Today many people are striving to buy high-yielding real estate in Spain. Owning property in this country allows for a successful rental business or the opportunity to relax in your own home without spending on hotels. Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for wintering. In this article, we will consider the most favorable locations for living in the country during winter, provide average property rental prices, and outline the approximate costs of groceries and other goods and services.
Content:
- The advantages of Spain as a destination for wintering
- The Most Popular Destinations for Winter Stays
- Rental Prices in Spain
- Estimated Monthly Budget in Spain
The advantages of Spain as a destination for wintering
Spain is famous for its mild sunny climate, especially on the southern coast where the regions of Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are located. Winter temperatures here usually hover around 15–22°C (59–72°F). The country is abundant with diverse and beautiful natural landscapes: mountains, deserts, lakes, and the sea. It is renowned for its wonderful beaches, where one can enjoy even in winter.
Other advantages of the country include:
- Opportunities for active recreation and sports. You can play golf, ride a bicycle, stroll along the beach, or engage in water sports. In many regions, there are mountain routes for hiking and trekking.
- A rich cultural heritage, reflected in architecture, painting, various traditional holidays, and festivals. Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia concentrate a multitude of cultural landmarks which can be explored during winter vacation.
- Diverse cuisine. In Spain, everyone can try paella, tapas, jamón, and other local delicacies. The country produces a wide selection of wines, which can be tasted while visiting wine regions, for example, Ribera del Duero in the north or Priorat in Catalonia.
- Well-developed infrastructure, including international airports, an extensive public transport network, and numerous medical, educational, and recreational facilities.
In winter in Spain, you can enjoy strolls to tourist attractions and restaurant visits without the massive crowds. The winter season also sees festive markets - a part of the country's traditions, as well as grand Christmas celebrations. The Three Kings Festival in Spain is a favorite winter holiday for children. Every January 6, they eagerly watch parades where sweets are thrown. The sweets are traditional royal pastries with anise, sugar, candied fruit, whipped cream, chocolate, or custard. Visiting Christmas fairs is another interesting way to spend time in Spain during winter, offering an opportunity to create new memories during the holiday season.
If you decide to travel within the country, keep in mind that airfare and hotel accommodations are more affordable in winter than in summer. Moreover, the period from January to March is the best time for shopping in Spain. You can also enjoy skiing as the country has excellent ski resorts.
The Most Popular Destinations for Winter Stays
The southern regions of Spain are warmer than the northern ones, which include Galicia, the Basque Country, Asturias, Costa Verde, Cantabria, Santander on the Bay of Biscay, Castile and Leon. However, it's important to remember that in the inland areas of the southern regions at higher elevations, for instance, in Granada, the winter temperatures are lower than on the coast.
Andalusia, with cities such as Seville, Malaga, Nerja, Marbella, and Fuengirola, is particularly popular among tourists due to the opportunity for beach holidays in winter. Murcia in southeastern Spain is also an interesting wintering spot. For instance, Costa Calida consistently attracts many foreigners with its beautiful landscapes. One of Spain's key tourist areas is Costa del Sol in Andalusia, perfect for those who lead an active lifestyle, especially golf lovers, as this region boasts some of the best golf courses in the country and throughout Europe.
In the region of Valencia (Alicante, Javea, and Benidorm), the excellent weather also persists year-round, making this place ideal for winter tourism. Alicante province, part of the region, is particularly loved by tourists thanks to its extended coastline, good schools for children, cosmopolitan population, and affordable housing. Here, an expatriate can find everything they need - beaches, entertainment venues, and nightlife.
Another popular region for winter stays is Catalonia on the northeastern coast of the country, where Barcelona and Costa Brava are located. Although swimming in January is unlikely here, the city's active pace, numerous events, and attractions allow for a comfortable winter stay.
If your sole purpose of visiting Spain in winter is to enjoy warm weather, then the Canary Islands, specifically Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, are the best destinations. These islands boast a subtropical climate, with average temperatures around 20 °C (68 °F) in January. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beaches. This is precisely why Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the preferred winter resorts for many tourists from various countries.
Rental Prices in Spain
During winter, property rental prices in Spain decrease. Tourist demand is lower, and many homeowners offer seasonal discounts and more flexible accommodation conditions. However, in certain regions (like the Canary Islands or southern provinces), tourism in the winter season remains popular, so housing prices may be slightly higher than in the rest of the country.
In general, rental costs depend on the specific location, the desired rental period, the level of comfort, and the popularity of the property. If you're interested in Costa Blanca, Alicante province, an apartment in Spain here costs from €400 to €800 per month, while a villa ranges from €1,000 to €1,500. In Costa del Sol, Malaga, an apartment goes for €500–1,000, and a villa ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 €. Renting an apartment in the Canary Islands, Tenerife, costs from €600 to €1,200 per month. Villas in Spain in this location are offered at prices from €1,500 to €3,000 per month. In Barcelona, renting an apartment in winter costs €800–2,300, and a house ranges from €2,000 to €4,500. The price is influenced by the property's size and condition, its distance from the beach or city center, the presence of additional amenities, and other factors.
Estimated Monthly Budget in Spain
As mentioned earlier, the cost of renting property in Spain varies depending on the city and type of housing. On average, you can expect a one-bedroom apartment in the city center to cost between €600–900 per month, while an apartment outside the city is roughly €400–700. The price of renting a car depends on the type of vehicle, the duration, and rental conditions. Approximately, renting a compact car costs between €300–500 per month.
Other expenses:
- Grocery shopping. The approximate cost of groceries in Spain depends on your preferences and needs. Expect to spend about €200–300 per month on supermarket purchases.
- Eating out. Usually, lunch in an average cafe or restaurant will cost you about €10–20, while dinner in a restaurant is about €20–40.
- Entertainment. Visiting cinemas, museums, attractions will cost about €10–20 per ticket.
If you plan to spend the winter in Spain and are looking for suitable accommodation, start your search today. And if you're looking to purchase high-liquidity real estate in this sunny country, get in touch with our specialists who will answer all your questions. Buying a house in Spain is easier than it may seem. With the help of professionals, you will find an option that fits your needs and budget. Good luck!