Where to live in Spain

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.

A report by OBS Business School on the Real Estate Market in Spain 2025, led by Professor and Eurocofín Director Carlos Balado, highlights some of the trends shaping the property market. Among these, it notes that global warming is influencing the way we live and behave.

Living on Gran Canaria blends proper city life with an easy island rhythm. The microclimates are real: cooler and more local up north, warmer and drier around Maspalomas, and greener villages tucked into the interior.

When weighing up the best places to live on the Canary Islands, picking a base comes down to vibe and microclimate as much as budget. City living is sociable and practical, the north coasts are greener and cooler, and the southern belts are sunny and resort‑heavy.

The Canary Islands are Spain’s warm, Atlantic backyard. Seven main islands with distinct moods, black- and golden-sand beaches, and a slower daily rhythm than the mainland.

Sun‑soaked Seville is Andalusia’s easygoing capital, all palm‑lined plazas, tiled courtyards and late‑night bar chat. And the city is now in the spotlight, taking a spot in Time Out's top 10 happiest countries in the world.

Málaga ranks as the third most popular destination in the world for digital nomads, following this article from the newspaper Diario Sur.

Spain’s air is generally kind to lungs, which is handy if you’re weighing up cities with the cleanest air in Spain. According to IQAir, the 2024 country average sits at 48 on the US AQI scale, which is in the 'good' band for day‑to‑day life.

The Málaga municipality of Ojén, just north of Marbella, has double cause for celebration. The prestigious British publication The Times has recently ranked it among the 50 best places in the world to live in 2025, placing it at number 35. At the same time, Marbella’s courts have ruled in favour of the developer behind the luxury Palo Alto scheme, which had faced accusations of encroaching on public water domain land.

Sometimes, all it takes is a short detour to discover a completely different way of life. Leave Marbella behind and follow the road into the mountains. Within minutes, the asphalt narrows and a village with a slower pace emerges.

The Zeta District is set to become Málaga’s flagship urban development. This innovative 66-hectare neighbourhood, located in the Sánchez Blanca district, will feature 3,443 homes, expansive green spaces and areas designed for a modern lifestyle centred on sustainability, technology, mobility and community.

Sea air without the stag‑do soundtrack is absolutely doable along the Spanish coast. Year‑round coastal living in Spain is quieter and more practical than the brochures suggest.

Living in Rincón de la Victoria means a year‑round coastal routine just east of Málaga, in a municipality of roughly 50,000 spread across various areas. It runs on a year‑round rhythm with calm winters, a long paseo for evening strolls, and simple food pleasures like espetos and pescaíto frito.

Palma’s the sort of place that sneaks up on you—in the best way. One minute you’re weaving through stone alleyways past postcard-perfect patios, the next you’re having a coffee in a sunny square, eavesdropping on half a dozen languages.

Located on the northern Costa Blanca, between the popular towns of Jávea and Moraira, lies Benitachell, or El Poble Nou de Benitatxell as it’s known in Valencian.

Sitting on the Costa del Sol, just a short train ride from Málaga, Benalmádena offers something of a split personality. It isn't just one place, but three distinct areas rolled into one.

Fuengirola has a reputation on the Costa del Sol, particularly among British expats. While it's true that you'll find a large international community here, that's only part of the picture of what living in Fuengirola is actually like.

New-build property prices in Spain are climbing, with certain provinces seeing particularly sharp increases. This trend reflects rising demand, ongoing regional development and shifting buyer preferences. If you’re considering investing in a newly built home in Spain, find out which areas are leading the surge.

This city in north-east Spain often flies under the radar, which is a big part of what makes retirement in Zaragoza so appealing. It's tucked away in Aragon, halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, but it offers a completely different pace of life to both.

For anyone considering living in Moclín, it’s a small mountain village in Granada, Andalusia, that has recently popped up on the radar for many English speakers.

Tucked away in the province of Seville, Coripe is the kind of place that barely registers on the usual tourist map. This is precisely why its property market is so remarkable, with traditional village houses starting from around €20,000.

For anyone considering living in Sant Pere de Ribes, this town in the Garraf region offers a wonderfully peaceful lifestyle while still keeping you well-connected to Barcelona.

As Spain's capital, Madrid is a powerhouse of art, business, and culture. It’s a city with a personality very different to the coastal spots many people first think of in Spain. Proudly landlocked, the city has scorching summers and crisp winters.

The idea of a life surrounded by the sun-drenched landscapes of Andalucia has long captured the imagination of people looking for a change of pace. It is a well-trodden path for expats from all over the world, drawn by the promise of a relaxed lifestyle and rich culture.

Known to many as a sunny holiday spot, the largest of the Canary Islands offers a rich and varied experience for those who choose to call it home.