Lifestyle in Spain

Southern Spain has plenty going for it: long summers, layered history and some of the most characterful towns in the country.

The land border fence between Gibraltar and Spain has been removed after 118 years.

Buying a second home by the beach remains a popular choice in Spain’s property market – with the coastline offering diverse options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. From well-known regions such as the Costa Blanca to emerging coastal hotspots, choosing the right location involves considering amenities, accessibility and long-term value. Here are 10 destinations to enjoy a summer home by the sea.

With more than five kilometres of unspoilt sand in the heart of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, this wild beach in Almería is a paradise for swimming, diving and flamingo spotting.

In the Prades Mountains, the terrain leads visitors down through rocky outcrops and dense vegetation.

The Costa Brava is once again set to be one of Spain’s leading coastal destinations in 2026. This year, almost 30 beaches have retained their Blue Flag status – the international award recognising water quality, safety, services and environmental management.

Lanzarote has several designated areas for those who want to enjoy the sea without leaving their dog at home. In recent years, several municipalities have adapted sections of their coastline to accommodate dogs.

As summer approaches, Spain’s coastline is once again attracting luxury buyers. According to Barnes, destinations such as Marbella, Mallorca, the Costa Brava, the Basque Coast and Ibiza are leading a new vision of high-end living. More than just holiday hotspots, these locations combine privacy, security, international connectivity, gastronomy and quality of life – making them some of the country’s most sought-after residential markets.

Toledo is one of Spain’s most historically significant cities. Its strategic position on a hill overlooking the River Tagus made it a key stronghold for controlling the Iberian Peninsula from ancient times.

The Telegraph has one Spanish city as the best destination in its 2026 ranking of The 15 best European cities for a stress-free minibreak.

The province of Almería has one of the most extensive defensive networks in Spain. This is no coincidence, as it was one of the last territories of the Kingdom of Granada to be incorporated into the Crown of Castile and remained vulnerable to pirate attacks for centuries.

If you're planning to move to Spain, accept a job offer or simply compare living costs across Europe, understanding the average salary in Spain can provide useful context.

Kylian Mbappé is experiencing one of the most intense periods of his career.

Holiday flights from the UK and Ireland to Spain are heading into peak season just as a new EU border system beds in. Ryanair has warned that passengers face “passport queue chaos” at some of Spain’s busiest airports this summer, as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) coincides with school holiday

Many people consider building a house by the beach to be part of an idyllic dream. Waking up each day to the sound of the sea seems almost too good to be true, doesn't it?However, the costs associated with this can vary significantly depending on several factors.

Tucked away in northern Spain is one of the country’s most important prehistoric art sites.

When summer arrives, many people assume they need to travel to the coast to enjoy a day at the beach. However, despite having no coastline, the Community of Madrid is home to several inland bathing areas where visitors can cool off without leaving the region.

Spain consistently ranks among the top choices in Europe for a relaxed seaside break with children, and it’s easy to see why.

Lamine Yamal, one of the standout players for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team.

Spain’s landscapes aren’t just about beaches, sierras and medieval towns.

Cantabria is undoubtedly one of Spain's top surfing destinations. Its more than 200 kilometres of coastline, open to the Cantabrian Sea, offering consistent waves, stunning natural landscapes and beaches for all skill levels.

When temperatures rise, there is a natural pull towards the outdoors – the sea, fresh air and active days in nature.

Located in southeastern Spain, Murcia slips under the radar compared to Andalucía or Valencia.

Valencian cuisine extends far beyond rice dishes and seafood, with the inland areas of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante maintaining a strong livestock tradition that has given rise to some of the Mediterranean’s most distinctive cheeses.

The European Union offers several pathways for skilled professionals looking to live and work within its member states.