Wondering where to move to in Spain? Here we explore the best places to live in Spain whether you are looking to retire or work in Spain.

It has to be said that there are a whole variety of amazing places to live in Europe. However, depending on what you are looking for, one incredible option for you to consider is Spain. One of the best things about considering a move to Spain is that you are not going to be short of amazing choices of places to move to.

The typical age of British expats moving to Spain is 55, as they seek to leave behind the UK’s cold weather for Spain’s sunny and pleasant climate. According to recent statistics over 300,000 British citizens live in Spain, making it one of the most popular destinations for UK migrants to reside in.

Our list is based on data from those who have used PSS International Removals to move overseas. If you are looking to move to Spain, PSS knows a thing or two about moving household belongings and will be able to assist you.

Now, read below for our list of the top 19 places to live in Spain

1. Alicante –  The most popular destination from those who have used PSS

Alicante

Alicante is the most popular destination from those who have used PSS Removals to move overseas. Whilst there are many reasons to move to Spain, one of the main ones that those who relocate there say is that it is budget-friendly. In Alicante, the money that you earn (and in turn spend) is going to go so much further than it would in other places. This is true for both property rental as well as food and entertainment.

Aside from being a busy city in its own right, you are going to find beautiful streets lined with palm trees and sandy beaches that are straight out of a magazine shoot, and thanks to the fact that Alicante is on the southern side of Spain, you will be able to indulge in the sunshine hours for longer, as the weather is mild all year round.

2. Tenerife, Canary Islands – Warm weather throughout the year

Tenerife

Living in Tenerife presents the appealing benefit of experiencing warm weather throughout the year, with the island enjoying more than 300 days filled with sunshine.

Tenerife’s array of exhilarating outdoor activities stands out as a key attraction. Siam Park, for instance, is a renowned water park that provides a fantastic adventure for both families and those seeking thrills. Additionally, the Parque Nacional del Teide, with its breath-taking volcanic landscapes, offers the opportunity to explore unique flor and fauna.

For those who favour a vibrant, but relaxed way of life, Puerto de la Cruz, is an ideal location. In contrast, El Medano caters to those seeking a laid-back vibe and is a sought-after destination for windsurfing.

3. Barcelona – Wonderful beaches

Barcelona

If you love the idea of living somewhere that is vibrant and lively, Barcelona is perfect for you. Barcelona is a place that has plenty to offer those who are new to it. There are lots of things to see and, once you have taken in all those amazing landmarks, you will be able to see what other events are on the calendar throughout the year.

Another great reason that people move to Barcelona is because it offers a high quality of life. Sure, there is the hustle and bustle that comes with living in a city, but it also has scenic coast areas right next door, which means that you can indulge in the beauty of the landscape when you are done with the fast pace of the city streets.

4. Madrid – A city packed with history

Madrid

If you are looking for somewhere to live that has a real feel of culture about it, then you will be hard-pressed to find a better option than Madrid. This is a city that is packed full of not only history but also beautiful architecture, which means that it is an amazing place to relocate to long-term.

Not only this but Madrid is also recognised to be an economic hub. Away from the tourist side of the city, you will also be able to find history, heritage, fashion, and nightlife. Which means that it is recognised as being able to offer something to everyone.

Aside from all of these great reasons, you will also find that compared to other cities around the world, Madrid is quite affordable. There is a real sense of cost-effectiveness when it comes to everyday living, however, if you do want to splash out from time to time, you will also find that there are some spots that can offer you a little more in the way of luxury.

5. Malaga – Great job opportunities

Malaga

Málaga is an hotspot for career climbers, especially in the tech world! At the epicentre is the Málaga Technology Park, a thriving hub where tech giants like Google and Microsoft are relocated.

Málaga’s charm extends beyond its job opportunities. The real estate in Malaga is spectacular with stunning sea vistas. While these properties might come at a premium, they promise a life in a dynamic city by the beach, intertwined with fantastic career prospects. It’s not just a place to live; it’s an excellent lifestyle.

6. Valencia – Famous for their cuisine

Valencia

Valencia, a culinary haven, is renowned for gifting the world with the legendary Paella and the scrumptious Fideua. Strolling through its streets, you’re met with an array of restaurants offering the most exquisite delights in the country.

Valencia paint a picture of leisure and beauty. Picture the sandy beaches, where groups of friends gather to bask in the sun, the sound of waves providing a serene backdrop. Or the countryside, a canvas of green, inviting nature lovers to explore its trails and hidden treasures.

In its essence, Valencia mirrors Barcelona’s vibrancy but is a slower-pace. It’s a city where the bustle is gentler, the living more affordable, yet every bit as rich in culture and experience.

7. Murcia – Great outdoor activities

Murcia

Murcia, is a cyclist’s paradise, boasting well-marked trails, ideal for those who share a passion for the great outdoors. The city has a diverse and young population, famous for the University of Murcia. The university is known for their degrees in research, teaching and innovation and is one of the oldest universities in Spain.

Expect delightful weather in Murcia with plenty of splendid markets and savoury local cuisine. The real estate in Murcia is reasonably priced, and dining out in cafes and restaurants won’t break the bank.

8. Almeria – Stunning beaches

Almeria_7

Almería, is located in the sun-drenched southeast of Spain. As the vibrant capital of the province, Almería City boasts an array of stunning beaches, exceptional restaurants, bustling bars, and unique shops, often undervalued by those who may be thinking of moving to Spain.

Almería holds a special place in music history, as the city where the legendary John Lennon penned the iconic “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Inspired by Almería’s captivating atmosphere, this song remains a testament to his experience in the city.

While in Almería, immerse yourself in a variety of experiences: explore the historical shelters from the Spanish Civil War, marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral, and of course, unwind on the picturesque beaches.

9. Costa Blanca – Large expat community

Costa Blanca_1

Costa Blanca is known for its vibrant traditional festivities, including the enchanting Bonfires of San Juan and the captivating Moors Festival.

Rojales, a beloved destination in Costa, stands out as a favoured expat community, with a remarkable 68% of its 16,000 residents hailing from outside Spain.

Guardamar Del Segura is another top choice for retirees from Britain, offering a well-rounded lifestyle. With its excellent hiking trails, water sports opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic rivers, it’s a haven for those who cherish outdoor activities.

10. Costa Del Sol – Great place to raise a family

Costa Del Sol_3

The majority of the Costa Del Sol region falls within the province of Málaga, where Málaga Airport serves as the primary gateway. This airport offers convenient access to the towns of Costa Del Sol, either by train or bus.

Among the most sought-after places to live in Costa Del Sol is the famed Marbella, celebrated for its vibrant bars, exquisite restaurants, and delightful climate. Close by is Mijas, a town known for its array of shops, schools, and various activities.

Living in this region is fantastic for families, offering numerous sports and promoting an outdoor lifestyle.

11. Bilbao – Wide range of things to do

Bilbao

Whilst there are plenty of sunny spots in Spain there are also those that might not get quite as much year-round sunshine as others. Bilbao is an example of this. Whilst it may not be as drenched in sunshine as more southern spots, one of the benefits that come with this is the fact that it is not so tourist-packed either.

Tourists are great, especially if they are from the same place as you, and therefore give you a sense of home, however, if you are trying to escape home, then maybe you will want to stay away from the tourist spots as much as possible.

Bilbao offers a range of cultural options if you want to find things to do during your downtime. It is also not quite as busy as other cities which is ideal if you want to feel that you are away from it all.

Bilbao is also a great spot for those who enjoy surfing, with many of those who move to the city looking for a space to act as a base for their wave-seeking adventures.

12. Seville – Slower pace of life

Seville

Set away from some of the other, fast-paced cities in Spain is Seville. Seville is another part of Spain that is well-known for its culture and heritage; with plenty of wonderful architecture that you will no doubt never get bored of seeing.

That said, another reason that many people choose Seville as a place to live is because it has a rather slower pace when it comes to everyday life. Especially when you compare it to the other cities that have made it to the list.

Pedestrians are well taken care of in the city and whilst you can get around in your car, or on public transport, on foot is often the best way to move from place to place. Which, when you consider this to be the case, means that it is incredibly good news that the city itself is seen to be hugely secure, with crime at a lower risk than in other places.

13. Malaga – Great sunshine and beaches

Malaga

When you think of Malaga, there is a good chance that you are going to think about lively holidays and plenty of sun-seeking tourists. Whilst this is true, Malaga is also on the rise as a place for those who want to relocate to somewhere that is a little on the sunnier side of life.

It is the combination of the climate and the relaxed approach to everyday life, that makes Malaga a popular place for people to retire to. That said, it is an ideal choice for any age, those who are younger will appreciate the much-valued public transport network, as well as the plentiful job opportunities that Malaga can offer.

Of course, it isn’t all about work and when the downtime does arrive, those who choose Malaga are going to be able to soak up the southern Spain sunshine on one of the many pristine and picture-perfect beaches.

If you would like more information about shipping costs to Spain, make sure to read our previous post for more details.

14. San Sebastian – Known as ‘mini’ Paris

San Sebastian

Often known as the “Mini Paris” San Sebastian is seen to be amongst one of the best places to live in Spain. A title that it has gained even though it doesn’t have quite the same sunshine all round feel that you will get on the southern coast of the country.

The reason that it has this name is thanks to the rich heritage that it has as a city, as well as the fact that it has one of the highest concentrations of bars in the world, ideal if you are always on the lookout for somewhere to spend the evening with friends or loved ones.

San Sebastian doesn’t have quite as many people living there who have relocated from elsewhere in the world, however, this shouldn’t be a reason not to consider it, as it is still a place that offers a friendly welcome to anyone who has decided to call it their home. No matter where they are from originally.

15. Tarragona – Budget friendlyTarragona (1)

Whilst there are many reasons to move to Spain, one of the main ones that those who relocate there say is that it is budget-friendly. In Tarragona, the money that you earn (and in turn spend) is going to go so much further than it would in other places. This is true for both property rental as well as food and entertainment.

Aside from being a busy city in its own right, you are going to find beautiful streets lined with palm trees and sandy beaches that are straight out of a magazine shoot and you will be able to indulge in the sunshine hours for longer, as the weather is mild all year round.

16. Valencia – Great food and culture

Valencia

Another city that boasts a lower cost of living than others is Valencia. This city is not only a great place to live in its own right but, thanks to some high-speed rail connections, it is also incredibly easy to get to some of the other big cities in Spain.

Many people fall in love with the food and culture of Valencia when they visit, which is something that is still enjoyed by those who call it their home. It also has some rather stunning beaches, which means that you are going to be able to enjoy some of the more natural wonders of the Mediterranean, while still enjoying the man-made ones too.

 17. Granada – Vibrant and busy night-life

Granada

If you want a place that has a dual personality, then you may want to have a look at Granada. As well as providing you with some gorgeous beaches a few KMs away from the city centre, you will also find mountains and plenty of greenery to the north.

Many of the people who seem to move to Granada are doing so because they have heard that it is the ideal place for students. There are a number of reasons for this. The first is the education level, which is known to be incredibly high quality. Then there is the fact that compared to other cities, it is quite inexpensive to live in, ideal if you are trying to keep to a student’s budget.

Finally (and for some perhaps most importantly of all) considering it is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grenada is actually able to provide quite a vibrant and busy night-life, which is ideal if you want to make some new friends whilst you are living there.

18. Cordoba – Affordable cost of living

Cordoba

Cordoba, located in Spain’s Andalusia region, is conveniently positioned other popular cities such as Seville, Malaga, and Granada. This city is known for its cost-effective lifestyle, with affordably priced rental options and dining experience.

Despite its relatively small size, with a population of 350,000, Cordoba is rich in entertainment. It is home to the famous Mezuita, an architectural marvel blending Islamic and Christian design, and the Palacio de Viana, a stunning palace with lush gardens.

Overall, if you are looking to enjoy high quality living at a favourable cost, it is worth looking at Cordoba as an option.

19. Sotogrande – Higher air quality

Sotogrande

If you want to make sure that you are not alone in your big move, then you may want to think about Sotogrande. The city is known to have lots of people who have relocated to Spain calling it their home. Whether they move for work, for schooling or simply because they fancy a change.

As well as this, Sotogrande is also known to have somewhat of a higher quality air about it as a city. Many people have private equity investments in the area and their marina has over 800 berths in it too. There is also a well-recognised equestrian community that calls it their home, which is ideal if this is something that interests you too.

Are you looking to move to Spain?

The main reason to choose Spain as your new place to live is because it is a beautiful part of the world that has something to offer every single person who wishes to relocate. Whether it is busy cities, crazy nightlife, or perhaps something a little on the quieter side of life, with the variety of places to call your home in Spain, you are going to be able to move to somewhere that meets all your expectations and more.

The only issue with having so many great places to choose from is that it becomes all the harder to know what is going to be right for you. The aim should always be to think about not only what is going to be right for you now but about your life the way that it is. But also in the future too. That way, you know that you can call Spain your forever home.

If after reading this you are convinced about moving to Spain, PSS International Removals can help you. We have helped people move to Spain for over 40 years, and can provide you a great service. Whether you are looking to ship your boxes, or move your furniture to Spain, our team is on hand to help you move.