Living in Spain Guide

Life in the Balearic Islands can be wonderfully outdoorsy and sociable, but it needs a bit more planning than the holiday version suggests.

Andratx is one of southwest Mallorca’s most appealing places to put down roots—but it is really several places in one.

Living in Torrevieja appeals to people who want Costa Blanca beach access, year-round services and an established international community without Alicante city’s pace or price levels. It is a practical coastal base in the southern part of Alicante province, with salt lakes, a long seafront and

Almería pairs dry Mediterranean weather, city conveniences and access to the Cabo de Gata coast with housing costs that remain below Spain’s larger coastal cities.What is living in Almeria like?

Mallorca can be a brilliant place to settle into island life, particularly for people who want reliable sunshine, easy access to the sea and a proper year-round city in Palma de Mallorca. There is a sizeable international community, but day-to-day life still runs more smoothly with some Spanish or Catalan, especially beyond Palma and the resort areas. The big trade-off when living in Mallorca is housing: prices have climbed sharply, and summer traffic, seasonal crowds and limited long-term rentals can test even the most patient resident.

Los Realejos, in northern Tenerife, is a municipality that combines Canarian tradition, natural beauty and proximity to the sea in a setting that is more residential than tourist‑oriented.

Spain’s property market offers a wide range of opportunities for buyers, from modern new-build developments to traditional resale homes with plenty of character.

Sotogrande sits on the western edge of the Costa del Sol, about 25 minutes from Gibraltar and 30 minutes from Marbella.

Spain remains one of Europe’s most attractive property markets, drawing international buyers seeking sunshine, lifestyle, and strong investment potential.

idealista now lets you search for properties across multiple Spanish areas at once. Quickly select towns, neighbourhoods, or provinces in one search, exploring more options without losing precision, directly via the app.

Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for families looking to balance work, lifestyle, and wellbeing. For expat parents, the appeal often lies in the sunny climate, slower pace of life, and strong family-centred culture.

If you are considering buying property in Spain, you may come across the term VPO. It appears frequently in listings, legal documents, and urban planning information, but many international buyers are unsure what it actually means.So, what is VPO in Spain?

When buying property in Spain, especially if you’re an international buyer, you may come across the term “notary”. But what exactly does a notary do, and why are they so important in Spanish real estate transactions?

When moving to Spain, obtaining your NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is one of the first and most important steps.

A property viewing trip is one of the most valuable steps in buying a home in Spain.

This small Balearic island is all turquoise coves, dusty tracks and lazy sunsets, but living in Formentera full-time is a very different story from a week’s holiday.

This volcanic Canary Island is all black lava, whitewashed villages and Atlantic light, with a climate that stays pleasantly mild most of the year.

If you’ve found a property on idealista or you’re preparing to buy, reserve, or rent in Spain, the very first document you should secure is your Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).

Relocating to Spain can be an exciting adventure, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture. However, moving abroad can also be expensive if you’re not careful. From transportation costs to housing and everyday living expenses, spending can quickly add up.

Spain is a young democracy located at the heart of Western Europe.

Buying property in Spain can be one of the most exciting decisions you make, but it also comes with challenges.

Melilla is a compact Spanish city on the Moroccan coast with sandy urban beaches and handsome modernist façades. With Melilla's population around 87,000, the city boasts a layered mix of Spanish, Amazigh and Moroccan culture.

Living in Ceuta means settling in a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast at the mouth of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Santiago de Compostela is a compact university city in Galicia, famous as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago and anchored by its UNESCO‑listed Old Town.

If you're thinking about buying a home, it’s essential to understand the current state of the property market. Should you wait, or is now the time to buy? To help you decide, we analyse the key indicators: price trends per square metre, interest rates, the Euribor, transaction volume, mortgages, and available financial aid.