Housing prices in Spain continue to rise, with coastal areas typically experiencing the most pressure. However, there are still seaside locations where buying or renting is more affordable than the national average, currently at €2,748/m².
If your goal is to live near the sea without paying the prices of the most exclusive destinations, this list includes some of the cheapest coastal towns to live in Spain. All of them have average purchase prices below the Spanish average.
You can check the evolution of property prices for sale in Spain thanks to the idealista report and get an up-to-date view of the real estate market.
Cariño, A Coruña
Galicia is home to several of the most affordable coastal towns in the country. One of them is Cariño, in the province of A Coruña. Located on the Cantabrian coast, it is linked to fishing, especially the harvesting of barnacles and the production of canned goods.
Among its main attractions are the Cliffs of Vixía Herbeira, the highest in the European Union, and Cape Ortegal, a protected area ideal for observing migratory birds. Its most well-known beaches include A Concha, Basteira and Fornos, with their white sand, perfect for enjoying the sea and surfing.
The average selling price in Cariño is €728/m².
Discover properties for sale or rent in Cariño, the most affordable coastal town in Spain. If you're looking for a getaway, check out our holiday options.
Burela, Galicia
We don't have to go far to find the second-cheapest coastal town in Spain. Burela is located in the province of Lugo, on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea and is also linked to fishing and the canning industry.
The municipality combines tranquillity and tradition with beaches such as O Perdouro, O Cantiño, O Portelo and A Marosa. Among its attractions are the Open Air Art Museum, the Monte Caselo viewpoint and the Reina del Carmen Tuna Vessel Museum. The 16-kilometre Burela circular route is also popular.
The average property price is €948/m², while rent is around €6.32/m² (according to the listings on idealista).
Discover property for sale and rental properties in Burela. If you're looking for accommodation for a getaway, don't miss these holiday rentals.
A Guarda, Pontevedra
In the southernmost part of Galicia, bordering Portugal and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, lies A Guarda, one of the most affordable coastal towns in northern Spain.
Life here is peaceful and in close contact with the sea and nature. One of its most prominent landmarks is Monte Santa Trega, a spectacular natural viewpoint where the remains of one of Spain's most important Celtic hill forts are preserved. From there, there are privileged views of the mouth of the Miño River, the Atlantic Ocean and the Portuguese coast. The fishing port, the historic centre and the Maritime Museum are also worth mentioning.
A Guarda boasts tranquil beaches and natural landscapes perfect for unwinding, such as Area Grande, O Muíño and Fedorento. The municipality lies on the Portuguese Coastal Way and therefore welcomes numerous pilgrims each year.
The average sale price in A Guarda is €1,031/m².
Discover properties for sale and rent in A Guarda. If you prefer a seaside getaway, check out the holiday rental options available in the area.
Luarca – Valdés, Asturias
Known as the “White Town of the Green Coast,” Luarca is one of the most picturesque fishing villages in northern Spain. It combines the charm of its fishing port with a natural environment marked by cliffs, beaches and lush green mountains.
Highlights include the fishing quarter, the whitewashed houses terraced along the harbour and iconic landmarks such as the lighthouse, the cemetery where the scientist Severo Ochoa is buried and the Fonte Baixa Botanical Garden. Its beaches are also noteworthy, including Luarca Beach, Portizuelo and Barayo, the latter being part of a nature reserve.
The average sale price in Luarca – Valdés is around €1,071/m².
Discover houses for sale and rent in Luarca – Valdés. If you're thinking about a holiday, you can check out the available options here.
Adra, Almería
Located in the province of Almería is Adra, with 13 kilometres of coastline and a remarkable natural environment. Among its most well-known attractions are the Adra wetlands, the Guainos narrows and the Huerto Jardín (Garden Orchard).
It also preserves heritage sites such as the Torre de Vela (Watchtower), as well as vestiges of industrial architecture like the San Luis lead foundry. It combines urban beaches with more secluded spots.
The average sale price is €1,084/m², and rent is around €11/m² (according to the available listings).
In Adra, you'll find numerous properties for sale and rent. If you just want to spend a few days near Almería, check out the holiday rentals available.
Viveiro, Lugo
Following the coast of Lugo, we find Viveiro, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Galicia. Located on the Viveiro estuary, on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, it combines a rich historical heritage with a stunning natural environment.
Among its main attractions are its walled historic centre, the Church of Santa Maria do Campo and the Carnival Museum, dedicated to its famous carnival, recognised for being of International Tourist Interest. Nature also plays a leading role, with beaches like Area, Covas and Sacido, boasting fine sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming in the summer.
The average sale price in Viveiro is €1,155/m². Meanwhile, the average rental price is €8.76/m².
Discover properties for sale and rent in Viveiro. If you're looking for a getaway to the Galician coast, check out the available holiday rental options as well.
Ribadeo, Galicia
Ribadeo, in the northeasternmost part of Lugo, is located at the mouth of the Eo River. It has a fishing and recreational port, as well as a significant historical heritage.
Among its notable monuments are the Torre de los Moreno, the Isla Pancha lighthouse, the church of Santa María del Campo and the Pazo de Ibáñez. It is also known for the Playa de las Catedrales (Cathedral Beach), declared a Natural Monument.
The average price of houses for sale in Ribadeo is €1,499/m².
Find properties for sale in Ribadeo, as well as properties for rent. And if you're looking for a getaway, don't miss our vacation rental options.
Alcanar, Tarragona
In the southernmost part of Catalonia, bordering the Valencian Community, lies Alcanar, a coastal municipality that combines sea, countryside, great food and tradition.
Among its attractions are the medieval castle, the Church of Sant Pere and the Ebro Delta Natural Park, a Biosphere Reserve with a unique landscape of rice paddies, lagoons and waterfowl. Its beaches, such as La Serradora, Les Cases and El Marge, are tranquil and easily accessible. The municipality is also known for its orange and olive oil production.
The average selling price in Alcanar is €1,525/m².
Discover properties for sale and rent in Alcanar. If you prefer a short stay by the sea in southern Catalonia, check out the available holiday rental options as well.
Benicarló, Castellón
Living in a coastal town with a pleasant climate is possible in places like Benicarló. Its fishing port is one of the busiest in the Valencian Community, renowned for the quality of its prawns, which have their own protected designation of origin.
The town preserves a historic centre with the Baroque church of San Bartolomé as its most emblematic building. Its beaches, such as Grava, Morrongo, and Les Fonts, are suitable for all ages and are well-equipped.
The average sale price in Benicarló is €1,533/m².
Find houses for sale in Benicarló or, if you prefer, properties for rent. If you're thinking of getting away for a few days, here you'll find holiday homes.
Carboneras, Almería
Carboneras is a coastal town that has managed to preserve its unspoiled landscape despite its growing tourist appeal. Nestled between the beautiful and renowned Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and the Sierra de los Filabres mountain range, it boasts one of the most striking combinations of nature and sea on the entire Andalusian coast.
Its greatest natural treasure is Playa de los Muertos, considered one of the most spectacular beaches in Spain for its crystal-clear water and volcanic cliffs. Nearby, other notable beaches include Playa del Sombrerico, Playa de la Cueva del Lobo and the quieter and more accessible urban beach of Carboneras.
According to the latest data from Idealista, the average sale price in Carboneras is €1,602/m². Meanwhile, the average rent is €8.23/m².
Find houses for sale in Carboneras or, if you prefer, properties for rent. If you're thinking of getting away for a few days, here you'll find holiday rentals.
Cartagena, Murcia
On the Murcian coast, Cartagena combines historical heritage with less crowded beaches. Founded by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC, it boasts one of the best-preserved Roman Theatres in Spain.
Its beaches, such as Cala Cortina or La Azohía, and natural spaces such as the Calblanque Regional Park enhance its appeal.
The average sale price is €1,665/m², and rent is around €8.9/m².
Cartagena offers a wide range of properties for sale and rent. Even if you'd prefer to enjoy a few days' break in this city, you'll also find holiday accommodations.
Gandía, Valencia
Gandía is known for its legacy linked to the Borgia family, visible in the Ducal Palace, the Collegiate Church and the Old University. It combines a historic centre with a nearly five-kilometre stretch of fine sand beach.
The average sale price is €1,701/m², while the average rent reaches €9.4/m².
Discover homes for sale and rental properties in Gandía. If you're looking for accommodation for a getaway, don't miss these holiday rental options.
Barbate, Andalusia
Barbate is located in the province of Cádiz, next to the La Breña and Barbate Marshes National Park. Its fishing tradition is linked to almadraba (a unique Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing technique) and the ancient Roman settlement of Baesipo.
Beaches such as Zahara de los Atunes and Los Caños de Meca are part of its surroundings.
The average sale price is €2,581/m², while the average rent is €15/m².
In Barbate, you'll find numerous properties for sale and rent. If you just want to spend a few days near Cádiz, there are holiday rentals available.
Salou, Tarragona
In the province of Tarragona, Salou is a well-established tourist destination with golden sandy beaches and a Mediterranean climate. Among its attractions are the Torre Vella (Old Tower), the monument to James I, the cybernetic fountain and the PortAventura World theme park.
Average property prices reach €2,632/m², and rent is €11.3/m².
Find flats and houses for sale in Salou, as well as long-term rentals. And if you're looking for a getaway, don't miss our holiday rental options.
Although the last two coastal municipalities have a higher price than the rest of the list (and there are other cheaper locations before them), they are still below the national average.
This shows that it's still possible to find affordable coastal towns to live in Spain with prices below the national average. Choosing one or another will depend on your budget, the type of property you're looking for and your desired lifestyle, but they all share one thing in common: living near the sea without having to pay the highest prices on the real estate market.
