Living in Vitoria: Discover the Best Neighborhoods, Schools, Lifestyle

What it’s like to live in Vitoria, a city with high quality of life

Without a doubt, one of the strengths of the capital of Álava lies in its proximity to nature. As mentioned, Vitoria was named European Green City in 2012, offering 42 square meters of green space per inhabitant. An ecosystem that very few cities can boast of, providing residents with undeniable quality of life.

We are talking about a city with high quality of life. Its economy is based on a strong industry, giving residents a high purchasing power. A friendly city, also in terms of urban planning, where, as noted, green spaces are abundant.

Vitoria, not just green

But living in Vitoria is not just about being surrounded by greenery. The city has a beautiful, largely unaltered historic center, where several architectural styles converge. The streets, named after the guilds of the past (Cutlery, Shoemaking, Trading, Blacksmithing…), wind around the old city in the shape of an almond.

This combination of green spaces and historical architecture meets a modern, European city. Vitoria is bike-friendly. The city council makes this clear on its website: “With the first bike lane network in Spain, nearly 180 kilometers; more than 16,000 bicycle parking spaces; sporting events and cycling routes.”

Advantages of living in Vitoria

Perhaps one of the most notable advantages of the city is in everyday life. Daily routines are easy in a city characterized by the proximity of services, businesses, shops, and more.

• Social life is also remarkable in Vitoria. The theater festival, which runs almost all year, concert venues like the prestigious Helldorado, and festivals such as the jazz festival or Azkena are key in this regard.

• There are parks such as El Prado and La Florida that fill the city center with greenery. At the same time, neighborhoods benefit from the abundance of these spaces.

• But not only that, within an hour you can reach beautiful beaches like Larrabazterra (Algorta, Bizkaia) or, if you love the mountains, Gorbea.

• Foronda Airport has agreements with several airlines that can take you to beautiful cities in Europe (Milan, Bruges…) or Spain (Madrid, Barcelona…).

Living in Vitoria with children: bikes and good schools

Life in Vitoria with children is easier this way. The proximity of services in a manageable city and the ability to get around by bicycle make it possible. Indeed, it is a normal sight in Vitoria: many children, and also adults, riding two wheels to school or work.

We must also note the abundance of good schools in the Basque capital. In the Lovaina-Aranzabal area, one of the most upscale neighborhoods, Marianistas is located right opposite Urkide. These are two of the city’s most recognized schools, both also just a step from the city center.

At the end of Avenida de Gasteiz, just before entering the Lakua neighborhood, is the San Viator school. In the university areas, Mendizorroza and Ciudad Jardín, N Clic School is one of the most sought-after options. As well as CEU Virgen Niña, a prestigious multilingual option.

Gastronomy in Vitoria

Not only does being near Rioja Alavesa make the Basque capital attractive for dining. Vitoria’s gastronomy goes beyond the wines of the region just mentioned. Some of its best restaurants include:

• Asador Matxete: One of the city’s most established restaurants, serving classic dishes with high-quality ingredients. Located in Plaza del Matxete, a must-see on Vitoria’s monument route.

• El Portalón: Built in an old postal house, it is a must-visit in the old town. You can grab a bite on its porch or dine inside.

• Kromático: New culinary influences drive this fusion cuisine, located in an area where Basque and Asian cuisine coexist. A pioneer in the emerging Alavesa gastronomy scene.

• Toloño: A reference point for pintxos in the city. Its “Irlandés de Perretxicos” is one of its best-known creations. Located on Cuesta, it is one of the key establishments in Vitoria’s prestigious old town.

• Sagartoki: Senén González sells his famous tortillas and croquettes here. Also his even more famous egg pintxo, which is a special experience at the bar. In addition to a wide selection of pintxos, dining inside is possible.

• Dólar: Formerly one of the city’s most respected classic pintxos establishments, modernized by young chef Juan Coreses. Winner of several prestigious culinary awards, most recently third place in the Spanish Tapas and Pintxos Championship.

The best neighborhoods to live in Vitoria

Thus, the capital of Álava is a peaceful city. Pleasant for life in general, for our daily routines. Most of the city is like this, although there are more in-demand areas, as Engel & Völkers advisors can explain. These are some of the best neighborhoods in Vitoria:

Lovaina-Aranzabal, just a step from the center

Near the center, Lovaina-Aranzabal offers some of the most highly rated apartments in the city, green areas, and schools. Its strategic location also brings it close to the beautiful Prado area.

Mendizorroza and Armentia, green spaces

The abundance of green spaces stands out in this area of the city. Chalets and apartments make up the prestigious real estate offerings here. It undoubtedly hosts some of the best properties in Vitoria.

Centro and Ensanche, the city’s hub

As in all cities, living in the center gives you access to most services, shops, and more. The apartments in this area are, of course, high-quality. Its proximity to the old town adds a magical atmosphere.

Zabalgana and Salburua, the city expands

These are the two youngest neighborhoods in Vitoria, both in population and construction. Modern buildings and, again, green areas populate these districts with contemporary housing. There are good transport links and bike lanes connecting these areas to the city center.

Opportunities are not endless but certainly broad. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need information about these areas and their main features.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Vitoria: Lifestyle, Neighborhoods, Mobility, Nature…

Vitoria is attractive in many ways, but what is the lifestyle like? It balances big-city life with a rural environment, providing a friendly and functional daily routine.

Which neighborhoods are most attractive? In this sense, the center can be busier, while areas like Mendizorroza or Armentia are quieter. It depends on what you are looking for.

Are there good schools in the city? Yes. As mentioned, from schools where all teaching is in English (Nclic School) to prestigious institutions such as Marianistas or Urkide. In all of them, students can study from early childhood through high school.

How is transport in Vitoria? Very good. The BEI (Intelligent Electric Bus) of Vitoria-Gasteiz is an electric transport system that, along with the tram, regular buses, and bike lanes, greatly facilitates mobility in the city.

Is Vitoria a city for long-term residence? Does it offer a high quality of life? Absolutely. It offers many amenities, from mobility to schools, green spaces, and gastronomy. A wonderful option for a peaceful, high-quality life.