What are the different regions of Spain like?
Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe, bordering Portugal and France, whilst just a stone's throw away from North Africa. Owing to its size and location it offers a huge variety of climates and landscapes for people wanting to buy property in Spain.
From A Coruña in the north down to Tarifa in the south, the Spain property market is as varied as its scenery. From elegant penthouses in bustling cosmopolitan cities like Madrid and Barcelona; period townhouses in cultural hotspots like Córdoba, Granada and Seville; beachfront villas along the sun-kissed Costas like the popular Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol; through to 'fincas' and apartments in the Balearic and Canary Islands - Spain has something for everyone.
What is living in Spain like?
The lifestyle in Spain is well known for being sociable, relaxed and family friendly. Al fresco dining for much of the year in many parts of the country, combined with world-class cuisine means that homes for sale in Spain continue to be as sought after as ever.
Both the Mediterranean diet and the climate make healthy living easy in Spain. A wide variety of fish and seafood is readily available, Spain grows huge quantities of fruit and vegetables and produces almost half of the world’s olive oil. As well as its famous ‘tapas’ and regional dishes like ‘paella’, Spain also makes some of the best wine and cheese in the world.
Outdoor activities are very accessible in Spain, with almost as many mountains as Switzerland and miles of sandy and rocky beaches. Spain is the country with the most blue-flag beaches in the world – a record it has held since 1987.
If it’s culture you crave, every region in Spain has its own traditions and fiestas – from flamenco in Andalusia to bull running in Pamplona; human towers (castells) in Catalonia to the ‘Fallas’ in Valencia. Spain is home to 47 world heritage sites, and getting from one to the next couldn’t be easier thanks to a modern and extensive motorway network and an ever-increasing number of high-speed train links connecting the major cities.
Private and public healthcare systems run side by side as in many other European countries, and several Spanish hospitals are world leaders in their fields. There is a well-established education system, with a large number of international schools offering a bilingual education to ex-pats and locals alike.
Spain property market and price trends
Property for sale in Spain has not lost any of its attraction and this vibrant country continues to be one of the most sought-after places to emigrate to or to own a second home, and one of the most popular retirement destinations, especially with northern Europeans. The mild winter climate, low rainfall and high proportion of sunny days make the Mediterranean coast the most popular region for people buying property in Spain. Villas for sale in Spain are an increasingly attractive prospect for young people and families from all over the world looking for a healthier and more laid-back lifestyle.