Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain

Capital City

With a population of just under 38,000, Vilagarcía de Arousa is hardly the bustling metropolis some expats may envision. The sleepy port town offers a quiet, coastal lifestyle, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the numerous diplomatic outposts once required to facilitate its maritime trade. And while the annual festival of San Roque brings a lively splash of revelry, the climate can be dreary, with the town situated along the ría, or sea inlet. Ultimately, Vilagarcía de Arousa caters best to those seeking a tranquil, seaside existence, far from the frenzied pace of Spain's larger cities.