The 10 Best Cities to Digital Nomad in Spain

The top places for digital nomads to travel in Spain based on weather, food, safety, and cost of living

Hoping to cash in on the emerging digital nomad trend, Spain has introduced a new visa program aimed at non-resident remote workers and freelancers who long to combine their flexible job situations with travel. Starting this year, digital nomads can now say adios to the U.S. and set up temporary camp in any number of Spanish towns and cities as they absorb themselves in Spanish culture, architecture, cuisine, and nightlife – all while keeping connected to their job.

The visa took effect in January 2023 and allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain for up to five years while working remotely for non-Spanish companies. Applicants will need to provide proof of employment, a local address and go through the renewal process every 12 months. The visa also allows digital nomads to earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish companies — providing an opportunity to take advantage of the country’s growing economy. With some of the fastest Internet speeds in Europe, a large international population, and special tax breaks for digital nomad visa holders, Spain should be near the top of any itinerant’s plans.

But with Spain being such a diverse country with a wide variety of rich cultural experiences, it may be difficult to decide exactly where to go on your next digital nomad adventure. That’s why Wise has put together a list¹ of the 10 best cities in Spain for digital nomads. Our rankings are based on weather, safety, and cost of living data — along with the always important grocery costs and restaurant scene. Let's check them out!

1. Malaga

This seaside resort town on the Mediterranean coast is a startup hub and home to many of Spain’s emerging tech companies. An entrepreneurial spirit flows through the rapidly-growing city and provides many opportunities to attend trade shows, conferences, and networking events. Culturally, Malaga has a rich history (founded in 770 BC by the Phoenicians) and an amazing gastronomy scene featuring espetos, sardines grilled over open flame by beach-side vendors. The combination of Malaga’s startup scene, growth opportunities, beautiful Mediterranean climate and culture, and inexpensive cost of living make it our top destination in Spain for digital nomads.

2. Madrid

Madrid is perfect for digital nomads looking for the thrill and excitement of a major metropolitan city. Home to approximately 3.3 million people, Spain’s capital city provides all the conveniences and amenities you’d expect from one of the world’s major global cities. It’s an economic giant focused on banking and technology and boasts several world-class universities, giving digital nomads additional business and education opportunities. Madrid is also known for its world-class art museums featuring the Golden Triangle of Art: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum — all located along the Paseo del Prado – providing digital nomads with excellent options for playing hooky here and there.

3. Barcelona

Barcelona is truly an international city, with one in five inhabitants born outside of Spain. The center of Catalan culture, the city is known for its architecture, featuring several World Heritage sites including the church of the Sagrada Familia and Palau de la Musica Catalana. Digital nomads should note that Barcelona is the main biotech hub in Spain — emerging as one of the best places in Europe to do business in this growing industry. Digital nomads looking to augment their work life with beaches, nightlife, and culture can’t go wrong with a jaunt to Barcelona.

4. Alicante

If solitude is your thing, check out Alicante—a city on the Mediterranean coast that isn’t on many digital nomads’ short list. Alicante is famous for its laid-back vibe, favorable climate, and gorgeous beaches. Nightlife is the big draw for digital nomads as is the Explanada de Espana, a waterfront promenade lined by palm trees and paved with 6.5 million marble floor tiles. If your digital nomad plans take you to Alicante in the summer, the Hogueras de San Juan, a festival during the summer solstice that kicks off five nights of firework competitions between local companies, is a must-see.

5. Valencia

Spain’s third-largest city is often overlooked in favor of Madrid and Barcelona, but an incredibly rich food scene, diverse culture, and wide sandy beaches make Valencia a great place for digital nomads looking for a big city experience without the big crowds of the country’s more popular large cities. A major trading hub for more than 2,000 years, the city is at the cross-roads of the ancient and modern Mediterranean world—mixing Catalan, Spanish, African, and Arab cultures. Valencia remains a transportation hub to this day, making it easy for digital nomads to take advantage of quick business trips to Madrid and Barcelona, or enjoy a weekend visitng other locations throughout Spain.

6. Murcia

Murcia is a vibrant inland city full of culture, history, and delicious food. It’s also home to a lively arts scene and arts entrepreneurs in the design, architecture, and product design industries. Murcia is also a great place for digital nomads who love the outdoors as it’s close to parks and orchards, several mountain ranges, and rivers. The Fiestas de Primavera de Murcia kicks off in April when locals dress up in traditional clothing to celebrate the harvest across the city’s plentiful orchards.

7. Seville

Often referred to as the most beautiful city in Spain, Seville is often the third most popular destination for tourists and a major business center for the country’s southern region. In addition to its picturesque Baroque and Gothic architecture and rich historical legacy, the city is known for its cuisine, sangria, and flamenco dancing. Digital nomads will be able to spend many evenings hitting up the city’s numerous tapas restaurants, music venues, and dance clubs before getting a few hours of sleep before work in the morning.

8. Palma de Mallorca

Capital of the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, Palma is known for its beaches and resorts. Considered less busy and expensive than its neighbor Ibizia, Palma is great for digital nomads who want history and culture mixed with a quieter beach scene. The island is also a short hop to Madrid, Barcelona, and other business centers throughout Spain, making it a convenient home base for any digital nomad’s business dealings.

9. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands are no stranger to digital nomads. A separate digital nomad visa program drew many remote workers to Las Palmas during the COVID pandemic. As a result, the city is home to plenty of co-working spaces and is easy to get to from Madrid and Barcelona. It’s also great for adventure seekers with a great surf, windsurf, kitesurf, paddle board, and scuba communities.

10. Granada

Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains at the confluence of four rivers, Granada is a cultural and architectural highlight with a small business community. Digital nomads who want a pure cultural experience should consider Granada. It's the food that’s the clear draw in the city – a center for Arabic-Andalusian cuisine that combines Arab and Jewish traditions through condiments and spices.

Paying Like a Local

Spain is a wonderful place to work as a digital nomad, and the country’s new visa program makes it easier than ever to put down some temporary roots. Just make sure you have a good financial plan in place that enables you to pay like a local in whichever city you choose to roam.Adventurers beware: that does not mean simply using your U.S. bank account and credit cards. From foreign transaction fees and high ATM withdrawal fees, to hidden markups in exchange rates, U.S. bank accounts aren’t typically digital nomad-friendly. And it can be hard to open a bank account in Spain virtually before you arrive.

Before you depart, consider setting up a Wise Account and card. Wise is everywhere money: 170 countries, 50 currencies and one card. With a Wise Account you can easily send, receive, hold, and spend money with no hidden fees². That means paying for rent, groceries, activities and your new friends back easily in local currency.

With the Wise card, there’s no need to have the cash converted ahead of time. You can simply withdraw cash from local ATMs, and Wise will convert the amount automatically for you at the best conversation rate at the time for a low fee. For making purchases at places that do accept cards, the Wise Card functions like any other debit card in your wallet.

With Wise’s transparent pricing and mid-market exchange rate policy, you always know what you're paying. That means less financial stress and uncertainty, and more time enjoying soaking in the local Spanish atmosphere like a true digital nomad.