The Best Countries for Canadian Expats to Move to

While the best place to live in Spain might be a subjective choice, one thing’s for sure – there’s no shortage of great places to live in this Mediterranean country.

A second residence on the Iberian Peninsula or one of its islands combines the opportunity to live abroad with the chance to diversify your assets and gain new tax benefits. 

On top of that, Spain offers warm weather and, with a lower average rental price than other Western European countries, a more affordable real estate market.

Plus, a new life in Spain means you and your family can take advantage of the generously subsidised education, healthcare and public transport facilities available in the country. 

Spain continues to increase in popularity amongst digital nomads, and a thriving expat community makes up over 18% of the Spanish population. A high number like this means people must like it. 

But where exactly should you live in Spain? Again, it depends, but we’ve reviewed 11 of the best cities to move to in Spain to help you start narrowing down your options.

Once you move (or well before, actually), allow Nomad Capitalist to look after all your residence needs. We advise high-net-worth individuals on residence by investment and tax residence in EU countries and beyond. 

Until then, here are the 11 best places to live in Spain.

11 Best Places to Live in Spain

From bustling metropolises to charming coastal towns, Spain has a diverse spectrum of living experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the lively energy of Barcelona or the serene beauty of the Canary Islands, there’s a perfect place to call home in this gorgeous country.

11. Zaragoza

Zaragoza is Spain’s fifth largest city, with over 740,000 people calling it home. It’s the capital of the historical region of Aragon in the northeast of Spain, and the River Ebro runs through it. 

Three famous historical figures are closely associated with the Aragonese capital.

The first was the Roman emperor Augustus, who made it a colony called Caesaraugusta. Zaragoza’s main tram line passes along downtown Via Augusta, which includes a statue of his imperial greatness next to the municipal market.

Then there was Ferdinand of Aragon, whose 1479 marriage to Isabella of Castile led to the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. This union also created what we now know and love as Spain. 

Previously, the non-Portuguese part of the Iberian Peninsula had been made up of independent kingdoms.

Thirdly, Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) is the artist better known simply as Goya. He is celebrated as one of the last of the Old Masters and one of the first of the new breed of modern artists. 

A central art gallery dedicated to his work also chronicles his influences, contemporaries and those he inspired.

With its two cathedrals and cobbled streets, Zaragoza offers a journey back in time.

El Tubo is the principal place to tuck into flavourful tapas such as El Champi, where you can only order skewered grilled mushrooms, with or without a shrimp topping, to accompany your caña (small beer).

Zaragoza is built upon the foundations of its Roman walls. Inland Zaragoza is a world away from the sunny Spain depicted on postcards. Indeed, navigating the fearsome cierzo wind that roars through the city can feel like a test of endurance at times.

10. Ibiza

The easterly Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, are amongst the most visited tourist destinations in Spain, along with the more southerly Canary Islands.

Ibiza is a western Mediterranean island some 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Mallorca. It was a strategic battleground conquered by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians in ancient times. 

Ibiza is home to some key archaeological sites, with relics displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza Town.

Despite its small size – just 572 square kilometres – Ibiza supports diverse and unique ecosystems, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999.

Aside from its stunning nature, Ibiza is a world-famous party island. Its nightclubs are as glamorous as they are decadent. But before it became popular with clubbers, Ibiza was a beloved hippy destination. 

Beatniks adored the relaxed and mystical interior, which remains a mystery still to those who spend their time dancing the night away in the superclubs and sleeping the day away in the gorgeous coves that surround the coastline.

If you were to become a resident of Ibiza, you would notice things heating up from spring to summer and cooling down in autumn and winter. Along with it, the island goes from a hive of activity to a graveyard. 

If you are okay with that switch, you will acclimatise better.

9. Bilbao

In the 1990s, Bilbao, the largest city in northern Spain’s Basque Country with a population of just under 347,000, was a former industrial superpower that seemed to be accepting its end days. Then award-winning architect Frank Gehry was commissioned to design the new Guggenheim art gallery in the city.

‘They needed the building to do for Bilbao what the Sydney Opera House had done for Australia,’ explains Gehry. So, he designed an iconic building. Gehry recalls it was an instant success: ‘After it was built, people started to go to Bilbao, and that changed the economics of the city.’

These days, Bilbao is one of the more expensive cities in Spain. Indeed, the north coast of the country is more expensive than its south coast. In the same way, properties cost more in the bigger cities than in the pueblos, the Spanish name for the country’s smaller towns and villages.

Bilbao is the 10th biggest city in Spain, giving it a mid-sized feel that is more manageable than moving to a larger, crowded city like Barcelona or Madrid. 

That doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do here, though. The River Nervión port is situated 11 km inland from the Bay of Biscay. There is a packed calendar of cultural events in the city, and locals share a love of rock music.

8. Granada

Granada has a small expat community compared to most other cities in this selection. Instead, it allows you to tap into authentic Spanish culture. 

Situated 689 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in southern Spain’s Andalusia, you are conveniently placed to access the nearby ski resorts when the snow falls in winter.

Though only the 13th largest city in Spain with a population just under 235,000, Granada is dominated by the magnificent Alhambra.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Moorish palace celebrated throughout Al-Andalus, was  reclaimed by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in January 1492, the same year Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World.

Eating out in Granada is more reasonable compared to other cities in Spain. For every drink you order in a downtown bar, you will receive a tapa (or snack).

Granada has an international airport. Renfe also offers train services connecting the city with Madrid, 417.6km to the north, and Almería, two hours by rail to the southeast. Film buffs might recognise Almería as the dry and dusty backdrop for many classic Spaghetti Westerns.

7. San Sebastián

Stroll through the impeccable streets of San Sebastián’s old town, where nothing is further than a 15-minute walk from the central train station, and you get a feel of what it is like to live in ‘real’ Spain. 

With a slower pace of life and a ‘work to live’ philosophy, this city, just 19 kilometres from the French border, offers a refreshing change of pace. 

San Sebastián Airport (EAS) is a small airport. To increase the number of connections, consider flying into and out of nearby Bilbao Airport (BIO) or Biarritz (BIQ) in France.

San Sebastián is also known by its Basque name, Donostia. With a population of just over 185,000, it’s only the 41st largest city in Spain. Formerly the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, it remains a stylish resort.

As well as tourism, other major industries in San Sebastián include artisan beer and craft chocolate, ensuring visitors are well-fed and watered.

Drive in any direction for 10 minutes from the Old Casino, which now houses the City Hall, and you’ll soon reach one of the Michelin restaurants which have brought, at last count, 16 stars to the centre and surrounding areas of Donostia.

For a more relaxed, but at times just as fancy, culinary experience, head to one of the city’s bars for pintxos. These are the Basque version of tapas. Originally, they were towers of food balancing on top of a slice of baguette held together with a cocktail stick. But they have evolved into ever more mouthwatering works of art.

Cider houses are a popular tradition in San Sebastián. Visit one for an authentic taste of the region or try another local beverage called Txakoli wine, a fruity yet sophisticated white.

For beach lovers, head over to Playa de la Concha, one of Spain’s most beloved urban beaches. Donostia is also well known for its annual international film and jazz music festivals.

6. Valencia

Valencia enjoys a lower cost of living compared to other somewhat larger cities in Spain. The public transport system is easy to navigate, linking the provincial capital with its outlying areas. There are also high-speed rail connections to other major cities in Spain.

The third largest city in Spain, with a population of around 840,000, Valencia has its own Valencian language. This is taught in schools alongside Spanish and English, replacing French as the most common foreign language children learn.

If you love food, Valencia is one of the best cities in Spain. The city’s signature dish, paella, is a rich rice dish traditionally prepared with rabbit and snails, rather than the more tourist-friendly chorizo and prawns.

Please be careful when you order an agua de Valencia. This is not local mineral water but a potent cocktail, which combines cava with the juice of Valencian oranges, gin and vodka. It’s an acquired taste, much like horchata, tiger nut milk.

As the urban heart of the Costa Blanca, Valencia offers easy access to beautiful sandy beaches, all within walking distance.

Overall, Valencia has everything that the big cities in Spain offer at a fraction of the price. It’s a bargain Barcelona, a more moderately priced Madrid.

5. Seville

Seville is the primary metropolis of the Andalusia region in southern Spain. Compared to the big three of Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, Seville is a fairly small city with just over 701,000 inhabitants. This smaller city life can impact you in two ways: a lower salary and lower overheads.

Get lost in the alleyways and avenues of the old town, where bar owners write out your bill in chalk on the bar top. Head across the Guadalquivir River to Triana, which almost feels like a separate settlement and you’ll find the best flamenco shows in town.

Seville’s pleasant weather means that there is plenty of al fresco entertainment. One of the most celebrated events is the Feria de Abril (April Fair), which transforms 75,000 square metres of the city centre into a lively fairground with over 1,000 booths hosted by prominent Andalusian families.

Locals dress elegantly, and the noche del alumbrao (night of the lighting) is celebrated with all the enthusiasm of new year’s eve.

Shopping in Seville is a sheer joy. The elegant facades recall ancient times and offer entry to institutions that are as much museums as stores. Bridal fashion is big in the city, with Plaza del Pan the epicentre of the bespoke wedding dress industry.

4. Barcelona

A favourite haunt for digital nomads, Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city with a population of around 1.8 million, also attracts a diverse range of expat communities.

Barcelona is a gateway to the beautiful Costa Brava and the lovely beach town of Sitges. However, you do not have to leave town to find a stretch of sand, with Sant Sebastià beach conveniently situated in the central La Barceloneta neighbourhood.

Exploring the various barrios of Barcelona is a pleasure you’ll treasure. Eixample’s grid layout is easy to navigate. If you love fashion, head to Passeig de Gràcia.  

Food costs are higher than in smaller neighbouring cities. But they don’t offer international cuisine of Barcelona’s calibre. For more local produce, hit one of the city’s 39 fresh food markets. The most famous is Mercat de la Boqueria, housed in a stunning 19th-century art nouveau building.

3. Madrid

While the cosmopolitan city centre of Madrid can be manic, there are places to relax in the capital city, such as Parque Retiro. 

Travel further out into the province, situated in the heart of the country, and there are some beautiful old towns, including Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Cervantes, offering a taste of Spain reminiscent of Don Quixote.

More and more single expats and expat families are relocating to Madrid for new job opportunities or a new start in this economic hub. 

Just under 3.2 million people live in a hip and happening capital that marries historical and architectural sites with cutting-edge cuisine and fashion.

Barcelona and Madrid are the two main cities in Spain. Their sheer size, with all the potential for personal and professional expansion, makes them among the best places to live in Spain. 

More flights fly into and out of their airports than anywhere else on the Iberian Peninsula and islands.

Once in Madrid, the Metro connects 300 stations via 15 lines. The Cercanías suburban train system links Madrid with other towns and villages in the region, including El Escorial and Aranjuez. Alternatives for getting around the city include buses and rental bikes.

Exclusive neighbourhoods include the Salamanca barrio. This is home to the Golden Mile of luxury boutiques, Michelin-starred eateries and trendy nightclubs. 

In terms of residential properties, high-net-worth-individuals such as Real Madrid soccer players favour the estates of La Finca and La Moraleja north of the city.

2. Sotogrande

Sotogrande in southern Spain offers sunny days and little rain all year round. One of the best things about living in the Cádiz municipality of Andalusia is its proximity to Gibraltar, Marbella and Málaga. Sotogrande is conveniently situated close to airports enabling you to fly to and from a number of major international cities.

Three-quarters of new Sotogrande residents fund their real estate purchases through private equity. They establish a base for their family that will take their children from school to university and beyond.

Sotogrande is home to an international community who have made a new life abroad. The marina offers mooring, sailing facilities, gated developments, peace of mind and security.

There is a refined air to Sotogrande. This has a lot to do with the number of equestrian activities. You can indulge your love of the sport of kings in cross country, dressage, polo and show jumping events.

Become a member at Real Club Valderrama if you love golf. Testing fairways and immaculately maintained greens have earned the course the ‘Augusta of Europe’ nickname. 

Top players compete at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters, part of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai schedule since 2010.

1. Málaga

Mario Garnica, director of the Engel & Völkers real estate company offices in Málaga, argues that foreign interest in the city ‘has pushed developers to build homes with quality standards, regenerating areas and creating wealth and employment.’

The small city centre of Málaga is lively and a cultural hub, but if you like the quiet life, there are plenty of tranquil villages east of the provincial capital. 

Hidden away in the Sierra Almijara is the small town of Frigiliana, constructed in traditional Andalusian style with whitewashed buildings that offer birds’ eye views of the Costa del Sol below.

Public transport is amongst the best in Spain. Marbella is a popular Spanish city that has long attracted tourist crowds, and many return as residents. Its irresistible old town is a significant draw, as are its beautiful beaches.

The Marbella Golden Mile is misleadingly named as this famous strip stretches 6.4km along the coast, which also includes the luxury marina of Puerto Banus. 

Malaga province enjoys fantastic weather all year round. The area is well connected by airports, and there are ferries to the Canary Islands from the nearby lively town of Huelva. As always, there are many sunny days on Spain’s southern coastline.

The Natural Park of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama allows you to get away from it all. You can trek through miles of mountainous terrain or hike past towering trees in this scenic nature park.

Málaga enjoys a relaxed lifestyle, and the region has a thriving expat community that will help you settle into your new life in Spain. 

Where is the Best Place for Expats to Live in Spain?

With the introduction of the Spanish digital nomad visa, several Spanish cities have become even more popular for expats. They are cheap compared to what you may be used to if you’ve previously lived in the United States or other European hotspots like London or Paris. 

But is there one single Spanish city ideal for any expat? Honestly, no. Each of the 11 cities in our list of the best places to live in Spain offer something different – whether that be lower rental prices, unique topography or even a different subsect of Spanish culture.

Madrid is a charming capital, and its great rival, Barcelona, is a paradise for foodies, while Valencia is a combination of the two. 

Seville is one of the most beautiful cities to be found anywhere and most likely matches the Spain of your imagination. 

Granada shows that it is about more than just the sun in Spain and is an excellent base for winter sports.

But the warm and welcoming Sotogrande and Málaga top the lot. In Sotogrande, luxury living is the name of the game. Meanwhile, nearby Málaga is so diverse it can accommodate absolutely anyone.

If you choose to live in Spain, it may give you the taste for more nomadic adventures.

After some time on the Iberian mainland or islands, you might want to move somewhere else. Perhaps you will be drawn towards Asia. 

Or maybe South America will call you. 

Wherever it is in the world, we can help you establish a firm footing. We can ensure you legally reduce taxes offshore, become dual citizens and protect your assets.

The 11 Best Places to Live in Spain: FAQs

Find the Best Place to Live in Spain for You

There is so much history to enjoy, and you can join the locals on a gentle paseo, walking through the old town of wherever you choose to reside. Step inside a time machine by discovering the historical sites on your doorstep.

Warmer weather brings many expats to the Balearic and Canary Islands and the Costa Blanca. 

In terms of the best places to live in Spain, if luxury is what you want, it is difficult to look beyond Marbella and Sotogrande. 

In descending order, here is our list of the best places to live in Spain:

• Zaragoza
• Ibiza
• Bilbao
• Granada
• San Sebastián
• Valencia
• Seville
• Barcelona
• Madrid
• Sotogrande
• Málaga

If you want to go where you’re treated best, we understand why you want to live in Spain. It is one of Europe’s most glamorous countries. 

However, it can be difficult to navigate the bureaucracy if you don’t speak Spanish. Other countries, including neighbouring Portugal, also offer lower and less complicated taxes. 

If you are interested in Spanish residency, you need to act now. Spain’s residence by investment or golden visa program was initially created to boost its economy by selling real estate and generating jobs. 

With a minimum investment of €500,000, it offers non-EU investors a path to residency, similar to other golden visa programs. 

But Spain is now under intense pressure to suspend or at least curtail its residence-by-investment program, which threatens its popular real estate option.

Spanish residency requires smart tax planning. For more details, refer to our guide on Spain’s golden visa and connect with our team to develop a holistic action plan.

It’s all about finding the right balance, so if you’re looking to start a new life in the Mediterranean but are not sure where to start, talk to us.