Where to live in Spain

Mallorca can be a brilliant place to settle into island life, particularly for people who want reliable sunshine, easy access to the sea and a proper year-round city in Palma de Mallorca. There is a sizeable international community, but day-to-day life still runs more smoothly with some Spanish or Catalan, especially beyond Palma and the resort areas. The big trade-off when living in Mallorca is housing: prices have climbed sharply, and summer traffic, seasonal crowds and limited long-term rentals can test even the most patient resident.

Located between Sotogrande and La Línea de la Concepción, in San Roque (Cádiz), La Alcaidesa is a coastal development that has gained popularity in recent years for its natural surroundings, golf courses and views of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Located to the north of the Cabo de Gata‑Níjar Natural Park, Carboneras is a coastal town in the province of Almería known for its vast beaches, sunny climate and relaxed atmosphere throughout the year.

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.

Yaiza is one of Lanzarote’s most peaceful and distinctive municipalities – known for its whitewashed villages, the lively atmosphere in areas such as Playa Blanca and its close connection to the sea.

When most people talk about buying by the sea in Spain, they mean the Costa del Sol, Alicante or the islands.

Spanish property prices have risen by 14.3% in the past year, according to valuation firm TINSA, as new figures from Taylor Wimpey España highlight how Britons are helping drive demand on the Costa del Sol.At Almazara Boutique Residences in Malaga province, British buyers now account for the largest

Mallorca continues to rank among the most exclusive places to live in Spain in 2026.

There’s a Spanish city that has just ranked 13th worldwide in the Quality of Life Index 2026, placing it firmly among the top-performing cities on the planet.

Foreign buyers purchased almost 100,000 homes in Spain in 2025, the highest annual figure ever recorded in absolute terms.

With a different pace of life, lower living costs and access to European culture and travel, moving to Spain from the US continues to be a popular option for those seeking change. However, moving to Spain involves more than simply choosing a location.

Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s clean‑city leaders when it comes to the number of places that meet the WHO’s guidelines for clean air.

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

If you’re researching the best places to live on the Costa del Sol, you’re not alone.

Foreign demand for Spanish property has hit a new high, with overseas buyers purchasing nearly 100,000 homes in the latest year. At the very top of the market is a narrow segment of large homes with five or more bedrooms and seven‑figure price tags, which is where many foreign buyers are now lo

The gap between Spain’s capital city and the rest of the country has widened considerably. Madrid isn’t just expensive now, it’s eye-watering.

Madrid and Barcelona have drifted well past the point where €200,000 secures a comfortable, centrally located flat.

Many still assume Spain is broadly affordable, yet there are several surprisingly expensive cities in Spain where prices rival those in the capital.

The gap between Spain’s biggest cities and their surrounding towns has become impossible to ignore.

Looking beyond Madrid and Barcelona opens up a very different side of the country.

Spain consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most popular retirement destinations. Warm weather, strong healthcare, walkable towns and comparatively affordable property all make it an attractive choice for international buyers.Yet searches for “the worst places to retire in Spain” continue to rise.

If you’ve looked at property prices in Madrid or Barcelona lately, you’ll know why so many people are widening their search.

The Dutch presence in Spain’s housing market has shifted from a niche to a firmly established trend. People from the Netherlands are now a significant force among foreign buyers and tenants in Spain.

Essential expenses in Spain are taking an ever larger slice of household income, and the latest consumer spending data for 2026 show how sharply the picture changes from one province to another.

Across much of inland Spain, villages have been losing residents for decades. La Rioja is among the regions where shrinking populations are putting pressure on schools, health services and local businesses.