Medina Sidonia, Cádiz 

This charming Andalusian pueblo blanco, popular with expats looking to experience a slice of authentic Spain, offers a castle and two museums to visit, a performing arts centre and a buzzing festival/event calendar, a public park and close proximity to the Eólico de Los Alburejos Park. Medina Sidonia’s well-preserved historic centre consists of narrow winding streets, picturesque squares, and stunning architecture.

The town's strategic location provides easy access to the beautiful beaches of the Costa de la Luz, as well as major cities like Cádiz and Seville. Furthermore, it’s renowned for its gastronomy, with numerous traditional restaurants and tapas bars serving delectable local dishes. Medina Sidonia’s property market consists mainly of historic townhouses under €150,000 usually with a roof terrace overlooking the white rooftops (and if you’re lucky, the 15th century castle), and the properties are more often than not ready-to-move-in. 

Tortosa, Tarragona  

Affordable fincas, charming ruins, and rustic country houses are plentiful in Tortosa. This town boasts essential amenities like a supermarket, pharmacy, schools, restaurants, and bars. Plus a cinema and a serene nature reserve with a lovely lake. A delightful green pathway leads to picturesque hiking and dog-walking trails, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Nearby Roquetes, just a seven-minute drive away, is another excellent option for budget-friendly properties. Both towns offer countryside living and off-grid / eco-friendly living opportunities, with many houses offering ample land for starting your own smallholding or allotment. The cherry on top is that you're only a short 20-minute drive from the stunning beaches of L'Ampolla along the underrated Costa Dorada. Historic Tarragona, renowned for its rich history, is also less than an hour away, and Reus Airport is conveniently accessible. 

Albox, Almeria

Lively market town located in the heart of the Almanzora Valley, popular with expats. Albox provides essential amenities, including boutique shops, supermarkets, medical facilities, a vet, and schools. There’s also a fabulous pastry shop, 20+ restaurants and several takeaways for when you don’t fancy cooking. Its weekly street market is a vibrant affair, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local crafts, and more.

The town's central square, Plaza Nueva, serves as a focal point for social gatherings and events. Nature enthusiasts can explore the stunning Sierra de Albox, a nearby mountain range ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. Additionally, Almería's picturesque beaches are just a short drive away, perfect for a day of sun and relaxation. Nearby Almonzora and Arboleas are also worth checking out for property bargains.

Check out our location guide to Albox for further inspiration. 

Olvera, Cádiz

Known for its stunning location atop a hill. Olvera's crown jewel is its majestic castle, a testament to its Moorish past. Services include a health centre, three chemists, various supermarkets, dentist, two opticians, and numerous bars and restaurants. Spend your weekends exploring the pretty nearby pueblo blancos of Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, El Gastor, and Setenil de las Bodegas.

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise here, as Olvera is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The nearby Via Verde de la Sierra is a popular route for hiking and cycling, allowing you to immerse yourself in the captivating Andalusian landscape. The town's vibrant cultural scene is another highlight, with various festivals and events taking place throughout the year, showcasing the rich traditions and customs of the region. There is a significant minority of expats living here; a meet and greet lunch / dinner is organised once a month for expats to socialise, and the town hall provides free Spanish lessons. Town houses with roof terraces are the most common type of property available here.

Listen to Derek and Karen’s experience of buying a property in Olvera. 

Pinoso, Alicante 

Pinoso, named after the pine trees that surround it, is a charming town, just 50 mins from the city of Alicante, lovely Costa Blanca beaches and Alicante airport. This picturesque destination, with a population of just over 8,000, offers a range of essential amenities, including supermarkets, schools, healthcare facilities, a sports centre, award-winning restaurants, and bars. Pinoso is surrounded by picturesque countryside, the Camino de Fátima hiking route is a highlight, and there’s dozens of traditional bodegas and wineries dotting the landscape.

As well as cheap land, which is plentiful in Pinoso, bargain properties can be found in the form of cave houses, mobile homes, apartments and cute little townhouses, many under €60,000.

Check out our Pinoso location guide for more information and listen to Phil and Vickie’s experience of buying a property in Pinoso. 

Hacienda del Álamo, Murcia

Calling all golf enthusiasts in search of a sunny holiday home! Hacienda del Álamo is a unique resort, artfully designed to capture the essence of a traditional Spanish town, all within a secure gated complex. Here, you'll find a delightful blend of terraced homes and apartments at bargain prices, complemented by fantastic amenities like a large community pool, an 18-hole golf course, lush communal gardens, shops, restaurants, and cosy tapas bars.

With its inviting squares, scenic viewpoints, and winding streets, you'll truly experience the charm of a small Spanish town. The resort is only 35 mins from the beaches of the Costa Cálida, and just 20 mins from Murcia airport, and 35 mins from Murcia city. Plus, there's a convenient bus service on site ready to whisk you away to the beach or the airport.

Listen to Alma’s experience of buying a property in Hacienda del Álamo.

Árchez, Málaga

Árchez, a charming pueblo blanco set amongst the Bentomiz mountain range, is steeped in Moorish history and adorned with Mudéjar architecture. With a cosy population of just 400 permanent residents, this tranquil town offers an authentic Spanish experience. It boasts a selection of acclaimed restaurants, plus essential amenities such as a pharmacy and a winery.

For a more extensive array of services, the vibrant white towns of Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida are just a stone's throw away. While Árchez is generally serene, Wednesday mornings bring a delightful buzz to the Plaza de Andalucía with its bustling market. The nearby mountains provide healthy springs and streams with clear waters that flow down to water the residents' gardens and farms.

Check out our location guide to Cómpeta for more inspiration about the surrounding area. 

Oliva, Valencia

Oliva is a buzzy coastal town in Spain's renowned orange-growing region, an hour south of vibrant Valencia. The town is home to blue flag beaches that stretch for over seven kilometres, attracting windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. It’s a well-served town with half a dozen schools, medical centres, and an outdoor lido.

Oliva's historic heart, slightly inland from the beaches, exudes a classical Spanish ambiance with whitewashed buildings, charming churches, and winding cobblestone streets. Oliva's year-round fiestas, including one of Spain's grandest Moorish and Christian festivals, ensure there's always excitement in this captivating town. The nearby resort of Denia offers easy ferry access to Ibiza in under three hours.

Check out our Oliva location guide for more inspiration.

Lanjarón, Granada 

Set in a spectacular location in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lanjarón is celebrated for its natural mineral water, revered for its health-enhancing properties. There are scenic hiking trails to explore, you can enjoy picnics by the river, or partake in more exhilarating adventures like mountaineering and mountain biking. A short drive will take you to the Sierra Nevada National Park, where snow-capped peaks beckon for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Lanjarón's historic centre exudes charm with its labyrinthine narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and charming squares. Within this delightful enclave, you'll discover essential amenities including a supermarket, tapas bars, a doctor's surgery, intriguing museums, a large community swimming pool, and quaint shops offering artisanal treasures. Property bargains include well maintained apartments, town houses (often with roof terraces) and charming little fincas located in the countryside surrounding the town. Nearby Pinos del Valle and Órgiva are also home to plenty of property bargains.  

Los Alcázares, Murcia

Expat residents of Los Alcázares love the town's long promenade and sandy beaches, perfect for leisurely strolls, water sports, and sunbathing. The calm, shallow waters of the Mar Menor are ideal for swimming and sailing, making it a haven for water enthusiasts. Los Alcázares boasts a lively town centre with a variety of shops, a weekly market, restaurants, bars, and cafes, serving both local and international cuisine.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to several renowned golf courses in the region, including La Serena Golf and Roda Golf. The area offers excellent healthcare facilities, schools, and essential services, ensuring a comfortable living environment for residents of all ages. Listen to Carole’s experience of purchasing a property in Los Alcázares.

Check out our Los Alcázares location guide for more inspiration. 

Huércal-Overa, Almeria 

Huércal-Overa offers a well-balanced blend of modern convenience and Spanish authenticity. Situated in the province of Almería, this charming town provides a comfortable and relaxed living environment. Residents enjoy a range of amenities, including schools, healthcare facilities, supermarkets, and local shops, ensuring that daily needs are met conveniently. The town's vibrant weekly market is a highlight, offering fresh produce and a variety of goods.

The pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers encourages an outdoor lifestyle. The nearby Costa Almería coast provides opportunities for beach outings, while the surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and exploring. With easy access to major transportation routes and nearby attractions, Huércal-Overa provides a comfortable and well-connected lifestyle in a genuine Spanish setting.

Check out our Huercal-Overa location guide for more inspiration.

Feeling inspired? Check out our favourite budget properties for sale in Spain this month for more budget property inspiration.