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 on Mar Menor: life by Europe's largest lagoon

Tucked away on Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Cálida, the Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon unlike anywhere else in the country. Sitting in the Region of Murcia, southeast Spain, it’s separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow spit known as La Manga.

Living in Salou: small-town life on the Costa Dorada

Tucked along Catalonia’s golden coastline, Salou has a way of drawing people in—whether it’s for the promise of sandy beaches, a bit of sunshine through the winter months, or the slower pace of life away from the bustle of cities. For anyone thinking about living in Salou, it’s not all package

Living in Competa: mountain village life near the coast

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, Cómpeta sits about half an hour’s drive inland from the beaches of the Costa del Sol, with Torrox Costa and Nerja being the nearest seaside spots.

Living in Sanlúcar de Barrameda: sherry, seafood and local life

Perched at the wide-open mouth of the Guadalquivir River, Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a town of about 70,000. It's spread along some of the flattest, softest sands on the Costa de la Luz.

Living in Cadiz: why choose Cadiz, pros and cons and the best neighbourhoods

Living in Cadiz: costs, pros and cons and best neighbourhoods

Tucked away on a slim slice of land jutting into the Atlantic, Cadiz offers a distinctly laid-back rhythm.

Living in Chipiona: life in the happiest town in Spain

Perched on the Atlantic edge of Cádiz province, Chipiona is one of those places that manages to fly under the international radar, even though Spaniards have loved it for generations.

Living in Lloret de Mar: everyday life beyond the party

Set on the sunny Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar draws sunseekers, students and families with its lively beaches, blue Mediterranean waters, and reputation for resort life.

Living in Tossa de Mar: cost of living, property and getting settled

Tossa de Mar is one of those rare Costa Brava towns where time slows down as you wind your way through its cobbled medieval streets and gaze out over the Mediterranean. With a population of around 6,000, living in Tossa de Mar means swapping the bustle for a more local rhythm.

Living in Ibiza: real cost of living and tips on moving

Set in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, Ibiza is much more than just a party island—it’s a place with breathtaking beaches, charismatic towns, and a relaxed way of life that appeals to a diverse international community.

Living in Reus: life in Gaudí's hometown

Tucked just inland from the golden sands of the Costa Dorada, Reus is one of those Catalan towns that quietly wins people over. With just over 100,000 residents, it is known for its rich Modernist architecture, lively street life, and that unmistakably local feel.

Living in Tarragona: best areas and cost of living

If the idea of bright mornings, seafood lunches and a city layered with Roman ruins piques your interest, you’re in good company in Tarragona.

Living in Jerez de la Frontera: everyday life in sherry land

This sunny Andalusian city in southwestern Spain is best known for its amazing sherry, flamenco, and those beautiful Andalucían horses.

Living in Cordoba: pros and cons, the best neighbourhoods and cost of living

Living in Cordoba: pros and cons, top areas and cost of living

Set on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, Córdoba is a city where ancient beauty rubs shoulders with everyday life. Famous for its Mezquita and pretty, flower-filled patios, Córdoba offers a slower, sun-soaked pace without losing its buzz.

Living in Orihuela: living costs and the sunny costa

Orihuela is a historic inland town in the Alicante province, well-known for its stunning old town, traditional fiestas, and beautiful mountain backdrop.

Living in Seville: cost of living and where to live

Seville is the soulful heart of southern Spain, offering a mix of Moorish history, lively plazas, and a famously relaxed lifestyle.

Living in Valencia: pros and cons, best areas and quality of life

If you're considering living in Valencia, Spain, this article tells you all about what this sunny Mediterranean city has to offer. Valencia's weather, diverse neighbourhoods and colourful culture make moving to the city an appealing prospect for many foreigners.

Living in Barcelona: all you need to know for 2025

Barcelona is a city that attracts people from all over the world. It boasts great, sunny weather, a fun beachy vibe, and so much going on that you'll never run out of things to do.

Living in Puerto de la Cruz: a gateway to Tenerife's wild side

Puerto de la Cruz, located on the north coast of Tenerife, offers a more traditionally Spanish experience compared to the custom-built resorts in the south.

Living in Moraira: a village full of history on the Costa Blanca

Moraira, on the Costa Blanca, is a small town famous for its fashionable boutiques and coastal elegance. Its majestic tower defines the landscape, serving as a lookout in the face of threats from 16th-century pirates.

Living in Javea: Alicante's super-chic coastal town

Javea is situated in the province of Alicante and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. This coastal town in the Costa Blanca is characterised by its upmarket ambience, boutique shopping, and laid-back atmosphere.

Living in Denia: family-friendly fun on Costa Blanca

Denia, located in the province of Alicante, Spain, serves as both a historical treasure and a modern-day retreat. Positioned between Valencia and Alicante, Denia's appeal lies in its Mediterranean charm, rich cultural offerings, and diverse community of locals and expats.

Living in Guardamar del Segura: property to rent and places to visit

Guardamar del Segura, often simply referred to as Guardamar, is a dreamy town situated on Spain's Costa Blanca. It offers a unique natural setting, surrounded by wetlands, salt marshes, and the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.

Living in Calpe: one of Alicante's most popular coastal towns

Calpe, in Alicante, is a beautiful town on the Costa Blanca, with a skyline dominated by the famous Peñon de Ifach, a towering rock that rises an impressive 332 metres from the sea.

Living in Villena: festivals, hikes and ancient treasures

Villena is a quintessential Spanish historic town, surrounded by mountain ranges and valleys filled with vineyards. It's famous for the Treasure of Villena, a rare collection of gold artefacts believed to come from meteorites, and the iconic Atalaya Castle.

Living in Almoradi: bountiful countryside close to the sea

Located just up the road from Spain’s Costa Blanca, Almoradi offers traditional Spanish living amid patchwork fields and citrus fruit orchards. It is home to a welcoming community of locals enjoying a relaxed pace of life.