Natalie It is not easy to answer the question of where expats live in Spain. Stats say, foreigners make up 18% of the population and live across Spain’s 17 official regions. As creatures of habit, we gather in areas where we find similarities; for example, most Americans like Madrid, while Brits like the Costa Del Sol, Brava, and Alicante. Additionally, more foreigners move to southern regions rather than the North simply because of higher temperatures.
Diversity is a key strength, but various landscapes, cuisine, lifestyle, welcoming Spanish residents, the warm climate, islands, and hundreds of miles of beaches greatly lure global citizens. The central European location is easy to get to, especially for British expats who can nip across the channel whenever they want, thanks to frequent and cheap flight schedules. So, let’s look at where foreigners prefer to live in the sun.
Popular Places Where Expats Live in Spain
1: Marbella
Some people underestimate Marbella’s location in the Malaga province. Tourism, the region’s main trade, features highly in day-to-day life, but architecture, education, arts, shopping, culture, stand out on the global stage, and restaurants serve traditional Spanish dishes and international food.
Without a doubt, Marbella’s focus is Golden Mile, a beachside road and district, although it is four miles long. This stretch is home to some of Marbella’s most expensive real estate, with stunning architecture, the Puerto Banus marina, five stars plus hotels, a business centre, and a golf course.
Whereas, the old town, a tourism stronghold for cultural experiences, features whitewashed houses, while other prominent places include Nueva Andalucía, a golf valley. Anyone living in Marbella can enjoy 17 miles of stunning beachfront locations.
2: Alicante – A Popular Destination
Alicante always wins praise from British expats, and is home to the most amount of Brits. Attracted by the year-round facilities and amenities, Alicante provides rest, relaxation, and fun in unique styles. The good part is that you do not need millions because Alicante caters to everyone, regardless of budget. Much happens around the Explanada promenade, running from Puerto de Alicante to Parque de Canalejas. This nerve centre, recognisable by a tiled floor resembling ocean waves, offers residents countless choices of restaurants and bars. Alicante connects to Europe via the international airport, and local businesses provide healthcare and education services.
3: Mallorca and the Balearic Islands
This Balearic island known for hidden coves and gorgeous beachside resorts often comes up for discussion, whether the name is Majorca or Mallorca. Look past that, though, to discover stunning places, including Migjorn, Cala d’Or, and Canyamel. Otherwise, Palma, a cosmopolitan metropolis and tourism centre, is more populated than other destinations.
Beach lovers will adore Majorca, which boasts gorgeous stretches of sand, stretching for five hundred kilometres of coastline with small coves and bays. Along with beaches come standard water sports, which Majorca excels in, but the highlight of day-to-day living is seaside lifestyles, which Majorca does with finesse.
The island suits golfers, history lovers and gastronomy fans with eight Michelin-star restaurants. 40% of the land is protected from development, so anyone who wants to swap an urban lifestyle for the great outdoors will fare well when looking at Majorca.
4: Torrevieja for Beautiful Beaches
Belonging to Costa Brava, Torrevieja has seen much expansion over the last 24 years thanks to its long-established reputation as a place where foreigners feel right at home. Also, part of the Alicante province, the main city is 30 kilometres away, which boosts the choices of shopping, nightlife, and eating out.
The large Salt Lake at the back of town has affected the climate and boosted Torrevieja’s reputation as a good place to live. But what else makes Torrevieja a worthy contender? Foreign tourism is strong, but domestic tourism is as well, and when locals give it the thumbs up, they must do something right. Within Torrevieja, is Punta Prima, boasting of a stunning beach, promenade, and typical Mediterranean lifestyle.
5: Javea for Outdoor Activities
Javea, known as Xabia, sits at the bottom of the Montgo massif mountain range, ensuring an average year-round temperature of 20 degrees. The nickname, the Costa Blanca pearl, accurately reflects beautiful landscape scenes. Alicante is a 90-minute drive, while the airport is 52 miles away; hence, Javea’s strategic location gives way to easy access to main sites and attractions.
Ask any hardcore fan of Javea what keeps them there, and they will say stunning beaches. However, the historic old quarter, which has maintained traditional charm, charms the masses. For hobbies, Javea excels at golfing, horse riding, tennis, windsurfing, diving, and much more.
6: Madrid for a Good Quality of Life
This major city is divided into 18 neighbourhoods, ideal for sampling the best of Spain for shopping, nightlife, and eating out. Unrivalled arts and culture scenes, countless museums, excellent international schools for families, and well-connected transport links to the rest of Spain are just a few benefits, although naturally, as the capital city, the monthly cost of living is higher than in other places.
Austrias, Madrid’s old quarter, is home to the charming Plaza Mayor district. Barrio de Las Letras’s heritage stems from Spanish literature, while upmarket Barrio de Salamanca highlights fine living through Michelin-starred restaurants and stylish after-dark partying.
Castellana is the financial district, while Chamberi offers traditional charm with old-style architecture. In trendy Chueca, you can shop till you drop and meet fellow expats for brunch, but Conde Duque’s narrow streets and traditional pubs captivate.
7: Barcelona for Digital Nomads
If you want an urban landscape offering a more diverse expat community with average costs, consider Barcelona, the second biggest city. People often compare it with Madrid, but this metropolis stands in another league. Hence, tourists often return year after year. Barcelona offers a beachside lifestyle that Madrid does not. Combine this with the Mediterranean climate, and you are onto a winner.
Often called the cradle of Catalan culture, expats find this spoken alongside Spanish. However, many locals speak English for those who struggle to learn languages, especially in tourism communities. As the world’s first city to have biodiversity certification, environmental lovers like to know Barcelona takes sustainability and environmental issues seriously.
8: Valencia for Relaxed Lifestyles
Known for Arts and Science, Spain’s third-largest city after Madrid and Barcelona stretches out into rural areas. Sitting on the Turia banks, the historical and cultural heritage draws in tourists and expats worldwide. Festivals feature highly on social calendars, including the annual tomato fight and Falles, where locals serve big pans of traditional paella.
As a bilingual and bustling centre, the language swaps between Spanish and Valencia, but most locals speak English because of the roaring tourism trade. Another jewel in the crown is the Barrio Del Carmen district’s varied architecture, but Valencia excels in modern architecture. Both blend to present a pleasant urban landscape.
9: Malaga City and Mild Winters
For low-cost experiences, head to Malaga for boundless opportunities and locations. Belonging to Spain’s Andalusia region, the centre has affordable housing costs and more choices in the larger province with the same name. Spanish people are used to the foreign presence, and as expected from any dynamic city, there is delicious cuisine choices, good security, and an international community for networking. Famous neighbourhoods within the central city include El Limonar, an upscale, quiet area with elegant villas and proximity to the beach. Pedregalejo and El Palo are former fishing districts with a bohemian vibe, popular among younger families.
10: Seville – Fourth Largest Spanish City
Live in the heart of Seville, one of Spain’s best historic cities, and you will pay higher prices per square meter for property, but as a larger city, Seville offers everything on your doorstep. The healthcare is fantastic for those with private insurance, and even renting an apartment in this cosmopolitan city will open your eyes to European living. With a rich culture, expect nice neighbourhoods like Feria & Alameda, La Cartuja, La Macarena, San Lorenzo & Museo, Santa Cruz, Triana, Alfalfa and Centro. Seville promotes old Moorish architecture, but buyers can expect new, modern homes that delight Spanish living in real estate markets.
11: San Sebastian For Expat Life
This beautiful coastal city in northern Spain’s Basque Country combines natural beauty, a rich cultural scene, and architectural marvels. Expect affordable living costs in this safe city, especially compared to other European countries. The one aspect to consider is that San Sebastian is in the North of Spain, and there is still a pleasant climate, although temperatures are lower than in the South, and the area receives more rainfall. Even though it is a popular expat destination, Spanish culture sits on every corner, and foreign residents will have no problems making themselves feel at home.
12: Fuengirola for the Coastal Lifestyle
Spanish life in this delightful town, revolves around a vibrant expat community, especially from the UK and Scandinavia. The expatriate community enjoys affordable housing costs, family-friendly atmospheres, sandy beaches, a charming promenade, and excellent amenities. Expect a modern life in Fuengirola but with the touches of home, like delicious Spanish cuisine. Belonging to the Malaga province, the British presence is strong.
13: Benalmádena for the Expat Experience
With mixed traditional Andalusian charm and modern facilities, Benalmadena is popular with retirees and families due to the safe environment. Attractions like Tivoli World amusement park and the Butterfly Park earn much fame, while famous areas are Benalmádena Pueblo, a picturesque village with whitewashed houses, and Arroyo de la Miel, which bustles with shops and restaurants. Benalmádena Costa is all about beachfront living and delightful nightlife. A report by the Daily Express newspaper in 2023, said 34% of the population were Brits.
14: Torremolinos for British Residents
As an original expat haven, this attractive destination boasts fun activities and lively atmospheres with bars, restaurants, and beaches. The language barrier isn’t a problem since foreigners have been familiar with Torremolinos for decades. With affordable living compared to Marbella and Málaga, exceptional quality exists in La Carihuela (famous for seafood) and the Bajondillo beach. Roughly 20% of the population are foreigners.
15: Nerja for Vibrant Culture
This picturesque coastal town with stunning Mediterranean views is quieter and more laid-back than Marbella or Torremolinos. Famed for the Balcón de Europa and nearby caves, retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life find the property prices reasonable for this corner of the beautiful country. In addition to the beautiful coastline and tapas bars, the cultural diversity is subtle, so foreigners have the best of both worlds. Places where foreigners tend to gravitate include Capistrano village, Maro, and Frigiliana.
16: Estepona
Estepona is known for its flower-filled streets. It is less touristy than Marbella but has ample amenities. The charming Old Town, with gorgeous architecture, cultural activities, and several nearby golf courses, attracts people from near and far, especially families and those wanting a blend of tradition and modernity.
Day-to-day life is pleasant, with certain neighbourhoods like Altos de Estepona, Seghers, Costa Natura, and Playa Bahía Dorada standing out. Estepona has recently been on a promotion drive to promote and revitalise areas and it seemed to have paid off, with 80% of foreigners accounting for the latest population increase.
17: Mijas
Located in southern Spain, the amazing village of Mijas perfectly portrays the pueblo’s Blancos of Andalucia with quaint, whitewashed houses and narrow streets. Pueblo’s Blancos (white villages) are villages or towns where buildings and homes are painted white and have brown or red-tiled roofs. There are two parts to Mijas: the traditional charming old town of Mijas Pueblo, with whitewashed buildings and large balcony displays of colourful bright blooms, and the modern Mijas Costa or La Cala, which is located south between Fuengirola and Marbella. This is where holidaymakers flock for golden sandy beaches, which hold the coveted Blue Flag status, numerous golf courses and upmarket holiday homes.
18: Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. The largest and most populous island, Tenerife, is famous for Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak), vibrant cities like Santa Cruz and La Laguna, and stunning beaches. There is a wide variety of properties, from luxury villas in Costa Adeje to affordable apartments in smaller towns.
Gran Canaria earns fame for the dunes in Maspalomas and cosmopolitan Las Palmas. Attractive areas for real estate investment are Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, which have strong tourism markets. Lanzarote earned fame for whitewashed villages and unique architectural style influenced by César Manrique.
The island is grand for buyers looking for eco-friendly or stylish properties, particularly in Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. Ideal Places in Fuerteventura are in Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste, while La Palma is perfect for rural homes or off-the-grid living. The last two, La Gomera and El Hierro are lesser known.
Know Your Geography: The Coastal Regions
Anyone who wants the seaside lifestyle would do well to brush up on their Costas. The name refers to the 13 coastline districts covering 4,000 kilometres. The northern Costas front the Aegean Ocean, while the eastern and southern Costas front the Mediterranean.
The northern Costa Verde, Vasca, and Galicia aren’t as famous as the south and east coasts because of a lesser-developed tourist industry and lower temperatures. If you are in the after, a life in the sun, get yourself to the more popular Costas, which are….
Costa Del Sol: Sitting on Spain’s south coastline, this 100-kilometre stretch, nicknamed the coast of sun, garners international fame, with several nationalities of tourists arriving every year. Several high-profile towns and cities belong to this Costa, including Marbella, Torremolinos, and Malaga. Although tourism dies down in winter, the region carries on all year round, making this a perfect destination for one of Europe’s best countries.
Costa Calida: This 250-kilometre stretch of the southeastern coastline is known as Costa Calida. The name means sunny coast, which refers to higher water temperatures. Famous places include La Manga, which boasts 22-kilometre beaches and sits next to Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lake. Cartagena and Mazzaron’s old architecture makes them stand out from the rest.
Costa Blanca: Brits and Germans love the Costa Blanca, which extends for 200 kilometres along Spain’s south-eastern coastline. Also called the white coast, it offers excellent golf courses, beaches, arts, culture, and gastronomy choices. Prominent places include Javea’s new and old towns, the famous Alicante, and Benidorm.
Summary – Where do most expats live in Spain?
American expats tend to favour Madrid city. However, British expats prefer the southeast and southern Spain. They flock to places like Marbella and Estepona, as well as Benidorm and Torrevieja. Mijas is another area with a high concentration of foreign residents. Although some foreigners head to northern Spain, this area is less famous than the southern coast. Regardless of where you head, well-established expat communities and laid-back lifestyles will help expats enjoy Spanish living.
Key Considerations Before Moving
Putting aside the sunny climate, and enriching experiences, relocating to Spain is an excellent opportunity, but it requires careful planning. Here are some aspects to consider while choosing a destination to live in.
Language: This is the most often asked question. The official language is Spanish, but most foreigners, especially those of older generations, struggle to learn it. However, in most destinations, there are English speakers. We still advise learning one word a day, and foreign workers or those seeking job opportunities should attend classes or schools. Also, remember that autonomous communities like Catalan and Basque have their languages.
Healthcare: While Spain has an excellent healthcare system, your access depends on your residency status. Residents paying social security contributions are entitled to public healthcare that easily matches Western countries. EU citizens can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary coverage but must register for long-term stays. Non-EU citizens and those ineligible for healthcare will need private health insurance. Private healthcare costs typically range from €50–€200 per month for a single person, depending on coverage and age.
Residency: Whether moving to Spain for work, retirement, or lifestyle reasons, you need a visa—from non-lucrative visas to work visas and even golden visas for property investments. You can apply to the Spanish consulate in your home country before you leave. For non-EU citizens, once you arrive, apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days. EU citizens can live and work without a visa but must register at the local Foreigner’s Office to get an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero).
Property: Some foreign nationals rent before buying, while others delve into the property market. From a 1- to 3-bedroom apartment or a villa, the choice is personal, with benefits and disadvantages to both aspects. If you want to know more about property ownership, call today and speak with an agent, or see our portfolio of prices, locations, and types of homes in many places where expats live in Spain.
