Spain is a digital nomad’s dream. With its different ambiance, cultures, and other forms of living, the Castellano lifestyle is sought by many a traveler. With Spain easing its international worker’s laws, it’s becoming more accessible and easier to live as a nomad in the Iberian Peninsula.
New rules also allow nomads or workers to bring their families (if they can), giving digital nomadic culture a different take since you wouldn’t be alone in your travels.
Known as Hispania by the Romans, Spain has always been a favorite travel destination for its fantastic gastronomy, fabulous architecture, and even things like siestas (mid-day naps) which might confuse you initially but will become an integral part of your daily living. The country is ripe with different cities and towns that all offer their own distinctive flavor. From Madrid to Barcelona, you’ll find something that fits you and your lifestyle.
These seven cities to visit in Spain are perfect for digital nomads:
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Madrid
We can’t start this list without discussing the capital first. Madrid is home to some of Spain’s most famous museums and history. It’s technically the most visited city in Spain, and for a good reason.
The town is renowned for maintaining its historic art deco/expressionist and baroque architecture while supplementing its infrastructure to keep up with modern times. The food is on another level. Some of Spain’s most famous restaurants are in the city, like DiverXO, which has three Michelin stars.
Prices for apartments are moderate, and you can easily live comfortably if you’re making a North American salary. The city is also famous for its eclectic neighborhoods like the LGBTQ+ hotspot, Chueca.
There’s something for everyone in this town, and it should be on your radar.
Barcelona
Another that we need to include in this list is Barcelona. Known as Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona is Spain’s second most visited city. This city doesn’t pale in comparison to Madrid.
There’s so much diversity here that it’s almost too difficult to compare. Barcelona is home to the ever-evolving Basílica de la Sagrada Família and Park Güell by famed architect and Catalan artist (Antoni Gaudí).
Outside of its art-centered attractions, Barcelona has some pretty cool neighborhoods. Gràcia and El Poblenou are hip spots in town with cute cafes, incredible food, and an active social scene. Pro tip: learn some Catalan if you plan on living here; the city is the capital of Catalonia, and knowing a few words can help you during your stay.
Valencia
Valencia is a fantastic city that may be smaller than Madrid or Barcelona, but it makes up for it in terms of style and design. The city is known for being the homeplace of the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and you can see some of his celebrated works throughout the city.
If you’ve ever been to Spain, you’ve probably had paella, but if you’re in Valencia, you really have to try it there. The dish was created here somewhere between the 10th and 15th centuries.
Sevilla (Seville)
Another Spanish past-time that is globally famous is flamenco. If you’re in Sevilla, you must see a show here since this city is its birthplace. Sevilla is also the capital of Andalusia. The city’s architecture is interesting since the Moors (Muslim inhabitants) occupied the town for 500 years during the medieval ages.
Many of the buildings carry an arabesque quality to them, and some of the cultures are linked directly to Arabic or Muslim bases. The weather here is warmer and drier than in the rest of Spain.
Cádiz
If you’re a sherry fan, you have to check out Cádiz. Known for being the oldest standing city in Europe, Cádiz is a history-buffs paradise and another city in Andalucia. You’ll notice direct similarities between colonial towns in the Caribbean and Latin America and this city.
Many ships that went to discover the new world had a port here. Back to the wine, the sherry triangle is located here in Cádiz, and it’s full of sherry and brandy bodegas (wineries).
Donostia-San Sebastian
Donostia-San Sebastian is located in the Basque country, like a clean golden-laced New York. It’s an adequately built-out city with some of the most superb beaches you can find in Spain. It gets a little chilly and rainy here most of the time, but when the weather is right, you can find some of the best tanning spots on La Concha beach.
Compared to cities like Madrid and Barcelona, a one-bedroom can be as low as $950. Depending on your income level, this can be a steal.
Palma (Mallorca)
Known as the biggest Balearic island (its sisters being Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera), Palma (Mallorca) is an excellent option for digital nomads. It’s relatively warm year-round, not too expensive, and they have great beaches. We don’t know about you, but we crave beaches and sunny weather when winter rolls around. The city is an excellent option for those who like island life but with structure. It’s the biggest of the Balearic Islands and has a ton of history.
If you want to make a global move this year, you have to check out Spain. Its new programs make crossing the pond easier, but it also has some fascinating cities that can improve your lifestyle.
