Where to Live in Spain: We Asked Our Community Their Dream Destination

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Moving to Spain is a dream for many people.

Whether it’s the year-round sunshine, incredible food, relaxed lifestyle or welcoming locals, Spain has a way of making visitors imagine what life would be like if they never had to leave.

So I decided to put that question to my Facebook community.

With nearly 3,000 people following Travels Around Spain, I asked one simple question:

“Imagine you woke up tomorrow and could move anywhere in Spain. Where would you choose?”

The responses came flooding in. Some destinations were exactly what you’d expect, while others completely surprised me. From famous cities like Madrid and Valencia to tiny coastal towns and hidden gems, the answers painted a fascinating picture of what travellers really value when they dream about living in Spain.

This isn’t an official poll of Spain’s best places to live. Instead, it’s a collection of genuine responses from members of the Travels Around Spain community. Some destinations received multiple votes, while others earned just one passionate recommendation. Together, they provide a fascinating snapshot of the places that have captured people’s hearts. 

The Results

As the comments started coming in, I quickly realised there wasn’t going to be one obvious answer.

Some readers chose vibrant cities packed with culture and history, while others picked quiet coastal towns where life moves at a slower pace. There were famous destinations you’d probably expect to see, alongside a handful of hidden gems that I’d never have predicted.

What really stood out wasn’t just where people wanted to live, but why. Time and again, people talked about friendly locals, beautiful scenery, fantastic food, a relaxed lifestyle and the feeling they get whenever they’re in Spain. It was a reminder that choosing a place to call home is about much more than ticking off famous landmarks or attractions.

So, which destinations captured the hearts of the Travels Around Spain community?

Let’s find out.

Honourable Mentions

One of my favourite things about reading through the comments was seeing just how varied the responses were. While a handful of destinations attracted multiple votes, there were plenty of places that received a passionate recommendation from a single person.

From the dramatic coastline of Ribadeo in Galicia to the whitewashed streets of Mijas, the mountain town of Rute, the seaside charm of L’Estartit and the picturesque harbour of Xàbia, it was clear that every corner of Spain has somewhere special that people would happily call home.

Other destinations receiving a vote included Almería, Bilbao, Can Picafort, Calpe, Costa Dorada, L’Escala, Palmanova, Sabinillas, Salou, Tenerife, Torremolinos and A Coruña. Together, they show that there isn’t just one dream destination in Spain. Whether you prefer a bustling city, a sleepy fishing village, an island escape or somewhere surrounded by mountains, there’s a place to suit every lifestyle.

Now, onto the destinations that received the most support from the Travels Around Spain community.

The Countdown

Before we get started, there’s one thing worth mentioning.

Several destinations received exactly the same number of votes. Rather than separating them arbitrarily, I’ve grouped together the places that finished level. It means there isn’t a unique destination in every position, but it does reflect the results exactly as the Travels Around Spain community voted.

So, let’s find out which places people would most love to call home in Spain.

10= Benalmádena, Calella, Marbella and Tossa de Mar

The first destinations in the countdown may be spread across different parts of Spain, but they all have something in common. They offer the kind of lifestyle that makes people wish their holiday never had to end.

On the Costa del Sol, Benalmádena and Marbella were both popular choices. Benalmádena has a little bit of everything, from beaches and marinas to a charming old town, while Marbella combines its famous coastline with a beautiful historic centre that many visitors fall in love with.

Further north, Calella and Tossa de Mar showed just how much people appreciate the Costa Brava. One member of the community described Calella’s “relaxed atmosphere” and “brilliant locals” as the reason they would choose to live there, while another praised Tossa de Mar for its tranquillity and friendly atmosphere.

Looking across these four destinations, a common theme begins to emerge. It isn’t just about beautiful beaches or sunny weather. It’s about finding somewhere that feels welcoming, relaxed and easy to imagine calling home. Sometimes, that’s far more important than ticking off famous attractions.

7= Cuenca, Granada and Ronda

If the destinations in 10th place prove the appeal of Spain’s coastline, the next group shows that spectacular scenery and centuries of history can be just as tempting.

It’s no surprise to see Granada make the list. Home to the magnificent Alhambra, one of Spain’s most famous landmarks, the city combines Moorish history with a vibrant atmosphere, excellent tapas and the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. There’s far more to Granada than the Alhambra alone, which is why I recommend spending four days in Granada if you have the time.  It’s a place that many visitors arrive expecting to enjoy, only to leave wondering what it would be like to live there.

Ronda was another destination that clearly captured people’s imagination. Perched high above the El Tajo Gorge and famous for its iconic Puente Nuevo, it’s one of Spain’s most recognisable towns. One member of the Travels Around Spain community is already planning another visit later this year, and after seeing so many recommendations, I’m even more excited to experience it for myself when I visit this November.

Then there’s Cuenca, perhaps the biggest surprise in the rankings. Famous for its gravity-defying Hanging Houses and spectacular gorge, it’s a city that many travellers overlook in favour of Spain’s bigger names. Seeing it appear several times in the comments was a reminder that some of Spain’s most memorable places are often those that receive the fewest visitors.

Although these three destinations are very different, they all offer something that can’t be measured by sunshine or beaches alone. History, character and unforgettable scenery are just as important when people imagine finding a place to call home.

6. Barcelona

Barcelona was the highest-ranked destination to finish on its own, earning its own place in the countdown.

Despite growing concerns about overtourism in recent years, it’s easy to see why so many people would still choose to call it home. Few cities can match Barcelona’s combination of world-famous architecture, golden beaches, excellent food and vibrant neighbourhoods. Whether you’re wandering through the Gothic Quarter, relaxing along Barceloneta Beach or admiring Gaudí’s masterpieces, there’s always something new to discover. It’s one of those cities where you can spend weeks exploring, although if you’re visiting for the first time, my 2-day Barcelona itinerary covers the highlights. 

Several members of the Travels Around Spain community picked Barcelona without hesitation, describing it as a “fabulous place” and an “amazing, beautiful” city. For many people, it’s the perfect balance between city life and coastal living, offering all the cultural attractions of a major European city alongside the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that makes Spain so appealing.

I’ve visited Barcelona several times over the years, and every visit reminds me why it’s one of Spain’s most popular cities. If I ever decided to move to Spain, I’d certainly be happy living there. It just wouldn’t quite make my own top spot. 

3= Alicante, Seville and Valencia

As we reach the top three, the rankings become even more interesting. Although these destinations are very different, they all offer something that makes people picture themselves living in Spain rather than simply holidaying there.

Alicante was praised by several members of the community for its beautiful seafront and relaxed atmosphere, with one reader summing it up perfectly by saying, “What’s not to like about Alicante?” It’s easy to see why. With its palm-lined promenade, sandy beaches, historic castle and year-round sunshine, Alicante strikes a wonderful balance between city life and coastal living.

Seville also proved incredibly popular. The capital of Andalucía is famous for its stunning architecture, lively tapas culture and unmistakable atmosphere. One member of the community simply wrote “Seville”, while another said they were already looking forward to returning after their first visit. It’s a city that leaves a lasting impression on almost everyone who visits. Even a short stay is enough to see why, and if you’re planning a city break, my 2-day Seville itinerary includes all of the main sights. 

Then there’s Valencia, a city that has become one of my own favourites after several visits. It offers so much of what people love about Barcelona, but at a slightly slower pace. Whether you’re interested in historic landmarks, modern architecture or beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Valencia to keep you busy for several days. 

You have an impressive historic centre, world-class architecture at the City of Arts and Sciences, miles of beaches, fantastic food and the beautiful Turia Gardens running through the heart of the city. It’s a place I could genuinely imagine calling home one day, so I wasn’t surprised to see it receive so much support from the Travels Around Spain community.

1= Madrid and Málaga

It couldn’t have been any closer. After all the comments had been counted, two destinations finished level at the top of the Travels Around Spain community rankings.

On the surface, Madrid and Málaga couldn’t be more different. One is Spain’s energetic capital, known for its world-class museums, grand boulevards and vibrant food scene. The other is a sun-soaked Mediterranean city where beaches, palm-lined promenades and a relaxed coastal lifestyle take centre stage.

Yet both clearly captured people’s imagination.

Those who chose Madrid were drawn to its atmosphere, culture and the feeling that there’s always something happening. It’s a city that perfectly balances historic landmarks with modern neighbourhoods, making it easy to see why so many people could imagine calling it home.

Meanwhile, Málaga received glowing praise for its architecture, restaurants, beaches and easy-going lifestyle. One community member summed it up in a single word: “Everything.” It’s a city that has transformed over the past couple of decades into one of Spain’s most exciting places to live, combining a thriving cultural scene with the appeal of the Costa del Sol.

If there’s one thing this countdown has shown, it’s that there is no single perfect place to live in Spain. Whether you dream of a bustling capital, a relaxed coastal city or a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains, Spain offers an incredible variety of places to call home.

Still not sure which part of Spain is right for you? If you’re planning your first trip rather than a permanent move, my guide to the Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers includes a quick quiz to help you discover the destination that best matches your travel style.

My Take

One of the things I enjoyed most about asking this question was seeing just how different everyone’s answers were. Some people dreamed of life by the sea, others preferred historic cities, and a few chose places I’d never have expected to see.

After more than 36 trips to Spain, I can honestly say I understand every single choice. Every destination on this list has something unique to offer, and that’s one of the reasons I keep going back.

If I had to choose just one place to move to tomorrow, though, my answer would be Valencia.

For me, it strikes the perfect balance. It has beautiful beaches, an incredible food scene, a fascinating historic centre, world-class architecture, excellent public transport and plenty of green space thanks to the Turia Gardens. It feels like a city that’s large enough to offer everything you need, while still being relaxed and easy to enjoy.

That doesn’t mean I’d turn down the chance to live in Barcelona, Madrid or Málaga. I’d happily call any of them home. But Valencia has something about it that keeps drawing me back, and every visit reinforces the feeling that it would be the place I’d choose.

The great thing about Spain is that there isn’t a wrong answer. Whether your dream is a bustling capital, a laid-back coastal city or a quiet mountain town, there’s somewhere that feels like home.

I’d love to know whether you agree with these results. You can join the conversation over on the Travels Around Spain Facebook page, where I’m always sharing travel tips, destination guides and questions like this with fellow Spain lovers.