This article, moving to the Costas an expat guide is your best resource for discovering where to move to in Spain.
The Spanish Costas are special and so even just thinking about them fills you with delight. For this reason, many a British Expat chooses a Costa to call home.
But did you know that there are actually 13 Costas around Spain. Above all, each has it’s own unique appeal. So if you’re thinking about a move to Spain, you may ask yourself which Costa is for me?
Let’s find out!
(This post is part of our series of guides about the villages, towns, cities, provinces and regions of Spain)
Below I’ve listed every Costa in Spain, along with info on each one. Similarly, I also detail what attractions there are in nearby places, so this will help you decide if it is somewhere you’d like to spend time in. If there’s a particular Costa you’d like to find out about, they are arranged alphabetically for you. Consequently, this should help.
If you want help with a forthcoming move to one of the wonderful Costas of Spain, we can help. We have been Spain removal specialists since 2013. Therefore we know exactly what is involved with moves to Spain.
This is a big article, so make a coffee, find a comfy chair and settle down to enjoy finding out about moving to the Costas.
All clickable links and pictures open in a new tab, so you won’t lose your place in this article!
Costa de Almeria
Mojacar, Costa Almeria
LOCATION: SOUTH EAST – ANDALUCIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Almeria City, Mojácar, Roquetas de Mar, Vera
Nearest Airport: Almeria (5 miles)
This Costa makes up the coastline of the Almeria Province in the picturesque Andalucia Region of Spain. It boasts eight beautiful beaches which offer an expat exciting sandy coves and rocky headlands. Or a place to lap up the glorious sun on soft golden sands.
The beach at Roquetas de Mar is the best place for young families. In addition, this bustling coastal town provides the facilities of a city, but at a much slower pace.
The beachside villages of Mojácar and Playa de las Negras offer quaint surroundings, stunning architecture, and isolated beaches. However, Vera Playa isn’t for the fainthearted and isn’t a place to show to your Grandma as it’s also got a nudist beach!
FOR INSTANCE, EXPATS WHO SETTLE HERE CAN:
- Explore gold mines in Rodalquilar
- Trek across the Cabo de Gata-Nijar National park and discover its wonders
- Enjoy free jazz and flamenco concerts on the beaches of Mojácar during the summer
- Play golf
- Touch a stingray at the Roquetas de Mar aquarium
- Try scuba diving or get drenched playing water sports
- Take a peek inside the Alhambra, just a couple of hours inland
Costa Azahar
Calpe, in Alicante
LOCATION: EAST – VALENCIAN REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Benicássim, Alicante, and Valencia
Nearest Airport: Valencia (55 miles)
This Costa makes up the coastline North of the beautiful Valencian Region of Spain.
Nicknamed the Orange Blossom Coast, white sandy beaches are interspersed with breathtaking coves. As a result there’s unspoilt rolling countrysides dotted with lemon and orange groves, and quiet Moorish towns and villages.
This area of Spain is ideal for the expat who loves the outdoors and who enjoys soaking up history and culture. Therefore the lifestyle here is typically Spanish, so the pace of life is slower. However, people know how to celebrate the arts and music. Similarly, they know how to keep important traditions and festivals alive.
FOR EXAMPLE, EXPATS WHO SETTLE HERE CAN:
- Visit a Water Park in Benicássim
- Take a trip to the horseshoe-shaped Columbretes Islands
Costa Blanca
Benidorm, Costa Blanca
LOCATION: SOUTH EAST – VALENCIAN REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Benidorm and Alicante
Nearest Airports: Alicante (approx.36 miles)
Like the Costa Azahar, this Costa makes up part of the beautiful Valencian Region of Spain.
Costa Blanca translates as the White Coast, and pristine white beaches are set off against sapphire blue oceans.
This is one of Europe’s most visited areas and the World Health Organization has therefore named it as having the world’s best climate. Consequently it’s therefore a very popular tourist destination.
This coastline has an enticing blend of lively social scenes, legendary nightlife and luxurious resorts to discover and explore.
FOR INSTANCE, EXPATS WHO LIVE HERE CAN:
- Become closer to nature by exploring the Serra Gelada Nature Park – its mountain can be climbed in 2 hours
- Feel an adrenaline rush at the Terra Mitica Theme Park
- Discover the delights of the Palm Groves of Elche
- Unearth the secrets of Denia Castle and Archaeological Museum
Costa Brava
Cadaqués, Costa Brava
LOCATION: NORTH EAST – CATALONIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Lloret de Mar and Girona
Nearest Airports: Girona (19 miles)
The Costa Brava makes up the romantic, picture-postcard coastline of the cultural Catalonia Region. Its backdrop is made up of beautiful mountainous hinterlands, lush green valleys, gorges and natural springs. The towns and villages ooze traditional charm with cobbled streets.
For the retired expat, there’s the medieval town of Pals, situated on top of a hill, this historical and charming place is filled with craft shops, traditional restaurants, and bars.
FOR EXAMPLE, BRITS MOVING HERE WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Have a look around Salvidor Dali‘s wacky house – there’s even a seven foot tall stuffed bear at the entrance
- Explore the magical terraced gardens near Palafrugell
- Take an uplifting walk and marvel in the breathtaking views of Camino de Ronda
Costa Calida
Port of Mazzarón, Costa Calida
LOCATION: SOUTH EAST – MURCIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: San Pedro del Pinatar and Cartagena
Nearest Airports: Murcia-San Javier (21 miles)
This Costa is between the Costa Blanca to the North and the Costa de Almeria to the South. This is the coastline of the Murcia Region of Spain. Subsequently, its fine, sandy beaches are surrounded by dunes and virgin pine forests and the area is flat with quiet roads.
The beach at Mar Menor is shallow, so warms quickly, and slopes gently into the ocean. Therefore this makes it the perfect beach for young children.
However, for somewhere a bit livelier, the port at Mazarrón near San Pedro del Pinatar offers an array of activities and an upbeat social scene.
FOR INSTANCE, EXPATS WHO MOVE HERE CAN PREPARE TO:
- Play golf at the stunning and world famous La Manga Golf Resort
- Have a mud bath in Lo Pagan
- Pack a picnic and take a scenic drive to see the Cabo Tinoso Cartagena Guns,
- Take a scenic train journey from Los Nietos to Cartagena
Costa Cantabria
San Vincente de la Barquera, Costa Cantabria
LOCATION: NORTH – CANTABRIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: San Vicente de la Barquera and Santander
Nearest Airports: Santander (4 miles)
This Costa is in the North of Spain, in the stunning verdant green region of Cantabria.
Therefore, the golden white sands of the beaches along the coast sit on the edge of rolling fields and rugged crags.
The whole area is charming and romantic, anywhere along the coast here offers an extraordinary quality of life. For example, those wanting to experience a rich Spanish lifestyle in tranquillity, the picturesque historical towns of Cóbreces and Mogro are ideal. This is in contrast to the bustling city of Santander which offers luxury, lively social scenes and an amazing nightlife.
This area isn’t just breathtakingly beautiful, there are plenty of opportunities to discover authentic Spanish experiences.
FOR EXAMPLE, EXPATS WHO LIVE HERE CAN:
- Discover the cave paintings of Altamira or Cualventi and bond with ancient ancestors
- Expect the Spanish Inquisition at the Museum of Inquisition in Santillana
- Learn about traditional Spanish fashion at the Regional Museum of Costume and Textile Art in Cabezon de la Sal
- Become a Bronze Age settler in Cantabrian Town in Cabezon de la Sal
- Meet the inhabitants of the Santillana del Mar Zoo
Costa Dorada
Castillo Tamarit, Tarragona, Costa Dorada
LOCATION: EAST – CATALONIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Salou and Barcelona
Nearest Airports: Barcelona (45 miles)
This Costa is found on the East coast of Spain, in the historic region of Catalonia, where history and tradition seep into everyday life.
The golden sands of this Costa’s blue flag beaches are set in front of cultivated fields and rugged mountains.
A popular tourist destination, this area sees over 3.5 million visitors per year, and it’s a favourite location for expats to move to. For example, Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city, has all the daily hustle and bustle any socialite wants from a new hometown. Therefore it’s a wonderful place for art lovers, cultural connoisseurs and history buffs to call home.
FOR INSTANCE, EXPATS WHO LIVE HERE CAN:
- Getting wet at PortAventura Water Park in Salou
- Taste delectable, traditional Spanish wines at Celler Mas Vicens in Cabra del Camp
- Take a cable car up to the mountaintop Monastery of Montserrat
- Spot flamingos at the Ebro Delta Wetland Reserve
Costa Garraf
Sitges, Costa Garraf
LOCATION: EAST – CATALONIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Sitges and Barcelona
Nearest Airports: Barcelona (18 miles)
This short stretch of coast lies just to the South of Barcelona, and North of the Costa Dorada.
Four seaside towns make up this area and impressive mountains overlook them. Sitges is the most popular expat destination and it’s easy to see why. It offers a tremendous mix of luxury, modernity, tradition, openness, inclusivity, art, and culture. Similarly, its beaches are soft and golden, and it has its own micro-climate.
FOR EXAMPLE, EXPATS WHO LIVE HERE CAN:
- Take a horseback riding tour of the beautiful, rolling countryside of Vilanova i la Geltrú
- Enjoy a variety of water sports including jet skiing and scuba diving
- Take a segway tour of Sitges
- Indulge in a VIP wine tour of Penedés
Costa de la Luz
Cádiz, Costa de la Luz
LOCATION: SOUTH WEST – ANDALUCIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Tarifa and Cádiz
Nearest Airports: Jerez (27 miles)
This Costa makes up the Western part of the Andalucia coastline and faces out towards the Atlantic.
Costa de la Luz translates as Coast of Light. The area is well known for its outstanding natural beauty, and most of the coast are protected as nature reserves.
Dotted in the rich landscape are swamps, moving dunes, sweeping beaches, pine woods, small fishing villages and pleasant low rise resorts, which are popular with Spanish tourists.
The seaside city of Cádiz is an ideal location for any expat as it offers modern facilities with a rich history and quirky ambience.
For the adventure seeking expat, Conil de la Frontera is a surfers paradise, and for the hipsters, Tarifa, which is the windsurfing capital of Europe, oozes with charm and a laid-back atmosphere.
As well as being a stunning place with jaw-dropping scenery, the Costa de la Luz also seduces expats with its experiences:
FOR INSTANCE, EXPATS WHO LIVE HERE CAN:
- Walk the full length of Bolona Beach in Tarifa
- Go on a dolphin safari in Tarifa
- Explore the oasis that is Park Genoves in Cádiz
- Pop over to Africa on a catamaran from Tarifa
- See a traditional Andalusian Horse Dance in Jerez de la Frontera
Costa Maresme
Calella, Costa Maresme
LOCATION: NORTH EAST – CATALONIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Calella and Mataró
Nearest Airports: Barcelona (30 miles)
This Costa is found south of the Costa Brava and runs for just 31 miles. Its golden beaches are set off by the dark green rolling hills and dark rugged treelined cliffs that hug the coast.
Calella is the perfect new home for expats who love the arts, culture, staying healthy and looking after their wellbeing.
FOR EXAMPLE, EXPATS WHO LIVE HERE CAN:
- Gaze at the panoramic views of Dalmau Park in Calella
- Try paddle surfing in Vilassar de Mar
- Go sports fishing in Arenys de Mar
- Visit the Nau Gaudi Art Museum in Mataró
Costa de Morte
A Coruña, Costa de Morte
LOCATION: NORTH WEST – GALACIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: A Coruna
Nearest Airports: A Coruna (7 miles)
This Costa is found in the North West corner of Spain, in the Galicia region. With a name that translates to Coast of Death, expats often overlooked it.
Sometimes experiencing wild and windy weather, its quaint fishing villages are huddled against forested mountain slopes. What the Costa De Morte lacks in climate and infrastructure, it makes up for with beautiful coves and isolated beaches.
FOR INSTANCE, THEY CAN ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO:
- Look around Picasso’s House
- Exploring the Castle of San Anton
- Learning about the human body at Domus museum
- pamper in the relaxation temple of the Termaria Spa
Costa del Sol
Nerja, Costa del Sol
LOCATION: SOUTH – ANDALUCIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Marbella and Malaga
Nearest Airports: Malaga (31 miles)
The Costa del Sol is the most well known Spanish Costa, and is found in Southern Spain. For most people moving to the Costas in Spain, this will be the destination.
Despite being associated with mass development, negative press and a soulless image, the Costa del Sol still has picturesque areas. The whole area sits at the bottom of rolling green foothills and the soft, white sands twinkle with the sparkling oceans.
The Costa del Sol has something for everyone. Puerto Banus is extravagant and luxurious and Marbella is a small, traditional, brightly coloured Spanish town dappled with history. Similarly, Fuengirola combines medieval markets with modernity and art.
For expats wanting to move here, the delights of this Costa are endless.
FOR EXAMPLE, SOME OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT CAN BE HAD INCLUDE:
- Seeing the beautiful Roman Puente Neuvo bridge in Ronda
- Exploring the scenic El Torcal Nature Park in Antequera
- Listening to Celia Morales play the Tradtional Flamenco Guitar in Ronda
- Spelunking in the caves of Nerja
- Meeting amazing creatures at the Bioparc in Fuengirola
Costa Tropical
Salobrena, Costa Tropical
LOCATION: SOUTH – ANDALUCIA REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Almunécar and Motril
Nearest Airports: Malaga (63 miles)
This Costa, also known as Costa Granada, after its province, is found in the Andalucia region of Spain. It is set against the heart-stopping backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
For expats wanting to seek out a traditional Spanish home in a peaceful place, Salobrena is ideal. This quiet town is small, bedecked in classical whitewashed houses, and crowned with an imposing Moorish castle.
For those wanting to experience a livelier pace of life, the city of Motril offers a vibrant nightlife, golf courses, shopping centres and a growing commercial economy.
FOR INSTANCE, EXPATS WHO LIVE HERE CAN:
- Ski at Sierra Nevada Ski Resort
- Visit the Bonsai Garden Museum in Almunecar
- Go Whale watching in La Herradura
- Get a sweet taste of history at the Palma Sugar Refinery in Motril
Costa de Valencia
Sagunto, Costa de Valencia
LOCATION: EAST – VALENCIAN REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Sagunto and Valencia
Nearest Airports: Valencia (56 miles)
This Costa is almost one continuous beach stretching from Sagunto to Oliva and is on the East coast of Spain.
Just like Costa Azahar, this area has stunning backdrops of orange, lemon and olive groves. In addition, the countryside has marshes, wetlands and rice plantations.
For those searching for calmer climes and who want to feel like they’ve been transported back in time, the peaceful town of Sagunto is ideal. The ancient town has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest.
FOR EXAMPLE, EXPATS WHO MOVE TO THE COSTA DE VALENCIA CAN ENJOY:
- museum of Sagunto
- Visit the Mercat Central of Valencia
- See the vibrant Fallas Museum in Valencia
- Drink on the beach at Oli Ba Ba in Oliva
- Seek thrills at the Gandilandia Attraction Park in Playa de Gandia
Costa Vasca
Bizkaia, Costa Vasca
LOCATION: NORTH – BASQUE COUNTRY
Nearby towns/cities: Bilbao, San Sebastian
Nearest Airports: Bilbao (8 miles)
This Costa is in the North of Spain and is part of the Basque Country. Rolling hills and natural parks surround the enchanting. Similarly, the Pyrenees mountains feature here, and also the Guernica river lazily making it’s way to the sea.
Bilbao is the perfect city for a young professional or family to call home. In addition, it is a vibrant, bustling, cultural city, and is the financial and industrial epicentre of the Basque Country.
For those on the quest to find somewhere more exciting and traditional, the tiny village of Mundaka is the place to call home. It is the surfing capital of Europe and in addition it is where the locals are warm, friendly and passionate.
FOR INSTANCE, EXPATS CAN DISCOVER ITS WONDERS:
- Visit Miramar Palace and grounds in Donostia
- See a show at the Arriaga Antzokia Theatre in Bilbao
- Hike the Acantilados de Azhorri
Costa Verde
Gijón, Costa Verde
LOCATION: NORTH – ASTURIAS REGION
Nearby towns/cities: Candás and Gijón
Nearest Airports: Asturias (26 miles)
This Costa is also in Northern Spain and within the Asturias Region. Green meadows practically meet the glorious sandy beaches and the sands are overlooked by spectacular cliffs.
For expats looking to enjoy traditional Spanish laid back life in the beautiful landscapes of the Green Coast, Candás is perfect. A little town nestled on the cliffs of the Bay of Biscay, Candás offers expats charm and tranquillity.
FOR EXAMPLE, EXPATS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO:
- Exploring the Botanical Gardens in Gijón
- Marvel at the largest building in Spain, the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura in Gijón
- Learn about maritime history of Asturias in Luanco
- Be inspired by Lake Covadonga in Congas de Onis
- Entering the awesome caves of Cuevona
In conclusion, this has been an exhaustive and complete list of moving to the Costas in Spain. Hopefully, you can find one that is perfect for you, around Spain. Did one jump out at you as a great place to live? Similarly, what ones did you think weren’t great for you?
Removals to the Costas of Spain
Get in touch today and we can offer you advice and guidance on how to move to your chosen Costa. In addition, we can help you decide between your choices. We are experts in removals to Spain, and full customs management is included. Above all, we will provide a free quote for your removal from the UK to the Spanish Costas.
PHOTO CREDITS
Port of Mazarron – Costa Calida
San Vincente de la Barquera – Costa Cantabria
Castillo Tamarit, Tarragona, Costa Dorada
