The 10 Best Cities to Live in Spain in 2024 & 2025

Moving to Spain can be an exciting adventure, offering a high quality of life, beautiful weather, and rich cultural experiences. Living in Spain means enjoying a relaxed lifestyle, vibrant festivals, and diverse cuisine, but it also requires understanding the local language and customs. When considering moving to Spain, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons, such as the affordable cost of living and excellent healthcare versus potential bureaucratic hurdles and language barriers. For retirees, some of the best places to retire in Spain include Málaga, Valencia, and Alicante, known for their pleasant climates and welcoming communities. Before moving to Spain, it’s crucial to know about visa requirements, healthcare options, and the cost of living to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. See The 10 Best Cities to Live in Spain in 2024 & 2025

1 – Madrid:

As the capital city of Spain, Madrid is a bustling metropolis known for its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and significant job opportunities. It is a hub for finance, technology, and tourism, featuring world-class museums like the Prado and landmarks such as the Royal Palace. The city’s public transportation system is highly efficient, making it easy to explore all it has to offer​.

2 – Barcelona:

Famous for its stunning architecture by Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família, Barcelona offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The city boasts beautiful beaches, a lively arts scene, and a thriving tech startup ecosystem. It is also known for its delicious cuisine and numerous festivals, making it an exciting place to live.

3 – Valencia:

Valencia seamlessly blends tradition and innovation with its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and historic sites like the Valencia Cathedral. The city is renowned for its culinary scene, particularly as the birthplace of paella. With beautiful beaches and green spaces like the Turia Gardens, Valencia offers a high quality of life for its residents.

4 – Málaga:

Located on the Costa del Sol, Málaga enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The city is a cultural and commercial hub with beautiful beaches, a welcoming expat community, and rich history dating back to its Moorish and Roman past. Málaga’s vibrant lifestyle and excellent amenities make it a popular destination for expats​.

5 – Granada:

Known for the stunning Alhambra palace, Granada offers a unique mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The city is close to both the Sierra Nevada mountains and Mediterranean beaches, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Granada is also an affordable city with a lively atmosphere, thanks to its large student population.

6 – Seville:

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is famous for its historic landmarks such as the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar. The city is known for its vibrant flamenco scene, numerous festivals, and welcoming atmosphere. Seville’s rich cultural heritage and close-knit expat community make it a desirable place to live.

7 – Bilbao:

The largest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao is renowned for its innovative architecture, including the Guggenheim Museum. The city offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare facilities, and a thriving gastronomy scene. Bilbao’s cultural richness and modern infrastructure attract many expats looking for a dynamic place to live.

8 – San Sebastián:

Located on the Basque coast, San Sebastián is famous for its beautiful beaches, Michelin-starred restaurants, and vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival and offers a high standard of living with a strong sense of community. It is an attractive destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and cultural experiences.

9 – Palma de Mallorca:

The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with stunning beaches, historic neighborhoods, and excellent shopping and dining options. The city provides a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle with high-quality healthcare and education facilities, making it ideal for expats​.

10 – Marbella:

Known for its luxurious lifestyle, Marbella attracts the rich and famous from around the world. The city offers beautiful beaches, low crime rates, and a range of amenities catering to expats. Marbella’s vibrant nightlife, upscale shopping, and excellent dining options make it a glamorous place to live​.