Seven Less Obvious Places to Buy Property in Spain

I've been helping people buy property in Spain for many years and two years ago I finally took the plunge and I did it for myself. But if you think Spain is all about the Costa del Sol, Majorca, or Tenerife, then think again. Here are seven less obvious locations where you might find the perfect property.

Granada: History, Culture, and Outdoor Adventure

So let's start with an area that combines history, culture, and a whole host of outdoor activities, Granada. Granada sits in Andalusia in southern Spain, around an hour from the Mediterranean coast and at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you love history, culture, and beautiful scenery, Granada is incredibly hard to beat. This is one of Spain's most fascinating cities, famous for the spectacular Alhambra Palace and its rich Moorish history. Granada is one of my most favorite places to visit. It's a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and nature. What I love about it is you can be skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the morning and then in the afternoon, around an hour away, you can be sunbathing on the beach and property prices still offer incredible value for money. In Granada city, a two or three bedroom apartment will set you back around 150,000 euros to 250,000 euros. In the surrounding villages, a traditional home will set you back between 50,000 and 100,000 euros. When I bought my property over in Majorca, Granada was actually on my favored list. I love the idea of skiing in the morning, being on the beach in the afternoon, and I actually thought it was a really good investment opportunity. In the Sierra Nevada mountain range, there's a massive amount of investment going in. You can see it by the ski lift systems have all been made over, renovated. Loads of money has been pumped into there. One thing I have seen over the last few years is new developers are coming in in and around Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is around 30 minutes from the city itself. There are boutique hotels popping up. So, if you are looking for an investment apartment, buying in and around Granada or in the Sierra Nevada mountains might be a good move. Particularly, if people can't get in those exclusive boutique hotels, they might be wanting to stay in your nice apartment instead.

Almeria: Beauty and Affordability

Also in Andalusia, but further east along the coastline is Almeria. Now, when you think of beaches in Spain, you might think of the Costa del Sol, but for many people, it's actually overpriced and overpopulated. Almeria is very different from the Costa del Sol. It's quieter, less developed, and much more affordable. This area is home to Europe's only desert, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and some of Spain's most beautiful unspoiled beaches. Popular resorts include Mojacar, Vera, and Garrucha. The best thing about it is prices are around 30% more affordable compared to the Costa del Sol. Apartments start from around 85,000 euros, townhouses start from around 150,000 euros, and villas with pools, you'll be looking around 300,000 euros. But, there is a downside. Although Almeria does have an airport, the flight routes don't actually run there year-round. So, you have to look into flying into Alicante or Murcia. Alicante is around a 2-hour 20-minute drive away, and Murcia a little bit less. So, if you don't mind a long drive when you've landed in Spain, then Almería is a good option. The other good thing is, despite it being a bit more traditionally Spanish, there are plenty of UK expats. So, if you buy somewhere in Almería, you don't have to worry about not being able to speak the language because there will be plenty of people like you.

Sitges: Style and Location

My next location is south of one of Spain's most famous cities, Barcelona. What I'm talking about is the coastal town of Sitges. Sitges sits on Spain's northeast coast, around 40 minutes south of Barcelona. This beautiful seaside town combines beaches, restaurants, nightlife, and easy access to Barcelona. It's one of the easiest places in Spain to own a second home because Barcelona Airport is so close. If you like the more fashionable destinations in Spain, like Marbella and Ibiza, but you don't like the price tag, then Sitges is a great option. The downside is you are still paying a premium compared to the other locations on my list. A one-bedroom apartment will be between €250,000 up to €450,000. A two-bedroom apartment will set you back anything between €400,000 to €700,000. And a three- to four-bedroom townhouse, you'll be looking at €700,000 up to 1.5 million. So, property definitely isn't cheap in Sitges, but it is around 20% cheaper than Ibiza and the Golden Mile in Marbella. Plus, there is an excellent train line along the coast in and out of the city of Barcelona. I've ridden it myself, and it's amazing. When you think about buying a property abroad, it's often good to look into the accessibility to airports and train lines and somewhere like Sitges being incredibly well connected makes it a hot destination.

Valencia: City Life Without the Price Tag

My next choice is for those looking to buy property in a city but don't want the price tag of Barcelona or Madrid. Valencia sits on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast. It's halfway between Barcelona and Alicante. It offers one of the best lifestyles in Spain. You've got beaches, culture, incredible food and a thriving city atmosphere. It's often compared to Barcelona but it is much more affordable. But what can you buy? 150,000 euros to 250,000 euros will get you a one to two bedroom apartment. 350,000 euros to 450,000 euros, a three bedroom city apartment. And if you've got 300,000 up to 600,000 euros to spend, you could expect to buy a three to four bedroom townhouse villa. Because of those reasons, over the last five, six years, Valencia is becoming increasingly more popular and prices are definitely rising. Something I've noticed over the last few years is people that do want that city living apartment who can't afford Barcelona and Madrid are increasingly moving towards Valencia. So not only are property prices going up but there is a significant amount of competition when it comes to buying them. So if you are considering buying in Valencia, make sure you're in the best possible position, you're a cash buyer or you've got your mortgage and all your finances lined up ready to go.

Orihuela Costa: Value and Growth Potential

Next on my list is a location that is going to go through a few big changes in the next few years and that is Orihuela Costa. Orihuela Costa is located south of Alicante and it's close to Murcia. This area has become a hugely popular with British buyers thanks to its sunshine, beaches, golf courses, and value for money. It's also apparently good for your health. According to the World Health Organization, it's one of the healthiest places in the world. The location between the northern and southern salt lakes provides a microclimate that allows you to stay there all year round. In winter, you can enjoy a pleasant temperature ranging from between 15 to 20° C. The other interesting thing about this area and the huge changes that are going to be happening is the train line. There is going to be a massive improvement in the accessibility and how the Orihuela Costa is connected to other parts of Spain. So, this train line will allow you to travel to the Costa del Sol much more quickly and even up to Barcelona and any surrounding cities. So, property investment-wise, it should definitely be on your radar. A two-bedroom apartment on the Orihuela Costa will be between €120,000 up to €180,000. A three-bedroom townhouse, you'd be looking at around €180,000 up to €320,000. And for a three- or four-bedroom detached villa, expect to spend between €350,000 up to €600,000. Prices are even cheaper if you buy in Orihuela City. Apartments will set you back around €80,000 to €130,000. Loads of foreign investors are buying on the Orihuela Costa, so prices are affordable now, but as word catches on, prices are definitely going up.

Costa Tropical: Spain’s Best-Kept Property Secret

Another great alternative to the Costa del Sol is the Costa Tropical, nestled between Malaga and Granada on Spain's southern coast. Now, this might be Spain's best-kept property secret. Everyone knows Marbella, Puerto Banús, and Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol, but not many people know the Costa Tropical. First of all, it gets its name from its unique subtropical climate. It's one of the few places in mainland Europe where tropical fruits thrive naturally. Secondly, it feels much more Spanish. Towns like Almuñécar, Salobreña, La Herradura, and Nerja still retain their traditional fishing village character. You'll find family-run restaurants, local festivals, and authentic Spanish life rather than rows of high-rise developments. Now, the other reason I love this area is because of the scenery. Unlike the flatter coastal regions, you have dramatic mountain ranges dropping into the Mediterranean Sea. So, you could spend the morning on the beach and the afternoon hiking in the mountains. And because it's less internationally well-known, property prices on the Costa Tropical are significantly lower than on the Costa del Sol. It really is so much cheaper than the Costa del Sol. A two- to three-bedroom village house inland is between 60,000 euros up to 100,000 euros. A two- to three-bedroom apartment near the coast will be between 250,000 euros to 450,000 euros. And a three- to five-bedroom villa with a pool and sea views, anything between 330,000 euros up to 700,000 euros. I think for me, the larger properties, the coastal properties in the Costa Tropical, when you compare those to the equivalent properties on the Costa del Sol, well, there is no comparison. Not only with the price, but also the size, the scale, and the finish of them.

Malaga: A City with So Much More Than an Airport

So, my last destination is for people who like a bit of history, a bit of culture, but still great accessibility to the coast. And that is the city of Malaga. When I say Malaga, people often just think, "Oh, it's just Malaga Airport. It's just a city where you fly in and out of to get to the Costa del Sol." But, there is so much more to it. Malaga is an incredible city. A particularly great time of year to visit is at Christmas when their Christmas lights are fantastic. Malaga has so much going for it. Beautiful historic center, excellent restaurants and food markets, museums, and a modern marina and waterfront. But, there are other benefits from an investment point of view. The city of Malaga is incredibly well connected by train and you can actually get to Madrid in under 3 hours. And another thing, it's become a major technology hub in recent years. Companies from across Europe have established offices here and the city continues attracting professionals, digital workers, and international investors. That creates year- -round housing demand rather than purely holiday home demand. The only downside is Malaga is growing in popularity, so it isn't as cheap as it once was. A one-bedroom apartment is between 180,000 to 280,000 euros. A two-bedroom apartment between 250,000 euros up to 400,000 euros. A three-bedroom apartment between 400,000 euros and 600,000 euros. A three- to four-bedroom house between 500,000 euros and 700,000 euros. And for a larger villa or a premium home, expect to pay 700,000 euros plus. I often think that cities are great places to invest in. And so, if that is something you want to do, you can't afford Barcelona, you can't afford Madrid, Malaga and Valencia should definitely be on your radar. But, you won't be alone because other people are fast catching on.