Expats living in Spain have a lot of advice to offer others about the best places to live in Spain. Whether you're looking to be in the heart of the action in Madrid or Barcelona or in a smaller city by the coast like San Sebastian, Spain has a place for everyone. Here are 10 Best Places to Live in Spain according to Expat Exchange members.
Barcelona
Barcelona is located on the northeast coast of the Iberian peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain. When we asked expats in Barcelona about what they like and dislike about life in Barcelona, one replied, "Wow, the culture is quite diverse (many subcultures) here but Catalan culture is impressive because values quality food, books, time with family and friends while in the U.S. most people only care about accumulating capita." Another added, "Some of the things that frustrated me are now what I appreciate. I enjoy the conversation I have with the people at the fruit store or the post office while I am waiting in line. I like the reliance on our own two feet and not using the car. I appreciate that the family is VERY important and everyone takes off Sunday to spend time with them."
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Madrid
When we asked expats about the pros and cons of living in Madrid, one replied, "Love Madrid and ease of using metro. Food and wine so cheap!!!! Eating out tapas was great cheap way to have a meal. Loved having my light breakfast in taverns in morning.what a interesting way to start day . Cons: cost of apartment rent." Another wrote, "We love Madrid, it has been more open than a lot cities during COVID times. Food is great, museums are open and public transportation is wonderful. I love I can walk my dog and see people walking and eating. I walk a lot more than in the US, I don t have a car and love it.
Valencia
"Valencia is a nice city - 1.5 million people, 3rd largest in Spain - but it has a small town feel because of the various neighborhoods. And the old town is small and walkable," described one member. "Lifestyle in Valencia is about family, friends and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle," commented one expat in Valencia. When a newcomer asked about Valencia's LGBTQ+ community, another member replied, "As an LGBTQ+ person myself, I found the tolerance and acceptance in Valencia was very accommodating, with lots of social groups to support meeting new folks. It's a small, but active, community."
