There are parts of Spain, even close to the most well-known resorts, that just seem to stay under the radar of most international buyers. Where are Spain’s secret property hotspots?

What’s your perfect vision of Spain? A beach packed with umbrellas and kids having fun? A cool city apartment with art, cuisine and culture on the doorstep? Maybe a cooling pint at the 19th hole after a round of golf with your mates.

But not everyone wants a busy tourist resort on a famous costa, or to retire among other expats. Indeed, in a survey we conducted, 55% of our readers say they would prefer to live in a more traditionally Spanish location.

Sound like you? Then try one of these four destinations – some you may not have even heard of – as we check out Spain’s secret property hotspots. Some of them are more affordable than the more popular areas too…

Terres de l’Ebre, Catalonia

Nature-lovers not fussed about access to tourist amenities or lively resorts should set their Sat Nav to the southernmost corner of Catalonia. Minding its business about an hour south of Tarragona is Terres de l’Ebre, an area that brings together diverse protected natural landscapes based around the mighty Ebro river. Officially designated a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, environmental friendliness and enjoying the great outdoors are integral to the local way of life.

The town of Miravet from the Ebro river

It’s made up of four municipalities – Baix Ebre and Montsia on the coast, and Ribera d’Ebre and Terra Alta inland. At the heart of the region is the Ebro Delta, one of the most important wetland areas in the western Mediterranean. Away from the sand plains and untouched beaches, foothills lead to natural parks and four rolling mountain ranges. Activities on offer are limitless, from canyoning and trekking to birdwatching, horse-riding and all types of river based pursuits.

Key towns near the coast include Tortosa (main picture) and Amposta, while inland Gandesa and Mora d’Ebre are municipal centres. Ancient riverfront villages along the Ebro are especially desirable spots, examples being Miravet, Benifallet and Xerta. Options on the coast, include the marina towns of L’Ametlla de Mar and La Rapita, or smaller resorts of Les Cases d’Alcanar or Calafat.

Axarquia, Andalusia

“Undiscovered” can be relative, and while no coast in Andalusia is much of a secret, there are quieter pockets of any costa. So while most people head west when they land at Malaga, drawn by the sprawling, amenity-packed resorts and international cachet of the Costa del Sol, turn right out of the airport and eastwards just 30 minutes down the A-7 you enter another world – Axarquia.

Still part of Malaga province but noticeably more affordable than its more famous hotspots, it’s an area that combines small family beach resorts with an interior of low rolling mountains peppered with pretty villages. Historically an agricultural area, the tropical climate that gave the coast its name, the Costa Tropical, accommodates sugar cane and banana trees. The vines that carpet its slopes produce the sweet grapes used for the special Malaga wine. Natural highlights include stunning Lake Viñuela and Sierras de Tejeda, Almijar and Alahama Natural Park.

The first of Axarquia’s three main coastal towns is Torre del Mar. Born out of the local fruit industry, it has an authentic working town feel but also one of Europe’s longest seafront proms. Torrox Costa also boasts a busy prom and while largely modern, it includes the original village at Torrox Pueblo.

Then there is picturesque Nerja (pictured below), low-rise and oozing fishing village charm. Budget from €200,000 for an apartment near the beach in Axarquia.

The beach at Nerja

Off the coast, the market town of Velez-Malaga serves as the gateway to inland Axarquia and what locals consider the prettiest of Andalusia’s famous ‘pueblos blancos’, Frigiliana, Comares and Cómpeta being particularly special. Other less-on-the-radar villages to choose from include Benamocarra, Algarrobo, Iznate, Benamargosa, Corumbela, Canillas de Aceituno, Sayalonga and Colmenar. Despite being perched on a hillside, many of these will still be within 30 minutes from the beach and often have distant views of the sea.

A budget of €100,000-€200,000 gives a good choice of habitable houses in an Axarquian village, but you’ll find cheaper!

Isla Canela & Ayamonte, Andalusia

Once a guarded secret, Spaniards are getting used to sharing the south-westernmost corner of Andalusia with international homeowners looking for something different to your typical Costa.

Cue Ayamonte, a charming old frontier town situated on the eastern bank of the Guadiana river, which forms the border with Portugal. A bridge connects the town to Isla Canela, a 1,700-hectare island in the river estuary with its own carefully developed resort community.

Much of Isla Canela is protected dunes and marshland but its ocean-facing southerly side is a stunning 7-kilometre white beach with a collection of apartment complexes. The island also has two championship golf courses – with property options by the fairway, a marina and fishing port complete with centuries old fishing cottages, as well as a selection of restaurants, bars and retail amenities.

Being linked to Ayamonte lets homeowners combine the laid-back lifestyle of a holiday island with the cultural hit of Ayamonte. With a pretty square and streets lined with quality tapas bars, the town’s river frontage includes a marina where you take a ferry bus across to Portugal on the other riverbank or a longer boat trip up the Guadiana.

The riverside at Ayamonte

The best option for flights to this tucked away spot is Faro Airport in the Algarve, an easy 45 minute transfer over the bridge into Spain. Budget from €250,000 for a new apartment in Isla Canela.

La Garrotxa, Catalonia

Tucked between towering Pyrenean peaks and the picturesque Costa Brava is the largely unknown area of La Garrotxa. Notable for its dramatic scenery, the terrain is typified by dramatic gorges, towering bluffs and some of the largest forests in Catalonia. Crisscrossed by trails, much of it is a huge natural park with extinct volcanic cones.

Peaks and poppyfields in La Garrotxa

Nestled amongst this enchanting landscape, which is around 40 minutes from the coast at the Bay of Roses and 30 minutes north-west of Girona city, are ancient stone towns and villages, many situated on an outcrop or at the foot of mountains.

Prepare to be wowed by character homes in and around medieval towns like Besalú, Sant Esteve d’en Bas in the Bas Valley, Riudaura, Castellfollit de la Roca and Santa Pau for homes. Anyone looking for total immersion in a traditional community with strong cultural identity will find it in La Garrotxa – this is true Catalan country.

For more information on finding your perfect Spanish home, whether one of Spain’s secret property hotspots or your own favourite, contact the Your Overseas Home team, download our free Spain Buying Guide and start browsing our property listings today!