The best places to live in Spain

Spain is the perfect country for those who are looking for a textbook mix of culture and sunny weather. Dotted across Pain you will find colourful culture, beautiful architecture, fabulous festivals, blissful beaches, delicious food and wine, and of course, glorious weather practically all year round. There is little wonder then that Spain is among the top destinations for expats. Here are our top picks for the best places to live in Spain.

Madrid

The Spanish capital Madrid is one of the places where any expat will find that feel right at home. Madrid is a multicultural marvel which features friendly locals and large expat communities. In Madrid, it is easy to meet new people and make friends. You will quickly be able to find like-minded people from around the world. In addition, Madrid is also home to a first-class food scene and a bustling arts and culture sector. If you are more of a nature orientated person you will quickly find that the local parks and gardens have a very welcoming appeal.

You can add an energetic nightlife and entertainment to the list of the city’s endless gems. On a practical level there are excellent medical, education, and transport infrastructures, and considering the fact that this is a European capital city, the cost of living in Madrid remains surprisingly affordable. The climate in this effervescent metropolis is also attractive, with sunny summer highs of up to 40°C and winter lows descending to a comfortable 12°C.

Barcelona

Bohemian Barcelona is home to some of Spain’s most stunning architecture courtesy of AntoniGaudí, the infamous Catalonian architect. Among his creations in Barcelona is the unfinished ‎SagradaFamília cathedral. In the stunning coastal city, you will find not only architectural wonders but also beautiful parks and gardens. Additionally, Barcelona features a vibrant art and nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches you will find anywhere.

There is an abundance of outdoor sports opportunities in the city including hiking, biking, and kite surfing. Situated in between the Mediterranean sea and the lower Pyrenees Mountains, the Barcelona benefits from consistently pleasant weather all year round, with the coolest winter temperatures at around 10°C, climbing to averages of 30°C during the summer months.

Alicante

This city is known as the jewel of Spain´s Costa Blanca. It is situated on the southeastern coast and has a wealth of attractions for expats. Although the region is one of the more touristy areas of Spain you are sure you find your little piece of heaven along the beach. Alicante is a popular tourist destination for good reason. The coast is lined with gorgeous beaches. The summers are hot and dry and after the tourists have left for the winter months, residents still experience some of the best weather. One of the biggest drawing cards for the area is that the prices here are much lower than in the bigger cities making to all that more attractive to expats. Mike Spencer from a local estate agency has noted that property for sale in Javea has increased dramatically in the last 12 months as a result of Brexit negotiations.