Spain is one of the best places for digital nomads! ☀️ With great weather, delicious food, fast internet, and a relaxed lifestyle, it’s no surprise that many remote workers choose Spain.
But most head to Barcelona and Madrid, where rent is expensive, and the cities are crowded. What if you could enjoy a better quality of life, lower costs, and fewer tourists while still having great WiFi and coworking spaces?
In this post, we’ll explore 12 amazing but underrated cities that are perfect for digital nomads. Whether you love beaches, history, nature, or vibrant city life, there’s a spot for you!
Why Look Beyond Barcelona & Madrid?
While Barcelona and Madrid are exciting, they come with some downsides:
❌ Tourist crowds – Busy streets and packed cafés.
❌ Fast-paced lifestyle – Not the best for work-life balance.
Luckily, Spain has many underrated cities that offer:
✅ Fewer tourists – A more authentic Spanish experience.
✅ Great outdoor activities – Surfing, hiking, climbing, and more!
✅ Growing expat and nomad communities – Easier to connect with like-minded people.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect city for your remote work adventure in Spain! 👇
Best Underrated Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain
Spain has countless amazing cities for remote work, but some hidden gems often get overlooked. Whether you prefer the vibrant energy of the Spanish mainland or the laid-back lifestyle of the Spanish islands, these underrated destinations offer affordability, strong WiFi, outdoor adventure, and welcoming expat communities—without the crowds of Barcelona or Madrid. 🌍💻
Mainland Cities – Culture, Nature & Affordable Living
From historic cities to modern hubs, mainland Spain has a diverse mix of places perfect for digital nomads. You’ll find great infrastructure, a lower cost of living, and easy access to both mountains and beaches.
1. Málaga – The Sun-Soaked Nomad Haven ☀️
✅ Why it’s great: Affordable rent, sunny beach life, and a big digital nomad community.
✅ Pros: Warm weather year-round, great WiFi, lots of coworking spaces.
✅ Cons: Can get crowded and very hot in summer.
🏄 Surfing & Outdoor Fun: Best surfing at El Palo and Cabopino Beach. Nearby El Chorro is a world-famous climbing spot. Nationalpark de Serria Nevada is 2 hours by car.
🌆 City Highlights: Work in beachfront cafés, explore the historic Alcazaba, or take a weekend trip to the Caminito del Rey, one of the most thrilling hikes in Spain.
2. Valencia – The Perfect Mix of City & Beach Life ⛵
✅ Why it’s great: Big city with a strong startup scene and affordable living.
✅ Pros: Warm weather year-round, beach life, lots of parks, great bike paths, big expat community.
✅ Cons: Can get very hot in summer.
🏄 Surfing & Outdoor Fun: El Saler Beach offers great beginner-friendly waves. The Albufera Natural Park is perfect for kayaking and cycling.
🌆 City Highlights: Eat authentic paella, enjoy the beach within the city and explore the futuristic City of Arts & Sciences.
3. Seville – Culture, Charm, and Affordable Living 🎭
✅ Why it’s great: One of Spain’s most beautiful cities, full of history and charm.
✅ Pros: Warm weather year-round, cheap rent, friendly locals, and stunning architecture.
✅ Cons: Summers can be extremely hot.
🏞️ Outdoor Fun: No beaches, but Sierra de Aracena is nearby for hiking and canyoning.
🌆 City Highlights: Watch a flamenco show, enjoy free tapas with your drinkg, and work in cozy cafés inside the Jewish Quarter.
4. Granada – Low Costs and High Inspiration 🏰
✅ Why it’s great: A magical city with cheap rent, an artistic vibe, and lots of students.
✅ Pros: Warm weather year-round, free tapas with drinks, great WiFi, creative atmosphere, and inspiring mountain views.
✅ Cons: Summers can be extremely hot and fewer international flights than bigger cities.
🏔️ Climbing & Outdoor Fun: The Sierra Nevada Mountains are a paradise for hiking, skiing, and climbing—just 30 minutes away!
🌆 City Highlights: Explore the breathtaking Alhambra, work in tea houses, and enjoy the bohemian student vibe.
5. Bilbao – Modern City with a Creative Vibe 🎨
✅ Why it’s great: A cool, stylish city with a mix of modern and traditional.
✅ Pros: Mild climate, great public transport, strong startup scene, breathtaking landscapes close-by.
✅ Cons: Less sunny than southern Spain.
🏄 Surfing & Outdoor Fun: Sopelana Beach (30 min away) is a top surf spot! The nearby Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees Mountains are perfect for hiking and climbing.
🌆 City Highlights: Visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, eat pintxos (Basque tapas), and take scenic walks along the river.
6. Santander – A Coastal Paradise for Digital Nomads 🌊
✅ Why it’s great: Peaceful, safe, and full of natural beauty.
✅ Pros: Mild climate, less touristy, relaxed lifestyle, breathtaking landscapes close-by.
✅ Cons: Rainy winters and fewer English speakers.
🏄 Surfing & Outdoor Fun: El Sardinero Beach is a top surfing destination! Several climbing opportunities in the area. Great for hiking along the green Cantabrian coast. The nearby Picos de Europa and Cantabirian mountains allow for climbing and more breathtaking hikes.
🌆 City Highlights: Work with an ocean view, go surfing after work, and enjoy laid-back pace of life.
7. Gijón – The Underrated Seaside Gem 🌅
✅ Why it’s great: A charming coastal city with strong local culture.
✅ Pros: Mild climate, affordable, great for surfing, friendly locals.
✅ Cons: Rainy winters and fewer English speakers.
🏄 Surfing & Outdoor Fun: San Lorenzo Beach has great waves! Beautiful hikes along the green Asturian coast. Nearby Picos de Europa Mountains are perfect for climbing and hiking.
🌆 City Highlights: Walk the seaside promenade, drink Asturian cider, and relax on quiet beaches.
8. Oviedo – Safe, Clean, and Full of Culture 🏛️
✅ Why it’s great: Spain’s cleanest and safest city!
✅ Pros: Mild climate, low cost of living, peaceful, friendly locals, less touristy.
✅ Cons: Rainy winters and fewer English speakers.
🏞️ Outdoor Fun: Perfect base for hiking and climbing in Asturias—one of Spain’s greenest regions including the Picos de Europa Mountains.
🌆 City Highlights: Explore the medieval old town, enjoy delicious Asturian cuisine, and work in historic cafés.
9. Santiago de Compostela – History Meets Remote Work ⛪
✅ Why it’s great: A cozy, artsy city with an inspiring atmosphere.
✅ Pros: Low rent, rich history, relaxed lifestyle.
✅ Cons: Rainy winters.
🏞️ Outdoor Fun: Join part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, hike in Galician forests, and explore hidden beaches and coastal trails.
🌆 City Highlights: Soak up the medival charm, enjoy fresh Galician seafood, and enjoy the friendly student atmosphere. Final Destination of The Way of St James.
Island Cities – A Digital Nomad’s Paradise
If you dream of working by the beach, surfing in the morning, and enjoying warm weather year-round, the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands might be perfect for you. These islands offer a relaxed lifestyle, strong nomad communities, and stunning nature—all while staying connected.
10. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – The Ultimate Digital Nomad Hub 🏝️
✅ Expat Community: Huge – One of Europe’s biggest nomad hubs! Tons of coworking spaces and meetups.
✅ Pros: Perfect weather, great WiFi, strong international scene.
✅ Cons: Can feel touristy in some areas.
🏄 Outdoor Fun: Surf at Las Canteras Beach, hike in Roque Nublo, or dive in Puerto Rico.
🌆 City Highlights: Work from beachfront coworking spaces, join nomad events, and enjoy a laid-back island vibe.
11. Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The Island Lifestyle 🌋
✅ Expat Community: Large – Lots of digital nomads and long-term expats.
✅ Pros: Stunning nature, vibrant city life, strong café culture.
✅ Cons: Some areas have slow WiFi.
🏄 Outdoor Fun: Surf at El Médano, hike in Anaga Mountains, or climb Mount Teide.
🌆 City Highlights: Mix of Canarian culture and modern life, lots of coworking spaces.
12. Palma de Mallorca – Mediterranean Paradise ⛵
✅ Expat Community: Moderate – Growing scene, many entrepreneurs and freelancers.
✅ Pros: Beautiful beaches, great infrastructure, lots of international restaurants.
✅ Cons: Can be expensive.
🏄 Outdoor Fun: Sail in the Balearic Sea, cycle in Serra de Tramuntana, snorkel in Es Trenc.
🌆 City Highlights: Work in sunny beachfront cafés, explore the Gothic Cathedral, and enjoy island living.
How to Choose the Right Spanish City for Your Remote Work Adventure?
With so many amazing cities in Spain, how do you pick the one that fits your digital nomad lifestyle? Here are a few key factors to consider before making your choice:
1. Cost of Living 💰
Some cities in Spain are super budget-friendly, while others can be pricey. If you’re looking to save money, consider northern or inland cities where rent and daily expenses are lower.
✅ Best for affordability: Granada, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Gijón
💶 Mid-Range Cities: Valencia, Seville, Santander, Bilbao
🚨 More expensive: Palma de Mallorca, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Málaga, Tenerife
2. Climate & Weather ☀️🌧️
Spain has big climate differences depending on the region:
☀️ Warm & Sunny South (Mild Winters, Hot Summers):
Málaga, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca – Expect hot summers and mild winters.
🌤️ Mild & Balanced North (Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold):
Bilbao, Santander, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Gijón – Cooler summers, rainy winters, but never extreme.
🌴 Year-Round Canarian Warmth (Island Living): Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Enjoy spring-like weather all year!
3. Digital Nomad Community 🏢
If you love networking and connecting with other nomads, pick a city with an active international community and plenty of coworking spaces.
🌍 Strongest Digital Nomad Hubs:
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Valencia, Málaga
👥 Growing Nomad Scenes:
Seville, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Tenerife, Santander
🏡 Smaller, More Local Communities:
Granada, Oviedo, Gijón, Santiago de Compostela– Fewer nomads, more locals, great for immersion in Spanish culture.
4. Outdoor Activities & Lifestyle 🏄♂️⛰️
🏄 Best Cities for Surfing:
Santander, Gijón, Bilbao, Las Palmas, Tenerife – Some of the best waves in Spain!
🚴 Best for Hiking & Nature:
Granada (Sierra Nevada), Santiago de Compostela (Galician forests), Tenerife (Teide National Park), Oviedo & Gijón (Picos de Europa), Santander (Picos de Europa & Cantabrian Mountains).
🧗 Best for Climbing & Outdoor Adventure:
Granada (El Chorro), Tenerife (volcanic climbs), Bilbao (Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve), Oviedo & Gijón (Picos de Europa), Santander (Picos de Europa & Cantabrian Mountains).
⛵ Best for Sailing, Snorkeling & Island Hopping:
Palma de Mallorca, Las Palmas, Valencia – Ideal for sailing, snorkeling, and island hopping!
🚨 Less nature access: Seville, Malaga, Valencia
5. Internet & Infrastructure 📶
While most Spanish cities have solid WiFi, some rural areas or islands may have weaker connections. Big cities and major nomad hubs have the best infrastructure, coworking spaces, and transport options.
🚀 Best for Strong WiFi & Coworking Spaces:
Las Palmas, Valencia, Málaga, Bilbao – High-speed internet, lots of coworking spaces, and strong expat communities.
🛤️ Best for Travel & Connectivity:
Valencia, Seville – Excellent train & flight connections.
⚠️ Internet & Connectivity Challenges:
Some rural areas (especially in Tenerife) and smaller villages may have slower WiFi and fewer coworking options.
Conclusion
Spain is an amazing place for digital nomads, offering a high quality of life, affordable living, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for sunny beaches, outdoor adventures, or a vibrant city life, there’s a perfect spot for you. In a nutshell:
Big-City Vibes
- ✔ Valencia
- ✔ Málaga
- ✔ Bilbao
Affordable & Culturally Rich
- ✔ Granada
- ✔ Seville
- ✔ Santiago de Compostela
Outdoor Adventures
- ✔ Santander
- ✔ Gijón
- ✔ Oviedo
- ✔ Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Island Life
- ✔ Las Palmas
- ✔ Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- ✔ Palma de Mallorca
One of the best things about being a digital nomad is the freedom to explore. 🚀 Why settle for just one city when you can try a few? Spain’s great transport system makes it easy to hop between different regions, so you can experience different lifestyles before choosing your perfect base.
Which Spanish City Is Your Favorite For Digital Nomads?
We want to hear from you! 🌍
- Which of these cities sounds best for you?
- Do you prefer beach cities or mountain towns?
- Already living in Spain? Share your experience!
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts—let’s enjoy this adventure together! 👇
You want to work remotly from Spain but don’t know where to start? Check out our guide 4 Simple Steps to Become a Digital Nomad in Spain! 🚀 Whether you’re just starting out or already soaking up the Spanish sun, this guide will provide you with everything you need to navigate your digital nomad journey in Spain.
