Known for siestas, flamenco dancing, Mediterranean beaches, paella, bullfighting, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí, Spain is an exciting country filled with history and outstanding sights to behold.
The beauty and culture encapsulated within the Iberian Peninsula have made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the European world, with nearly 75 million international visitors entering Spain each year. With a population of almost 50 million people and the world’s 14th largest economy, Spain continues to attract new visitors and residents every year.
It should come as no surprise that some of the most popular attractions in Spain happen to be the wealthiest places in the country, such as the communities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Marbella.
As a nation steeped in manufacturing, shipbuilding, automobile production, and textile industries, Spain offers each resident an opportunity to thrive under an easy and malleable market that caters to entrepreneurs and new business pursuits. With such a varied selection of goods and services, it’s no wonder that Spain’s popularity has only increased since its earliest days of existence.
In today’s economy, with constant improvement in technology and industry-specific information, wealth is steadily increasing around the world. Some countries, like Spain, experience a concentration of rich cities within their borders. Wondering where rich people hang out in Spain? If so, here are the 10 richest cities in Spain and what they offer to everyone who visits.
What is the Wealthiest Region of Spain?
Spain boasts an assortment of industry, culture, history, and wild experiences that make it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Europe. Each region is a bustling hub of culture, stemming from a long history of different people groups living in such proximity. With so much going on, it’s no wonder that Spain boasts some incredibly wealthy areas like:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Marbella
- Basque Country
- Sant Cugat del Vallés
- La Linea de la Concepción
- Palma de Mallorca
- Pozuelo de Alarcón
- Majadahonda
- Spanish Riviera
1. Madrid
Not only is Madrid the capital city, but it is the wealthiest city in all of Spain. The central parts of Madrid – Salamanca, Chamartin, and Los Jerimos – make up the most prosperous parts of the city. Known for lavish homes, extravagant museums, outstanding architecture, and some of the most enticing shops, spas, and restaurants in the area, Madrid easily surpasses other Spanish cities in terms of wealth and prosperity.
Madrid is more than just another tourist hub. As one of the country’s largest industrial centers, the city maintains a reputation for manufacturing aircraft, electrical and agricultural equipment, and leather goods. It is the known center of the national government, a bustling financial market, and the main point of contact for Spain’s national transportation.
Commerce and industry developed rapidly in Madrid, helping it quickly become one of the most prosperous cities in the nation. Today, Madrid strives to welcome new businesses and industries with open arms. As a leader in the nation’s wealth development, the community looks to establish new markets and opportunities benefitting the city of Madrid and the nation of Spain alike.
2. Barcelona
The capital and largest city in the autonomous community of Catalonia, Barcelona is also the 5th most populous urban area in the European Union. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona hosts two of Spain’s best universities – the University of Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra University.
The Port of Barcelona operates as one of Europe’s busiest transportation centers for business and passenger transportation alike. The city boasts a football team, architecture famous worldwide, and a bustling nightlife that attracts visitors of all ages. It’s not uncommon to find foodies traveling the streets, looking for the next epic meal to enjoy while visiting the beach or pondering the history of the region.
Hospitality is a vital industry in Barcelona, as the city remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Similar to Madrid, the city boasts a large manufacturing and agricultural industry that creates diverse wealth in the area. It is also known for its strong economic structure that contributes to the prosperity of the region.
3. Marbella
Located in the southern community of Andalusia, Marbella is a famous destination that seems to sit right under the sun. With a bustling resort industry, this city on the sea boasts incredible nightlife, stunning views from the beaches to the Sierra Blanca Mountains, and deep culture and history just waiting for exploration.
Marbella is home to many villas, hotels, sandy beaches, golf courses, estates, and a marina that hosts yachts of all shapes and sizes. Part of the famed Costa Del Sol, Marbella boasts everything from Roman ruins to Moorish defensive structures. The history of the region makes it one of the most interesting places to visit.
Marbella is home to hardware and software companies, IT services, energy corporations, and world-class hospitality industries. With a booming economy largely centered around developing technology, it’s no surprise that Marbella has garnered such wealth and prosperity. It also houses quality universities, including the University of Malaga and the University of Jáen.
4. Basque Country
The historic region of northern Spain, Basque Country is an autonomous community that makes up multiple provinces that border the Bay of Biscay. The region is known for its vibrant riverside cities, outstanding landmarks and museums, and its own distinct language that existed long before the standard Romance languages.
The Basque Country features bustling cities like Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastian, and Vitoria-Gasteiz. The region is incredibly diverse, featuring one of the oldest cultures in all of Europe. Famous for unique cuisine and incredible natural parks, the people of Basque Country are some of the wealthiest in Spain.
Why Is Basque So Rich?
Filled with abundant natural resources like coal and iron ore, the country became a booming location for manufacturing and one of the world’s largest steel producers. Many of the largest, best-known corporations in Spain come from Basque Country. Bordering France, the region is known for its excellent credit rating and its low unemployment.
At one time, many considered Basque Country the wealthiest region in all of Spain. While cities such as Madrid have surpassed it, the area is still considered incredibly wealthy and developed. The region boasts less political corruption and more economic development, helping Basque Country to outperform many similar Spanish localities.
5. Sant Cugat del Vallés
The town of Sant Cugat del Vallés sits near the northeastern coast of Spain, north of Barcelona in the community of Catalonia. In recent years, Sant Cugat del Vallés has seen a population increase and the uprising of more affluent regions within its borders. With pharmaceutical production companies and information technology organizations, the city is bustling with opportunities.
A local train station connects the city directly to Barcelona and significant industrial centers like Terrassa and Sabadell. Easy transportation makes it an understandably popular location for commuters and visitors alike.
Sant Cugat del Vallés is known for its remarkable medieval monastery and the School of Architecture of the Vallés and the Centre d’Alt Rendiment, a performance center famous for training professional athletes. With a popular shopping region and plenty of clubs to keep visitors occupied, Sant Cugat del Vallés has become something of a tourist attraction.
6. La Linea de la Concepción
La Linea de la Concepción is located in southwestern Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. La Linea de la Concepción serves as a dividing line between the territory of Spain and the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. It is a popular residence for commuters, who work in Gibraltar and live in La Linea de la Concepción.
The community is known for manufacturing items such as cork and liquor, and the production of things such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Much of the produce that the region creates is sold in Gibraltar, which has come to rely on La Linea de la Concepción for such goods and services.
La Linea de la Concepción has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. As the community continues to improve itself and develop its beachside attractions, many people are drawn to its shores and rich culture. With plenty to do and see, La Linea de la Concepción continues to provide visitors and residents alike with a stunning experience on the Bay of Gibraltar.
7. Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic Islands as well as its largest city. Home to the Lonja fish market and the Plaza Mayor, Palma de Mallorca is a popular tourist attraction that features a lavish cathedral and an authentic palace dating back to the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.
Known largely for the hospitality industry, Palma de Mallorca is also home to a large group of travel agencies personnel services. The University of the Balearic Islands resides in the city, as well as well-known internet companies. The region is also surrounded by natural beauty and astonishing monuments that make it a sight to behold.
Palma de Mallorca is a cultural center and commercial hub where over half the population of the Balearic Islands resides. On the west side, you will find some of the wealthiest residents in the area. It has also been a popular attraction for celebrities from all industries, including novelists, actors, and politicians.
8. Pozuelo de Alarcón
What is the wealthiest region in Spain? Although technically a municipality within the community of Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón is one of the wealthiest regions with a high average per capita income. With a high standard of living and surprisingly homogenous politics amongst local government officials, the region continues to rank high on the list of Spain’s wealthiest cities.
Located close to the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, Pozuelo de Alarcón offers quality education with high numbers of private and charter schools available for its residents. Home to many bilingual schools, the community also offers university education with leading departments in economics, business, political science, and sociology.
Pozuelo de Alarcón is home to manufacturing companies, motion picture and video groups, and other amusement and recreational industries. Sometimes known as the place where the rich people hang out in Spain, Pozuelo de Alarcón has an unyielding reputation for its prosperity and the lavish lifestyle that it offers those who reside within its borders.
9. Majadahonda
This municipality is located almost 10 miles northwest of Madrid, home to the famed Puerto de Hierro university hospital. A rival for the title of Spain’s wealthiest area, Majadahonda is known for its rich history, the luxurious lifestyle it promotes, and its excellent recreational facilities that cater to athletes of all kinds.
The hospitality industry is booming in Majadahonda, where hotels, restaurants, and clubs are needed to satisfy the desires of the many tourists who cycle in and out of the area. No matter what time of day, there is always something to do in Majadahonda. Home to a famous shopping center and bustling nightlife, Majadahonda attracts all kinds of visitors.
Not only is Majadahonda one of the wealthiest places in Spain, but it is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the world. The design is meant to emulate a small town that contains every necessity its residents might need while resting a short car ride away from the booming metropolis of Madrid.
10. Spanish Riviera
Home to the country’s most beautiful beaches and coastline expanse, the Spanish Riviera contains some of the wealthiest regions in all of Spain. From the large and bustling port city of Málaga to the famous Costa del Sol, all the way to the popular white villages of Nerja and Mojácar, the Riviera boasts outstanding views and deep cultural roots.
The hospitality and tourism industry of the Spanish Riviera have turned it into one of the wealthiest and healthiest spots in the country. People are drawn from all around the world to purchase homes and villas in the area where they can spend their vacation relaxing on the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.
The region loosely known as the Spanish Riviera is more than just an outstanding tourist destination. With beautiful white villages and lavish beachfront villages, the area is an increasingly popular location to purchase second homes and vacation properties. This only adds to the wealth and prosperity that makes the Spanish Riviera such an exciting place.
Related: Cheapest Places to Live in Spain
Where Do Billionaires Live in Spain?
It seems clear that some of the most popular attractions in Spain happen to be the wealthiest places in the country as well. Looking for a fun, exciting, historically rich place to live or hang out is simply a matter of looking for where wealth is concentrated. The well-known cities like Madrid and Barcelona are understandably high on the list, and regions like the Basque Country boast more than just one town bursting with prosperity.
The world economy is constantly changing. Countries like Spain are filled with communities that adapt to these changes and embrace improvements in manufacturing and production. While wealth is steadily increasing around the world, countries like Spain contain multiple communities that are learning to grow and change with the shifting world economy.
Filled with industry and history, places like La Linea de la Concepción and Sant Cugat del Vallés continue to make the list of the wealthiest regions in Spain. If you have ever found yourself wondering where the rich people hang out in Spain, you don’t have to look much further than one of these lovely communities.
