The Best Places to Buy a House in Spain: Costa Del Sol vs Costa Blanca

You've decided Spain is the right choice. You understand the buying process, you know the costs involved, and now the big question: where exactly? Two regions keep coming up for Dutch buyers: the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca. Both coasts offer sun, sea, and a fantastic lifestyle, but they're surprisingly different.

We've helped hundreds of Dutch buyers choose between these two regions, and frankly, they're both fantastic. The question isn't which coast is better, but which better suits your lifestyle, budget, and preferences. Let's compare the two regions.

Location and Accessibility From the Netherlands

Costa Del Sol: The Southern Glamour

The Costa del Sol is located in Andalusia, in the very south of Spain. The main airport is Málaga, which is excellently connected to the Netherlands. You can find direct flights from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, often several times a day. The flight takes about 3 hours, and Málaga Airport is centrally located – you can reach popular places like Marbella, Fuengirola, or Estepona within 20-45 minutes.

This region traditionally attracts a more upscale market. Marbella is known for its exclusive Puerto Banús with its marinas and designer shops. But you'll also find more casual, affordable Spanish towns like Nerja or Torre del Mar, where life is more relaxed and authentically Spanish.

Costa Blanca: The East Coast Favorite

The Costa Blanca is located on the east coast in the Valencia region. From there, you can fly to Alicante or Valencia. Alicante also has good direct connections to the Netherlands, although slightly less frequent than Malaga. The flight takes about 3 hours. From Alicante, you can reach places like Torrevieja, Calpe, or Denia within 20-60 minutes, depending on your destination.

This coast has a large Dutch community, especially around Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa. You'll find Dutch supermarkets, Dutch hairdressers, and even Dutch general practitioners. For some, this is an advantage; for others, it's a reason to look elsewhere.

Accessibility verdict : Both regions are easily accessible from the Netherlands. Costa del Sol has slightly more flights, but the difference is minimal.

Climate: Both Zones Are Sunny, but Different

Costa Del Sol: The Warmest Climate in Europe

The Costa del Sol is often called "the coast of the sun," and that's not a marketing ploy. This region boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year and is the warmest coast in mainland Europe. Winters are mild—you can easily lunch outdoors in January with temperatures around 17-20°C. Summers are hot, with temperatures regularly reaching 35°C or higher in July and August.

Rainfall is limited, falling mainly from November to March, but even then there are plenty of sunny days interspersed. The mountains behind the coast protect against cold northerly winds, contributing to the mild climate.

Costa Blanca: Dry and Pleasant

The Costa Blanca also has fantastic weather, with around 300 days of sunshine a year. The climate is slightly more temperate than the Costa del Sol. Summers are warm but generally a few degrees cooler than in the south – think 30-33°C instead of 35-38°C. This is more pleasant for many people.

Winters are mild but can feel slightly cooler than on the Costa del Sol, especially in the evenings. The Costa Blanca is one of the driest regions in Europe, which is ideal for people with rheumatism or respiratory problems.

Climate verdict: Costa del Sol wins if you like extreme heat. Costa Blanca is ideal if you want warm weather without the intense heat.

House Prices and Value for Money

Price Differences Between the Coasts

Generally, the Costa Blanca is slightly more affordable than the Costa del Sol, but this depends heavily on the specific location. In both regions, you'll find significant price differences between popular expat areas and authentic Spanish villages.

Costa del Sol examples:

• Marbella center: apartments from €250,000-€350,000

• Fuengirola: apartments from €180,000-€250,000

• Estepona: villas with pools from €400,000-€600,000

• Nerja: apartments with sea views from €200,000-€300,000

Costa Blanca examples:

• Torrevieja: apartments from €120,000-€200,000

• Calpe: apartments with sea views from €180,000-€280,000

• Javea: villas from €350,000-€550,000

• Orihuela Costa: new-build apartments from €150,000-€250,000

You generally get more square footage for your money on the Costa Blanca, especially in areas with large expat communities. The Costa del Sol has more luxury developments and exclusive areas, which pushes up average prices. But both coasts offer options for every budget if you know where to look.

Don't forget to factor in additional costs in your budget – on the Costa Blanca (Valencia region), you pay 10% transfer tax compared to 7% on the Costa del Sol (Andalusia). For a property worth €250,000, this equates to a €7,500 saving in purchase costs.

Lifestyle and Atmosphere: What Suits You?

Costa Del Sol: Glamour With Andalusian Charm

The Costa del Sol has an international, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Marbella attracts an affluent crowd, with its luxury restaurants, beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife. But this is only one side of the story. Venture a little further inland to whitewashed villages like Mijas or Frigiliana, and you'll experience authentic Andalusia with traditional squares, flamenco, and local tapas bars.

The culture here is Andalusian—think siestas that are still taken seriously, passionate parties, and a relaxed pace of life. The locals speak less English than on the Costa Blanca, which is a challenge for some, but for others, an opportunity to truly immerse themselves in Spanish culture.

Costa Blanca: Comfortable and Practical

The Costa Blanca has a more relaxed, residential atmosphere. Many areas were built with expats in mind, meaning practical amenities like English-speaking doctors and international supermarkets are easy to find. Torrevieja and its surroundings sometimes feel more international than Spanish, which some appreciate and others prefer to avoid.

But here too, you'll find authentic Spanish towns. Altea, with its white houses and artist community, or Denia, with its lively harbor area, offer a truly Spanish feel. It all depends on where you choose.

Social life is active in both regions. Sports clubs, walking groups, Dutch associations—you'll find them everywhere. On the Costa Blanca, the Dutch community is larger and better organized, which can make integration easier.

Beaches and Surroundings

Costa Del Sol Stranden

The beaches on the Costa del Sol are wide and sandy, especially around Marbella, Fuengirola, and Estepona. The Mediterranean here is calmer and warmer. You'll find beach clubs (chiringuitos) where you can spend the day relaxing on a sunbed and enjoying cocktails.

The surrounding area offers a surprising amount of variety. The Sierra Nevada is only an hour and a half away, where you can even ski in winter while the coast is 20°C. Granada, with its Alhambra palace, is worth a day trip, as is Ronda with its spectacular bridge.

Costa Blanca Stranden

The beaches on the Costa Blanca range from wide sandy beaches (Guardamar, Gandia) to smaller coves with crystal-clear water (Javea, Moraira). The water here is often slightly clearer and ideal for snorkeling. Some beaches have earned the prestigious Blue Flag status.

Inland, you will find charming mountain villages in the Jalon Valley, perfect for wine tastings. The city of Alicante is lively and culturally interesting, with a beautiful castle and a cozy old town. Valencia, about an hour's drive away, offers world-class museums and architecture.

Healthcare and Facilities

Both regions have excellent healthcare. Málaga and Alicante have modern hospitals with international departments. Private clinics with English-speaking staff can be found everywhere, and some even have Dutch-speaking doctors.

The Costa Blanca has slightly more facilities specifically aimed at expats, including Dutch general practitioners and dentists. However, healthcare for foreign residents is also well organized on the Costa del Sol.

Which Coast Suits You?

Choose the Costa del Sol if you:

• Loves warmth and sun, the more the better

• Appreciates an international, luxurious atmosphere

• you want to be close to cultural cities like Granada and Seville

• Looking for Andalusian charm and authentic Spanish culture

• Doesn't mind paying a little more for location

Choose the Costa Blanca if you:

• You want warm weather without extreme heat.

• appreciates practical amenities and a large expat community

• Looking for value for money with lower square meter prices

• Crystal-clear water and varied beaches are important to you

• Want to be able to speak Dutch easily when necessary

Both coasts are fantastic and have thousands of satisfied Dutch residents. We have helped families, retirees, and investors in both regions, and the choice really depends on personal preferences.

Ready to Discover Your Ideal Location?

The best advice? Visit both regions before you decide. Stay a week in each area, experience daily life, check out the beaches, shop at the local supermarket, and talk to people who live there. What sounds perfect on paper can feel very different in practice.

At Hibaroo, we know both coasts inside and out. We can show you properties in various areas within your budget, explain the pros and cons of specific locations, and connect you with Dutch residents who can share their experiences. Whether you choose the glamour of the Costa del Sol or the comfort of the Costa Blanca, we'll make sure you find the right place.

Curious about what is currently available in both regions? View our current housing listings with filters for location, price range, and property type. Or contact us to schedule a personal tour of homes that match your preferences.