Where should I live in Spain?

AlanWB · 2025-07-23T05:39:27+02:00

Looking for advice on the best places to live in Spain? Share insights on affordable areas with fishing and beaches, plus tips for relocating.

AlanWB Active member

Member since 25 August 2019

AlanWBActive member23 July 2025 03:39:27

Hi everyone.

I'm planning on moving from Australia to Spain soon. Mostly to relax, maybe look at running a small business once I'm bored of all the relaxing 馃槅

I've been to Malaga and Algeciras and liked the places because the people are friendly, lots of intermingling races, lovely warm weather, and the cost of living is ok. I had wanted to live in Malaga close to the beaches but the house prices have been going through the roof so that's mostly out. (I may do it yet being a little crazy 馃ぃ)

I love my fishing so don't mind a 15-20 minute commute to get to the beaches and fishing spots.

The other day I was going through prospective places to live and came across Bilbao. Seems to be really nice and clean although house prices and rent are quite high. It seems like it's much cooler also in winter because it's up north. Lots of activity though.

Basically I'm looking for an area that is warm most of the year, house prices and rentals aren't that high, has nice land based fishing areas, nice beaches that aren't too crowded, and hopefully where I can run a small shop later in life if I choose to.

I'm posting this asking the guys who have moved to or are moving to Spain very soon: Your reason for selecting the town/area. Anything you'd do differently in hindsight.

Some business ideas would be great too. No million dollar ideas please 馃槀

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria Expert25 July 2025 14:05:55

2475

@AlanWB

Houses prices going crazy is happening all over Spain, not just Malaga.

There are loads of lovely cities and small towns which would be very acceptable places to live, spread among all the lovely Costas. Really, you're spoiled for choice.

Malaga area is good, Alicante/Valencia is good, Barcelona/Tarragona, Bilbao/Santander. We ended up in UNESCO-listed Elche, a few km inland from Alicante (and Alicante-Elche Airport). A bit unexpected, but it's a lovely city, and property was way cheaper than Alicante city.

Perhaps have a search on Idealista to see where there are nice properties for your budget?

As for running a shop, that sounds like the way to turn a relaxing retirement into a nightmare. Loads of hours and not much income, as far as I can tell.聽 :-)

AlanWB Active member

Member since 25 August 2019

AlanWBActive memberToday 07:11:05

馃槀 That's good mate! Thank you for the advice and info. I'll most probably be flying to Bilbao before the end of the year to check it out. Love the look of the place, very nice and clean. I'd like to see how cold it gets around Christmas.

Then fly back to the Costa Blanca area to check out the other towns.

Regarding running a business: I get bored easily so was thinking maybe run a small part time business. Nothing set in stone. I might just travel all over the country 馃榾