Ciudad Real, Spain

Capital City

With a population of just 76,217, Ciudad Real is hardly a hotspot. The provincial capital struggles to offer the amenities of larger Spanish cities, and its remote location on the arid Inner Plateau leaves much to be desired. While the city boasts a historic center and Gothic architecture, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the extreme temperature swings - cool winters and scorching summers - are tough to endure. Unless you're seeking a sleepy, isolated lifestyle far from the crowds, Ciudad Real is unlikely to satisfy most expats' desires.