It's no surprise that Spain receives more visitors than almost any other country in the world. For years, Spain has drawn in tourists with its vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class cuisine. For ESL teachers, Spain is an ideal destination—and with high demand for English teachers, it offers plenty of opportunities to turn that dream into reality. Admittedly, Spain isn’t among the highest-paying countries for ESL teachers, and recent increases in living costs along with a growing housing crisis have posed challenges for those working here. Still, the TEFL industry in Spain offers rewarding career growth and a quality of life that entices many teachers to extend their stay well beyond the short term.

If you’re hearing that jobs are hard to find, that hiring happens only in September, or other discouraging advice, don’t let it worry you—opportunities exist year-round if you know where to look. Here’s our guide to five of the best cities in Spain for thriving ELT communities, plus tips on how to secure work once you’re there.

If you're planning a move to Spain, Madrid is likely one of your top considerations—and for good reason! As Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid is a cultural hub with a wealth of language schools, international institutions, and a thriving expat community, offering plenty of opportunities for English teachers. The city's excellent public transport network makes it easy to get around and top up your income with private lessons, and even to explore other cities on the weekends.
However, with so many teachers in the city, competition can be tough. It's essential to have a strong CV, a well-written, friendly cover letter (to catch the attention of busy Directors of Studies), and a persistent attitude. Don’t be disheartened by rejections and keep reaching out to schools - new positions open up regularly, and staff turnover (due to illness, maternity leave, etc.) means opportunities often arise unexpectedly.

Where to look for work?

the Lingo Bongo Jobs Board: This platform is packed with job postings across various fields, making it a go-to site for job seekers.
Teaching English in Madrid Facebook Group: This community is not only brimming with job advertisements for teaching positions, but it's also a fantastic space to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insights from others navigating the same path.
Since posting jobs on Glassdoor comes at a price, you’ll typically find listings from more established language academy chains. These larger organizations often provide additional benefits, such as structured training and pre-prepared teaching resources. However, be mindful that pay rates at these institutions can sometimes be lower than those at smaller, independent centers.

If you're drawn to capital cities but want to avoid the intense heat of southern Spain, Barcelona could be the perfect fit. Known for its unique blend of beach vibes and historic charm, it’s one of Spain’s most attractive cities for both teachers and tourists. However, the city's popularity has led to an oversaturated teaching market, with plenty of qualified teachers and an abundance of schools. While opportunities are plentiful, competition can be fierce, so securing a full-time schedule will require some hustle. Fortunately, Barcelona’s excellent public transport system makes it easy to get to nearby towns like Terrassa, Sant Cugat, or Granollers, where you may face less competition and have better luck filling your schedule - while still enjoying everything the Catalan capital has to offer.

Where to look for work?

Barcelona TEFL Teachers Association Facebook Group: This group is a hotspot for Directors of Studies seeking teachers, as well as a valuable network for connecting with fellow teachers.
Lingo Bongo: Barcelona is another hub for Lingo Bongo, and their jobs board is packed with opportunities
While TEFL.com may not feature as many job postings as Lingo Bongo, the positions listed are often full-time and offer fixed, year-long contracts, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on.

Valencia is an ideal choice for ESL teachers looking for a balance between vibrant city life and affordability. It’s big enough to offer plenty of activities and opportunities but smaller and more manageable than Madrid or Barcelona, giving it a perfect blend of excitement and laid-back charm. The city also has a friendly, multinational expat scene, making it easy to connect with like-minded people.

Most ESL teachers in Valencia build a comfortable lifestyle by combining work at academies with private lessons. Many opportunities involve teaching children, so it’s helpful to be open to working with younger learners. To round out their schedules, some teachers take on online work, which often pays better than local rates and provides extra flexibility. With its welcoming vibe and lively yet cozy atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Valencia is a favorite among ESL teachers in Spain.

Where to look for work?

Valencia English Teachers Facebook Group: Known for its no-nonsense approach, this group is strictly for job postings, making it a reliable resource for finding work. Just a heads-up—it’s a place for serious job seekers only, so be sure to follow the rules when engaging!
Cold calling: Unlike many other cities, the norm in Valencia is to call schools directly to inquire about job openings. Directors of Studies are often overwhelmed with emails, so a phone call can set you apart from the crowd. If you’re not having much luck in the city itself, broaden your search to nearby towns such as Torrent, Silla or Puzol. These areas often have opportunities waiting for those willing to look further afield.

Seville, the heart of Andalusia, is a city that radiates traditional Spanish charm, making it an ideal destination for ESL teachers seeking an authentic experience. Known for its vibrant flamenco scene, atmospheric streets, and a tapas culture that’s second to none, Seville offers a rich cultural immersion. The city does get extremely hot in the summer, but its warm hospitality and slower pace make up for it. Seville’s ESL market is bustling with small language academies and a healthy demand for private English lessons, particularly among university students and professionals. Teachers willing to network and establish a presence often find plenty of opportunities to build their schedules.

Where to look for work?

the Spainwise Jobs Board: This platform is an excellent starting point to discover current job openings in the area.
Direct outreach: Don’t hesitate to approach schools directly! Begin with larger, well-established academies like CLIC or Instituto Britanico, or search ‘language academy’ on Google Maps to build a tailored list of smaller schools in the region. Reaching out proactively can open doors to opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

Murcia is a hidden gem for ESL teachers seeking an authentic Spanish lifestyle on a budget. With its warm climate, picturesque streets, and welcoming locals, this city offers a significantly lower cost of living than bustling hubs like Madrid or Barcelona. While hourly teaching rates may be slightly lower here, online teachers will find their earnings stretch much further, allowing them to fully enjoy the charm and affordability of life in Murcia.

Added to that, Murcia’s smaller ESL presence means there’s less competition for jobs, making it an easier place to establish yourself as a teacher. While the expat scene is less prominent, this can be an advantage if you’re looking for a more immersive Spanish experience. Many schools are actively looking for teachers, and there’s consistent demand for private lessons, especially from students and professionals eager to improve their English.

Where to look for work

Try the Jooble jobs board - This platform aggregates job postings from various sites, making it a convenient one-stop shop.
Filling your schedule with online classes can take time, but starting with established platforms can make the process smoother. Consider starting off on platforms like Preply or Cambly. While it's true that they take a significant cut of your earnings, these platforms can help you gain experience, build confidence as an online teacher, and connect with a steady stream of students as you establish yourself in the field.

We wish you the best of luck with your job hunt in Spain! Once you’ve landed your teaching role, remember that we’re here to help. All of our resources—lesson plans, pronunciation boosters, and speaking activities—are specifically designed for teaching Spanish students, giving you everything you need to create engaging and effective classes.

5 Great Spanish Cities to Teach English in (and how to find work once you get there)

#1 Madrid

#2 Barcelona

#3 Valencia

#4 Seville

#5 Murcia