The 3 best cities to live in the world are in Spain
Every year, InterNations, a portal for people who live and work abroad, elaborates the report of an interesting classification of the best places to live in the world. Around 12,000 immigrants are asked about their new cities’ qualities, such as how difficult it is to relocate here and housing costs. Once this information has been collected, five thematic classifications are established besides this curious ranking.
One of them grades cities by their life quality. Three Spanish cities have reached the top three positions. Health care, leisure options, and, of course, the sunny atmosphere are some of the reasons why these Spanish cities have reached the leading positions. Let’s see why each one of them is so highly valued.
Madrid’s Gran Vía. | Shutterstock
Madrid has ranked third in this classification of the best cities to live in the world, which includes 49 cities in total. Its life quality is the main motive, but InterNations has listed plenty of other reasons. For instance, the capital offers the best leisure options; cultural activities and Madrid’s nightlife are notable examples.
And obviously, Madrid stands out with its culinary variety and the opportunity to practise recreational sports. The tapas areas and its renowned restaurants make its gastronomy excellent for many people.
On the other hand, public transportation is another important aspect. It is affordable and easily accessible. And it’s a great starting point for any journey, which places it among the leading positions on the travel and transportation ranking.
Madrid, Spain’s most inhabited city, is among the best cities when it comes to healthcare, according to the respondents. It is also a very safe place, which makes it the sixth-best city in the world where you can express yourself freely.
Sunset at Málaga. | Shutterstock
Málaga is an Andalusian city located on the Costa del Sol. It’s famous for its great cultural heritage. Málaga is the second-best city to live in for many different reasons, but, as you can already imagine, its usual lovely weather is the main cause.
Respondents are also fascinated by its natural environment and the quality of its air. Besides, it is easy and safe to move around Málaga by foot or by bicycle. And there is more! Its car infrastructure places it among the ten best cities on the travel and transportation category.
In addition, interviewees highlight the great number of leisure options in the city. Most of them enjoy the possibility of practising recreational sports, its cultural activities, and its nightlife.
Obviously, as it happens to most places in Spain, its gastronomy is extremely appreciated—a 92% of respondents adore it. Who doesn’t love to spend their free time under the warm sunlight while enjoying the restaurants and chiringuitos of Málaga?
The quality of healthcare and safety in Málaga are also important for respondents, and most of them agree to being able to express themselves freely.
Valencia. | Shutterstock
Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and has been declared the best destination to live in the world in InterNations’ classification. It performs specially well in the health care field, and 82% of the respondents claim that accessing health services is easy. Actually, in accordance with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Spain has the highest life expectancy in the European Union, and social inequalities in health are less frequent than in other countries
Additionally, this city on the Mediterranean Coast is also very valued when it comes to travel and transportation. Most respondents highlight the possibilities of travelling from Valencia, and a great number of them consider that moving around the city, both by foot and by bicycle, is easy and safe. They also appreciate the quality of public transportation.
And lastly, they have expressed their thoughts on safety. 94% believe Valencia is a safe city, and 86% of immigrants feel they can share their opinions openly.
The above-mentioned characteristics make Valencia the right place for sunny-climate lovers who seek a quiet life. Valencia is famous for its popular festivities and the happiness of its people, but now it’s something else: the best city to live in the world.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.
