Spain is known for its stunning coastline, warm climate and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
If you’re dreaming of living by the sea, Spain has plenty of great options, from vibrant cities to quiet coastal towns.
Whether you’re looking for golden beaches, a strong expat community or the best seafood, there’s a perfect seaside destination for you.
In this guide we’ll explore our picks for the 7 best places to live in Spain by the sea.
Valencia is an ideal coastal city for those looking for a balance between city life and beachside relaxation. The city is home to Playa de la Malvarrosa, a long sandy beach lined with restaurants, cafes, and palm trees. With a lower cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona, Valencia is an affordable yet vibrant place to call home.
The city has a strong international community, excellent healthcare, and top-rated schools. The Turia Gardens, a large park that stretches through the city, offers plenty of green space for outdoor activities. With a mild climate year-round, Valencia is one of the best places in Spain to enjoy the sea without breaking the bank. The City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex, provides plenty of cultural and entertainment options.
Food lovers will appreciate Valencia’s famous paella, which originated here. The city’s markets, like the Mercado Central, offer fresh seafood and produce, making daily life a treat. Valencia has amazing food, sandy beaches, and lower living costs, making it a great place by the sea. The city also celebrates Las Fallas, a big festival with fireworks, parades, and bonfires that bring people together.
Málaga, located on the Costa del Sol, is known for its sunny weather, rich history, and modern amenities. The city offers beautiful beaches such as Playa de la Malagueta, just minutes from the city center. Málaga has an international airport, making travel easy, and a growing expat community.
Living costs are lower than in Barcelona, and the city blends Spanish traditions with modern life. The old town, full of historic sites, is within walking distance from the beach, giving residents the best of both worlds. The Picasso Museum, dedicated to the city’s most famous artist, and the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, add cultural depth to Málaga.
Málaga is great for nature lovers, with hiking trails like El Caminito del Rey, which has stunning views of cliffs and a river. The city gets over 300 sunny days a year, perfect for outdoor fun. It also hosts Feria de Málaga, a week-long festival with music, flamenco, and local food, making it an exciting place to live by the sea.
Alicante is a popular choice for expats due to its low cost of living and stunning coastline. Playa del Postiguet, the city’s main beach, is famous for its golden sands and clear waters. Alicante has a laid-back atmosphere, making it perfect for families and retirees alike.
The city is well-connected with a major airport and a high-speed train to Madrid. With a warm climate year-round and plenty of beachfront restaurants, Alicante provides a high quality of life. The Santa Bárbara Castle, overlooking the city, offers stunning sea views and a glimpse into Spain’s history.
Alicante’s Explanada de España, a palm-lined promenade, is perfect for evening walks by the sea. The local markets, such as Mercado Central de Alicante, provide fresh seafood and local delicacies, making it easy to enjoy a Mediterranean diet. Additionally, Alicante’s San Juan Beach is one of the most expansive in the area, providing a perfect spot for families to enjoy water sports, picnics and long sunny afternoons.
If island life appeals to you, Palma de Mallorca is a fantastic option. As the capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma offers a unique mix of city living and coastal beauty. Playa de Palma, one of the island’s best beaches, provides a perfect spot for relaxation.
Palma has excellent international schools, modern hospitals, and a thriving expat community. The island’s stunning natural landscapes, combined with a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, make it an attractive destination for those looking to live by the sea. With easy access to outdoor activities like sailing and hiking, Palma is perfect for nature lovers.
The city’s historic center, with the breathtaking La Seu Cathedral, offers a charming mix of history and modern living. Palma’s Passeig del Born is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a social hub for locals and expats alike. The island also hosts Nit de Foc, a famous annual festival with fireworks and music that lights up the night sky, making Palma an even more exciting place to call home.
San Sebastián, in northern Spain, is one of the most scenic coastal cities in the country. Known for La Concha Beach, it offers breathtaking views, a charming old town, and some of the best food in Spain.
San Sebastián has a slower pace of life compared to larger cities, making it ideal for families and retirees. The city is well-connected to France and other parts of Spain, and it offers a safe and welcoming atmosphere. If you love nature, good food, and stunning beaches, San Sebastián is a great place to call home.
The Parte Vieja (Old Town) is famous for its pintxos bars, where you can sample local Basque cuisine. The nearby Monte Igueldo offers incredible panoramic views of the coastline, adding to the city’s charm. Surfing enthusiasts will love Zurriola Beach, which has some of the best waves in Spain. The city also hosts the renowned San Sebastián International Film Festival, where celebrities and movie lovers from around the world gather.
Tarragona, located in Catalonia, is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets for coastal living. With a mix of Roman history, stunning beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle, it offers a fantastic balance between modern city life and peaceful beach living. Playa Arrabassada and Playa del Miracle are two of the most popular beaches, with golden sands and clear blue waters perfect for families and retirees.
One of Tarragona’s biggest draws is its UNESCO-listed Roman Amphitheater, which sits right next to the sea, with breathtaking views. The city’s Old Town, called Part Alta, is filled with narrow streets, charming squares and traditional Catalan restaurants. Unlike larger cities like Barcelona, Tarragona has a lower cost of living while still offering best-in-class amenities, a reliable healthcare system and access to top-rated schools.
The region’s wine culture is another reason people love Tarragona. The Priorat and Penedès wine regions are nearby, making weekend trips to vineyards a favorite activity. The city also hosts the Castells festival, where locals build human towers, a famous tradition that is even recognized by UNESCO. With its easygoing feel, seaside charm and rich culture, Tarragona is a great place for those wanting a true Spanish coastal life.
Santander, on Spain’s northern coast in Cantabria, is a beautiful city with sandy beaches, green hills, and a mild climate. It is far less crowded than southern Spain but still offers all the perks of coastal living. Playa del Sardinero is the city’s most famous beach, a long stretch of golden sand with breathtaking ocean views.
One of Santander’s benefits is its combination of beach and mountain scenery. The Picos de Europa National Park is just a short drive away, offering incredible hiking and nature excursions. The city itself is elegant, with a mix of modern and classical architecture. The Magdalena Palace, once a royal summer residence, is a must-visit, with panoramic sea views and stunning gardens.
Unlike the hot, dry climate of southern Spain, Santander has a cooler, more temperate climate year-round. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lush green environment over arid landscapes. The cost of living is lower compared to places like San Sebastián, and the city has excellent healthcare services, schools, and transportation connections. If you love the sea but want to avoid the extreme heat of the Mediterranean, Santander is a fantastic option.
Spain has many amazing places to live by the sea, each with its own charm.
Do you love the energy of a big city? Valencia might be the place for you.
Prefer a slower pace? Málaga is a great choice.
Looking for a more budget-friendly spot? Alicante is known for offering a low cost lifestyle.
For island lovers, Palma de Mallorca has stunning coastal views. If you want breathtaking scenery, San Sebastián won’t disappoint you. Marbella brings luxury, while Cádiz is perfect for a more traditional Spanish feel.
With warm weather, a great lifestyle, and so much to do, Spain’s coastal towns are some of the best places to live in Europe. From colorful festivals to fresh seafood markets, every town has something special.
Now, the only question is, where will you call home?
Are you looking to live or retire by the beach in Spain?
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