Best food & wine destinations in Spain to buy a property

Firstly, why buy a property in Spain?

Spain isn’t just a country; it’s a lifestyle defined by long, sun-soaked lunches, world-class wines, and a cultural devotion to living well. With 291 Michelin-starred restaurants in 2025 and an unrivalled calendar of food festivals, Spain serves up the perfect recipe for a richer, more fulfilling life.

But it’s not only your palate that will thank you. According to Kyero’s latest Spain Real Estate Market Outlook 2025, the property market remains remarkably resilient, with 2.1% GDP growth, low inflation at 1.5%, and property sales up 9% year-on-year. While Northern Europe battles economic uncertainty, Spain is still as popular as ever — making it a smart financial move as well as the lifestyle upgrade you've been craving.

Add to that a lower cost of living, a globally respected healthcare system, and Spain’s ranking among the top 20 countries for quality of life, and it’s easy to see why buyers from all over the world are choosing to call Spain home.

Madrid, Madrid Province

Madrid has officially claimed its place at the top of Europe’s culinary scene, crowned the Best City for Food in Europe by Time Out in 2025. Beating out the likes of Paris and Rome, Madrid earned a remarkable 90% approval rating, with locals praising its food scene as both “diverse” and “experimental.”

Home to 28 Michelin-starred restaurants, including the iconic DiverXO — Spain’s only three-star Michelin restaurant — Madrid is a playground for gastronomes. But it’s not all haute cuisine; Madrid is also the birthplace of beloved classics like croquettes, Spanish tortillas, and the irresistible bocadillo de calamares. Whether you’re enjoying gourmet tasting menus or standing at a bustling bar with a fried calamari sandwich, this city delivers unforgettable culinary experiences at every level.

Other reasons to move to Madrid: A vibrant arts and culture scene, excellent international connections, and a lifestyle that blends modern city living with historic charm.

Nearby alternatives: Toledo – A UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its Manchego cheese and traditional Castilian cuisine.

Hidden foodie gems: Casa Mortero – A much-loved spot serving authentic Madrid dishes with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Alicante, Valencia

In 2025, Alicante takes centre stage as Spain’s official Gastronomic Capital — and with good reason. This lively Mediterranean city is known as the City of Rice, offering an impressive variety of traditional rice dishes, including arroz a banda, creamy calderos, and rich, oven-baked rice. The secret? A local paste called salmorreta, bursting with garlic, ñoras, and fresh herbs, elevating every bite.

Beyond rice, Alicante’s culinary scene shines with outstanding seafood, orchard-fresh produce, and the region’s famous turrón. Don’t miss the bustling Mercado Central de Alicante, where you’ll find everything from just-caught red prawns to handcrafted chocolates.

Other reasons to move to Alicante: Miles of golden beaches, a lively cultural scene, and an international airport offering easy connections across Europe.

Nearby alternatives: Valencia – birthplace of paella and a vibrant hub of culinary innovation.

Hidden foodie gems: La Taberna del Gourmet – a Michelin-recommended spot for elevated tapas and Mediterranean flavours.

Vejer de la Fontera, Cádiz

This charming town is made up of gleaming white walls and terracotta roofs. Enjoy tapas, flamenco, and a slower pace of life here. You’ll be close to many beaches and plenty of good seafood, which you can find at Restaurante Casa Francisco. Annie B’s Cookery School is a local institution, offering Andalucian cookery classes with a hint of Moroccan flavours, as well as sherry and wine tours. There’s also the Salazones Herpac factory which produces the best salted, preserved and smoked fish.

Other reasons to move to Vejer de la Fontera: There are amazing vast golden beaches and natural parks with endless hiking trails: The Alcornocales and Grazalema national park. Also the Estrecho is Europe’s busiest bird migration area. And most importantly, the Cádiz people are so friendly and helpful.

Nearby alternatives: Medina-Sidonia – a charming historic town known for its Roman and Moorish heritage, and its delicious Alfajores de Medina (spiced almond sweets).

Hidden foodie gem: Casa Varo - offering the best fresh local almadraba tuna dishes in Vejer!

San Sebastian, Basque Region

If your heart is set on a city where you can indulge in world-class cuisine, stroll on the beach and swim in the sea, San Sebastian is perfect  for you. The region is well known for its pintxos (small tapas-like dishes) and is home to 19 Michelin stars. This Spanish foodie mecca is completed with its array of cider houses such as Altzueta Sagardotegia and Gurutzeta, serving up txakolí - a young, fruity white wine found in the province of province of Gipuzkoa.

Other reasons to move to San Sebastian: Lively nightlife, friendly locals, stunning scenery and number of interesting festivals held throughout the year - the International Film Festival, many dance festivals and live music festivals.

Nearby alternatives: Madrid has some of the most incredible food markets - the best is Mercado San Miguel. There’s excellent restaurants to be found everywhere, including the oldest restaurant in the world - Casa Botín

Hidden foodie gems:  Zazpi near San Telmo Museum - traditional Basque dishes with a modern twist. 

Barcelona, Catalonia

A city filled with tapas crawls, chocolate museums, excellent food markets such as Mercado de La Boqueria and Michelin star restaurants like the Lasarte and Àbac . Not only is the city  known for its delicious cuisine but it also offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle and a beautiful stretch of the coast that's hard to match anywhere else in Spain.

Other reasons to move to Barcelona: Barcelona is full of museums and galleries showcasing various themes and art movements, some of the biggest include: The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) which offers a collection of Catalan art from Romanesque to Modernism. There’s also the Picasso Museum which features one of the most significant collections of works by Pablo Picasso in the world.

Nearby alternatives: Girona - This was once home to the world's best restaurant El Celler De Can Roca. Meanwhile beguiling Begur is well known for its excellent fish restaurants and beach living.

Hidden foodie gems: Ca La Nuri is a restaurant by the seafront serving traditional Catalan food and other European dishes.

Ronda, Málaga

Perched high above the El Tajo Gorge, Ronda isn’t just one of Spain’s most spectacular towns — it’s also a rising star on the Spanish wine scene. Known for its boutique wineries and the prestigious Sierras de Málaga DO designation, Ronda’s wine culture is as bold and unforgettable as its famous cliffside views.

The region’s sunny climate and high-altitude vineyards produce exceptional Tempranillo, Syrah, and Garnacha wines, with local bodegas like Descalzos Viejos and Bodega Los Frutales offering intimate tastings amid stunning countryside settings. Pair these with Ronda’s rich Andalucian cuisine, including rabo de toro (oxtail stew) and berenjenas con miel (fried aubergines with honey), for the ultimate food and wine experience.

Other reasons to move to Ronda: A vibrant cultural calendar, including the famous Corrida Goyesca bullfight and music festivals, plus easy access to the Costa del Sol’s beaches when you need a sea breeze.

Nearby alternatives: Setenil de las Bodegas – famous for its houses built directly into the rock faces, and a hidden gem for wine lovers seeking something truly unique.

Hidden foodie gems: Tragatá – a Michelin-recommended modern tapas bar that brings a creative twist to Ronda’s traditional flavours.

Pinoso, Alicante

The beautiful and thriving town of Pinoso is approximately a 45 minutes drive from Alicante and the white beaches of Costa Blanca. Here you’ll find an array of bodegas selling wine, almonds and olives. Bodegas Volver is one of the best - offering a serene countryside experience. Surrounded by vineyards and almond groves, it's perfect for those who seek a peaceful retreat. You can savour fine wines and traditional Spanish dishes at El Raco de Pere y Pepa, a Michelin star restaurant with fantastic service from the married couple who run the business.

Other reasons to move to: Despite being inland, Pinoso is still a sought after location for many tourists and expats. There’s many bars, restaurants and shops, a new 24 hour medical centre, dentists, two primary schools and a secondary school. There's also an excellent sports community centre with outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, football pitches and gymnasium.

Nearby alternatives: Yecla – a hidden gem for wine lovers, home to the prestigious Yecla DO wine region. Visit local wineries and explore a town that perfectly balances traditional Spanish authenticity with a rich gastronomic heritage.

Hidden foodie gems: Templo Restaurante - A steakhouse serving the most succulent and tasty meats. Try their specialty T - bones!

Cuenca, Castile La Mancha

The beautiful, historic town of Cuenca was Spain's Gastronomic Food Capital for 2023. Famous for its  "Hanging Houses" which perch on cliffs along the mountain line. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by green rolling hills. Besides its unique architecture and landscape, Cuenca offers a taste of Castilian cuisine and culture. You can find world class traditional cuisine at Raff San Pedro. A popular dish is the "Rabo de toro".  As for local wine, Irén is the most widely planted grape variety in the Castilla-La Mancha region. You can also find small berry Muscat, Verdejo as well as Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The main red grape varieties found are Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Garnacha, Alicante Bouschet (known here as Garnacha Tintorera), Monastrell, Syrah and Bobal. To have a taste of these then why not visit the Winery and Vineyard - Las Calzadas bodega artesanal y enoturismo.

Other reasons to move to Cuenca, Castilla: Madrid and Valencia are both roughly an hour away by train, it's a UNESCO world heritage site, recognised for its stunning ‘hanging houses,’ and it's surrounded by captivating countryside, so there's plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.  

Nearby alternatives: Albacete is a city and municipality in the Spanish autonomous community of Castilla–La Mancha, and capital of the province. It’s flooded with green spaces as well as cobblestone streets and white wash houses.

Hidden foodie gems: MQM Museo del Queso Manchego Toledo - The cheese museum. You can learn about the history and production of authentic Spanish Manchego cheese and visit the tasting room, where you will find the best array of cheeses!

Logroño, La Rioja

Logroño is the gateway to the Rioja wine region with vast rolling hills of vineyards, olive groves and fruit  orchards. La Rioja is Spain's principal wine region, and Logroño is its lively capital. The vineyards here produce world-renowned wines like Tempranillo and some of the best wineries include - Bodegas Franco Espanolas and Bodega Ysios. A holiday home in Logroño means you're always a short commute from the Calle Laurel - a stretch of tapas bars that have achieved near mythic status in Spanish food folklore.

Other reasons to move to Logroño: When you order a glass of wine, the waiter will often ask you “Ribera o Rioja?” Which means which region do you prefer your wine from. That’s how important La Rioja is in regards to wine. Aside from the wine - there’s an enriching quality to life found within the city as it’s clean, has adequate health care, good transport connections and plenty of green space to explore.

Nearby alternatives: Pamplona is the new San Sebastian for food conscious Spaniards. It's best known for the Running of the Bulls (Feast of San Fermín) in July.

Hidden foodie gems: You can find the Vivanco Wine Museum just a 40 minute drive out of the centre of Rioja. Closer to the centre, you’ll find the Calle Laurel  -a stretch of tapas bars that have achieved near mythic status in Spanish food folklore.

Mallorca, Balearic Islands

With excellent restaurants, 9 of which being Michelin star, like the renowned La Bodeguilla and delectable food markets, Mallorca is an island of paradise for foodies. There’s also some lovely wineries across the island such as Ramanya. Mallorcan food specialties include - Sobrassada, Panades (Mallorcan empanadas), Coca Mallorquina, plus plenty of amazing fish (being an island). This Mediterranean gem offers stunning beaches, charming villages, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Other reasons to move to Majorca: Because Palma has it all: a picturesque, safe and easily-walkable historic city centre, golden sandy beaches, masses of excellent bars, restaurants and shops.

Nearby alternatives: Menorca - The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve island with crystal clear waters and white rocky cliffs. Menorca is a great destination for seafood lovers seeking fresh local produce.

Hidden foodie gems: The famous lamb restaurant Es Verger Alaró - halfway up the Puig de Alaró mountain, offering typical Mallorcan cuisine. This restaurant gained credible notoriety when British chef Rick Stein included the restaurant in one of his shows.

Oviedo, Asturias

Spain’s Gastronomic Capital for 2024 – and still a must-visit in 2025, Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, is a green paradise where culinary traditions run deep. Famed for its hearty dishes like fabada asturiana (bean and pork stew) and the indulgent cachopo (breaded veal stuffed with cheese and ham), this is where comfort food reaches new heights.

But Oviedo is more than rustic charm. Thanks to a new high-speed rail link, it’s now just a quick journey from Madrid, adding extra value to your property purchase. Visit Calle Gascona, known as "Cider Boulevard," to witness the dramatic art of escanciar — pouring Asturian cider from a height to release its signature fizz.

Other reasons to move to Oviedo: A compact, walkable city bursting with charm, excellent healthcare, and access to the breathtaking natural landscapes of northern Spain.

Nearby alternatives: Gijón – a vibrant coastal city steeped in maritime tradition.

Hidden foodie gems: La Corte de Pelayo – sample Asturian wines and fine local produce with views over the city’s most iconic plazas.

Ibiza, Balearic Islands

Ibiza’s food scene is just as thriving as its party scene. From traditional pork sausages (Butifarra de sobrasada), traditional stews, seafood and fish dishes. Greixonera is a beloved local dessert made from yesterday’s bread or pastries. You’ll find great local cuisine at restaurants like Restaurante Sa Finca or more gourmet style dishes at gourmet at La Gaia by Óscar Molina.  Beyond Ibiza's nightlife, you’ll also find a quieter, more serene side with the family run winery of Sa Cova. Relax and enjoy a walk around the grapevines whilst sipping on a glass of rose.

Other reasons to move to Ibiza: Ibiza is easily accessible to every major city or beach. You can be in Barcelona in under an hour, in Madrid in under two, and in London in under four. Ibiza’s work culture is very relaxed, a full 40-hour week slips by like a cool drink on a hot day thanks to laid back attitudes and happy outlooks on life. And after work it’s all about the beach, pool, cocktails and dinner!

Nearby alternatives: Sant Antoni de Portmany- is north west of the island. It has legendary sunset cafés and clubs, and a huge amount of water activities. Playa D’en Bossa is also very similar and home to the longest beach on the island. You will find many great bars and restaurants here too.

Hidden foodie gem: If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping in Ibiza then Forada Market is the perfect destination to go on a Saturday.  You’ll find all sorts of local produce, from Spanish cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables and even sculptures and ceramics. If you’re lucky enough you’ll even get to watch live music and dancing. 

Estepona, Costa del Sol, Málaga 

Tucked between the flashier hotspots of Marbella and Sotogrande, Estepona is the Costa del Sol’s Rising Star for Food, quietly stealing the culinary spotlight. Known for its picturesque old town, colourful flower-lined streets, and pristine beaches, Estepona combines Andalusian charm with a modern foodie scene. From traditional tapas in hidden alleyway taverns to fine dining at Michelin-recommended Kuvo, there’s something here for every palate.

Seafood takes centre stage, with beachside chiringuitos serving the freshest espetos de sardinas (sardines grilled over open fires) and rich seafood paellas. Pair it all with a glass of local Sierras de Málaga DO wine — a rising star on the Spanish wine map.

Other reasons to move to Estepona: A brand-new 320,000 sq metre ‘Great Park of the Costa del Sol’ opens in 2025, enhancing the town’s already exceptional lifestyle offering. Estepona also boasts an attractive marina, excellent golf courses, and a more laid-back, authentic vibe than its glitzier neighbours.

Nearby alternatives: Marbella – the classic luxury destination, or La Cala de Mijas for a more village-like coastal lifestyle.

Hidden foodie gems: Restaurante La Escollera – famed for its seafood platters and unbeatable views of the harbour.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz

Located in the Sherry Triangle (the Cadiz region), this seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a true Spanish gem. There’s plenty of sherry bodegas to visit; such as Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana , along with great tapas bars like Puerta de la Victoria, and an abundance of fresh seafood to try. The city's relaxed atmosphere, historic charm, and close proximity to the sea can all be enjoyed alongside a glass of Amontillado sherry.

Other reasons to move to Sanlúcar de Barrameda: There’s plenty of leisure clubs to join whether you enjoy - sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, or golf. The environment is rich with fruit trees and vineyards making it a scenic hiking spot.

Nearby alternatives: Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa María (also in Sherry Triangle)

Hidden foodie gems: La Lobera is an excellent restaurant serving fresh, innovative tapas made from local produce. Mercado de Abastos is a traditional market with vendor stalls selling cured meats, flowers, produce & cheeses.