The full guide
Spain’s climate zones
| Zone | Typical weather | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean coast | Mild winters, hot and humid summers | Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Málaga |
| Green north | Mild summers, rainy and cool winters | Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, Galicia |
| Interior | Hot dry summers, cold winters | Madrid, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha |
| South interior | Very hot summers, mild winters | Seville, Córdoba, Granada |
| Canary Islands | Spring-like all year | Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote |
| Balearic Islands | Mediterranean, busy summers | Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza |
Summer heat is often underestimated. Many southern and inland cities regularly pass 40°C in July and August. If that’s a problem, look north or at the islands.
Cost of living
Housing is the biggest difference. Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián, Palma and popular coastal areas are the most expensive. Medium-sized cities such as Valencia, Zaragoza, Murcia or Oviedo often offer lower rents with good services. Smaller towns are cheaper still but may lack schools, specialists and English-speaking services.
Languages
Spanish is spoken everywhere, but several regions have a co-official language used in schools and local government: Catalan in Catalonia and the Balearics, Valencian in the Valencian Community, Basque in the Basque Country and parts of Navarre, and Galician in Galicia. In public schools, children may be taught mainly in the regional language. Adults can get by in Spanish, but learning a few words is appreciated.
Services and connections
Check the nearest hospital, how busy the local health centre is, the airport and its routes home, and high-speed rail. For remote work, check fibre coverage at the exact address before signing anything; see getting internet and a Spanish phone number.
Community
Some areas, such as the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca and Mallorca, have large international communities and services in English. Others are mostly Spanish, which is great for language and integration but harder at first. Think about which you want, and remember it may change over time.
Testing a place
Spend time there in the season you find hardest. Walk the neighbourhood at night and on a weekday morning, check noise from bars and fiestas, and talk to people who live there. Then rent first for six months to a year before thinking about buying.
Frequently asked questions
Which region has the lowest taxes?
Income tax rates differ slightly by region, and wealth and inheritance taxes differ a lot. Madrid and Andalucía, for example, offer large reliefs. It matters most if you have significant assets.
Is it easier to move to a city or a village?
Cities have more services, transport and appointment offices. Villages are cheaper and quieter but you may need a car and more Spanish.
