Spain is honestly one of my favorite countries ever. The lifestyle, the people, the food, the weather… it just hits different.
But not every place gave me the same vibe — so here’s my very honest ranking 👇

🥇 11/10 – Tenerife

Absolutely my #1 in Spain 🇪🇸🔥

• There is SO much to do, I honestly never get bored here
• Biggest plus: warm weather ALL year around (read why in this blog article)
• So many different vibes in one island:
  • North = green nature, warm water springs, Teide, insane hiking
  • South = tropical beaches, surfing, shopping, more lively resorts
• Food is amazing, lots of variety
• Boat tours, whale watching, hikes, beach days… endless options
• I’ve been here so many times already and I will keep coming back

✨ Honestly feels like a whole continent in one island

🥈 10/10 – Malaga

+ Right by the beach → perfect mix of city & beach life
+ Beautiful harbour & sunset walks
+ Amazing weather (south of Spain = almost always sunny)
+ Stayed at The Lights Hostel → super social, big terrace, group dinners & drinks every night
+ Studied Spanish in El Palo → honestly one of the best times of my life
– Nightlife wasn’t that wow (or I just didn’t explore enough)

✨ Would go back in a heartbeat

🥉 9/10 – Madrid

+ My Erasmus cityyyy → I know it inside out
+ Lived in Moncloa → student area, super social, always something going on
+ Nightlife is CRAZY → something for everyone
+ Very affordable compared to other capitals
+ Big airport = cheap flights (hello Ibiza weekends ✈️)
+ Lifestyle >>> late dinners, terraces, sunny mornings
– Summer = way too hot
– Can feel overwhelming if you’re not a big city person

✨ Perfect for social city life + energy

💡 I’ve heard from quite a few people that Madrid “wasn’t their thing” — but honestly, that’s usually because they only stay in tourist areas. → Check my guides for the best local spots and you’ll love it too

4th – 8.5/10 – Ibiza

+ SO beautiful — not just a party island
+ Went to the quieter side → nature, beaches, calm vibe
+ Surprisingly affordable if you do it right
+ Hidden beaches, markets, boat trips

✨ Way more than just partying

5th – 8/10 – Valencia

+ Beautiful harbour & beach
+ Relaxed, not too busy
+ Feels authentic and easy to live in
+ Underrated gem for chill trips

✨ A city where you instantly feel good

6th – 7.5/10 – Lanzarote

+ Basically a pure beach vacation vibe
– Not a lot of “big sights”, but still nice
– Very volcanic landscape (super dry, unique, but not super lush)
+ BUT: extremely cheap food & drinks 🍹
Perfect if you want:

• cheap cocktails
• all-inclusive chill days
• beach + sun + zero stress

✨ Good budget beach escape

7th – 6/10 – Barcelona (controversial 😅)

Has beach + culture + nightlife
Stayed at TOC Hostel → modern & nice
BUT:

• Felt unsafe at times (personal experience!!)
• Very touristy
• Some areas didn’t feel great

⚠️ I know lots of people LOVE it — just not my vibe

💡 Summary / Takeaways

Best overall vibe: Tenerife
Best city for living: Madrid
Best beach-city balance: Málaga
Best island escape: Ibiza
Underrated gem: Valencia
Cheap beach holiday: Lanzarote
Most overrated (for me): Barcelona

Spain in general 🇪🇸

Cheap compared to many European countries
Super social culture → life happens outside
Amazing food & coffee culture
Beautiful language

✨ Honestly… some of the best times of my life happened here

💡 Biggest tip:

Spain isn’t about doing everything.
It’s about sitting on a terrace, ordering a drink, and letting the day happen.