Where to live in Spain

Located on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, in the Axarquía region, you’ll find Torrox. This whitewashed municipality makes a rather bold claim: to have the best climate in Europe.

When you picture Andalusia, the flamenco stages of Seville or Granada's magnificent Alhambra palace might be the first things that come to mind. But tucked away in the region's northeast is Jaén, a city that serves as the gateway between Andalusia and the rest of Spain.

Located in western Spain, sharing a long border with Portugal, Extremadura is one of the country's best-kept secrets. It’s a vast region that often flies under the radar, making it a real find for anyone looking for an authentic slice of Spanish life, far from the packed beaches and tourist hubs.

When people discuss the best place to live in the Costa del Sol, the conversation often defaults to the glamour of Marbella or the polished streets of Estepona. Yet, for a growing number of people, the answer is found further west, in the municipality of Manilva.

Tucked away in western Spain, Extremadura is quietly carving a name for itself as one of the more intriguing spots for remote workers eyeing a change of scene.

Nestled on the very edge of Andalusia in the province of Cádiz, La Línea de la Concepción has an identity shaped by its immediate neighbour, the monolithic Rock of Gibraltar.

San Sebastián, or Donostia as it's known locally, is a city that truly sparkles.

Down at the very tip of Spain, living in Tarifa means getting used to wild winds, endless beaches, and a Mediterranean-Atlantic mix you don’t find elsewhere. It’s a small, whitewashed town where locals, kitesurfers, and digital nomads all seem to mingle over late-night tapas or windswept strolls.

Tucked away high in the Pyrenees, Andorra is one of those places that tends to fly under the radar, but it's got more than a few tricks up its sleeve for anyone thinking about living here.

Imagine if you could get paid just for deciding to settle in a particular Spanish village. In some corners of Spain, it’s become a genuine offer. A steady trickle of locals towards the cities has left many rural areas nearly deserted.

With over 3.1 million UK tourists visiting Spain in the first quarter of 2025 – a 4.6% year-on-year rise – the Costa del Sol remains a firm favourite for sun-seekers, golf lovers and holiday home buyers alike.

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.

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

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.

Spain, with its diverse geography and enviable climate, has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe for those in search of a high quality of 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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