Living in Spain Guide

Thinking about moving to Spain? Our Living in Spain Guide covers everything you need to know—from residency and healthcare to banking and lifestyle tips. Explore detailed articles about life in popular regions and cities across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Andalusia, and more. Whether you're relocating for work, retirement, or a new adventure, find expert advice tailored to your destination.

Living in Los Realejos – best areas, cost of living and lifestyle

Los Realejos, in northern Tenerife, is a municipality that combines Canarian tradition, natural beauty and proximity to the sea in a setting that is more residential than tourist‑oriented.

New-build or resale property in Spain? The pros and cons explained

Spain’s property market offers a wide range of opportunities for buyers, from modern new-build developments to traditional resale homes with plenty of character.

Living in Sotogrande: costs, safest areas and celebrity neighbours

Sotogrande sits on the western edge of the Costa del Sol, about 25 minutes from Gibraltar and 30 minutes from Marbella.

New build or second hand property in Spain?

Buying a new build vs resale property in Spain: which is the better investment?

Spain remains one of Europe’s most attractive property markets, drawing international buyers seeking sunshine, lifestyle, and strong investment potential.

Find your dream home in all the areas you love in Spain

idealista now lets you search for properties across multiple Spanish areas at once. Quickly select towns, neighbourhoods, or provinces in one search, exploring more options without losing precision, directly via the app.

Raising a family in Spain: essential tips for expat parents

Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for families looking to balance work, lifestyle, and wellbeing. For expat parents, the appeal often lies in the sunny climate, slower pace of life, and strong family-centred culture.

What is VPO? A complete guide to social housing in Spain

If you are considering buying property in Spain, you may come across the term VPO. It appears frequently in listings, legal documents, and urban planning information, but many international buyers are unsure what it actually means.So, what is VPO in Spain?

What is a notary in Spain? A complete guide for buyers

When buying property in Spain, especially if you’re an international buyer, you may come across the term “notary”. But what exactly does a notary do, and why are they so important in Spanish real estate transactions?

A NIE identification number is a necessary document when living in Spain

How to get a NIE number in Spain in 2026: Step-by-step guide for expats

When moving to Spain, obtaining your NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is one of the first and most important steps.

How to make the most of a Spanish property viewing trip

A property viewing trip is one of the most valuable steps in buying a home in Spain.

Living in Formentera: pros, cons, jobs and everyday life on the island

This small Balearic island is all turquoise coves, dusty tracks and lazy sunsets, but living in Formentera full-time is a very different story from a week’s holiday.

Living in Lanzarote: pros, cons, costs and best areas to live

This volcanic Canary Island is all black lava, whitewashed villages and Atlantic light, with a climate that stays pleasantly mild most of the year.

How to obtain your Spanish NIE fully online

If you’ve found a property on idealista or you’re preparing to buy, reserve, or rent in Spain, the very first document you should secure is your Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).

Smart ways to save money when you move to Spain

Relocating to Spain can be an exciting adventure, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture. However, moving abroad can also be expensive if you’re not careful. From transportation costs to housing and everyday living expenses, spending can quickly add up.

8 reasons to buy property in Spain

Spain is a young democracy located at the heart of Western Europe.

Living in Melilla: daily life, neighbourhoods and what to expect

Melilla is a compact Spanish city on the Moroccan coast with sandy urban beaches and handsome modernist façades. With Melilla's population around 87,000, the city boasts a layered mix of Spanish, Amazigh and Moroccan culture.

Living in Ceuta: safety, cost of living and what it's like

Living in Ceuta: everyday life, neighbourhoods and what to expect

Living in Ceuta means settling in a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast at the mouth of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Living in Santiago de Compostela: cost of living, top areas, and weather

Santiago de Compostela is a compact university city in Galicia, famous as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago and anchored by its UNESCO‑listed Old Town.

Buying in Spain? Key facts about the property market

If you're thinking about buying a home, it’s essential to understand the current state of the property market. Should you wait, or is now the time to buy? To help you decide, we analyse the key indicators: price trends per square metre, interest rates, the Euribor, transaction volume, mortgages, and available financial aid.

Living in Los Cristianos: real life, costs and top areas in Tenerife South

Living in Los Cristianos means a sunny, walkable base in Tenerife South, with a working harbour, year‑round buzz and long promenades linking the island's best beaches.

Why apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

8 reasons to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

If you are planning to move to Spain, you should seriously consider becoming a digital nomad.There is no question that the Digital Nomad Visa has become the most sought-after visa in Spain after the demise of the Golden Visa in early 2025.The Digital Nomad Visa (or tax-free visa, as it is

Living in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: a tropical nomad lifestyle

Living in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria means a proper Atlantic city wrapped around the golden curve of Las Canteras Beach, the historic lanes of Vegueta–Triana, and the working port at Puerto de la Luz. Island winds keep summers breezy and winters mild, and there’s surf at La Cícer.

Living in Mojácar: daily life on Spain’s southeast coast

Mojácar really gets under the skin in the best way. Think sugar-cube houses tumbling down a hillside into a long strip of sand, proper tapas culture and a pace that lets you breathe.

Living in Ojén: everyday life in one of world's top 50 villages

Ojén is a whitewashed village tucked into the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves, a short drive from Marbella. Life runs a little cooler and quieter than the coast, but beaches, big supermarkets and the shopping centre are minutes away.