Spain is a beautiful country, with very varied towns and cities that can offer you positive lifestyle changes. People from around the world decide to come here because of the country’s amazing culture, vibrant communities, incredible cuisine and spectacular natural landscapes. Added to this, the Spanish are a welcoming nation and there are plenty of stunning regions you choose from, but which are the best places to live in Spain if you have a family?
Choosing a new home when you have a family with young children can seem like a huge decision. There is a lot to consider such as the quality of the education, healthcare and safety of the area, extracurricular activities and more. This lovely country has great options suitable for families with kids. Your eventual choice will depend on the lifestyle you are seeking, whether it is in a bigger city or a smaller town, in the countryside or by the beach.
Is Spain a good place to raise a family?
Spain is an excellent place to raise a family. It is exceptionally child-friendly, has fantastic weather and is, in general, an affordable place to live. For Spaniards, a sense of community life is very relevant. In this Mediterranean country, life is spent largely outdoors, surrounded by friends and family. In addition, there are plenty of inclusive activities for the whole family like sports, beach time, swimming and more. This will allow you to bond and explore your new home together!
In terms of your children’s education, rest assured that the Spanish system is high quality and schooling from age six is public and fully state-funded. Preschool education is also widespread and may be free, subsidised or fee-paying, depending on the region and the type of centre you choose.There are also several private and international schools available and many expat communities choose to send their kids to these establishments due to their more international curriculum and the emphasis they place on language learning. However, the state school system scores high in international rankings with excellent results in literacy, maths and science. The country is also considered a safe place to live in, as violent crime is very rare.
The 5 best destinations to live in Spain for families
We have put together a list of some of the best places to live in Spain for families. Although there are many other options you could consider, we have chosen these due to their popularity, affordability, great life-quality and welcoming atmosphere. Keep reading and discover these stunning destinations that might be a perfect fit for you.
Malaga
The city of Malaga is a wonderful option for families with younger kids because of the quality of life, amazing weather, closeness to nature and beautiful beaches. This is a medium-sized city, with just under 600,000 residents and a vibrant expat community. An extremely liveable city, Malaga has a variety of excellent schools and an efficient public transport system, making it a good place to grow up in. Apart from these essential factors, the city has an active cultural scene, great gastronomy as well as easy access to beaches, parks and outdoor spaces.
Alicante
Sometimes underestimated, the city of Alicante and its surrounding locations have a lot to offer to families. It is a charming place with a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy the warm climate and many kilometres of sandy beaches. With a population of over 300,000, this town is steeped in history due to its Moorish past. With a vibrant social atmosphere made up of both Spaniards and expats, your family will not have any trouble finding friendly and like minded-people.
Valencia
Valencia is an excellent place to raise your family due to its magnificent combination between city and beach life. This is also a arts and science hub, with abundant museums and cultural activities appealing to all family members. Although a major city, the third largest in the country, it is a very safe place with a pleasant urban environment that still maintains a small-town feel. It is also more affordable to live in than other major coastal towns, which makes it a really attractive place for expats to relocate.
Palma
Palma, the capital of the island of Majorca, and some of the surrounding areas can be excellent places for families with children to live in. This amazing Mediterranean island is a good spot, especially for active families that enjoy the great outdoors and diverse adventure activities. It definitely has a very easy-going ambience with a large expat community that assures you will have excellent public and private schools, good transport links and modern services.
Sotogrande
This exclusive residential area on the Costa del Sol is an outstanding place for families to relocate. It is an extremely safe environment filled with state-of-the-art facilities and services that cater to every family member’s taste. It offers a calm and tranquil setting among compatible people that enjoy socialising but also cherish their privacy. Due to the number of expatriates you will find many international education facilities such as the Sotogrande International School, one of the best in the country. In this part of southern Spain, you will also be able to enjoy the incredible natural landscapes and crystal clear waters at the nearby beaches.
