Where is the cheapest coastal property in Spain? For those dreaming of owning a slice of Mediterranean paradise without breaking the bank, Spain offers a variety of options along its stunning coastline. From the golden sands of Andalusia to the picturesque shores of Catalonia, there are affordable coastal towns waiting to be explored. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most budget-friendly areas, revealing where you can find your own piece of Spanish coastline without compromising on quality or lifestyle.
We will be exploring costs for buying property sarching , along with what you can expect to pay for eating out. I have personally lived in various locations in the UK and Europe but finally settled in Spain. I took time to research and explore these locations while deciding where to live with my family.
So without further ado, lets check out my list of Spain’s top 5 areas with the lowest priced coastal properties.
La Costa Dorada, Catalonia
- Average cost per square metre: €2045
- Eating out: A mid-range restaurant meal is around €19 per person.
- Closest Airports – Reus Airport (7 km), Barcelona (100.9 km)
Costa Dorada, stretching over 250 km along Spain’s North East Mediterranean coast, is a breathtaking coastal region located in northern Catalonia with Tarragona as its capital. Famous for its long stretches of golden sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, it’s a sought-after destination for tourists and locals alike.
Costa Dorada attracts visitors from all over Spain due to its stunning beaches and crystalline waters. Rural areas offer picturesque spots for walks and family outings. There are various options for seaside living in Costa Dorada.
The area is part of Catalonia along with Lleida, Barcelona, and Girona, is home to several cities offering luxury properties. These include Cambrils, Salou, Tarragona, Altafulla, Tamarit, Torredembarra, and Comarruga.
Costa Dorada boasts diverse landscapes, blending residential areas with natural beauty. Besides beaches and the sea, there are high mountains, coves, volcanoes, cliffs, rivers, and lakes. Sun lovers can also enjoy natural parks like Mont-Roig Park or Delta del Ebro Park.
Tarragona, a vibrant city, offers rich cultural experiences. Its old town, Part Alta, charms with narrow streets, Gothic arcades, Spanish architecture, and colourful balconies. Must-visit sites include the Cathedral, ramparts, and Roman amphitheatre. The city pulsates with harbour traditions, craft shops, and museums. For adrenaline junkies, Port Aventura offers thrilling rides, making it an ideal destination for family fun and excitement.
Aguilas, Murcia
- Average cost per square metre: €1765
- Eating out: A mid-range restaurant meal is around €16 per person.
- Closest Airports – Murcia (58 km), Almeria (93.5 km)
Águilas, located in Murcia, SE Spain, offers a sunny Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. With over 28 kilometres of coastline, the town boasts stunning beaches like Playa de Poniente and Playa de Levante. The cost of living here is reasonable, with affordable property prices and lower everyday expenses compared to larger cities. Águilas has a rich cultural heritage, seen in its historic centre with landmarks like the Town Hall and Church of San José. Residents enjoy outdoor activities such as water sports and hiking in the nearby Sierra de la Almenara mountains. The town provides essential services like medical centres, supermarkets, and schools. Águilas is well-connected by road and public transportation, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Carchuna, Costa Granada
- Average cost per square metre: €1552
- Eating out: A mid-range restaurant meal is around €22 per person.
- Closest Airports – Granada-Jaen (61 km), Malaga (94 km)
Carchuna, situated in the Granada province of Andalusia, Spain, offers a pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Carchuna provides a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with reasonable property prices and everyday expenses. The area is characterised by its tranquillity and laid-back atmosphere, offering residents a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Essential services such as healthcare facilities, supermarkets, and schools are available nearby. Carchuna is well-connected by road, making it convenient for residents to access neighbouring towns and cities. Overall, Carchuna is an attractive option for those seeking a relaxed coastal living experience in the Granada region of Spain.
Gandia, Valencia
- Average cost per square metre: €1461
- Eating out: A mid-range restaurant meal is around €18 per person.
- Closest Airports – Valencia (61 km), Alicante (87 km)
Gandia, located in the Valencia region of East Spain, offers a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The town is renowned for its beautiful beaches, including Playa de Gandia, which stretches for several kilometres along the coast. Gandia provides a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with reasonable property prices and everyday expenses. The town boasts a mix of modern amenities and historic charm, with a vibrant city centre featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and hiking in the nearby mountains. Gandia provides essential services such as healthcare facilities, supermarkets, and schools. It is well-connected by road and rail, making it an attractive option for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle in Spain.
Ribadeo, Galicia
- Average cost per square metre: €641
- Eating out: A mid-range restaurant meal is around €15 per person.
- Closest Airports – Asturias (82 km), A Coruna (111 km)
Ribadeo, situated in Galicia, NW Spain, offers a temperate climate with mild summers and winters. It’s coastal location provides access to stunning beaches, including the famous Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals). Galicia is known for high-quality gastronomy and is famous among Spain’s foodies for the best seafood.
The cost of living here is reasonable, with affordable property prices and lower everyday expenses compared to larger cities. Ribadeo is known for its charming old town, with historic buildings and picturesque streets. Residents enjoy outdoor activities like hiking along the coast and exploring the nearby Eo River estuary. The town provides essential services such as healthcare facilities, supermarkets, and schools. Ribadeo is well-connected by road, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Let’s compare to Spain’s most Desirable Location
So how does this compare with a more expensive coastal area to live. Property in Costas Del Sol’s Marbella is undoubtedly the most desirable and in demand. Marbella is a unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. The city boasts upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and luxurious villas along its glamorous Golden Mile. The coastline stretches for miles, offering pristine beaches with golden sands and clear waters, while the historic Old Town (Casco Antiguo) charms with cobblestone streets and Moorish landmarks like the Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos).
Marbella’s Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, allows for year-round outdoor activities like golfing on its championship courses. It’s a haven for an international community, with excellent education options and modern healthcare facilities. While living costs can be higher in upscale areas, there are also many affordable neighbourhoods available for residents to enjoy a high quality of life in this vibrant city.
- Average cost per square metre: €6627
- Eating out: A mid-range restaurant meal is around €44 per person.
- Closest Airports – Malaga (52 km), Jerez (108 km)
Spain is a varied country with many regions offering their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Spend time researching what is right for you. Locations with the cheapest coastal property in Spain strongly indicates that the demand is low, and there will be reasons for that.
Where I Chose to Live in Spain, and Why
Incidentally, I personally opted for one of the most expensive areas (Marbella) due to the location having so much to offer. It is also easier to integrate here, due to the very international population. It ticked all the boxes for us, but unfortunately it is in very high demand and the prices can reflect this in some parts. To get more for our budget we looked in the surrounding areas for villas in Estepona, and property in Benahavis. Eventually, we found our perfect home searching in San-Pedro. It is only 5 minutes from the famous Puerto Banus and is close to all the amenities that we needed. And most importantly for us, it was considerably cheaper than property in the famous Marbella Golden Mile.
If you have any questions about property in Marbella and the surrounding area, please contact our team who will be happy to help.