Nature enhances people’s quality of life – fresh air, green landscapes and tranquillity all contribute.
Not so long ago, humans felt more connected to the countryside. In fact, throughout history, we have spent far more time in nature than in cities. Considering the emergence of the first urban settlements and the widely accepted scientific hypothesis that Homo sapiens – our species – originated in Africa around 200,000 years ago, urban living is a relatively recent development.
Many people today feel the urge to move to greener surroundings, escaping the hustle and bustle of big cities and the stresses of modern life. This article explores five destinations where you can find homes for sale in beautiful, nature-rich settings, whether for their affordability or unique charm.
Ribadesella, one of Spain's natural wonders
Ribadesella is a town in Asturias, bordered to the north by the Cantabrian Sea, to the east by Llanes, to the south by Cangas de Onís and Parres, and to the west by Caravia – all of which are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty.
It is impossible to highlight just one defining feature of Ribadesella, as this Asturian town offers a wealth of attractions. From its stunning white-sand beaches, perfect for surfing, to the mighty and iconic Sella River, Ribadesella is surrounded by charming villages nestled among forests and mountains. Add its highly acclaimed cuisine to the mix and it’s easy to see why this town is home to one of Spain’s most picturesque and celebrated locations.
Ribadesella's town centre, just a short walk from the seafront and port, is a picturesque blend of charming cobbled streets and elegant historic buildings.
Ribadesella also boasts a rich historical heritage, including the Tito Bustillo Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those seeking to immerse themselves in nature, this stunning coastal town offers the perfect escape.
One standout property in this nature-filled destination is a detached villa priced at €670,000, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the Sella River.
This three-storey home, blending traditional and colonial architecture, spans 420 square metres and features eight bedrooms and six bathrooms. It is set on a generous 1,163-square-metre plot, providing ample space and stunning surroundings.
Potes, a natural destination with stunning views
Continuing our list of Spanish destinations surrounded by nature, we arrive at Potes, a village in the autonomous community of Cantabria. Situated in the heart of the Liébana region, of which it is the capital, this picturesque village is officially recognised as one of the most beautiful in Spain. As of 2023 (INE), it has a population of 1,336.
Whether you’re looking for a charming weekend getaway or a place to call home, Potes is an ideal choice. Its cobbled streets and historic stone buildings add to its undeniable charm. Nestled at the confluence of four valleys and the Quiviesa and Deva Rivers, visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air and breathtaking views at every turn.
The town has three important monuments declared as assets of cultural interest:
- The town of Potes, listed as a historic site, among which the Infantado Tower stands out, is the current seat of the town hall
- San Vicente church
- The Lebaniega Trail runs through the village, linking the Coastal Way of St. James with the French Way. Along its path, it passes through several other picturesque towns, including San Vicente de la Barquera, Val de San Vicente, Herrerías and Lamasón.
If you’re searching for a home surrounded by nature, this rural house for sale in the centre of Potes, next to the iconic Torre del Infantado, is an excellent option to consider.
The property offers a total of 300 square metres of built space, featuring six bedrooms and two bathrooms – all for €449,000.
Aínsa-Sobrarbe, a Spanish town at the gateway to nature
Ordesa is a natural gem nestled in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, within the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity, fresh air and breathtaking landscapes.
Aínsa-Sobrarbe – encompassing several towns and villages, including Arcusa, Arro, Banastón, Bruello and Las Bellostas, among others – is one of the gateways to this spectacular natural paradise. Its capital, Aínsa, showcases traditional Pyrenean architecture that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. With its majestic mountains, dense forests and awe-inspiring valleys, Aínsa-Sobrarbe is a haven for hikers, climbers and nature enthusiasts alike.
This municipality, traversed by the Ara and Cinca rivers and home to the stunning Mediano Reservoir – where a submerged bell tower can be seen – also boasts fascinating historical landmarks. Notable sites worth visiting include Casa Lanao de Arro and Aínsa Castle, both designated as Sites of Cultural Interest, among many others.
If you’re seeking a home surrounded by nature, Aínsa-Sobrarbe offers several highly attractive options, ranging from licensed rural complexes and large rustic properties to more modest homes. Among these, this stone house for sale, perched atop a hill, stands out at €825,000. The property is electrically self-sufficient, thanks to its 60 solar panels.
The property offers stunning views of the Pyrenees, the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, Lake Mediano and the mountains of the Guara Natural Park.
This 500-square-metre home, spread across three floors, includes a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It also sits on an 800,000-square-metre plot, rich in botanical, geological and archaeological interest.
Soria, a city surrounded by nature
Soria, located in the autonomous community of Castile and León, is a destination rich in history and natural beauty. With vast fields of holm oaks and junipers, powerful rivers like the Duero, and its proximity to the Río Lobos Canyon, Soria and its surrounding areas offer an ideal retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, without sacrificing the convenience of a mid-sized town.
Soria’s historic centre is home to notable landmarks, including the Church of San Juan de Rabanera and the Palace of the Counts of Gómara. On the outskirts, rustic houses and properties with expansive grounds are the most sought-after options for those seeking the peace and tranquillity of living in a natural setting.
One of the most striking properties for sale is this cosy villa, which seamlessly blends rustic and modern styles while enhancing the natural features of the plot, allowing it to blend harmoniously with its surroundings.
This two-storey detached villa boasts a built area of 450 square metres, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an 8,300-square-metre plot. The asking price is €695,000.
Segovia, experience nature just an hour from Madrid
Segovia is another excellent option for those looking to move to a natural setting, without sacrificing the benefits of living in a historic city just over an hour from the capital.
Situated in the heart of Castile and León, Segovia is renowned worldwide for its rich historical heritage, with iconic buildings that stand as testaments to the region’s past. Among these are the Roman aqueduct, the Cathedral of Santa María, the walls of the Jewish quarter and the Alcázar of Segovia.
However, the city is also renowned for the natural landscapes that surround it, including the Sierra de Guadarrama and the Montes de Valsaín.
If you have the opportunity to visit in spring, be sure not to miss the poppy fields in Zamarramala.
As an example, we present this detached house, set in spectacular natural surroundings, with a total of 240 square metres, located in El Espinar, Segovia.
The two-storey property, priced at €370,600, features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a 760-square-metre wooded plot.
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