sound like a broken record, but Valencia also has amazing beaches, art, and food. It has a population of 800,000 and has been ranked the healthiest city on earth for two years in a row. Pictured is the tremendous Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), a massive cultural and architectural complex. The city’s Fallas Festival, where giant puppets are crafted and burned, is similar to Alicante’s bonfire festival but this one is much larger. As many as three million people attend each year.
Our favorite neighborhoods: El Carmen, El Cabanyal, Benimaclet
Great cities nearby: Marbella, Rincon de la Victoria, Nerja
Fun fact: It’s home to the largest aquarium in Europe
Barcelona
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Barcelona is a breathtaking city of 1.6 million people on the Mediterranean Sea. Closer to five million live in greater Barcelona. The city is known for art, architecture, fashion, and trade. One of the most notable things about Barcelona is its excellent city plan that’s kept the city from experiencing sprawl. There are endless choices of museums, markets, bars, restaurants, and beaches to visit. Sports fans will enjoy watching Barça and Barça Femení play football.
Our favorite neighborhoods: Ciutat Vella, Gracia, L’Eixample, Sarria, Nou Barris
Great cities nearby: Sitges, Cadaques, Figueres, Blanes, Tossa de Mar
Fun fact: The large cathedral you see in the photo above is La Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction for 140 years. It was supposed to be completed in 2026, but the pandemic caused additional delays
Bilbao
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Bilbao is in the northeastern part of Spain near the border with France. It’s called Basque Country, and it has its own language, cuisine, and culture. It’s also home to the incredible Guggenheim Museum. To the west is the Costa Verde (Green Coast), a lush region on the Atlantic Ocean.
Our favorite neighborhoods: Bilbao La Vieja, Casco Viejo, San Francisco, Abando, Uribarri
Great cities nearby: Santander, San Sebastian, Guernica
Fun fact: Small plates aren’t called tapas in Bilbao—they’re called pintxos (pronounced like pinch-ose or pin-chose)
Vigo
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Vigo residents gave the city the highest marks in Spain for quality of life, and viewing that sunset above, yyou can imagine wh. The city is located on Spain’s western coast, just north of Portugal, and it has a population of about 300,000. It’s known for mild weather and delicious local seafood.
Our favorite neighborhoods: Casco Vello, La Porta do Sol, Barrio de Bouzas, O Berbés, Teis
Great cities nearby: Combarro, A Guarda, Redes, Baiona, Camariñas, Santiago de Compostela
Fun fact: The oldest Spanish newspaper still in publication is the Faro de Vigo
Madrid
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One of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Europe, the Spanish capital has about 3.3 million residents, while 6.5 million live in greater Madrid. You’ll never run out of museums, concerts, plays, wine tastings, food tours, and sporting events in Madrid, but if you need a change of pace, take the high speed train to any coast. Almost every day is sunny, and if you’re still working on your Spanish, many people in Madrid speak English.
Our favorite neighborhoods: La Latina, Malasaña, Chueca, Chameri, Lavapies, Chamartin, Villa de Vallecas
Great cities nearby: Las Rozas, San Sebastian de los Reyes, Getafe, Toledo, Valladolid
Fun fact: Madrid has the oldest working restaurant in the world
Granada
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Granada is a remarkable city in Spain known for the stunning Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With around 125,000 people, Granada is a mix of Moorish and Spanish influences, seen in its architecture, lively markets, and busy streets. Granada is surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, offering history and natural beauty. The Albaicín neighborhood’s narrow streets and white houses add to the city’s charm.
Our favorite neighborhoods: Albaicín, Realejo, El Centro, Sacromonte
Great cities nearby: Montefrío, Guadix, Gorafe
Fun fact: Granada is famous for giving free tapas with drinks in its bars, making it an excellent place for food lovers.
Palma de Mallorca
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If you like the idea of living on an island, Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, could be perfect. With around 410,000 people, Palma has a lively city vibe and the calmness of Mediterranean beaches. The city has a beautiful Gothic cathedral, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Palma is also a hub for water sports and outdoor activities, making it ideal for those who enjoy both city life and coastal adventures.
Our favorite neighborhoods: Santa Catalina, La Lonja, El Terreno
Great cities nearby: Valldemossa, Deià, Fornalutx
Fun fact: Palma’s Bellver Castle is one of the few circular castles in Europe that offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding sea.
Guide to Moving to Spain
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Spain is incredibly popular with expats of all stripes, whether they’re studying abroad, retiring, or any of the life stages in between. They’re drawn to the cities, the beaches, the weather, the art and architecture, and the food — all at a decent cost of living — along with highly ranked safety, infrastructure, and healthcare. Spain welcomes retired Americans, and it’s easy to get around Europe once you’re there. Spanish people may speak Spanish, Catalan, or a number of other regional Romance languages or Spanish dialects, but more than a quarter speak English. Each region of the country has its own distinct personality, so enjoy exploring and discovering your favorites!
How to Get Healthcare in Spain
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Spain has one of the most innovative and remarkable healthcare systems in Western Europe. With its rich resources, Spain is home to a large number of hospitals and clinics that offer top-notch medical care.
➤ How to Get Healthcare in Spain
Jen Barnett is the co-founder of Expatsi, a company that's helped thousands of Americans on their moving abroad journeys. She created the Expatsi Test, an assessment that recommends countries for aspiring emigrants based on lifestyle data. Jen has an MBA from Emory University with concentrations in marketing and innovation. Prior to Expatsi, she created Freshfully and Bottle & Bone—two businesses in the local food space—and spoke at TEDx on being brave. She lives in Mérida, Yucatán, along with her husband and co-founder Brett, pitbull mix Squiggy, and two rotten cats. How can she help you move abroad?
