June 05, 2025

Published in Lifestyle

Best coastal places to move in Spain in 2026

Discover the best coastal places to move to in Spain in 2026, combining Mediterranean lifestyle, international connectivity, and long-term real estate value for relocation, second homes, or investment.

Luxury modern house with panoramic sea views, featuring a spacious pool and sleek architectural design.

Luxury seaside living, lifestyle and long-term value

Looking for the best coastal places to move in Spain in 2026?
Based on current market conditions and insights from our local teams, Spain’s coastal regions continue to rank among the most attractive destinations for international buyers seeking relocation, a second home in Spain, or a long-term real estate investment.

Combining Mediterranean lifestyle, international connectivity, safety, and resilient property markets, Spain’s coastline offers a unique balance of quality of life and long-term value that few European destinations can match.

Whether you are planning a permanent move, a flexible second residence in Spain, or a lifestyle-led investment, coastal living in Spain remains a smart and future-proof choice.

Explore second homes for sale across Spain’s most desirable coastal regions

Sunset over Sitges shore, with calm sea reflecting golden and orange hues, and traditional Mediterranean houses lining the coast.

Why move to the Spanish coast?

Moving to Spain’s coast is no longer just about sunshine and sea views. For many international buyers, it represents a strategic lifestyle decision backed by strong fundamentals.

Spain attracts coastal residents looking for flexibility: working remotely, relocating with family, planning early retirement, or securing a second residence in Spain with long-term appeal. In many cases, coastal properties also offer rental income potential and sustained capital appreciation.

Key drivers behind the popularity of Spain’s coastal regions include:

  • Competitive property prices compared to other Western European coastal markets

  • Excellent healthcare, transport infrastructure, and international airports

  • A favourable climate and outdoor-oriented lifestyle

  • High levels of safety and political stability

  • A transparent process for buying a second home in Spain, especially with local professional support

Explore our personalised services for buying a second home in Spain

Best coastal areas to move to in Spain (2026 overview)

In summary, the best coastal places to move to in Spain in 2026 combine strong international demand, year-round livability, excellent connectivity, and resilient property markets.

Coastal area

Cost of living

Climate

Connectivity

Property market profile

Best suited for

Costa del Sol

Medium–High

Very warm, sunny year-round

Excellent (Málaga Airport)

Mature, high liquidity, strong rental demand

Families, golfers, second-home buyers

Costa Brava

Medium

Mild Mediterranean

Good (Barcelona + Girona)

Limited supply, lifestyle-driven, stable values

Lifestyle buyers, creatives, couples

Mallorca

High

Mild Mediterranean

Excellent (Palma Airport)

Prestige market, low supply, strong international demand

Luxury buyers, long-term investors

Barcelona coast & nearby towns

High

Mild Mediterranean

Excellent (international hubs)

Urban-coastal mix, strong rental yields

Professionals, expats, hybrid living

Valencia

Medium

Mild Mediterranean

Very good (Valencia Airport)

Growing market, strong value upside

Expats, remote workers, value seekers

When evaluating the best coastal places to move to in Spain, location quality matters more than ever. The regions that consistently perform best tend to combine:

  • High international buyer demand

  • Lifestyle appeal beyond tourism

  • Strong infrastructure and year-round livability

  • Limited supply and long-term price stability

These fundamentals explain why certain coastal destinations continue to outperform within the Spain second homes and relocation segments.

Thinking about moving to Spain’s coast or buying a second home?

Our local experts help international buyers identify the right coastal destination, understand lifestyle and property differences by region, and navigate the buying process with confidence, whether you’re relocating, purchasing a second residence in Spain, or investing for the long term.

Speak with a Dils Lucas Fox agent

Where to buy a second home on the Spanish coast

If you are ready to move from evaluation to decision, the following coastal destinations consistently rank among the best places to move to in Spain, combining lifestyle, accessibility, and real estate resilience.

Costa del Sol

One of Spain’s most established coastal markets, the Costa del Sol offers year-round sunshine, golf resorts, excellent international connectivity, and a mature rental market. Areas such as Marbella and Estepona are particularly popular among international buyers seeking both lifestyle enjoyment and long-term value.

View second homes for sale on the Costa del Sol

Costa Brava

The Costa Brava attracts buyers looking for authenticity, natural beauty, and proximity to Barcelona. Known for its turquoise coves, charming villages, and cultural appeal, it is ideal for those seeking a quieter coastal lifestyle without sacrificing access to services and international travel.

Explore second homes on the Costa Brava

Mallorca (Balearic Islands)

In the Balearic Islands, especially Mallorca, coastal properties are often viewed as prestige assets. Limited supply, sea views, and sustained international demand support long-term value, making Mallorca one of the strongest coastal markets for lifestyle-driven buyers and second-home investors.

Browse second homes for sale in Mallorca

Barcelona coast and surrounding areas

For buyers seeking urban energy alongside coastal living, Barcelona and its nearby coastal towns offer a compelling mix of design, culture, walkability, and rental demand. Neighbourhoods such as Eixample and Gràcia remain popular choices for a second residence in Spain that also offers income potential.

Find your ideal second home in Barcelona here

Aerial view of Barcelona’s waterfront, featuring Port Olímpic, the beach and the city skyline along the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most attractive areas for coastal living and buying a second home in Spain.

Valencia

Valencia is emerging as one of the best coastal areas to move to in Spain, offering excellent value, a strong cultural scene, growing international interest, and an increasingly dynamic property market — all with lower price points than other major coastal cities.

Costs, taxes, and legal considerations

Owning a coastal property or second home in Spain involves more than the purchase price. Buyers should factor in:

  • Purchase costs, including property transfer tax (typically 6–10%), notary, and registration fees

  • Ongoing expenses such as annual property tax (IBI), utilities, insurance, and maintenance

  • Non-resident tax obligations if the property is not rented

  • Regional regulations if the property is rented on a short-term basis

Spain no longer offers a Golden Visa linked to property investment, but foreign buyers can still purchase property freely and explore alternative residency options depending on their circumstances.

Speak with a Lucas Fox advisor about buying a second home in Spain

Spain’s coastal second homes as a long-term strategy

Beyond lifestyle appeal, coastal second homes in Spain are increasingly viewed as resilient long-term assets. Buyers are using their properties not only as holiday homes, but also as bases for remote work, extended stays, or future retirement.

In prime coastal regions, demand remains strong while supply is limited, supporting steady price growth. A coastal second home in Spain therefore combines emotional value with long-term financial logic.

  • Yes — coastal regions in Spain continue to attract international buyers thanks to climate, lifestyle, connectivity, quality of life, and resilient property demand.

  • The Costa del Sol is widely regarded as one of the best coastal areas for families in 2026 due to its infrastructure, schools, services, and outdoor lifestyle.

  • Barcelona coast & nearby towns offer strong international community support, excellent airports, and urban amenities alongside seaside living, making it a top pick for expats.

  • Valencia tends to have more affordable cost of living compared to other major coastal cities while still delivering strong lifestyle appeal and value growth potential.

Final thoughts

With strong lifestyle appeal, excellent infrastructure, sustained international demand, and solid market fundamentals, Spain’s coastal regions remain among the best places to move to in Spain in 2026.

Whether your priority is relocation, flexibility, lifestyle enjoyment, or value preservation, buying a coastal second home in Spain is an investment in both quality of life and future security.

Last updated: 2026