Spain, of briny and bucolic splendour, is one of the most loved countriesin the world. It is, as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe put it, “the beautiful country of wine and songs.” There’s little left for want in this beautiful country, abloom with pristine coastlines, chalky cliffs, vineyards, and pine-covered islands. With a perennially festive atmosphere and a warm community, Spain is that utopian homestead we all seek.
Spain is also a country where luxury thrives. From the exclusive high streets of Marbella to the yacht parties of Ibiza and the corporate affluence of Madrid, it’s the perfect country for those who love life’s finer pleasures.
With Sotheby’s International Realty’s unrivalled expertise and expansive reach, you’re sure to find premiere properties anywhere in the world. Read on to unveil the best locales where you can buy property in Spain.
Outskirts of Madrid
Pozuelo de Alarcón
Pozuelo de Alarcón is a tight-knit municipality bordering Madrid. With its pastoral charm, sparse population, and proximity to the capital, the neighbourhood has become a favourable escape for retirees and those seeking a placid life.
Pozuelo has also gained renown for its affluence, as it has one of the highest income per capita rates in the country. Thus, inhabitants are treated to serenity and natural bounties coupled with lavished villas and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Mansions are a stone’s throw away from parks, high-end grocery stores, a range of private and charter schools, and Michelin-recommended food joints. Local festivals such as the Fiestas Patronales infuse the municipality with new life twice a year.
Marbella
Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus is a luxury marina and shopping centre located a few miles southwest of Marbella. The enclave is an iconic playground of the rich and famous, famed for hosting some of the most prestigious super yachts, designer malls, and nightclubs. The coastal idyll receives over five million visitors every year, all typically from the creme-de-la-creme of European and Saudi Arabian society.
Co-created by the architect of Beverly Hills, Puerto Banus is the pinnacle of unapologetic indulgence. Its streets are lined with flagship boutiques of Christian Dior, Gucci, Bulgari, and Dolce & Gabbana, and the city centre hosts one of the country’s largest El Corte Inglés department stores. The main roads are littered with Ferraris and tourists carrying posh shopping bags.
The locale is dotted with countless beachfront mansions and villas, perfect for those who aspire to abide in the lap of luxury. Marbella’s beauty and unmatched worldly pleasures will be even better enjoyed from a Puerto Banus home.
Barcelona
Pedralbes
Ensconced in the mountains of the Serra de Collserola Natural Park, Pedralbes is a lovely family-friendly suburb in Barcelona.
The region was declared a natural reserve in 1987, preventing the development of any major industrial complexes. As such, the neighbourhood is an unspoiled alcove, crowned with Spain’s undulating mountains and luscious forest cover. It is almost entirely residential, peacefully detached from modern-day spoils.
However, the suburb is not without its own marvels. It is known for housing some underrated architectural landmarks, such as the Monestir de Pedralbes, a 14th-century monastery defined by its distinct white stone facade. There’s also the Royal Palace of Pedralbes, once a royal residence but now the site of a ceramic museum.
In addition to its woodland wealth and historic significance, Pedralbes is peppered with countless premium penthouses and luxury flats that embody a seamless harmony between old-world sophistication and contemporary ease. According to several real estate sources, the average price range of property at Pedralbes is between €371,000 and €14,000,000.
Pontevedra
Sanxenxo
Sanxenxo is a seaside paradise located in the Pontevedra province of Galicia. Tourists from around the world flock to Sanxenxo for its soothing beaches, indulgent spa resorts, and delectable wine selections.
With its laidback air and roster of leisurely activities, Sanxenxo is a great dwelling for well-heeled folks who prioritise wellness and merriment. Boasting an amalgamation of beaches, all the seashores are lined with authentic Spanish cafes serving scrumptious seafood and full-bodied wine. It’s also a popular enclave for water-based adventure sports, fishing trips, and nightclubs.
Owing to its touristic value, Sanxenxo’s beachfront real estate prices are markedly steep. The region is filled with detached homes, high-end flats, and pastel-coloured villas.
Madrid
Castellana
Castellana is an affluent neighbourhood situated in the posh district of Salamanca in Madrid.
Located in the heart of Madrid’s financial hub, Castellana is always abuzz with activity, be it the corporate bustle of the day or the clubbing fanfare of the evening. It is home to the AZCA, Madrid’s key financial complex; the Torre Picasso, a famous skyscraper; and the Santiago Bernabéu football stadium. There’s also a miscellany of upscale restaurants, bistros, and clubs.
The neighbourhood is a historic boulevard. In the 17th and 18th centuries, present-day Castellana ran north to south across Madrid. It was the site of noble residences and palaces, much of which have been preserved and are being used as embassy buildings. Steeped in history, the neighbourhood bears an aristocratic charm, further emboldened by the presence of a few museums, such as the iconic Fundacion Manuel Benedito.
The going rate of Castellana’s houses is a whopping €5,915 per square metre, given its commercial and historic significance. It is the ideal neighbourhood for working people and those who appreciate the dynamism of city life.
Ibiza
Es Cubells
Es Cubells is a closely knit village situated in the far-flung, southwestern nook of Ibiza.
The village comprises a cosy white church, a small cluster of bars and restaurants, a Carmelite convent, and a local department store. As a small community, there are only a few houses in the neighbourhood, from palatial farmhouses to handsome villas. The village is bordered by a small crown of obscure coves, which is undeniably one of Ibiza’s best-kept secrets.
Es Cubells is the perfect destination for quietude, comfort, and hidden gems. Notwithstanding its size, however, Es Cubells is one of Ibiza’s wealthiest villages. The starting price of a two-bedroom apartment can be as high as €250,000, and a detached property will set you back at least €1.5 million.
Málaga
Benahavís
Benahavís is a mountainous village nestled among Marbella, Estepona, and Ronda. It is referred to as the “jewel of the Costa del Sol” by many owing to its gorgeous natural terrain, gastronomic richness, and grand residential properties.
Built by the Arabs in the 11th century, the Benahavís is a vital part of Andalusia's ancient history. The name originates from the Arabic term “Binā' Ḥabīsh” or “The Building of Ḥabīsh.” The neighbourhood still bears traces of its Arabian past, as evidenced by some of its old architecture and historical landmarks, such as the mediaeval Montemayor Castle. Besides its fascinating backstory, Benahavís boasts a treasure trove of golf courses, making it a beloved retreat of Spain’s elite.
Benahavis is one of Spain’s premium real estate markets, with the price of residential properties coming to €4,918 per metre square.
Mallorca
Calvia
Located amidst the Tramuntana Mountain range, Calvia is a notable historic municipality in Mallorca. It is the second-most populated part of the archipelago of Balearic, only surpassed by Palma.
Calvia has been rife with activity since the Neolithic era. From the Roman wars in the ancient epoch to the conquest by the Caliphate of Cordoba in the Middle Ages and the rise of agriculture and tourism in the modern era, Calvia has borne witness to Spain’s evolution. A crucial custodian of the country's lore, this locale indeed bears an inexplicable air of mystique. As such, Calvia is a residential haven for history buffs and passionate cultural theorists.
Besides its historic significance, Calvia is a lively coastal retreat, with a multitude of beaches, seafood restaurants, and watersport amenities. It is known as one of the most expensive real estate markets in Spain, with the average detached property costing about €1.5 million.
Madrid
Malasaña
As an established student-friendly haunt, Malasaña has been touted as Madrid’s very own bohemian paradise. TimeOut magazine has called it Madrid’s “coolest neighbourhood.”
Malasaña is an old barrio in Madrid and has always been a place for amusement and leisure. It is packed to capacity with snazzy cafes, traditional pubs, and old-school bookstores. All its walls are adorned with urbane graffiti, and the streets are lined with a diverse array of restaurants. Blossoming with early-start bakeries and ritzy clubs, there’s never a dull moment at Malasaña.
A typical home in Malasaña will set you back €3,120 per square metre, while the average cost of a flat is approximately €6,875 per square metre.
Spain, with its unmatched beauty, kaleidoscopic culture, and vivacious festivities, is more than just a destination – it is a utopian escape where sheer bliss prevails. A paragon of Mediterranean serenity, there’s no better place one can call home. Begin your search for a property in Spain with Sotheby’s International Realty today.
