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Spain is a dream destination for many expats: pleasant climate, good quality of life, lower cost of living (depending on the region), relaxed lifestyle and the sea always within reach – at least in theory. But anyone seriously considering emigrating to Spain will sooner or later be faced with one of the most important and difficult decisions: Where exactly should I live?
What at first glance appears to be an organisational detail is in fact a decision with far-reaching consequences for quality of life, career opportunities and emotional settlement in the new country. In this article, we look at why choosing a location in Spain is so complex, what individual factors should be taken into account – and why you should not rely on the recommendations of other expats.
What many people underestimate is that Spain is not just a country with different regions, but almost a small continent in itself. There is hardly any other European country with such strong cultural, linguistic, climatic and economic differences between its regions.
Some examples:
Andalusia offers Mediterranean heat, Moorish architecture and a relaxed, lively atmosphere – but also high summer temperatures and structural unemployment in many provinces.
Catalonia combines vibrant cities such as Barcelona with international infrastructure, but also with higher living costs and political complexity.
Galicia The northwest feels like a different world: green, rainy, close to nature, traditional and much less touristy.
The Canary Islands have an eternal spring climate, are attractive from a tax perspective and ideal for self-employed people, but are geographically isolated and culturally independent.
MadridAs the capital city in the centre of the country, it is modern and economically strong, but hot in summer and far from any coastline.
This diversity makes Spain appealing – but also challenging. Anyone who wants to emigrate to Spain without considering the specifics of the country is missing the reality of the situation.
In many expat forums or Facebook groups, you often see comments such as:
"Come to the Costa Blanca, where the weather is best!"
"Andalusia is far too hot – not for Central Europeans!"
"Mallorca is ideal because everyone speaks English and German there!"
"Gran Canaria is the most affordable place to live!"
Such statements are rarely objective and are often influenced by personal circumstances, preferences or experiences – which are hardly transferable. Recommendations from other expats may be helpful in gathering impressions. But they are only of limited use as a basis for deciding where to live.
Because: Every person has different needs. What is perfect for a single digital nomad can be a disaster for a family with school-age children. What a retired couple finds peaceful and tranquil may seem like stagnation to a 30-year-old.
In order to find the right location in Spain, you should first take a close look at your own needs, life goals and circumstances. The following aspects are crucial:
Spain has a wide variety of climate zones – from desert-like conditions in Almería to Atlantic rainfall in Galicia. Anyone suffering from certain illnesses (e.g. asthma, rheumatism) should check the climate carefully. Not everyone can tolerate extreme heat or high humidity.
In many regions, a second official language is spoken alongside Spanish: Catalan, Basque, Galician or Valencian. In rural areas, English is often spoken very little, let alone German. Anyone who wants to integrate must be prepared to learn Spanish – and, depending on the region, also accept the respective regional language.
Not every region offers career opportunities. Tourist centres have jobs – but they are often seasonal, low-paid and insecure. Large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga offer more prospects for employees, self-employed people and entrepreneurs. Proximity to airports, hospitals and international schools can also play a role.
The cost of living varies greatly: rural areas are cheaper to live in, while coastal areas and large cities are more expensive. Mallorca, Barcelona and parts of the Costa del Sol in particular are now as expensive as Central Europe. Property prices also vary greatly – from affordable village houses to luxury villas by the sea.
Do I want to live among Spaniards or in an international community? Am I looking for peace and quiet or city life? Culture or nature? Beach or mountains? The lifestyle in Spain varies greatly depending on the region, location and even neighbourhood.
Those who can afford it should be sure to try out several regions of Spain, before making a decision. Ideally for several weeks or months – and not just during the peak tourist season.
What seems like a dream location can turn out to be a flop in everyday life. Perhaps it is deserted in winter, the internet connection is poor, or the nearest doctor is 45 minutes away. Only through daily life can you tell whether a place is really right for you.
Here are a few typical mistakes made when choosing a location – and how to do it better:
✅ Better: Holiday destinations are not places to live. On holiday, you only experience a small part of what a place has to offer. Find out what the place is like in winter, what everyday life is like and what the price level is like in the long term.
✅ Better: A international community can help – but integration, contact with authorities and truly settling in require personal initiative. In addition, many ‘international enclaves’ tend to isolate themselves – and can appear culturally one-sided in the long run.
✅ Better: Use reviews as inspiration, but make decisions based on your own criteria. Only you know what you need.
Choosing the right location in Spain is not a decision to be taken lightly – and it is much more than a question of sea views or climate. If you want to live happily in Spain for the long term, you need to know exactly what your needs are and reflect on what is really important to you in everyday life.
Instead of being influenced by other expats, it is advisable to take your time, explore different regions and gather sufficient information to make an informed decision. Because the right Spain for you may be completely different from the Spain of your friends, favourite bloggers or forum friends.
In the end, it's not just about where one lives – but how one wants to live. And that is something only each individual can answer for themselves.
Final tip: Make a list of criteria such as ‘climate’, ‘job opportunities’, ‘lifestyle’, “costs” and ‘infrastructure’. Give the regions points – and see what really suits your life. Your head and your heart should decide together.
