Year-Round Sun, World-Renowned Food, and Affordable Healthcare — Expats Are Moving to This No. 1 Ranked European Country

If you’ve often found yourself lost in reverie along your stressful commute to a prosaic repeat of your routine, checking off some tedious and tireless to-do list — dreaming of swapping it all for sun-swathed afternoons and leisurely dinners — there’s a place for you in the world — and it’s certainly not in the U.S.

Spain has just been named the No. 1 country in the world for quality of life for expats, according to the latest Expat Insider survey from InterNations, and it’s easy to see why. The country earned top marks for healthcare, leisure opportunities, and overall lifestyle, with many expats saying they moved there simply for a better way of life.

Spain offers something few countries can match: remarkable diversity packed into one destination. In the north, travelers can explore the lush green regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, where craggy cliffs, rugged Atlantic beaches, and world-renowned culinary traditions create a completely different atmosphere from the Mediterranean coast. Wine lovers flock to nearby La Rioja, while hikers head to the Pyrenees in Navarre and Aragon.

The east coast is home to the sun-soaked Mediterranean regions of Catalonia, Valencia and Murcia, where bustling cities like Barcelona and Valencia blend historic architecture with modern beaches, fresh seafood, and vibrant nightlife. Offshore, the Balearic Islands — including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera — offer turquoise waters and picturesque villages that continue to attract visitors from around the world.

In the south, the region of Andalusia is famous for flamenco, Moorish architecture, and iconic cities such as Seville, Granada, Málaga, and Córdoba. One of Andalusia’s most underrated draws, however, is Cádiz, widely considered Western Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, with a history stretching back more than 3,000 years to its founding by the Phoenicians. Today, the province has become one of Spain’s premier surf destinations, with beach towns like Tarifa, El Palmar de Vejer, and Caños de Meca drawing surfers and beach lovers year-round for their consistent Atlantic waves, laid-back lifestyle, and golden stretches of coastline. T

Beyond the mainland lie the Canary Islands, an autonomous Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa that enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, making it one of Europe’s most popular winter sun destinations.

Western Spain offers a slower pace of life in regions such as Extremadura and Castilla y León, where medieval towns, Roman ruins, vineyards, and expansive natural parks showcase another side of the country that many international visitors never experience. Inland regions, including Castilla-La Mancha and the Community of Madrid, combine rich history with excellent transportation links, making it easy to explore every corner of the country.

Related: 5 Best Hidden Beaches in Spain to Outsmart the Crowds of Málaga and Barcelona

It’s no wonder Spain has drawn record numbers of visitors in recent years. The country welcomed 96.8 million international tourists in 2025, the highest total ever recorded, and officials expect that figure to climb to 100 million visitors in 2026, reflecting continued global demand for Spain’s coastlines, cuisine, and culture. Tourism now contributes more than 12% of the country’s GDP.

Whether you’re looking for year-round sunshine along the Mediterranean, Michelin-starred dining in the Basque Country, surfing on the Atlantic coast, skiing in the Pyrenees, or hiking volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands, Spain offers an extraordinary range of experiences within a single country.

But the breathtaking diversity of experiences isn’t only why travelers flock to the country — or why so many choose to stay.

One of Spain’s biggest draws is its healthcare system. The country ranked first in healthcare in the InterNations survey, while expats also praised the affordability and availability of medical care. Combined with a relatively lower cost of living than many parts of Western Europe, Spain has become increasingly attractive to retirees, digital nomads, and remote workers looking to stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality of life.

In the overall Expat Insider 2026 rankings, the country placed sixth out of 31 destinations, buoyed by a sixth-place finish for Ease of Settling In and eighth for Personal Finance, with expats saying they generally feel welcome and that their disposable income is enough to live comfortably.

Spain also ranked seventh for Travel & Transit, thanks to its affordable public transportation, walkable cities, and easy access to domestic and international travel.

The country’s biggest weakness was Working Abroad, where it ranked 26th, with many respondents citing a challenging job market despite praising Spain’s work-life balance and shorter-than-average workweek. Even so, 82% of expats said they were happy with life in Spain, compared with a global average of 70%, and 41% said they plan to stay there for good.

For many Americans considering a move abroad, it’s that combination of excellent healthcare, diverse landscapes, welcoming lifestyle, and everyday quality of life that continues to make Spain one of Europe’s most desirable places to call home.