Spain is a land of contrasts, from rugged mountains to idyllic beaches. Its rich history is reflected in an extensive cultural heritage, while its diverse landscapes offer forests, deserts and vibrant cities offering leisure activities and culture.
Travelling on a budget in Spain doesn’t mean you have to compromise on experience. Here, we highlight the cheapest destinations to visit in 2026, according to the travel photography website Capture the Atlas.
- Rías Baixas, the cheapest destination to travel to in 2026
- Blanes, the charm of the Costa Brava
- Granada, an affordable place to travel in Spain
- Lanzarote: volcanic landscapes that look like they're from Mars
- Cádiz, a journey to the oldest city in the West
- Cantabria: endless affordable options
- Almería: desert, fortresses and virgin beaches
- Benidorm: leisure, good weather and skyscrapers
- Torremolinos: glamour and atmosphere on the Costa del Sol
- Huelva: a cheap destination for those who love the south
Rías Baixas, the cheapest destination to travel to in 2026
The Rías Baixas are home to some of northern Spain’s most stunning coastal landscapes. Here, the sea carves deep inlets into the land, creating tranquil estuaries bordered by white sandy beaches, charming fishing villages and lush forests. They stretch along almost the entire coast of Pontevedra and part of the western coast of A Coruña.
Combarro, with its traditional granaries and stone houses by the sea, and the Baroña hill fort, are a great example of the area’s rich historical heritage. Meanwhile, the Galician islands – Arousa, Ons, and the Cíes – are true paradises, boasting crystal-clear waters, scenic hiking trails and pristine, unspoilt beaches.
So, how much does it cost to live there? According to data from idealista, the average price of properties in Galicia, the autonomous community of Rías Baixas, is €1,508 per square metre, while average rent stands at €9.40 per square metre.
Blanes, the charm of the Costa Brava
Blanes, in Girona, marks the start of the Costa Brava and is renowned for its harmonious mix of beaches, nature and heritage. The islet of Sa Palomera – a symbol of the town – offers some of the best panoramic views of the coastline and signifies the official beginning of this legendary coast.
The old town features charming churches, squares and winding streets, while urban beaches sit alongside stunning coves such as Sant Francesc and Cala Bona, framed by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Blanes is also an ideal base for exploring the Camí de Ronda, one of Spain’s most spectacular coastal trails.
Living in Blanes, however, comes at a cost. According to idealista, the average price of homes for sale is €2,219 per square metre, while rent averages around €10.90 per square metre.
Granada, an affordable place to travel in Spain
Granada is a city that truly has it all – and it’s surprisingly affordable. Walking through its streets, particularly the Albaicín – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – feels like stepping back in time, with its cobbled alleys, viewpoints and stunning views of the Alhambra. This Nasrid palace complex, familiar to Game of Thrones fans as Dorne, is one of Europe’s architectural masterpieces, set alongside the lush Generalife Gardens.
The city perfectly blends culture and nature: both the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Costa Tropical are less than an hour away, making it easy to alternate cultural visits with trips to the mountains or the coast.
Living in Granada is relatively inexpensive. According to idealista, the average price of homes for sale is €1,723 per square metre, while rent averages €9.90 per square metre.
Lanzarote: volcanic landscapes that look like they're from Mars
Lanzarote is one of Spain’s most extraordinary destinations. Its volcanic landscape creates a striking natural spectacle, with Timanfaya National Park – home to lava fields and reddish mountains – serving as the island’s main attraction, though far from the only one.
The island also offers unique spots where art and nature intertwine, such as Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes. Visitors can enjoy golden and black sand beaches, charming whitewashed villages like Teguise and serene coastal areas, all enhanced by a mild year-round climate.
If you want to visit Lanzarote, don't miss the available holiday rentals
But what does it cost to live on Lanzarote? According to idealista, the average price of homes for sale in Las Palmas province, which includes the island, is €2,888 per square metre, while rent averages €15.40 per square metre.
Cádiz, a journey to the oldest city in the West
Cádiz, founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its defensive fortifications, including the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, stand as reminders of its strategic past.
The city is also famed for its beaches: from the central Caleta, perfect for unforgettable sunsets, to the expansive sandy stretches nearby ideal for enjoying the Atlantic, or the tranquil Alameda, offering shade and relaxation.
Want to explore Cádiz? Find flats and country houses.
According to the latest data from idealista, the average property price in Cádiz is €3,075 per square metre, while rent averages €12.10 per square metre.
Cantabria: endless affordable options
Cantabria is an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers. Its capital, Santander, combines elegance, urban beaches and a lively cultural scene, while the nearby Costa Quebrada offers a dramatic coastline of cliffs, hidden coves and a powerful sea that delights photographers and nature lovers alike.
History comes alive at Altamira Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its prehistoric paintings, while towns such as Santillana del Mar appear frozen in time. For the adventurous, the Picos de Europa mountains provide hiking trails, breathtaking viewpoints and high-altitude landscapes just a few kilometres from the coast.
According to idealista, the average price of homes for sale in Cantabria is €2,070 per square metre, with rent averaging €10.90 per square metre.
Almería: desert, fortresses and virgin beaches
Almería is one of Spain’s fastest-growing tourist destinations and among the most affordable. Its Alcazaba, one of the country’s largest Moorish fortresses, dominates the city with stunning views of the Mediterranean, while the historic centre features a remarkable cathedral-fortress.
Beyond the capital, the province is home to extraordinary natural attractions, including Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with its wild beaches, crystal-clear waters and volcanic landscapes; Playa de los Muertos, widely regarded as one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches; and the Tabernas Desert, Europe’s only desert and the backdrop for countless Western films.
Accommodation available in Almería, great for a getaway.
According to idealista, the average price of homes for sale in Almería province is €1,509 per square metre, while rent averages €8.50 per square metre.
Benidorm: leisure, good weather and skyscrapers
Benidorm, which has the second-highest number of skyscrapers per capita in the world after New York, offers far more than its skyline. Its old town preserves the charm of a traditional fishing village, with narrow streets and viewpoints such as the Balcón del Mediterráneo, offering spectacular coastal vistas. The city is also renowned for its lively nightlife and clubs.
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Wide, well-maintained urban beaches sit alongside quieter coves, while the Serra Gelada Natural Park provides scenic hiking trails with breathtaking sea views. Unsurprisingly, Benidorm remains one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations.
Housing prices in Benidorm reflect this high demand. According to idealista, the average price of homes for sale is €3,075 per square metre, while the average rent is €12.10 per square metre.
Torremolinos: glamour and atmosphere on the Costa del Sol
Torremolinos, on the glamorous Costa del Sol, is synonymous with sunny weather, beaches and a vibrant atmosphere. Its seafront promenade is perfect for leisurely walks along the coast, while the historic centre preserves charming Andalusian corners, including Calle San Miguel and the Casa de los Navajas, a stunning example of Neo-Mudéjar architecture.
Torremolinos has a wide range of holiday homes available .
Beaches such as La Carihuela, Bajondillo and Los Álamos offer options ranging from peaceful relaxation to lively activity. Its proximity to Málaga makes Torremolinos an excellent base for exploring the wider Costa del Sol. The town is also one of the world’s most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, having long been a pioneer for this community.
According to idealista, the average price of homes for sale in Torremolinos is €3,890 per square metre, while rent averages €17.20 per square metre.
Huelva: a cheap destination for those who love the south
Huelva is one of southern Spain’s best-kept secrets, a destination that charms at a relaxed pace. Its capital surprises visitors with its British-influenced heritage – seen in neighbourhoods like Reina Victoria – and tranquil riverside walks along the Tinto and Odiel estuaries, perfect for watching the sun set.
The real treasures, however, lie in Huelva’s natural surroundings. The province boasts over 100 kilometres of largely untouched beaches, many within Doñana National Park, one of Europe’s most important ecological reserves. Expansive sands at Matalascañas, Cuesta Maneli and Punta Umbría are framed by dunes, pine forests and the Atlantic coastline.
El Rocío, with its sandy streets and whitewashed houses, adds a uniquely traditional charm, while the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche invite exploration of quaint villages such as Almonaster la Real, chestnut and holm oak forests and natural wonders like the Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders).
According to idealista, the average price of homes for sale in Huelva is €1,618 per square metre, with rent averaging €9 per square metre.
