When looking at Spain for real estate investment, my focus has been on the southern coast and the area around the Costa del Sol. But, when it comes to a pure lifestyle angle, the cities of Spain have so much to offer…and are some of the most vibrant spots in Europe.
Balmy summer evenings spent eating tapas and drinking local wines surrounded by centuries of history…exploring Moorish castles and walking in the footsteps of sultans…discovering the artwork of the world’s most famous painters and artists who were inspired by the atmosphere, light, and color of these cities. There is so much to explore and experience if you live in, or near, one of Spain’s major cities.
Like many of the world’s big cities, real estate prices in the heart of the action can be high. But as with the listings my team has uncovered below, if you look a little further out from the main areas of Spain’s most popular cities, there are bargains to be had.
Seville, Spain
Listing Price: €116,990 ($138,220)
Seville is a city that charms. It forms part of the “Moorish Triangle” along with Cordoba and Granada (the Moors were in Spain from 718 to 1492, and ruled Seville itself until 1248). Stroll through the Patio de los Naranjos (the Patio of the Orange Trees) beside the mammoth Gothic cathedral and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Although steeped in history, Seville has all the buzz of a vibrant, modern city…there are plenty of spots to savour the local tapas with friends or see out the day and people watch with a cool drink on one of the city’s many plazas.
In a neighborhood north of the center of Seville, is this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment. It has a living room, fully fitted kitchen, and one of the bedrooms has access to a balcony. You’re just a 15-minute drive from Plaza de Espana here.
Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
Listing Price: €119,000 ($140,500)
The city of Sabadell is just 12 miles from Barcelona and a motorway will take you there in quick time. Barcelona is known as Spain’s party and art city and there are no shortage of entertainment options, from bars to restaurants, and nightclubs. If your tastes run a bit more sedate, tranquil plazas, soaring 14th-century cathedrals, and the whimsical creations of Gaudí are on hand to keep you busy. It’s no surprise that many of the world’s greatest artists, like Pablo Picasso, were inspired by the city…you can check out some of his works in one of Spain’s many dedicated Picasso museums.
In Sabadell, is this 3-bed, 1-bath apartment. It’s located in a quiet neighborhood with good transport links so all that Barcelona has to offer is within easy access.
Malaga, Spain
Listing Price: €98,000 ($115,800)
At the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol, Malaga was once overlooked by visitors to southern Spain. But the city’s 300 days of sunshine and inviting beaches soon attracted attention and today, Malaga has transformed into a popular spot for tourists and those looking to stay for longer. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Old Town and stop for a drink at one of the many cafes or wine bars or explore the revamped port area. Now housing green areas, the long paseo marítimo (boardwalk) that runs along the water, and Muelle Uno (also called Wharf One), a renovated wharf of shops and restaurants, it’s a hive of activity day and night.
About a 15-minute walk from Malaga’s buzzing marina area, is the location for this 2-bed, 1-bath, recently renovated apartment. It has an all-new kitchen and a combined living/dining area.
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