The 6 best cities to live in Spain if you're thinking of moving abroad
- Straight from Spain Academy
- May 22, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
Dreaming of moving to Spain, walking to the beach for coffee, and starting fresh in a new culture? Here's an honest, fun, and spicy guide to the best cities to live in Spain. No tourist fluff. Just the good, the curious, and the stuff no one tells you.
This isn't your typical, cold “quality of life ranking”. This is a personal, playful and super honest selection of my top 6 cities—based on what really matters when you're starting a new life abroad: the weather, food, people, rent prices, and most of all, how much a place makes you want to stay.
1. Valencia: Sunshine, paella and life by the sea 🌞
Valencia is like that crush who ends up becoming your long-term partner. It has the beach, the energy, the light (so much light!), and it’s way more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona. You don’t just move here—you settle happily.
What to expect
Valencia offers the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Its old town is full of lively squares, Gothic churches and local markets, while the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences adds a modern twist. You can bike through the old Turia riverbed—now a huge green park—or spend the afternoon at Malvarrosa beach.
🍽️ Food & traditions
Valencia is all about paella (the original one!), horchata with fartons, and fire. Yes, fire. The famous Fallas festival in March fills the city with bonfires, fireworks, and giant paper sculptures.
Who it’s perfect for:
Students, remote workers, retirees—basically anyone who wants good weather, good prices and a good life.
💡 Pro tip: The Spanish spoken in Valencia is very clear and neutral—perfect for learners!
2. Málaga: Endless sun, sardines, and Andalusian charm 🌊
Málaga is the place you thought was just for summer... until you move there and never want to leave. Sunshine, sea views, friendly vibes and street art everywhere.
What to expect
A coastal city in the south, Málaga combines Mediterranean weather with an increasingly cool cultural scene. The historic center is full of tapas bars, terraces and boutique shops. You’ve got the beach on one side and the Picasso Museum on the other.
🍽️ Food & traditions
Espetos (grilled sardines on the beach), sweet local wines, and lively traditions like the Feria de Agosto or the Semana Santa processions make Málaga both tasty and vibrant.
Who it’s perfect for
If you love sun all year round and the idea of learning Spanish with your feet in the sand—this is your spot.
💡 Pro tip: Málaga’s accent is musical and fast, but super friendly—locals will love that you're trying!
3. Madrid: The city that never sleeps... or stops talking 🏙️
Madrid isn’t just a city—it’s a state of mind. It’s loud, lively, full of energy and always awake. If you're looking for a little chaos and a lot of culture, this is for you.
What to expect
Madrid is like a double shot of espresso. It’s intense, inspiring, and never boring. World-class museums, giant parks like El Retiro, trendy neighborhoods, and the famous Gran Vía will keep your calendar full.
🍽️ Food & traditions
From cocido madrileño (a hearty stew) to endless tapas and Sunday vermouths, the food scene is rich. And don’t miss San Isidro—when locals dress up, dance chotis, and eat traditional sweets in the park.
Who it’s perfect for
Professionals, creatives, and people who like cities that buzz 24/7.
💡 Pro tip: Madrid offers one of the clearest and most standard forms of Spanish—great for picking up the language quickly.
Already imagining yourself strolling through El Retiro or grabbing a caña in Malasaña? In any of these cities, you can improve your Spanish with our online classes from day one.
4. Granada: Full of history, full of art, and yes—free tapas 🏰
Granada is small, intense, and full of soul. It smells like incense, looks like a postcard, and feeds you with tapas that are basically mini meals.
What to expect
It’s a city of contrasts: Moorish alleys, mountain views, student vibes and flamenco. You’ll wander through the Albaicín, sip tea in Moroccan-style teterías and catch sunsets over the Alhambra.
🍽️ Food & traditions
Granada is famous for its free tapas (yes, really!), sweet piononos, and hearty mountain dishes. The Corpus Christi fair fills the streets with flamenco and festivities.
Who it’s perfect for
Creative souls, students, remote workers and anyone on a budget who still wants a full cultural feast.
💡 Pro tip: The Andalusian accent in Granada is beautiful but fast—don’t worry, your ear will catch up fast with practice!
5. San Sebastián: Elegance, beauty and rainy pintxos 🌧️
San Sebastián is polished, picturesque and proud. It’s a calm beauty with a surfer’s soul and a chef’s heart.
What to expect
Imagine strolling along La Concha beach, exploring elegant neighborhoods, or riding waves in Zurriola. San Sebastián looks like a movie set—and feels like one too.
🍽️ Food & traditions
This is the foodie capital of Spain. Pintxos everywhere, Michelin stars galore, and the epic Tamborrada drum festival every January.
Who it’s perfect for
Nature lovers, foodies, surfers and anyone who doesn’t mind a little rain with their croquetas.
💡 Pro tip: Spanish here is influenced by Basque culture—it's slower and precise, making it quite learner-friendly.
6. Santiago de Compostela: Where silence sounds like legend ✨
Santiago isn’t just a city—it’s a vibe. Misty mornings, cobblestone alleys and deep calm. This is where time slows down.
What to expect
A UNESCO-listed old town full of medieval charm, mossy churches, quiet cafés and stone streets that seem to whisper stories.
🍽️ Food & traditions
Pulpo a la gallega, empanadas, and the famous Tarta de Santiago. The end point of the Camino de Santiago gives the city a spiritual, international flair.
Who it’s perfect for
Writers, retirees, slow travelers and anyone looking for authenticity over adrenaline.
💡 Pro tip: Galician Spanish is soft, slow, and welcoming—ideal for building confidence.
📊 Best cities to live in Spain: Full comparison
So, which one is calling your name?
Each of these cities has its own charm. Whether you’re into beach vibes, mountain views or rainy afternoons with good food and better conversation, Spain has a spot just for you.
Can you picture yourself enjoying tapas in Granada, surfing in San Sebastián, or sipping a café con leche on a sunny terrace in Valencia? When the city fits your soul, everything else falls into place.
If you’re already thinking about making the move—or just want to explore the idea—Straight from Spain is here to help you feel confident, connected, and truly local.
📣 Want to learn real Spanish you’ll actually use?
If you’ve enjoyed learning Spanish like this — practical, real and fun — imagine what you can learn in a class with us! 😍
At Straight from Spain, we teach real-world Spanish you can use on vacation, at the supermarket, or chatting with locals.
👉 Book your trial lesson and start speaking like a true playero or playera. Caña optional… but highly recommended. 🍺
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