For many, living in Spain near the Mediterranean is a lifelong dream, and with so many first-rate cities, towns, and villages to choose from, finding luxury property by the sea is certainly achievable.
Spain has an excellent climate; a laidback, family-orientated way of life; and an ideal mixture of tranquility and a bustling social scene, making coastal property here appealing to a variety of buyers. Demand for eco-conscious and sustainable properties is on the rise, along with buyers looking specifically for turnkey, move-in-ready homes.
With so many locations to choose from, though, including Ibiza, Mallorca, and Costa del Sol, how do you decide where to buy a home? Read on for our expert recommendations for overseas buyers of some of the best luxury places to live in Spain (near the sea), whether you’re making a permanent move or looking for a second home or investment property.
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Where are the Best Luxury Places to Live in Spain by the Sea?
Spain’s coastline offers some of the most desirable places to live, combining a warm Mediterranean climate, a relaxed lifestyle, and strong investment potential. Here are some of the top coastal locations that are perfect for a luxury living lifestyle:
- Costa del Sol (Marbella, Estepona, Puerto Banús) – A hotspot for luxury real estate, with Marbella’s high-end properties, Estepona’s traditional charm, and Puerto Banús’ exclusive marina lifestyle.
- Costa Brava (Begur, Tamariu) – A scenic retreat known for its rugged coastline, medieval villages, and Blue Flag beaches, attracting high-net-worth buyers.
- Ibiza (Santa Eulalia, San Antonio, Ibiza Town) – A mix of family-friendly areas, vibrant nightlife, and premium waterfront homes, with strong rental demand.
- Mallorca (Puerto Andratx, Palma, Portals Nous, Camp de Mar) – A prime market for luxury villas, yachting communities, and investment properties, with steady price growth.
Spain’s coastal real estate market continues to thrive, with property values rising 8-10% annually in key locations. Whether you seek a permanent home, a second residence, or an investment property, these destinations offer exceptional lifestyle and financial benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of these locations.
Costa del Sol
Located on the sunny southern coast of Spain is Costa del Sol, a leading destination for luxury property buyers. With a combination of exclusive properties, high-end amenities, and natural beauty, it’s an idyllic choice for homebuyers.
Marbella
At the helm of high-end real estate in Costa del Sol is the chic, sun-drenched resort town of Marbella, which saw 20% real estate growth in 2024. Los Flamingos, Sierra Blanca, and La Zagaleta are standout areas in Marbella for luxury homebuyers.
Playa de la Fontanilla is one of Marbella’s most popular beaches, and the city also has theme parks for when the kids are in need of family-friendly fun. Adults can appease their inner adventurers, too, with ATV tours, canyoneering, or rappelling in the Sierra Blanca foothills.
The Old Quarter has cobblestone streets, Moorish ruins, and plazas with boutiques and fine dining, and the region is also renowned for its dessert wine, so be sure to cap off your meals that way.
For families looking to make a more permanent move to Marbella will be pleased to know that one of the top private schools – Swans International – is also located here.
Estepona
The resort town of Estepona is another refined area of Costa del Sol, and it strikes a desirable balance of tradition and modernity. With 13 miles of beaches, plus flowers lining the streets of Old Town, you’ll want to spend as much time outside as possible — and the Mediterranean climate (mild temperatures and bright sunshine year-round) makes it easy to do so.
There’s also a strong rental demand here, which is great news for investment buyers. Moreover, property in Estepona is more affordable than in Marbella, promising strong returns.
Puerto Banús
Referred to as Costa del Sol’s playground for the affluent, Puerto Banús is rich with entertainment, from daytime beach clubs to vibrant nightlife. You can see the lavish lifestyle reflected practically everywhere, from the glamorous superyachts to the designer shops and fine dining restaurants. If you take some time to rest and people-watch while sipping a drink on the marina, you’re bound to see celebrities pass by.
Waterfront properties are popular here, along with penthouses and luxury villas. Like many coastal settings in Spain, there’s a strong rental demand in Puerto Banús.
Costa Brava
For an exclusive Mediterranean hideaway, consider owning a home in Costa Brava. The rugged coastline is home to a number of beach bars and clubs, and the region is also known for having a rich cultural heritage. Explore the architecture of medieval towns, visit the Salvador Dali museum, and take part in some of the numerous annual festivals. Plus, you’ll be close to France, which is ideal if you like to travel or are considering buying a second home in Spain while keeping your main home in France.
Begur
Known as a hotspot for wealthy international buyers, Begur has stunning villas with panoramic views and private pools, attracting buyers from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. When you call Begur your home, you can take a walk along the Camí de Ronda coastal path, visit the medieval castle, or try Catalan cuisine at notable local restaurants whenever you wish. Though Begur is not set directly on the Med, it has close proximity to beaches and coves.
Tamariu
For a secluded home on the Spanish coast, consider buying in Tamariu, a charming fishing village that’s not prone to overcrowding by tourists. From your new beachfront villa, you can take in the tranquil setting and crystal-clear waters of the sea below. While you’ll be close to energetic towns like Begur, your home will offer the peaceful retreat you’re after. The village has Blue Flag status, too, which means it is recognised for sustainable boating operations, high water quality, and proper environmental management.
Ibiza
The island of Ibiza is a haven for high-net-worth individuals seeking out dynamic nightlife, exciting outdoor activities, and high-end, luxury amenities.
Santa Eulalia
The beautiful town of Santa Eulalia is quiet and family-oriented, with plenty of gastronomic and cultural pursuits to keep everyone busy. Some of Ibiza’s best restaurants can be found here, along with art galleries, shops, golfing, and both athletic and adventurous excursions. While there’s a nightlife scene present, it’s more easygoing than in other parts of Ibiza.
Punta Galera is a must-visit spot, with a breathtaking bay and rock formations that protrude from the cliffs, plus excellent conditions for snorkeling.
San Antonio
On the west coast of Ibiza is the town of San Antonio, an exuberant area with world-famous beach clubs, bars, and parties. The sunsets here are legendary, too, especially from the Sunset Strip, a waterfront promenade with excellent vantage points for viewing.
The nonstop energy of San Antonio makes it a hub for partygoers, and there’s an eclectic mix of nightspots for whatever type of fun you’re seeking. During the day, there are also plenty of water sports to try out, from paddleboarding and kayaking to jet skiing and wakeboarding.
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town, the island’s capital and largest city, is famous for its nightlife, and it’s also brimming with art galleries, high-end shops, and historic sites in Old Town. Ibiza Town is large, with lots of distinct areas that have their own personalities.
For a more subdued experience, Cap Martinet is private and quiet, and it’s still close to the bustling bars, clubs, and restaurants of Ibiza Town. There’s also the family-friendly beach of Talamanca, with beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports.
Investment Trends in Ibiza
The real estate market in Ibiza continues to thrive in 2025, and when it comes to luxury homes, there’s a growing demand for sustainable development. High-net-worth buyers seek out exclusive real estate opportunities on the island, especially those with eco-friendly and wellness amenities. Energy-efficient technology and renewable energy solutions have become priorities for buyers, as have wellness features like fitness areas, spa rooms, and other holistic characteristics.
Over the past 5 years, property values in Ibiza have steadily increased annually by about 8%, and luxury villas have seen the biggest price increases. Today, investors can expect a rental yield between 5-8%, with the higher yields being seen in Ibiza Town and San Antonio.
Mallorca
Mallorca, another prime destination for luxury homes on the Spanish coast, has a stunning and diverse landscape featuring beaches, mountains, and cosmopolitan cities.
Puerto Andratx
Nicknamed the Saint-Tropez of Spain, Puerto Andratx is a refined fishing village in Mallorca. Don’t let “fishing village” fool you, though – it’s an elite gathering spot for yachts, and its fine-dining restaurants often feature the catch of the day. It’s a small area, too, with a limited population, which adds to its exclusive feel (and makes real estate here hard to come by and highly sought-after). The central part of the port is where you’ll find bars, markets, shops, and restaurants.
Palma
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is a beautiful and bustling city that’s steeped in history. For a calm and relaxed day, you can take a stroll through the woods on your way to Castell de Bellver, one of Europe’s very few circular castles. There’s a wide seafront promenade for cycling and walking, too.
When you’re in a social mood, head to the Sa Gerreria neighborhood, where you’ll find plenty of bars, eateries, and shops. If you want to be closer to the water, Ca’n Pere Antoni beach has clubs at both ends.
Portals Nous
While Portals Nous may be a small village, it’s also a sophisticated one. Carretera d’Andratx has everything from fashion boutiques to hardware stores, markets, bookshops, and restaurants. There are also two beaches right in Portals Nous, one small and one larger and more popular. Instead of having all sorts of historic buildings and cultural spaces to visit, the village is more residential, and the main recreational outing is a day at the beach. That means more than just lounging in the sun, though – you can take out a kayak, jet ski, or boat.
Camp de Mar
Camp de Mar is a pristine, family-friendly beach and golfing location in the southwest of Mallorca. While Camp de Mar attracts A-listers, it remains laidback and a major draw for people on holiday. As you dine in a seafront restaurant, you can take in the surrounding cliffs, pine trees, and clear water. If you want a day away from the beach, you can cycle or hike in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, take in panoramic views from the 16th-century watchtower, or play a round at the Golf de Andratx course.
Investment Trends in Mallorca
Mallorca has a resilient luxury real estate market, and property values have had an average annual increase of 10.5% over the past few years. Continued growth is expected, too, and while it may show more moderate increases than in the past, property sales are expected to grow by 12.1% this year. The highest demand for property — and the largest price increases — can be found in Port Andratx, Calvià, and Palma.
How to Choose the Best Location for Your Needs
With so many incredible areas to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. Here’s how to hone in on the perfect location for you:
- Research Different Regions: Plan to visit different coastal towns in person so you can assess their unique characteristics for yourself. While you can do a lot of research abroad, it’s best to explore the culture and lifestyle of different towns for yourself at least once or twice before you make your decision.
- Consider Your Budget: Prices vary from region to region, and there are sought-after areas that are more affordable than others while still retaining the best qualities of the most in-demand areas.
- Determine Rental Potential: If you’re buying an investment property or second home, you’ll want to make sure that it has rental potential. Features that tourists look for include proximity to beaches, private pools, strong internet connectivity and the ability to bring their pets.
- Check Proximity to Transportation Links: If you’ll be traveling back and forth a lot, or if you plan to have visitors or rent out your property, you’ll want to be close to an international airport as well as other transportation links.
- Research Development Plans: Look into plans for developments or other infrastructure projects, as they could affect your property value or create an unappealing living situation for the time being.
If this is your first time buying a home in Spain, consider working with an property agent who’s familiar with the Spanish property market. It’s also smart to consult with a legal expert who can provide advice throughout the process.
Final Thoughts About Finding Your Ideal Spanish Coastal Home
Spain offers a number of diverse, high-end options for living on the exquisite coast, and you’re bound to find the perfect Mediterranean retreat if you work with one of our property agents. As the property market in this area continues to evolve, it’s crucial to act fast, as prices are only going to increase.
HOMEHUNTS property agents are able to select beautiful, luxury waterfront property in Spain based on your specific search criteria. Speak directly to one of our property consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
