Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
What Is the Best Spanish City for Expats?
If you had to choose the best Spanish city to live in for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
Expats Share Their Favorite Cities to Live in Spain
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Planning your move to Spain?
Get the free step-by-step roadmap used by 10,000+ expats — covering visas, budget, housing, and the mistakes to avoid.
Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“My favorite is Valencia.”
“Valencia! Although all of Spain is fantastic.”
“Barcelona. The culture, beach, people, food.”
“Bilbao. Clean, safe, good mix of old and new. Great public transportation. A short subway ride to the coastal bay. Surrounded by hills creating its own protected climate. Good food too.”
Not sure which city is right for you?
Compare cost of living, weather, expat community size, and lifestyle across 13 Spanish cities in our free guide.
Explore Cities →“I visited 17 cities in one scouting trip but probably 20 in total for Spain and Granada is by far my favorite but I was not there in the summer. Alicante was my least favorite.”
“Hands down, Madrid. It’s the best city in the world, safe, fun, culture, international, accessible healthcare, walkable, seasons… I love it!”
“If you love green Spain and nature, Oviedo is the one. We moved here 7 months ago, and we love it so much!”
“Valencia. It’s beautiful, has a mild climate, less touristy than Madrid or Barcelona and is on the coast so close to many beautiful beaches.”
“Rota the Pueblo… right outside the NAS, close to Cadiz. Playa, good seafood, chiringuitos, and good day trip options.”
“Great public transport, access to a major airport, Retiro park for exercise – Madrid!”
“Estepona, just because it is beautiful.”
“Sitges – stunning and walkable with beach access.”
“Malaga: climate, rail connections, great infrastructure, intercontinental airport, cost of living, beach access, mountains, food, culture, history.”
“Gandia. A small, complete city. Safe, friendly, close to the ocean. Good public and private healthcare. Lower real estate and living costs than bigger cities.”
“Santiago de Compostela, Carnota or Mera – all in Galicia.”
“Barcelona – energy, exuberance, culture, beach, architecture, endless cultural activities, international people.”
“Seville – food, people, atmosphere, and location. Be aware of the extreme heat in summer.”
“Alicante – the weather, food, beach, vibe.”
“Getxo – great quality of life, near the beach, not many tourists, great food, easy public transportation, 20 minutes to Bilbao.”
“Denia – has everything: beach, charm, and peacefulness.”
“Calpe – very nice beaches and close drive to larger cities.”
“Tossa – wonderful town, great climate, food, and history.”
“San Sebastián or Ribadesella – ideal for those who love surf, diving, mountain biking, and food.”
Planning your move to Spain? Check out our complete Moving to Spain guide, learn about the Non-Lucrative Visa, explore the cost of living in Spain, and discover your Digital Nomad Visa options.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best City to Live in Spain
Expats across Spain have diverse opinions on what makes the “best Spanish city,” with many favorites depending on climate preferences, lifestyle needs, and cultural tastes.
Valencia stood out for its combination of affordability, modern infrastructure, and coastal charm. Madrid received high praise for its walkability, culture, and connectivity.
Cities like Granada, Bilbao, and Seville won fans for their architecture, authenticity, or food scenes, while Malaga and its nearby towns offered a mix of good weather, beach access, and urban comforts.
Northern cities like Oviedo and Getxo appealed to nature lovers and those wanting cooler weather and fewer tourists.
Ultimately, your ideal city may depend on whether you prioritize sun, surf, food, affordability, or a quieter lifestyle.
Top 5 cities on the list
Here is the table showing the number of mentions and percentage share of each Spanish city based on the conversation.
| Spanish City | Mentions | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia | 24 | 12.18% |
| Madrid | 20 | 10.15% |
| Malaga | 18 | 9.13% |
| Barcelona | 17 | 8.63% |
| Granada | 11 | 5.58% |
| Alicante | 10 | 5.08% |
| Sevilla/Seville | 9 | 4.57% |
| Oviedo | 5 | 2.54% |
| Bilbao | 5 | 2.54% |
| Cádiz | 4 | 2.03% |
| Rota | 3 | 1.52% |
| Getxo | 3 | 1.52% |
| Vigo | 3 | 1.52% |
| Zaragoza | 3 | 1.52% |
| San Sebastián | 2 | 1.02% |
| Marbella | 2 | 1.02% |
| Córdoba | 2 | 1.02% |
| Santiago de Compostela | 2 | 1.02% |
| Cartagena | 2 | 1.02% |
| Denia | 2 | 1.02% |
| Calpe | 2 | 1.02% |
| Almuñecar | 2 | 1.02% |
| El Terrible de Arriba | 2 | 1.02% |
| Torrevieja | 2 | 1.02% |
| Burgos | 1 | 0.51% |
| Gijón | 1 | 0.51% |
| Teruel | 1 | 0.51% |
| Vitoria | 1 | 0.51% |
| Murcia | 1 | 0.51% |
| Cáceres | 1 | 0.51% |
| Palma de Mallorca | 1 | 0.51% |
| Santander | 1 | 0.51% |
| Sitges | 1 | 0.51% |
| Huesca | 1 | 0.51% |
| Salou | 1 | 0.51% |
| Toledo | 1 | 0.51% |
| Pontevedra | 1 | 0.51% |
| Finestrat | 1 | 0.51% |
| Gandia | 1 | 0.51% |
| Altea | 1 | 0.51% |
| Tossa | 1 | 0.51% |
| Sant Sadurní de l’Heura | 1 | 0.51% |
| Calella de Palafrugell | 1 | 0.51% |
Map of all mentioned cities
Get your free step-by-step Spain move plan
10 emails over 2 weeks covering visas, budget, housing & the mistakes to avoid.
Join 10,000+ expats who used this roadmap.
100% free · No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime
