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The centre of the happiest Spanish city – officially 2026.
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Malaga’s top ranking as Spain’s Happiest City is no surprise, given its high quality of life. The latest Spain Happy Index from Sonneil Homes reveals this. Malagueños enjoy abundant sunshine, reliable services, and coastal style that raise everyday wellbeing and feeling safe.
The study was published in conjunction with the International Day of Happiness, which is celebrated on March 20. It examines more than 8,000 places across Spain. These factors include number of sunny, warm days, rain, temperature, wind, distance from airports, accessibility to healthcare and educational facilities as well as natural surroundings. Andalucia, with its relaxed atmosphere, is clearly the top region.
Malaga is the leader of the chart for a happy score
This year Malaga scores 91.36 out of 100, driven by 310 sunny days annually, an average temperature of 18°C, and only 49 rainy days. Winds of moderate intensity add to the attraction. As a vibrant coastal city, it benefits from a world-class international airport and prestigious hospitals and schools. Sonneil Homes praises the combination of these factors for enhancing daily living standards.
Almeria comes in second with 90.88 thanks to 310 days of sunshine and only 27 days of rain. The number two spot was achieved by its stable weather conditions, close proximity to the coast, and availability of essential services.
Mediterranean destinations dominate Spanish Top Spots
Ibiza wins third place at 90.86 points, featuring 311 sunny days, 19°C averages, and island advantages together with solid healthcare and education links. Alicante ranks fourth with 89.99 points, combining 299 sunny days, near-20°C temperatures, reliable urban amenities, and excellent airport connectivity.
Tarragona is another high-performing city, with a score of 88.70. Other top performers are Cadiz (88.12) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (88.06). Residents in these places are satisfied with their coastal climates and infrastructure.
Even the larger cities have respectable rankings. Valencia, with mild temperatures and 281 sunny days, scores 85.97 points. Barcelona gets 86.90 thanks to 298 sunny days. Sevilla (84.35), Granada (83.15) and Madrid inland reach 83.13 due to 277 sunny and extensive days.
| Rank | City (Province/Region). | Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malaga (Malaga, Andalucía) | 91.36 | 310 sunny days/year, 18°C average, 49 rainy days, moderate wind, coastal location, international airport proximity, high-quality hospitals & schools. |
| 2 | Almeria (Almería, Andalucía) | 90.88 | 310 sunny days per year, 27 rainy days only (one of the lowest in Spain), stable climate, proximity to sea, access to essential services. |
| 3 | Ibiza (Balearic Islands). | 90.86 | 311 sunny days/year, 19°C average, island advantages, solid healthcare, education, and national connections. |
| 4 | Alicante (Alicante, Comunidad Valenciana) | 89.99 | 299 sunny days/year, ~20°C average, reliable urban amenities, excellent international airport connectivity. |
| 5 | Tarragona (Tarragona, Cataluña) | 88.70 | A favorable climate, the proximity of the sea and good infrastructures contribute to a high level of well-being. |
| 6 | Cadiz (Cadiz, Andalucía) | 88.12 | 317 sunny days, 49 rainy days, wind 64, 20°C average, climate, sea proximity, quality infrastructures. |
| 7 | Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands) | 88.06 | The residents are happy because of the strong climate, proximity to sea and high quality infrastructure. |
| 8 | Barcelona (Barcelona, Cataluña) | 86.90 | 298 sunny Days/Year, vibrant and urbane environment with comprehensive services. |
| 9 | Valencia (Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana) | 85.97 | 281 sunny days, mild ~20°C averages, balanced urban amenities and climate. |
| 10 | Sevilla (Sevilla, Andalucía) | 84.35 | Reinforces Andalucía’s strength in urban well-being through services and environment. |
Costa del Sol is a cut above all the rest
In addition to provincial capitals, coastal cities also fare well on the assessment. Torremolinos and Fuengirola are both awarded 89.25 on the Costa del Sol. Benalmadena earns 88.60 out of 100 points. It has 311 sunny days and only 45 rainy, with minimal wind.
Marbella scores 88.05 with 305 sunny days and only 19 rainy, while Rincon de la Victoria hits 87.97 thanks to 306 sunny days and 22°C averages. Mijas (86.79) and coastal gems such as El Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlucar de Barameda, and Sanlucar de Sanlucar are also notable Andalusian entries.
Andrés Pedrera, CEO of Sonneil Homes, a specialist in coastal second homes, expresses that wellbeing stems from environmental and service elements, not just economic factors. Spain offers a variety of exceptional living opportunities, from vibrant capitals to quiet seaside areas where infrastructure and sunshine create ideal conditions.
