The best places to live in Spain for foreigners

More and more foreigners are seeking Spain as their new permanent residence. Our country is increasingly popular, especially among Europeans coming in search of Spain's sunshine and quality of life. Therefore,Foreigners seek convenient connections, practical security, and suitable long-term housing.. In this guide, we want to help you choose our country's paradise with a List of the best places to live in Spain for foreigners.

Currently, the data explains why Spain remains the preferred option. According to the INE, life expectancy at birth in Spain reached 84.01 years in 2024. For this reason, the OECD continues to place the country clearly above the average life expectancy and avoidable mortality. If that weren't enough, expats confirm that Spain is one of the best countries to live in. Likewise, one of the most acclaimed areas for those seeking a mild climate, a nearby coast, and an easy daily life is the Costa Blanca, in the Alicante and Valencia region.

This article, therefore, Resolving doubts about where to live in Spain for quality of life that patriots and expatriates alike boast of.

Living in Spain if you are from Northern Europe

Living well in Spain isn't just about having a beach nearby (although for many it's essential). Choosing Spain as a new or second home means having reliable public healthcare, a social environment where you can integrate easily thanks to the hospitality of the Spanish people, endless leisure activities, and restaurants with top-flight gastronomy and, if you have children, access to international and bilingual schools in many areas.

One of the most popular areas for Europeans to live in Spain is the eastern Mediterranean coast., Specifically, the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community. The Costa Blanca, as the area is known, is one of the main destinations for Britons, Dutch, Germans and Scandinavians. The province of Alicante is one of the regions with the largest European foreign population in the country, so in addition to living in a good area, you will have other people in the same situation as you, which facilitates integration.

Ranking of the best places to live in Spain for foreigners

In this guide, we will focus on the connection to the airport, the climate, crime, international services, and whether it is truly a good place for a foreign buyer.

Los Principal criteria for choosing the best places to live in Spain, and therefore, they are:

• that has mild winters and continuous outdoor life throughout the year
• that the airport is nearby to facilitate international connections
• to have a community of European expatriates that facilitates the integration of the whole family

Alicante

Alicante is the clearest candidate for one of the Best places to live in Spain for foreigners. In an international survey of expatriates, Alicante ranks third out of 53 cities to live in Spain in 2024 and second for expat life satisfaction. In the survey, respondents commented on the ease of settling in and the welcoming atmosphere they perceived towards international residents. Likewise, in an OCU survey from 2021, the city ranks 9th as one of the major cities with the highest quality of life in the country.

On the other hand, the city is notable for its provincial hub airport, ,... a direct gateway to your home country. It has a beach on the Mediterranean Sea., Very calm waters, excellent for spending a spring-summer under the sun.

If you have young children, another incentive is that the city has a good British school to integrate your little ones into the international environment from day one.

Valencia

If you're looking for beaches, amenities, and cultural offerings on par with the capital, Valencia It is the answer. It is the first option in the mentioned survey of respondents, not only as the best city to live in Spain for foreigners but also the first in quality of life, and also in very high positions in surveys on climate and environment, transport, healthcare, and leisure. Likewise, in the OCU survey, The city ranks 7th as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the country.

Málaga

Málaga it is a city in the south of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia and in the area known as Costa del Sol, due to its warm climate for almost the entire year and its constant sunlight, with barely any cloudy days compared to other areas of the country. In the aforementioned expat survey, it was the second highest-rated option. In turn, one of the main cities in the province, Marbella, ranks as one of the most sought-after coastal municipalities by foreigners on property portals. Likewise, in the OCU survey, the city is ranked 6th as one of the large cities with the highest quality of life in the country.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a city located in the Balearic Islands, in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a city with a combination of history, Mediterranean climate and, increasingly, a strong international identity. Its climate is warm for almost the entire year, making it a popular tourist destination. However, the presence of foreigners, particularly from Britain, the Netherlands, and Germany, makes integration easier and improves the quality of life compared to other cities on the peninsula. Likewise, in the OCU survey, the city ranks 13th as one of the large cities with the highest quality of life in the country.

The best place to live in Spain: Vinalopó

Beyond the overall ranking, if we have to pick one site, The Vinalopó is the best place to live in Spain if you are a foreigner.

The Vinalopó It is an area in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, known for the Costa Blanca, and offers one of the best living options for European buyers: although it is close to the coast, it does not suffer from an oversaturation of tourism, it has quick access to Alicante-Elche Airport, it allows for the construction on plots, and it also combines privacy, sun and amenities in a tranquil space full of charming villages with a rich history.

Within the Vinalopó are 3 ideal towns to live in Spain:

Aspe

Aspe It is ideal for buyers who want a spacious, already-built house but without being too far from civilisation. Connectivity is one of its main selling points. Its municipal limits place it 24 km from Alicante and 22 km from the airport, with connections via the N-325, CV-84 and A-7 roads.

When it comes to services, Aspe plays above its weight. It has:

• Educational centres from nursery to secondary school, with around 3,000 pupils
• Extensive municipal sports facilities
• integrated health centre

Furthermore, according to official records, the international population as of 2022 accounts for 2.51% of the total.

Novelda

Novelda is one of the best places to live in Spain for foreigners if you prioritise services, urban structure and mobility. The municipality is located 28 km from Alicante, and Alicante Port and airport are just 15 minutes away by motorway. It also has Novelda station and a direct connection to the A-31 road. It has a 2.81% of the total international population. In education and daily life, it is one of the most complete: it has a network of educational centres, at least 10 throughout the town, along with sports facilities such as the Ramón Santo Sports City. If you're wondering which is the best city to live in Spain without being overcrowded, Novelda offers what a city provides but with the tranquillity of a more rural area.

La Romana

La Romana It's the most tranquil and different option for an international target audience looking for a disconnection without going too far from the Mediterranean Sea. Its value lies in the landscape, low density, and a genuine international community. The municipal statistics show that the EU population accounts for 9.41% of the total, being the highest of the 3 presented, according to 2022 data.

Furthermore, there is a lot of vacant land available in this area for bespoke projects, which is why it's one of the most sought-after areas. In terms of amenities, they have their own public school, local restaurants, and a small but effective selection of shops.