Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside! Check out these five rather special smaller communities on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, where you’ll find a warm welcome and an exciting buzz.
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many lifestyle changes. One change we’ve certainly noticed is that holidaymakers are looking for quieter and less populated areas. As a result, larger resorts and cities have rather fallen out of fashion, while smaller coastal towns are more popular than ever.
Let’s face it, smaller coastal towns always been healthier, with less traffic and endless sunshine and Vitamin D giving you a greater zest for life. Not to mention the sparkling Mediterranean sea tempting you from your house.
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Sant Feliu de Guixols, Catalonia
The Costa Brava welcomes people from all over the world and is well versed in the tastes and requirements foreign buyers demand.
Sant Feliu de Guixols , Costa Brava
Have a look at Sant Feliu de Guixols, a very pretty seaside town with two fabulous beaches, a marina, a high-class art gallery and a promenade. With a population of around 21,000 it is not that large. The shops, bars, restaurants and banks are mainly in the area close to the sea, giving it a welcoming small-town feel.
Another advantage is that it is just 30 minutes from Girona airport, Girona city and the train station. It is also 20 minutes from the AP-7 motorway to Barcelona and the French border. It stays “open” all year round, though is naturally quieter in winter.
It is quite upmarket and house prices reflect this. Expect to pay up to two million euros for a substantial house high up with uninterrupted sea views. Then again, just €150,000 will net you a three-bedroom apartment in the town centre.
Daimús, Northern Costa Blanca
Just south of the big town of Gandía, lies the small municipality of Daimús. With a population of just over 3,000, it is a peaceful place where you can enjoy its excellent beach. There is a long, flat promenade that stretches all the way to Gandía, with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy along the way.
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For younger families, there’s an international school nearby too.
Property prices are less expensive than in other towns in the area such as Javéa and Denía. Two-bedroom apartments average from €120,000 and three-bedroom detached houses from €200,000.
L’Alfàs del Pi, Alicante
L’Alfàs del Pi (also known as Alfaz del Pi) lies very close to Altea but is a town in its own right with a population of around 20,000. It is 50 kilometres north of Alicante, set on the seafront and with a delightful golden sand beach and clear water.
It too has a promenade and is close to several golf courses which can be enjoyed all year round thanks to the hot summers and warm winters.
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The town is known for having a large number of foreign residents, including British, with a 50:50 mix of Spanish people. Locals and tourists alike rave about the Friday market where you can buy locally grown fruit and vegetables .
Two-bedroom apartments start at around €135,000 and three-bedroom villas will be in the region of €500,000, but you can easily spend a million euro for the perfect villa.
Garrucha, Almeria
Most people have heard of Mojacar but probably not Garrucha which is just next door. This authentic Spanish fishing town is just 45-minute drive from Almeria airport and has a population of around 8,000. Garrucha prawns are famous in Spain.
Garrucha harbour (Caron Badkin / Shutterstock.com)
The two-kilometre tree-lined promenade is where locals come for their evening walk as the sun sets. As with most spots along the Spanish coast, you can play golf and other sports all the year. You’ll find other Brits here but fewer than in Mojacar. There is a regular bus service between the two towns.
Almeria is a little cheaper than other parts of Spain, with some nice two-bedroom apartments with sea views costing under €100,000.
Torre del Mar, Málaga
The town of Torre del Mar dates from Phoenecian times and today has a population of just over 22,000. Technically, it is part of Velez-Málaga but feels like an independent town. It lies just 38 kilometres from Málaga with its international airport, culture and excellent shopping.
It has three beaches (one nudist) and a long promenade. Seafood is the main cuisine at its many restaurants. Whatever the weather you won’t be bored in Torre del Mar – spend the colder days browsing the large shopping mall, and when it’s hot (which is it most of the year!), you can splash about at the Aqua Velis Water Park, offering fun for the whole family. Torre del Mar has some interesting small shops and plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants.
Property is affordable too. You can find apartments for under €100,000 and a budget of €150,000 – €250,000 would present you with a good selection of townhouses and villas.
