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Happiness might be hard to define, but if you’ve ever spent time in Spain, you’ll know the feeling – warm evenings in buzzing plazas, good food shared with friends, and a pace of life that never feels rushed. Now, a new global survey by Time Out confirms what many expats already suspected: two Spanish cities – Seville and Valencia – are officially among the happiest places on Earth. Time Out’s global happiness index Every year, Time Out asks thousands of residents around the world what life is really like in their city. This time, more than 18,000 people took part, rating their hometowns for culture, nightlife, food, affordability, walkability, and overall quality of life. But the 2025 survey had a special focus – happiness itself. Respondents were asked to agree or disagree with five statements: My city makes me happy. I feel happier here than in other places I’ve lived or visited. People in my city seem happy. I find joy in everyday experiences here. The overall happiness in my city has grown recently. The answers revealed some fascinating results – and two Spanish cities stood out for all the right reasons. Seville: sunshine, slow living and soul Ranked 9th happiest city in the world, Seville scored high for its sense of community, its beauty, and its famously relaxed way of life. Locals described the Andalusian capital as a place where life moves to the rhythm of conversation, laughter, and the occasional flamenco beat. It’s a city where you can linger over tapas without checking the time, stroll along the Guadalquivir at sunset, or hear music echoing through cobbled streets late into the night. Seville’s appeal lies not just in its history or architecture, but in its emotional warmth. As Time Out put it, residents find joy in “the everyday experiences their city offers.” From open-air terraces to spontaneous festivals, it’s a place where happiness feels like a daily habit. Valencia: modern, vibrant and perfectly balanced Coming in at number 19, Valencia also earned a well-deserved spot on the happiness list. Spain’s third-largest city offers something that’s becoming increasingly rare – a high quality of life that’s still affordable. Known for its beaches, futuristic architecture, and laid-back energy, Valencia strikes the perfect balance between urban excitement and Mediterranean calm. You can cycle to work, have lunch by the sea, and still make it home in time for a sunset stroll. For locals, food and festivals are part of the city’s heartbeat. The Las Fallas celebrations, famous for their fireworks and giant sculptures, embody the Valencian spirit – loud, colourful, and full of life. In Time Out’s survey, many respondents said they feel happier in Valencia than anywhere else they’ve lived – and it’s not hard to see why. The world’s happiest cities in 2025 While Seville and Valencia proudly represent Spain, the top spot went to Abu Dhabi, followed by Medellín (Colombia) and Cape Town (South Africa). The list reflects a mix of cultures, climates and lifestyles – proof that happiness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s the full ranking : Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Medellín, Colombia Cape Town, South Africa Mexico City, Mexico Mumbai, India Beijing, China Shanghai, China Chicago, USA Seville, Spain Melbourne, Australia Brighton, UK Porto, Portugal Sydney, Australia Chiang Mai, Thailand Marrakech, Morocco Dubai, United Arab Emirates Hanoi, Vietnam Jakarta, Indonesia Valencia, Spain Glasgow, UK Why Spain keeps smiling For anyone who’s lived here, Spain’s presence on the list comes as no surprise. It’s not just about the weather – though 300 days of sunshine certainly help. It’s about how people live. Spaniards value connection over competition. Lunch breaks are long, evenings are social, and work rarely takes over life. Whether it’s a Sunday market, a neighbourhood fiesta, or a quick café con leche on the terrace, happiness often shows up in the small, shared moments. For expats, it’s easy to understand the pull. Moving to Spain doesn’t just mean a change of scenery – it’s a change of rhythm. And as Seville and Valencia remind us, that slower pace might just be the secret to a happier life. Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for the latest news about Spain
