A coastal city with warm winters is named the most expat-friendly city in Spain

Alicante has emerged as the most expat-friendly city in Spain for British buyers considering a move overseas.

A new study analysed the proportion of properties owned by international buyers across 50 Spanish cities and regions to identify where expat communities are most firmly established.

Alicante topped the ranking, with 43 per cent of property purchases made by expats — the highest share anywhere in the country, according to new research from international health insurance specialists William Russell.

The coastal city continues to attract British movers thanks to its mild winters, relatively affordable property prices and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Strong transport links, including an international airport and high-speed rail connections, make it easy for residents to travel back to the UK, while a well-established expat network and widespread English-speaking services help new arrivals settle quickly.

Joint second place was claimed by Malaga and the Balearic Islands, with 31 per cent of property purchases in each location made by expats. Malaga, located on the Costa del Sol, offers a balance of city living and beachside appeal, combining historic charm with modern amenities.

The city’s international airport and comparatively lower cost of living than other major coastal centres continue to make it popular with British buyers.

The Balearic Islands — including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza — remain a strong draw for expats seeking year-round sunshine and a high-quality, lifestyle-led move abroad.

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The islands benefit from well-developed international communities, English-speaking services and a strong leisure and hospitality sector, making them particularly attractive to retirees and remote workers.

Most expat-friendly cities

1. Alicante (43%)
2. Balearic Islands (31%)
3. Málaga (31%)
4. Santa Cruz de Tenerife (26%)
5. Girona (25%)
6. Murcia (21%)
7. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (20%)
8. Almería (17%)
9. Tarragona (16%)
10. Barcelona (15%)

Other popular destinations for expat property buyers include Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Girona, Murcia, Las Palmas, Almeria, Tarragona and Barcelona, reflecting continued British interest across Spain’s coastal and island regions.

Marketing director at William Russell, William Cooper, said: "Spain remains one of the most compelling destinations for British expats because it offers a unique blend of lifestyle, climate and community, but moving abroad successfully requires thoughtful planning. Expats should start by researching visa options. Whether that’s a digital nomad visa, work permit or long‑term residency, and taking the time to understand the different legal and administrative steps involved.

“Expats should start by researching visa options, whether that’s a digital nomad visa, work permit or long-term residency, and take the time to understand the legal and administrative steps involved.

“It’s also crucial to budget realistically for the cost of living, including accommodation, healthcare and taxes, which can vary significantly from region to region. Learning some Spanish will make everyday life easier and help with integration into local communities.

“Finally, having private health insurance in place before arrival is vital, as it is required for many visa types and can help bridge the gap before access to the public healthcare system is available.”