Best Cities To Live in Spain

If you're looking for a seaside destination to live in Spain, there are several options to consider. Here's a list of 13 best places to live in Spain by the sea, starting with the most prominent and expensive locations and ending with some less-known ones. The good news is that overall, Spain is an affordable country to live in, and there is only one Spanish destination on the Mercer index of the most expensive cities in the world: Madrid, which is not near the sea.

The recommended cities to live in Spain by the sea are Barcelona, San Sebastian, Alicante, Denia, Valencia, Malaga, Torrevieja, Sitges, Bilbao, Tarragona, Marbella, Tenerife island, and Mallorca island.

Although this is a rather tough question, here are two places that you could choose to avoid in Spain:

• Gibraltar Bordering Towns: Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located in Spain and is a popular tourist destination with tax-free shopping. However, the Spanish border towns have a different flavor, with the largest city, Algeciras, being the 16th busiest port in the world. Ferries from Algeciras to Tangiers and Spanish enclaves in Africa are safe, but the proximity to Africa encourages trafficking in drugs and illegal immigration. Gibraltar's focus on online gambling and international banking with tax shelters creates an unsavory atmosphere. As a tourist destination, it's safe, but living there may not be ideal. There are other worry-free destinations in Spain for expats.
• El Mar Menor: El Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon in Murcia, Spain, with clear and warm water ideal for water sports. However, due to pollution from hotels, marine life has collapsed, and the area has lost its Blue Flag designation. Heavy rains have worsened the problem, causing dead fish to wash up on the beaches. People are advised not to swim in the lagoon or buy property in the immediate area.

The best Spanish cities for young adults depend on their preferences and budget. Generally, young adults prefer big cities or areas close to them with easy access to services within 20 minutes. Coastal areas with good weather are also popular, such as the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona to Malaga, the Canary Islands (especially Tenerife and Lanzarote), and the Balearic Islands (especially Majorca). These areas are based on foreign clients' experiences and preferences. The large expat community in major cities are typically drawn to the vibrant city life, beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and the music festivals, while also finding a relaxed lifestyle.

Mallorca, the Canary Islands, and Andalucia are popular destinations for foreigners looking to live in Spain, mostly due to their favorable climate.

Spain is generally a safe country to live in, with no major security concerns in most cities. Northern cities, in particular, are popular for their safety, and San Sebastian is often considered a safe city. When planning a move to Spain, it's important to consider which region of the country you want to live in, as your location can affect many aspects of your life.

Madrid, Valencia, and Malaga are among the top cities in Spain for families to live in. It's easy to find good international schools and lots of expat families in most of these major cities. Any big city in Spain usually has a thriving expat community and plenty of job opportunities, especially if you speak Spanish.