City · Andalucía · All places
Spain's busiest port and the gateway to Africa, cheap and gritty, with a mild climate and wild country behind it.
Algeciras sits on the western side of the Bay of Gibraltar, with the Rock across the water on a clear day and the mountains of Morocco further off. It is the largest port in Spain by traffic, the departure point for ferries to Tangier, Tangier Med and Ceuta, and the commercial centre of the Campo de Gibraltar. The centre is a tight grid of shops, offices and apartment blocks rising from the quay.
It is a working city with a lot of movement and little polish. It is not a resort, and few foreigners come here to stay. What it offers is a mild climate, low prices, the wild country of the Strait and a real port economy, along with some of the toughest unemployment in Spain.
The city has 126,589 residents (2025), and residents born abroad make up 14.6% (2025). It suits people who want sun, sea and wild country on a small budget, and it suits those who need a big job market or a lot of culture much less.
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Algeciras stands out for climate and safety; it is weaker on healthcare and digital. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €474 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Algeciras’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
Few residents come from English-speaking or northern European countries, so daily life runs in Spanish. Contracts, the town hall and most doctors work in Spanish.
Summer nights stay warm, so sleep depends on a cooled bedroom. Check for air-conditioning before you sign.
Most people drive to work. Without a car, check bus routes from any flat before you commit.
Non-urgent surgery takes longer than in most of Spain (Andalucía-wide figure). Many residents add private health insurance.
Residents are younger than in most of Spain: more students, young families and evening life.
Fried fish and grilled sardines, tuna in season, tortillitas and a strong Moroccan influence in the bakeries.
Busy on the port side and slow on the hillside streets, with long lunches and late dinners.
Bars and terraces in the centre and along the Rinconcillo seafront, with a quiet scene on weekdays.
The grid around the Plaza Alta and the old Villa Vieja is the core, with large hillside districts above.
Andalusian Spanish at speed, with Arabic and English heard around the port and the border.
The Feria Real in late June, Semana Santa and flamenco tributes to the town's famous guitarist.
Los Alcornocales cork forest and the Strait beaches, and kite and windsurfing at nearby Tarifa.
Algeciras is a town of arrivals and departures. Ferries leave for Africa every few hours, lorries line up for the port, and the Plaza Alta, the little main square beside the church of Nuestra Señora de la Palma, is where the town stops for coffee. The Parque María Cristina behind the Hotel Reina Cristina is the green pause in the middle.
The atmosphere is direct and unfussy. People speak quickly, joke a lot and have a practical view of the border, the port and the wind. It is not a visitor city, so there is little tourist infrastructure to smooth the way, but the bars are cheap, the fish is fresh and the sea is always at the end of the street.
The surroundings are the real attraction. South along the coast are the Getares beach and the windy, empty shore toward Tarifa, the kitesurf capital of Europe. North and inland, the Los Alcornocales natural park is one of the largest cork oak forests in Europe, with deep green valleys and walking trails. The Roman ruins at Bolonia and the white villages of the Cádiz hills are a day trip away.
Geography decided everything. The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the busiest sea lanes in the world, and Algeciras is the natural harbour on its Spanish side. The port has grown into one of the biggest container hubs in the Mediterranean, backed by a refinery, a stainless steel works and logistics firms along the bay. The Algeciras Conference of 1906, held in the Hotel Reina Cristina, shows how long the town has been a diplomatic as well as commercial crossroads.
Port jobs are well paid but relatively few, and much of the rest of the local economy is small commerce, services and cross-border work. Unemployment is 20.3% (2025), one of the highest rates among Spanish cities, and household income per person is €13,141 a year (2024). The city comes out weak on prosperity and below average on jobs.
Health and digital measures are weak: the city comes out weak on healthcare, with life expectancy at 81.5 years (2023), and weak on digital, with fibre reaching 94% of homes (2025). Safety is better than its reputation: recorded crime is 43.9 per 1,000 people (2024), and the city comes out above average. The more serious issue in the wider district is hashish smuggling and the policing around it, which rarely touches ordinary residents.
Housing is cheap. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €474 a month (2024), and buying costs €1,595 per square metre (Q2 2026). Housing comes out average against similar places, and prices have started to move upward quickly.
Figures for Algeciras itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Algeciras data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Climate is above average: in the top quarter of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 201 days a year — better than 100% of major European cities
Above average: 69 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry)Algeciras · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 201 days a year | better than 100% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CAlgeciras · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.20 days a year | better than 69% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CAlgeciras · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 71.3 nights a year | better than 5% of major European cities |
Safety is above average: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Thefts: 494 per 100k people — better than 98% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 63 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesAlgeciras · 2025 | 1.58 per 100k people | better than 18% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeAlgeciras · 2024 | 43.9 per 1,000 people | better than 68% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesAlgeciras · 2025 | 45.0 per 100k people | better than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesAlgeciras · 2025 | 35.5 per 100k people | better than 97% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesAlgeciras · 2024 | 0.35 per 1,000 people | better than 66% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsAlgeciras · 2025 | 494 per 100k people | better than 98% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsAlgeciras · 2025 | 60.8 per 100k people | better than 51% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is around the middle: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Buying price per m²: 1,595 €/m² — better than 81% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 58 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Algeciras · 2024 | 6.77 €/m² a month | better than 64% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearAlgeciras · 2024 | 3.00% | better than 71% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Algeciras · 2026-Q2 | 1,595 €/m² | better than 81% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsAlgeciras · 2024 | 4.61% | better than 55% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearAlgeciras · 2026-Q2 | 20.7% | better than 8% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is around the middle: around the middle of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 12.5 km — worse than 53% of major European cities
Average: 47 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the main airportAlgeciras · 2026-10-21 | 12.5 km | better than 47% of major European cities |
Jobs is below average: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment: 20.3% — worse than 93% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 40 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentAlgeciras · 2025 | 20.3% | better than 7% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearAlgeciras · 2025 | -2.28 points | better than 88% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is below average: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by car: 73.4% — worse than 94% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 39 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute (one way)Algeciras · 2021 | 32.9 minutes | better than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carAlgeciras · 2021 | 73.4% | better than 6% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportAlgeciras · 2021 | 7.00% | better than 15% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 13,141 € a year per person — worse than 82% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 18 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Household income per personAlgeciras · 2024 | 13,141 € a year per person | better than 18% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is weak: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homes with fibre to the door: 94.3% — worse than 94% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 9 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Homes that can get gigabit internetAlgeciras · 2025 | 95.2% | better than 13% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorAlgeciras · 2025 | 94.3% | better than 6% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageAlgeciras · 2025 | 99.8% | better than 8% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is weak: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 81.5 years — worse than 92% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 8 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyAlgeciras · 2023 | 81.5 years | better than 8% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
What we cannot score for Algeciras yet
Highs around 27° in August, lows around 12° in January. 201 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 71 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.1°C | 12.3°C | 60 mm |
| February | 16.3°C | 12.5°C | 47 mm |
| March | 17.3°C | 13.0°C | 103 mm |
| April | 18.8°C | 14.3°C | 47 mm |
| May | 21.5°C | 16.3°C | 27 mm |
| June | 23.8°C | 18.5°C | 6 mm |
| July | 26.8°C | 20.5°C | 1 mm |
| August | 27.3°C | 21.4°C | 2 mm |
| September | 25.2°C | 20.1°C | 10 mm |
| October | 22.6°C | 18.3°C | 69 mm |
| November | 19.5°C | 15.5°C | 76 mm |
| December | 17.5°C | 14.0°C | 72 mm |
Algeciras has a mild, maritime climate. Winters are warm and mostly dry and frost does not occur at 0 a year (2015–2024). Summers are warm and humid rather than scorching: very hot days are 0 a year (2015–2024), but tropical nights number 71 a year (2015–2024), so sleeping can be sticky. Pleasant days are many at 201 a year (2015–2024).
Rain is 520 mm a year (2015–2024), mostly in winter. The two winds define the weather: the levante is damp and persistent and the poniente is fresh and dry, and either can blow for days. It is a year-round city with a very mild winter, but the wind can be a nuisance on balconies and for people with ear and sinus troubles.
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78/100 · strong · 13th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
20.3% in 2025
20.7% in Q2 2026
€6.8 per m² a month in 2024
€1,595 per m² in Q2 2026
81.5 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Algeciras. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish cities. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
One of the best settings in Spain: sea, wind and cork forest, with Tarifa and Bolonia close.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Mild winters, low rents and a fresh sea breeze, but a weak health band and few foreign neighbours.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Among the cheapest big Andalusian cities, with a mild climate and a real port economy.
Better nearby for budget-conscious movers: Linares (72), Utrera (66), El Ejido (65)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
Cheap rents and sunny winters, but fibre is patchy, coworking is rare and Málaga is the real gateway.
Better nearby for remote workers: La Línea de la Concepción (72), Torremolinos (63), Fuengirola (60)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
Not a luxury address, since the prestige coast is further east around Sotogrande.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Affordable and low in crime, but unemployment and low incomes make life tight for parents.
Better nearby for families with children: Linares (64), Jaén (60), Utrera (56)
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
A campus of the University of Cádiz and cheap living, but a small student scene.
Better nearby for students: Granada (64), Jaén (64), Córdoba (60)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Port, shipping, logistics and cross-border trade offer niches at very low cost.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for founders and self-employed: Torremolinos (56), Granada (53), Sevilla (52)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
A poor fit for most careers, since good jobs are in the port, logistics and public service.
Better nearby for young professionals: Granada (53), Cádiz (51), Jaén (49)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
A rough-edged port city with flamenco roots and festivals, though the formal cultural scene is thin.
Better nearby for culture, food and nightlife: Granada (69), Cádiz (54), Almería (53)
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Algeciras as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Algeciras; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €635 a month
Compare with Algeciras70 m²: €705 a month
Compare with Algeciras70 m²: €500 a month
Compare with Algeciras70 m²: €474 a month
Compare with Algeciras70 m²: €470 a month
Compare with Algeciras70 m²: €440 a month
Compare with AlgecirasGuide written 2026-10-22. Figures are refreshed as new official data is published; the period beside each number says what it covers. “Our read” cards are our inferences from those figures. How we score
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