The 10 best cheap and charming coastal towns in Spain to buy a house near the sea in 2026

Buying a house near the sea in Spain is a dream for many of us, but sometimes our budget holds us back. If you are looking to move to the coast, you should know that the best options are mainly concentrated on the Andalusian coast and the northern coast.

At Fotocasa, we have analyzed all areas of the Spanish coastline and selected the 10 best towns in Spain to buy a cheap house in 2026, calculating the price per square meter and the cost of a typical 80-square-meter property.

Given the current state of the real estate market, the big question we ask ourselves is: in which corners of our coast is it still possible to buy a beach apartment for less than €200,000?

Which coastal towns in Spain have the cheapest houses?

The cheapest areas to buy a home in Spain near the sea are mainly concentrated in the provinces of Lugo, Huelva, Almería, and Castellón. These destinations are home to a wide selection of coastal towns where purchasing a property does not mean taking on the high costs of the country’s major tourist hubs.

Depending on which area catches your eye the most to settle down, the current real estate market offers us different entry alternatives.

If your intention is to search in the southern mainland, the ideal choice is to look at the Andalusian coast, focusing on the province of Huelva with towns like Cartaya, or in Almería with traditional hubs such as Adra. For those who prefer the Levante coast, the province of Castellón offers the most competitive prices in areas like Burriana, while if we look towards Catalonia, the province of Tarragona is the best alternative to cut purchasing costs, especially around Alcanar.

Map of the spanish coast: The best beach towns to live in

On the other hand, if you are more drawn to the north of Spain, the coasts of Galicia and Cantabria hide magnificent opportunities if you focus on coastal fishing towns like Cedeira or Bárcena de Cicero. Finally, if your dream is to live on the islands, it is also feasible to find balanced options if you step away from the most crowded spots and look into locations such as Ingenio in the Canary Islands or more moderate areas of the Balearics like Manacor.

The cheapest towns to buy a house in the south of Spain: Andalusia.

What is it like to live in Cartaya (Huelva)?

Cartaya, Huelva – Getty Images

Cartaya positions itself as the most affordable destination in our analysis and an idyllic option on the Huelva coast for those seeking a slow-paced lifestyle, free from stress. The main advantage of this municipality is its huge residential diversity, divided into three main settings: the traditional and neighborly charm of Cartaya town with its historic center, the natural and maritime beauty of El Rompido -a beautiful fishing enclave next to the Marismas del Río Piedras famous for its marina and Atlantic gastronomy-, and the privacy of Nuevo Portil, a residential area of tree-lined avenues with direct access to extensive fine sand beaches.

In addition, it has excellent everyday services, local fresh produce markets, and a quick highway connection to Huelva capital. It is the perfect alternative in the south if you want to enjoy unspoiled settings and water sports with a very tight daily cost of living.

Currently, the average housing price in Cartaya is 961 €/m² and 76,848 € for an 80-square-meter home, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

What is it like to live in Adra (Almería)?

Adra, Almería – Getty Images

On the western edge of Andalusia, Adra establishes itself as an ideal option on the Almería sea, merging over 3,000 years of history with a paradisiacal natural environment. Adra is the oldest municipality in the province, and its great residential charm is its impressive coastline of nearly 14 kilometers, where Blue Flag urban beaches coexist with completely untouched coves perfect for relaxing or scuba diving.

Furthermore, the town enjoys fantastic connectivity thanks to the Mediterranean Highway (Adra is just 30 minutes from Almería capital and one hour from Granada) and an enviable quality of life marked by its “zero-kilometer” gastronomy, which can be enjoyed in its lively Muelle Gourmet overlooking the harbor, combining fresh daily fish with the best products from its local orchards.

The average housing price in Adra is 1,406 €/m² and 112,485 € for an 80-square-meter home, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

Looking to live in Andalusia? The cheapest areas to live near the sea in 2026

Where to buy cheap houses near the sea on Spain’s mainland Mediterranean? Catalonia and the Valencian Community

What is it like to live in Burriana (Castellón)?

Burriana, Castellón – Getty Images

Burriana is the great unknown of the Costa del Azahar, making it an excellent alternative to neighboring destinations with much higher prices like Benicàssim or Oropesa. This city stands out for having “two souls” perfectly connected in just five minutes by car: a historic urban center full of heritage and active neighborhood life, and the maritime area of Arenal beach, which offers over two kilometers of fine sand with a Blue Flag, a completely renovated promenade, and a marina ideal for water sports lovers.

In addition, the municipality has excellent public services, including a regional hospital, a sports center with an indoor pool, and a convenient Renfe commuter train connection that gets you to Castellón or Vila-real in less than 15 minutes. It is the perfect choice for families, first-time buyers, or retirees who want to enjoy the sea with total convenience and without paying unnecessary extra costs.

Currently, the average housing price in Burriana is 1,452 €/m² and 116,186 € for an 80-square-meter home, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

What is it like to live in Gandía (Valencia)?

Gandía, Valencia – Getty Images
Gandía is one of the great gems of the province of Valencia for those looking to combine an active city with a stunning coastline. Its main advantage is that it offers an idyllic lifestyle with mild winters, warm summers, and an excellent infrastructure for families thanks to its safe beaches, parks, and schools.
In addition, the city adapts to any preference depending on the neighborhood you choose: El Grau is perfect if you are looking for a relaxed maritime pace next to the harbor; residential areas like Benipeixcar or Beniopa offer a peaceful, neighborhood atmosphere with even more affordable prices; while the Center and Gandía Beach concentrate all the cultural offer and its famous five kilometers of fine sand.
Gandía is an excellent option to enjoy Mediterranean culture and gastronomy on the Costa de Valencia for a much more affordable cost of living than in Valencia capital, especially in winter, when the town recovers a wonderful calm after the summer tourist bustle. The average housing price in Gandía is 1,879 €/m² and 150,338 € for an 80-square-meter home, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

What is it like to live in Alcanar (Tarragona)?

Alcanar, Tarragona – Getty Images

On the southern border of Catalonia lies Alcanar, a seaside hub famous for its proximity to the spectacular setting of the Ebro Delta. This municipality offers an exceptional quality of life, characterized by a very peaceful atmosphere and a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Its main charm is the diversity of its urban centers; you can choose the comfort of its historic center in the middle or the relaxed lifestyle of Les Cases d’Alcanar, a picturesque fishing village with its own harbor and a magnificent gastronomic offer of Mediterranean restaurants. It is a perfect choice for families and people looking for a peaceful refuge by the sea with all everyday services guaranteed.

The average housing price in Alcanar is 1,509 €/m² and 120,726 € for an 80-square-meter home, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

Where to find cheap beach houses in northern Spain? Galicia and Cantabria

What is it like to live in Cedeira (A Coruña)?

Cedeira, A Coruña – Getty Images

Galicia features several of the most economical coastal towns in Spain, and Cedeira is a clear example of this in the Rías Altas. Its main appeal is that it offers a natural environment of great beauty and spectacular landscapes next to the sea, combining the tranquility of an authentic fishing village with a peaceful lifestyle. It is an ideal destination for those looking for a home in the north with an excellent quality-price ratio.

The average home price in Cedeira is €1,474/m² and €117,942 for a typical 80-square-meter property, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

What is it like to live in Viveiro (Lugo)?

Viveiro, Lugo – Getty Images

Following the coast of Lugo, you will find Viveiro, a beautiful medieval town that stands out for combining a stunning natural environment with a rich historical heritage. Its greatest advantage is that it allows you to enjoy the tranquility of its walled historic center alongside fine sandy beaches and calm waters like Covas or Area, which are ideal for summer swimming.

It is a wonderful choice for those looking to disconnect and experience Galician tradition at a highly balanced cost. Currently, the average home price in Viveiro is €1,673/m² and €133,670 for a typical 80-square-meter property, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

What is it like to live in Bárcena de Cicero (Cantabria)?

Living in northern Spain next to an estuary connected to the Cantabrian Sea is entirely possible in this municipality. Bárcena de Cicero stands out for its privileged natural setting, surrounded by marshes and green landscapes, which guarantees a highly peaceful quality of life. Its main advantage is the excellent location and connectivity it offers, being just a stone’s throw away from coastal towns as iconic and touristy as Santoña or Laredo, but with the benefit of residing in a much quieter and more affordable environment.

The average home price in Bárcena de Cicero is €1,797/m² and €143,754 for a typical 80-square-meter property, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

Where to buy cheap beach houses in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands?

To buy cheap houses in the archipelagos, it is necessary to focus the search on municipalities along the eastern Canary coast or in the inland maritime areas of the Balearics. Although the islands experience high international demand, certain towns near the sea within Las Palmas or Mallorca still preserve very reasonable prices.

What is it like to live in Arrecife (Canaries)?

Arrecife, Canarias – Getty Images

As the capital of Lanzarote, the great charm of Arrecife is that it combines the advantage of having all necessary services at hand with an idyllic, warm climate all year round. It is a perfect option to enjoy island life comfortably, with the convenience of a small city and at a much more moderate price than other tourist areas in the archipelago.

The average home price in Arrecife is €2,552/m² and €204,194 for a typical 80-square-meter property, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

What is it like to live in Manacor (Illes Balears)?

Manacor, Illes Balears – Getty Images

Although the Balearic Islands generally register the highest property costs in Spain, Manacor remains one of the alternatives for living near the sea at more moderate prices within Mallorca.

Manacor combines the convenience of a city well-connected by train and bus with the relaxation of natural gems like Porto Cristo or the surroundings of Cala Anguila, Cala Mendia, and Cala Magrana. It is the ideal destination to live near spectacular coves and unique landmarks such as the Drach Caves (Cuevas del Drach).

The average home price in Manacor is €3,153/m² and €252,218 for a typical 80-square-meter property, according to Fotocasa data updated in May 2026.

The 10 cheapest coastal towns to buy a house near the sea in Spain

Source: Fotocasa Real Estate Index, official data updated to May 2026.

How to find a cheap property near the sea in Spain?

The keys to finding a cheap house near the sea are choosing secondary locations away from major capitals, moving a few meters back from the beachfront, analyzing municipalities with established traditional activities, and closely studying official price indices.

1. Avoid the beachfront: Moving just 500 to 1,000 meters (less than a 15-minute walk) inland drastically reduces property costs.
2. Look for secondary markets: Opting for towns with an established local fishing or industrial activity helps find residential markets less exposed to holiday speculation.
3. Analyze transport connections: Many affordable towns enjoy excellent commuter rail or highway connections to larger cities, making remote work or access to advanced medical services much easier.

Which are the cheapest coastal areas to buy a house in Spain?

According to official data from the Fotocasa Real Estate Index, the province of Lugo is the most economical coastal option to buy a house, with an average price of €1,573/m² and a cost of €125,840 for a typical 80-square-meter home.

On the opposite side, buying a beach house in the Balearic Islands (Illes Balears) raises the average investment to €5,359/m², which equals €428,720 for an 80-square-meter apartment, consolidating its position as the most expensive province in the country.

Source: Fotocasa Real Estate Index, official data from May 2026.

As the table above shows, the southern Mediterranean and the northern coast are the best areas to buy cheap houses near the sea.

The Spanish real estate market continues to house excellent opportunities to acquire affordable properties in coastal environments if you expand your search radius. Analyzing specific values per square meter and the total cost of a typical 80-square-meter property is the essential step to ensure a balanced investment, protecting your financial health while enjoying the benefits of living by the sea.

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