Figueres, Spain

Capital City

This provincial capital has a population of just 49,689, a far cry from the cosmopolitan hubs that most expats dream of. While Figueres boasts the legacy of artist Salvador Dalí, the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache for those seeking to settle here. The city was one of the most heavily bombed in Catalonia during the Spanish Civil War, and thousands passed through on their way to exile - a reminder that its tranquility is hard-won. For those drawn to Dalí's eccentricities and willing to navigate Figueres' administrative challenges, this sleepy town may hold charm. But for most, the lure of Spain's more vibrant cities will prove stronger.