Thinking about moving to Spain? After living in Madrid and Málaga - and visiting cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Valladolid, and Salamanca - I’ve experienced the country from several angles. Spain is beautiful, vibrant, and full of surprises, but it also comes with challenges that aren’t always obvious from the outside.

To help you decide whether it’s the right place for you, here’s a clear, honest breakdown of the positives and negatives based on my years here and my 25 years growing up in the UK.

Let’s dive in.

☀️ Positive #1: The Climate

Spain’s climate is one of its biggest selling points. Warm, sunny weather dominates most of the year, and the difference compared to the UK is dramatic.

• Spain averages 4 hours of sunshine in winter and up to 11 hours in summer.
• The UK averages 1.5–2.5 hours in winter and 6–7 hours in summer.

Spain’s position closer to the equator gives it longer, more consistent daylight - something you feel immediately when you move here.

📉 Negative #1: High Unemployment

Despite improvements, Spain still has one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe.

• At the end of 2022, Spain’s unemployment rate was 12.87%.
• The UK, by comparison, sat at 3.8%.

If you’re thinking of relocating, research your industry thoroughly. Some sectors thrive here; others are extremely competitive or underpaid.

🎭 Positive #2: A Rich and Diverse Culture

Spain’s cultural heritage spans thousands of years, and each region feels like its own world. A few highlights from my experience:

Andalucía

Home to Málaga, Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba, and Cádiz - and the birthplace of flamenco.
When I lived in Málaga, I had a bar next door that played flamenco late into the night. I’d open my balcony door and listen to spontaneous singing and rhythmic clapping. It was unforgettable.

Food

Spain’s cuisine deserves its own article, but a few essentials include:

• Tortilla española
• Gazpacho
• Paella, originally from Valencia
• Fried fish like calamares and boquerones
• Fabada asturiana, a hearty bean stew

Festivals

Spain is deeply religious, and with religion comes fiestas. Every region has its own celebrations, many of which overlap or last for days.

Architecture

Spain’s architecture is breathtaking. Influences include:

• Moorish
• Romanesque
• Gothic
• Renaissance
• Baroque

Living in the south, the Moorish influence is especially striking - a reminder of centuries of history that shaped the Iberian Peninsula.

Siestas

In many parts of Spain, especially the south, businesses close from around 2pm to 5pm.
Madrid and Barcelona are more fast‑paced and often skip the siesta tradition, but Málaga? Completely normal.

It can be inconvenient at first, but once you embrace it, it becomes part of the charm.

🗂️ Negative #2: Bureaucracy

Spanish bureaucracy is… an experience.

I once attended an appointment just to book another appointment for the thing I thought I was already there to do. I took time off work for that. It was maddening.

Paperwork here can be slow, repetitive, and confusing - especially for foreigners.

💶 Positive #3: Affordable Living (Compared to the UK)

Spain is generally more affordable than many European countries.

In Madrid, average rent for a flat ranges from €850 to €1,100.
In London (as of March 2023):

• City centre: €2,090 to €2,719
• Outside centre: €1,395 to €2,090

The difference is enormous.

🗣️ Negative #3: Language Barrier

You’re expected to speak Spanish - or at least try.
Many Spaniards speak English, especially on the coast, but daily life is much easier when you make an effort.

I still struggle sometimes, but I genuinely enjoy learning Spanish, and locals appreciate it when you try.

🌿 Positive #4: High Quality of Life

Spain consistently ranks highly for:

• Healthcare
• Work–life balance
• Lifestyle satisfaction

In Europe, where competition is tough, Spain sits 14th in quality‑of‑life rankings.
The UK sits at 21st.

🔊 Negative #4: Noisy Cities

Spanish cities can be loud - especially at night.
If you’re a light sleeper, this might be a challenge.

My solution? Live slightly outside the centre. Visit the city during the day, escape the noise at night.

🐢 Positive/Negative #5: Slow Pace of Life

This one depends on your personality.

Spain values:

• Friends
• Family
• Food
• Enjoying life

Work comes second. Always.

If you’re used to the UK’s fast pace, this can feel frustrating.
And yes - people walk slowly. Painfully slowly. I’m convinced this is my problem, not theirs.

😊 Positive #6: Friendly, Welcoming People

Spanish people are warm, open, and genuinely welcoming to newcomers.
If you:

• Try to speak Spanish
• Are polite
• Respect the culture

…you’ll integrate easily.

Spain has become my second home, and I’m proud to live here.

Final Thoughts

Those are my honest positives and negatives of living in Spain. The truth is, the positives far outweigh the negatives - at least for me. If you’re considering moving here, I encourage you to experience it for yourself.