Algeciras, Spain

Capital City

With a population of 126,589, Algeciras is a bustling transport hub on Spain's southern coast, but don't expect a picturesque Mediterranean paradise. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. That said, the port city's strategic location near the Strait of Gibraltar makes it an important economic center, with the Port of Algeciras ranked as one of the busiest in Europe and the world. For those drawn to the region's industrial and logistical opportunities, Algeciras may be worth considering, but the city's charms are limited.