Top Cities To Teach English in Spain This Year

Teaching English in Spain is one of the most attractive options in Europe for TEFL‑certified teachers who want a mix of culture, sunshine, and career growth in 2026. From big‑city buzz in Madrid and Barcelona to relaxed coastal living in Valencia, Málaga, or Seville, there’s a Spanish city to suit almost every teaching style and lifestyle.

Spain’s steady demand for English teachers, especially in private language academies and after‑school programs, means new and experienced teachers can find roles across the country once they have a bachelor’s degree and at least a 120‑hour TEFL certificate. In this guide, you’ll find the best cities to teach English in Spain this year, what to expect from salaries and daily life in each location, and how to choose the right city for your goals.

 

Why Choose Spain to Teach English?

Spain offers a strong balance of professional opportunity, lifestyle, and travel potential in Europe.

With a bachelor’s degree and a 120‑hour TEFL certification, teachers can work in private language schools, bilingual schools, government assistant programs, universities, and — with experience and higher credentials — international schools. Many employers help with paperwork, and some programs assist with visas or legal routes, especially for EU citizens and those on student visas.

 

Key Takeaways: Teaching English in Spain

• Best cities to teach English in Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Bilbao and Granada, plus coastal hubs like Alicante and Cádiz.

• Typical English teacher salary in Spain: Around 1,200–1,500 EUR per month in full‑time academy roles, 700–1,100 EUR in government programs, and up to 1,800+ EUR in higher‑end schools or with experience.

• Minimum requirements: A bachelor’s degree, at least a 120‑hour TEFL certificate, clean background check and correct legal status or visa.

• Best cities for first‑time teachers: Madrid and Valencia (high job volume, strong expat communities and lots of academies).

• Lifestyle: Mediterranean climate, walkable cities, late‑night culture and easy travel to other European countries on weekends or holidays.

 

Types of Schools Hiring English Teachers in Spain

Understanding the main school types helps you match roles to your experience, schedule and earning goals.

Public & Bilingual Schools (including government programs)

These include state schools and bilingual schools, often hiring through regional or national assistant schemes.

• Typical salary: Around 700–1,100 EUR per month for government programs, with optional private tutoring to boost income.

• Teaching hours: Usually 16–25 hours per week of classroom time, plus planning.

• Class size: Often 25–30 students or more.

• Best for: First‑time teachers seeking classroom experience and structured schedules.

Private Language Academies

Private academies are the backbone of English teaching in Spain, offering after‑school and adult classes.

• Typical salary: Around 1,000–1,500+ EUR per month for full‑time schedules, with hourly rates of about 15–20 EUR.

• Teaching hours: 20–25 teaching hours per week, often afternoons and evenings.

• Class size: 8–15 students per group, sometimes smaller.

• Best for: Teachers wanting steady income plus opportunities for private lessons.

International & Private Schools

These follow international curricula (British, American, or IB) and expect stronger qualifications.

• Typical salary: Up to 1,800 EUR per month or more, depending on school and experience.

• Teaching hours: Around 18–22 teaching hours per week.

• Class size: Normally 15–25 students.

• Best for: Qualified teachers with licenses or Level 5 TEFL and classroom experience.

Universities & Business English

Some teachers move into universities or specialised business English roles.

• Typical salary: University and corporate roles can reach 2,000–3,000 EUR+ per month with multiple contracts and clients.

• Teaching hours: Variable, often split between morning and evening.

• Best for: Experienced teachers who want higher pay and adult learners.

 

Top Places to Teach English in Spain in 2026

City Comparison

Madrid, Spain’s capital, is the main hub for English teaching, combining a huge job market with a dynamic urban lifestyle.

Why Madrid?

• Largest concentration of language academies, bilingual schools and international schools in Spain.

• Options to teach children, teens, adults and business professionals across the city.

• Strong demand for private tutoring, especially in central and residential neighbourhoods.

• Excellent public transport and quick rail or flight connections across Spain and Europe.

Lifestyle
Madrid offers a classic European capital feel with museums, parks, tapas bars and late‑night social life. Teachers enjoy a walkable centre, reliable metro and countless cafés where lesson planning easily fits around city exploring.

Considerations

• Higher rent than many other Spanish cities, especially in central districts.

• Competitive market for prime jobs, so stronger qualifications help.

• Fast‑paced lifestyle that may feel intense for those preferring quiet towns.

2. Barcelona — Best for Culture, Coast and Creative Vibes

Barcelona blends beach living, iconic architecture and a strong TEFL job market, making it a magnet for international teachers.

Why Teachers Love Barcelona

• Plenty of private academies and tutoring demand, especially in central and business districts.

• Unique mix of Catalan and Spanish culture, arts, festivals and nightlife.

• Sea views and beach walks before or after classes.

Lifestyle
Teachers enjoy a cosmopolitan environment with creative communities, international residents and strong tourism year‑round. Many schedules run afternoon and evening, leaving mornings free for Spanish classes, gym or beach time.

Considerations

• One of the most expensive cities in Spain for rent and daily costs.

• High competition for roles, particularly during peak hiring seasons.

3. Valencia — Best Balance of Cost, Jobs and Quality of Life

Valencia, on Spain’s east coast, offers a more relaxed pace than Madrid or Barcelona while still providing solid teaching opportunities.

Why You’ll Love Teaching in Valencia

• Growing number of language schools and academies serving families, students and professionals.​

• Lower living costs than the two biggest cities, with access to beaches and green spaces.

• Vibrant student population and famous local festivals like Las Fallas.​

Lifestyle
Valencia is known for its bike‑friendly streets, modern architecture and historic centre, making daily life feel manageable and enjoyable. Teachers often find it easier to stretch their salaries while still enjoying eating out and weekend trips along the coast.​

Best For
Teachers who want a mid‑sized city with a strong community feel, good weather and manageable living expenses.

4. Seville — Best for Traditional Andalusian Culture

Seville is the heart of Andalusia, famous for flamenco, orange‑lined streets and historic architecture.

Why Seville Works for Teachers

• Plenty of academies and school roles, especially around the city centre and student areas.​

• Authentic Spanish lifestyle with long lunches, local festivals and strong community spirit.

• Lower overall costs than Madrid or Barcelona, especially for rent and eating out.​

Lifestyle
Life in Seville moves at a slower pace, with hot summers, mild winters and a strong emphasis on social life in plazas and tapas bars. Teachers looking for culture and community over big‑city rush find Seville especially appealing.

5. Málaga — Gateway to the Costa del Sol

Málaga combines a growing city economy with an enviable Mediterranean coastline and international airport.

Perks of Teaching Here

• Language schools serve locals, tourists and business professionals across the wider Costa del Sol region.

• Sunny weather most of the year and easy access to beaches, coastal towns and nearby mountains.

• Increasing demand for English in tourism and hospitality sectors.

Lifestyle
Teachers in Málaga often enjoy outdoor living, from beachfront walks to rooftop terraces after class. It’s a strong choice for those who want a city feel without giving up the beach.

6. Bilbao — Northern Spain and Business English Hub

Bilbao, in the Basque Country, offers a different side of Spain with cooler weather, green hills and a strong local economy.

Why Choose Bilbao

• Good demand for business English and higher‑level adult learners due to local industry.

• Modern city infrastructure, museums and strong food culture.

• Access to coastal towns and nature for weekend trips.

This city suits teachers interested in more advanced students, corporate clients and a less touristic environment.

7. Granada — Student‑Friendly and Historic

Granada is a smaller Andalusian city with a large university population and world‑famous Moorish architecture.

Why Teachers Choose Granada

• Many students and young adults needing exam prep and conversation classes.

• Lower living costs than bigger Spanish cities, especially for shared housing.

• Rich cultural life, from the Alhambra to flamenco caves and student bars.

Other Notable Teaching Locations

• Alicante: Coastal city with tourism and academy jobs.

• Cádiz: Smaller port city with relaxed pace and seaside lifestyle.

• Zaragoza: Inland city with academy work and less competition than Madrid or Barcelona.

 

Typical Teaching Salaries in Spain (2026)

Many teachers supplement their main salary with private lessons at €15–€25 per hour, which can significantly increase total monthly earnings.

What Teaching English in Spain Is Like (Day‑to‑Day Life)

Class sizes can range from small groups of 6–12 students in academies to larger groups in schools, with a strong focus on communication skills.

Expect:

• Around 18–25 teaching hours per week in full‑time roles, plus preparation and marking.

• Professional or smart‑casual dress in academies and schools.

• Emphasis on speaking, pronunciation and exam preparation (Cambridge, IELTS, etc.).

• Evening and late‑afternoon schedules in academies, with more traditional school hours in public or bilingual schools.

 

Qualifications to Teach English in Spain (Visa & School Requirements)

To work legally as an English teacher in Spain, you typically need:

• A bachelor’s degree (often required by employers, even if not a strict legal rule).

• A recognised TEFL qualification (minimum 120 hours) from an accredited provider.

• Clean background check and appropriate legal status (EU citizenship, residency, student visa or other authorised route).

The 180 Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma Advantage

While a 120‑hour certificate meets entry‑level expectations, a Level 5 TEFL Diploma (around 180 hours) provides more in‑depth training and is often compared to CELTA‑level qualifications. These advanced credentials can help teachers access better‑paid roles in international schools, higher‑end academies and corporate training.​

Specialist TEFL Micro‑Credentials

Specialist courses can help you stand out in competitive Spanish city markets and move into higher‑value niches.

Useful areas include:

• Teaching Young Learners (ideal for academies and bilingual schools).

• Business English (in demand in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia).

• Exam preparation (IELTS exams).

• Online teaching skills (to add remote income alongside Spanish‑based work).

 

Career Progression in Spain

Many teachers begin in language academies or assistant programs before moving into better‑paying bilingual or international schools.

Others specialise in exam prep, business English or university teaching, or transition into academic coordination, teacher training or school management roles as their careers develop.

 

Professional Disclaimer

This guide provides general information on teaching English in Spain. Employment conditions, salaries and visa rules can change, and specific requirements may depend on individual regions or employers. Teachers should confirm all details with schools, official government sources and relevant embassies before travel or accepting contracts.

 

About Premier TEFL

Premier TEFL is an internationally recognised teacher training provider offering accredited TEFL qualifications, specialist micro‑credentials and ongoing career support for teachers heading to Spain and worldwide. Through high‑quality training, expert job guidance and lifetime support, Premier TEFL helps graduates confidently build sustainable teaching careers in Spain’s top cities and beyond.

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