Overseas buyers seeking city living in Spain tend to flock to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Málaga. But if you are looking for a property away from large expat communities and don’t fancy living in the countryside, then you might be interested in one of these three lesser-known Spanish cities.
Vigo
Welcome to Vigo!
We associate Spain with the warm waters of the Mediterranean, but the historic port city of Vigo sits on the Atlantic. You’ll find it in Galicia in northwestern Spain. Moreover, if you love Spain but are nervous about how you’ll cope at the height of summer in the south, then Vigo could be a good choice. Seasons in Vigo are much more defined and the Atlantic takes off the edge of the peak summer heat. July is the warmest month with highs of 26 degrees while January is the coldest month with highs of just 14 degrees.
Furthermore, if a top priority for you is having stunning natural vistas to look at and plenty of outdoorsy activities to do, you’ll love a home in Vigo. Vigo boasts of over 400 square miles of forest parks. There’s the O Castro Mountain right in the heart of the city, it offers great views of the Vigo Estuary.
Excitingly, with a home in Vigo, you’ll have easy access to camping holidays. You can take a ferry to the amazing Cíes Islands, dubbed the “Islands of the Gods”, they have been carefully preserved and are unspoiled by any influx of tourism.
Closer to home, you’ll have a choice of beautiful beaches. The largest and most popular is Samil but you’ll be able to find smaller ones with a less discovered feel. Another highlight of life in Vigo is the Old Town, it is the perfect place to mill around with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Additionally, Vigo has a well-established reputation for its brilliant seafood, tuck in!
See properties for sale in Galicia here.
Segovia
Segovia.
If you’re a fan of Madrid but find the property prices too steep, then Segovia could be a great alternative. It is just half an hour from Madrid by train. In addition, the Barajas international airport is a tad more than an hour away. Sometimes, overseas buyers are negatively impacted by only having seasonal flights to their home. But given the regular flights across the world from Barajas, this won’t be a problem for you.
With a population of only 50,000, Segovia has a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, if you are a culture and history enthusiast, you are going to enjoy your time here. The city has been recognised as a UNSECO World Heritage site as it is home to remarkable Roman, Medieval and Renaissance architecture. Arguably, the most iconic structure is the Roman Aqueduct, which dates back to the 1st century AD. It also boasts of a well-preserved Jewish quarter and a mesmerising 16th century Gothic Cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa María. Standing on a rock and looking mighty centuries on is the Alcázar castle. From Alcázar, you can enjoy impressive views of the city.
While Segovia is not a coastal town, it is surrounded by gorgeous countryside. In an easy twenty minutes, you can be by the banks of the River Moros or the river Duratón. Plus, the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park with its over 1,000 types of flora and fauna is nearby. So, if you ever need a break from the city, you’ll have great options for cycling, hiking and even horse-riding. Additionally, there are three golf courses near to the city. And, in the wintertime, you can even go skiing on the Guadarrama Mountains.
Click here to see properties for sale in the Segovia region.
Cáceres
Cáceres.
Although a city, Cáceres is a hidden gem. You’ll find it in Extremadura, a region in southwest Spain. The nearest airport is in Madrid, but it is three hours away and public transport links are not straightforward and are lengthy. But that might be exactly what you are looking for.
Furthermore, Cáceres makes a strong argument for being the prettiest city in all of Spain. The old upper city is surrounded by huge, turreted walls that are as blend of Roman and Moorish. The landscape is dominated by the beautiful Gothic church of St Mateo, built on the site of a mosque. In the UNSECO World Heritage Old Town, the cobbled streets and narrow, winding alleys make you feel transported in time.
To enter the Old Town, you’ll have to pass through the Plaza Mayor, one of the largest squares in all of Spain. It is full of as much bustle as it was centuries ago, with bars and restaurants. Plus, in recent years, it has come to host the music festival WOMAD. If you’re interested in art, Cáceres has a rapidly emerging art scene, and you make the most of it at the Helga de Alvear art museum.
Finally, one of the big draws of a property in Cáceres is the culinary scene, it has previously earned the title of the Gastronomy Capital of Spain. It is home to Atrio, one of thirteen restaurants in Spain to have been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide. Cáceres is one of the best places to feast on Iberian ham and Torta del Casar, a cheese made from merino sheep’s milk.
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