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Andalucía shines as Málaga takes top spot in Spain Happy Index 2025
The latest rankings reveal the sunniest, most satisfying places to live across Spain’s diverse regions
After holding the crown for several months, Chipiona in Cádiz has been nudged off Spain’s happiness throne in the latest Spain Happy Index 2025. Málaga, in Andalucía, now claims the top spot, celebrated for its wonderful climate, abundant sunshine, and excellent local services, including a wide range of educational and healthcare options. Málaga’s vibrant culture, beaches, and facilities make it one of the best places in Spain to enjoy life to the fullest.The Spain Happy Index, produced by Sonneil, ranks more than 8,000 towns and cities by combining climate factors such as sunny and rainy days, average temperatures, and wind conditions, with crucial quality-of-life measures including the availability of healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the natural environment. It also captures subjective well-being: how residents feel about their lives and surroundings. By weighing all these elements together, the index offers a rounded picture of which places in Spain foster the most happiness.
Andalucía naturally shines, especially with Málaga leading the charge, and the index shows that happiness is well spread across the province. Almería took second place with an equal number of sunny days and again good access to both schools and hospitals. Cádiz also boasts charming coastal spots like Tarifa, while inland gems such as Ronda contribute to the region’s happiness reputation.
Beyond Andalucía, Ibiza takes third place with 311 days of sunshine a year, very little wind, and only 44 rainy days. Added to this, as with the previous ones, are the outstanding educational and healthcare services.
Happiness also spreads to neighbouring regions such as Murcia and Alicante, where towns benefit from warm weather, excellent healthcare, education, and vibrant communities.
The Valencian Community also features several top-ranking sun-soaked towns, the Balearic Islands continue to charm with their laid-back Mediterranean lifestyles, and the Canary Islands impress with nine places in the top 20, including vibrant Las Palmas. All these areas combine great weather with strong community services to create environments where people can flourish.
Generally speaking, the happiest places across the board seem to be coastal towns and cities although some inland cities also stand out, such as Madrid, Zaragoza, and Vitoria.
For anyone dreaming of a sunnier, happier lifestyle or considering relocation, the Spain Happy Index 2025 confirms that the best places to live aren’t just about the weather - though the sun definitely helps! It’s also about having access to good services, beautiful surroundings, and that special sense of community that makes a house a home. Andalucía continues to lead the way as a truly wonderful place to call home all year round.
Image: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos/Unsplash
