By Raymundo Larraín

21^st of September 2026

I continue today with my running series on top places to buy and live in Spain. You can find older entries in this series by scrolling down below. These impromptu, light-hearted guides are not meant to be exhaustive; they are simply a lighthouse to shed some light on an area’s main highlights, character and landmarks.

Introduction – Basques and their origin story

Long before the shadow of Rome, their existed a misty green land inhabited by a seafaring race, comprised of tall piercing blue-eyed warriors. Even the power of Rome never managed to fully subdue and bring them under heel, forever remaining an elusive and independent collective that largely kept to themselves, even to this very day.

Successive Spanish and French governments pursued Basques throughout history, going to great lengths to stomp out their uniqueness and language and bring them into the fold. But like Rome, failed. The Basque people pre-date the formation of Spain (and Rome aeterna), and will remain long after Spain, or even Europe, are no more.

The origins of the Basques remain shrouded in mystery. It’s like going down a rabbit hole. Despite centuries of painstaking research, experts worldwide are still unable to pinpoint the exact origins of Basques. It’s a pre-Roman ethnic group which is unrelated with the Celts or any of the other proto-Iberian group. Inexplicably, they would seem to have arisen in complete isolation from other human groups – but that makes no sense.    

Moreover, their native language (Euskara) is not linguistically linked to any of the major (or minor) romance languages descended from Latin. It is an isolated language, meaning it has no known genetic relation to any other language family in the world. This is extremely rare, as all languages borrow from one another through shared trade, wars, conquest, etc. All do; well, all except the Basque. The preposition ‘except’ and Basques you will find remain inextricably linked. Despite all our modern knowledge, vast resources and best efforts, we are still unable to trace back its origins to any other known language. All we know for certain is that Euskara is widely considered the oldest living spoken language in Europe without any ties to any other known language – dead or alive. Truly, a language lost in time; some even dare to venture its pre-Younger Dryas, but that’s unfounded, and there is no hard evidence to sustain such a baseless claim.

And brace for it – it gets weirder.

Even their blood type raises eyebrows. RH-negative can only be found in under 6% of the world population, making it the second rarest blood type. However, Basques sport large concentrations of this blood type, with up to 40% of their population, and even higher concentrations in rural areas. This blood type is special, because they are universal donors but may only receive from their same blood type. It also brings issues related to childbirth (stillbirth) when parents have mixed blood types, in a way railroading RH-negatives to stick together to ensure there are no issues with descendants. It’s almost as if Mother Nature had hardwired them genetically to band together, as one.

In their oral traditions, passed down from one generation to the next, there are whispers that their origins can be traced back to a fertile land, that was once powerful but was lost under the waves and mud. The survivors of the cataclysm were forced to resettle the mainland but would remain accomplished seafarers. Whilst it is easy – and downright tempting – to dismiss these as fringe theories or delusions from romantic writers linked to the Atlantean myth, the fact is that Basques must have originated from someplace – alas Science just can’t pin where.

In conclusion, what little we do know is that their society is old – very old. And that their language predates all other European languages and dialects by thousands of years. It’s almost as if they had magically sprouted in isolation post-Ice Age in their green valleys and forests; but surely there is more to this.

In truth, after all this time, we hardly know anything about Basques and their true origins. Science is going to need a great deal of luck to find whence they came.

Sorioneku - good luck!

Geography & Major Basque cities

The Basque Country (Euskal Herria), which forms part of Spain, is a diverse geographic region straddling the border between northern Spain and southwestern France along the Bay of Biscay. It spans seven traditional territories. The climate is Atlantic, with rainy winters and short summers that lead to lush vegetation. However, I must add that the climate change over the last two decades has created more temperate winters and longer spells of dry summers which now last for months.

It has three major cities:

• Vitoria-Gasteiz: This is the administrative capital, on paper. This is the government seat where the regional parliament is located and is home to the sitting regional president.
• Bilbao: is the seat of wealth and true power. It has been the main financial hub in the north for centuries, home to the sharpest financial and commercial minds of Spain. It is also the city with the largest population and is a cultural reference. I’ll be sure to cover it next fall in an article.
• San Sebastián: Featured in today’s article, is a major cultural and tourist hub.

San Sebastián

There are Spanish cities you visit and then there are Spanish cities you fall in love with.

San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) firmly belongs to the latter category.

Tucked into the northern coast of Spain, in the province of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country, San Sebastián curves elegantly around the Bay of La Concha. Behind it rise rolling green hills; in front of it stretches the Cantabrian Sea. The city somehow manages to combine the sophistication of a grand European resort with the earthy character of the Basque Country.

San Sebastián has long attracted visitors because of its pristine white sandy beaches, architecture and gastronomy. Today, its reputation reaches far beyond Spain. The city's official tourism office describes it as “a destination where sea, culture, gastronomy and an active lifestyle converge, while its culinary reputation has become international.”  

For somebody considering buying a home in northern Spain, however, the attraction goes deeper than tourism. San Sebastián is a city designed for living.

You can walk almost everywhere. You can have breakfast beside the sea, wander through the Old Town for lunch, hike up a green mountain in the afternoon and finish the evening eating pintxos in a packed bar.

And then there is the rain – a lot of it.

But that rain is partly responsible for the extraordinary greenery surrounding the city. This is not Mediterranean Spain with exotic palm trees, it’s a completely different ball game. There are no endless arid landscapes or baking-hot summers. Instead, you get a lush Atlantic climate, dramatic skies, gentle green hills and a coastline that can look almost cinematic when the weather turns.

The magic of San Sebastian. You can spot La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island

Famous people born in San Sebastián

In no particular order:

Catalina de Erauso (known popularly as La Monja Alférez, a 16^th century intrepid woman who adopted a masculine identity and sailed into the New World, where she would serve as soldier under the Spanish Empire fighting across multiple campaigns for king and country), Pío Baroja (renown writer belonging to the Generation of 1898), Paco Rabanne (international designer and parfume maker), Eduardo Chillida (acclaimed artist and sculptor), Alberto Iglesias (award-winning cinema score composer), Marta Etura (lauded actress), Luis Arconada (legendary football goalkeeper), Martín Zubimendi (football player), Ane Gabarain (actress).

The always gorgeous model Sarah Loinaz, born in San Sebastian

Foreign writers who visited San Sebastián

Victor Hugo: The giant French laureate visited in 1843 and wrote about his experiences describing the coast and the city in his work Alpes et Pyrénées.

Ernest Hemingway: Well of course, he would make the list, wouldn’t he? He visited San Sebastián multiple times during his travels in northern Spain. He enjoyed swimming off La Concha beach, eating local pintxos, and staying at classic spots like the Hotel Maria Cristina. His time in the region heavily influenced his writing, including his classic novel The Sun Also Rises.

Hans Christian Andersen: The romantic Danish writer made a Spain tour in 1862 visiting several cities (including Malaga city). His travels were captured in his book A Visit to Spain.

John Banville: The lauded Irish writer stayed in the city and actually featured it as backdrop to his dark novel April in Spain.

León Trotski: The intellectual Marxist and writer spent some time living and writing in the city after being expelled from France in 1916. He would eventually be detained and expelled from Spain too. No rest for the wicked.

The Roots: War, Royalty and the Sea

San Sebastián's history is inseparable from its strategic position on the Bay of Biscay.

For centuries it was a fortified town, military stronghold and important port. Its key strategic location made it valuable – and therefore coveted.

The city suffered one of its darkest moments in 1813 when San Sebastián was attacked during the Peninsular War. The town was largely destroyed by fire following the assault.

Yet, as so often happens throughout the history of Spain, destruction gave way to a rebirth, which led to reinvention. San Sebastián was rebuilt from the ground up. The medieval and military character gradually gave way to a more elegant urban vision, particularly during the nineteenth century. The city subsequently became a fashionable destination for Spanish royalty and European aristocracy.

Walk through the city centre and you encounter a distinctly Belle Époque atmosphere: grand façades, elegant buildings, theatres, hotels and wide avenues. The City Hall, Victoria Eugenia Theatre and Hotel María Cristina are among the architectural reminders of this transformation.

It is difficult not to feel that San Sebastián was designed for people who enjoyed dressing up for dinner. Mercifully, today you can turn up in trainers. And that’s fine by me, otherwise I wouldn’t be allowed in anywhere!

La Concha: The Crown Jewel

If San Sebastián had a single defining image, it would be La Concha.

The sweeping crescent-shaped bay is the city's poster child, its symbol and arguably its greatest natural asset. La Concha beach stretches lazily for more than a kilometre and a half, with the island of Santa Clara sitting offshore and Mount Igueldo rising at one end of the bay.  There is a long promenade made for walking and taking in the gorgeous sea views.

Don’t be surprised by locals who walk by briskly, without so much as a side glance, seemingly oblivious to the extraordinary scenery and beauty unfolding around them because they are used to it and tragically don’t pay it a second thought.

La Concha beach splendour

The Old Town

Then there is the Parte Vieja (the Old Town).

If La Concha is San Sebastián's elegant and more mature face, the Parte Vieja – ironically– is its mischievous bon vivant younger sibling.

The streets are narrow, atmospheric and packed with bars, restaurants and pintxo counters. It is here that you discover one of the great San Sebastián traditions: eating your way through the neighbourhood one small plate at a time.

The official tourism office describes the Parte Vieja as “one of the city's most vibrant and authentic areas, with a concentration of pintxo bars, restaurants and traditional food.”  

Monte Igueldo

For the best views of San Sebastián, climb Mount Igueldo. Or, more accurately, take the funicular. At the top, the city opens below for you.

La Concha forms a perfect crescent below. Santa Clara sits in the middle of the bay. The buildings of the city stretch inland, surrounded by the green hills of Gipuzkoa.

It is one of those vistas that makes property prices suddenly seem reasonable.

Breathtaking views of San Sebastian at dusk from Monte Igueldo. Lads, this is the perfect spot to declare your undying love – you're welcome.

Culture and festivals - International Film Festival

San Sebastián is not simply a beach resort.

It has a substantial cultural life, with theatres, museums, exhibitions, festivals and international events forming part of the city's fabric.

Perhaps the most internationally famous is the San Sebastián International Film Festival (now on its 74th edition as I write these lines), which brings actors, directors and the international film industry to the city every year. For avid moviegoers, like me, it’s always a thrill to watch great actors walking up the red carpet.

There are also traditional Basque festivals, sporting events and the famous traineras – traditional rowing boats – which compete in races along the coast.

The result is a city which remains lively outside the main summer season, and throughout all the winter. This matters if you are thinking about living here rather than simply visiting. By experience, I can tell you that summer resorts in winter tend to be dull and boring once the tourists leave (yes, even my native Marbella). Albeit San Sebastián doesn't suffer from this acute problem, because it is a cultural hub first and foremost – tourist destination takes a back seat.

American actress Angelina Jolie walking down the red carpet at San Sebastian. Arguably, the most beautiful actress ever - I'll die on that hill.

The Basque identity

As highlighted in the article’s introduction, the Basques are – truly – a peculiar lot in the sense that they come from a unique mould. Their people, their language, their traditions, their food, and even their blood type are unique! All these taken together coalesce, conferring them a genuinely distinctive identity that transcends time and space, offering no parallelisms with any other known culture, whether in Spain or abroad.  

Sadly, the Basque singularity and strong volkgeist often clashed with centralised power, both in France and Spain, leading to separatist activists and nationalist groups writing some of the darkest chapters in their long history.  

Note to self: in my spare time, I have to dig deeper into the Atlantis myth origin story and the Richat Structure; history is holding back on us. There is more than meets the Eye.

Traditional Basque flag known as Ikurrina. Written in Basque: "The Basque Country decides".

Gastronomy

Basques take food seriously, and man do I mean SERIOUSLY.

So much so, that most of the best chefs in Spain originate from the Basque Country or study there. Food to Basques is akin to what football is to Argentinians.

The cuisine of San Sebastián is based upon excellent local produce: fresh fish from the Cantabrian coast, seafood, meat, vegetables, cheese and cider, alongside the famous pintxos.

The city also sits within a wider Basque gastronomic culture that includes several plates.

San Sebastián's gastronomic reputation is extraordinary. The city's tourism authority currently highlights 18 Michelin stars associated with the city, while its wider gastronomic culture encompasses traditional cooking, gastronomic societies, markets, cider houses and the Basque Culinary Center.

For Basques, fine dining is so much more than simply eating out, it is ingrained in their psyche, it is woven into their daily routine, to the point it defines them culturally, setting them apart – again!

I’ll make an effort to gloss over and highlight what I reckon are the main dishes, so please bear with me:

Traditonal Bacalo al Pil-Pil (salted cod)

Signature dishes

Pintxos: small portions, big taste

Small, elaborate bites served on bread in bars, acting as the Basque version of tapas. A pintxo may be small, but the culinary ambition behind it is considerable. Traditional ingredients sit alongside modern techniques, and a casual bar can sometimes produce food that would not look out of place in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Marmitako: A comforting stew made with fresh tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions.

Bacalao al Pil-Pil: Salted cod gently pan-fried in olive oil with garlic and chili, creating a rich, emulsified sauce.

Kokotxas: Gelatinous hake or cod cheeks, usually served in a garlic and parsley green sauce (salsa verde).

Txuleton: A thick, massive, bone-in prime rib steak grilled over high heat. Hell yes, worth selling your soul for.

Txipirones en su tinta: Baby squid cooked in its own deep black ink sauce.

Pintxos bar in San Sebastian

Traditional desserts

Basque Cheesecake: A famously burnt, crustless cheesecake with a rich, creamy center.

Pastel Vasco (Gâteau Basque): A traditional round shortcrust pastry filled with pastry cream or black cherry jam.

Local drinks

Txakoli: A refreshing, slightly sparkling, high-acidity dry white wine poured from a height.

Sagardoa: Natural, tart Basque cider served uncarbonated.

Property scene

As a shameful plug, I remind the gentle reader I happen to be a conveyance lawyer by trade (I know shocking, writing is the side hustle). So please feel free to contact me, or my law firm, if you fancy buying a property in the Basque Country (or anywhere else in Spain).

Ok, now we arrive at the elephant in the room. San Sebastián is expensive, very expensive by Spanish standards. According to Idealista's August 2026 data, the average asking price for property in Donostia-San Sebastián was approximately €6,680 per square metre, following a 2.6% annual increase. This made San Sebastián the most expensive provincial capital in Spain at the time. And that is just an average. Location impacts enormously. Like the old real estate adagio goes: location, location, location.

Premium locations command higher prices. San Sebastián's property market therefore presents a very different proposition from some of the other cities in this series. You are not necessarily buying here because it is cheap. You are buying because the combination of location, lifestyle, scarcity and quality of life is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Supply is also constrained by geography. There is only so much coastline. Only so many apartments overlooking La Concha. Supply is also constrained by stringent planning laws that are (over) protective of its historic and cultural sites (Old Town). Only so much historic city centre I’m afraid.

All the above, taken together, translate into steep prices for discerning pockets. San Sebastian is not just a sun & sea hotspot; it is so much more. Intellectually-inclined minds will feel right at home with the city’s busy cultural life. Its close proximity to European influences and avant-garde trends, give it a lustre of a cosmopolitan city.   

What the future holds: sustainability vs innovation

The challenge for San Sebastián is familiar to other distinctive European cities.

How do you preserve what makes a place special while accommodating tourism, investment and rising housing costs?

The city has been developing sustainable tourism initiatives and promoting walking, cycling, neighbourhood tourism and responsible use of the city's resources. But success comes at a price. The more desirable the city becomes, the greater the pressure on housing. The more tourists discover it, the greater the pressure on the historic centre. And the more international attention the restaurants receive, the harder it becomes to keep everything feeling completely local.

San Sebastián's challenge is to remain San Sebastián. As always, virtue lies in striking the right balance.

In Conclusion

Basques are extraordinarily hard to befriend, but if you manage the feat, they become lifetime friends that will stand beside you like a rock, come high or low tide.

San Sebastián blends seamlessly a rich tapestry of cultural life with laid-back beachgoing. Romantic seaside promenades guarantee dramatic views at dusk. It offers a delicious gastronomy for those in the know, and for savvy investors on the prowl climate change is creating new unprecedented opportunities as summers increasingly become longer and hotter with each passing decade.  

San Sebastián is heaven in the north, a pearl of the Cantabrian Sea waiting to be explored and savoured by discerning minds.

San Sebastián, la perla del norte.

"Los necios tienen muchos amigos; el hombre inteligente, pocos." – Pío Baroja

Loosely translated as: “Fools have many friends; the intelligent man, few.”

Pío Baroja y Nessi (1872 – 1956). Was a Spanish writer born in San Sebastian. He was one of the key novelists of the Generation of '98. Despite being a trained physician, he preferred to write novels. He had an exquisite dark writing style, defined by an abrupt, unadorned and deeply pessimistic "dry blow" which stripped away grand rhetoric to expose human suffering and societal corruption – telling it how it is. Arguably, his masterpiece was his novel El árbol de la ciencia. He deserved a Nobel.

This is what Hemingway said about him: “Allow me to pay this small tribute to you who taught so much to those of us who wanted to be writers when we were young. I deplore the fact that you have not yet received a Nobel Prize, especially when it was given to so many who deserved it less, like me, who am only an adventurer.”

Other entries in this running series:

• Costa del Sol: your dream home in paradise – 8^th April 2022
• Sotogrande, the pearl of Cadiz – 3^rd June 2022
• Barcelona, the beautiful – 8^th November 2022
• Madrid, capital splendour – 21^st March 2023
• Mallorca: Heaven on Earth – 8^th June 2023
• Granada, the Last Kingdom – 12^th October 2023
• Seville, a dream city – 21^st March 2024
• Malaga, passion for life – 16^th September 2024
• Valencia, land of the brave – 21^st March 2025
• Santiago de Compostela: The road to God – 16^th September 2025
• Ibiza: Party island – 21^st March 2026
• San Sebastian: The Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea – 21^st September 2026

Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice. This article may be posted freely in websites or other social media so long as the author is duly credited. Plagiarizing, whether in whole or in part, this article without crediting the author may result in criminal prosecution. Ní neart go cur le chéile. Voluntas omnia vincit.

2.026 © Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt. All Rights Reserved.

Marbella-based Larraín Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) has over 23 years of experience at your service. We offer a wide range of 60 legal and corporate services. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record of successfully assisting expats all over Spain.

You can review here our client’s testimonials.

Article copyrighted © 2024. Plagiarism will be criminally prosecuted

Buying in Spain can feel deceptively straightforward. You find a place you love, agree on a price, sign a few documents at the notary and pick up the keys. In reality, the legal side of buying property in Spain hides a fair few traps that don’t always get mentioned in estate agents’ brochures.

A good lawyer will flag the awkward bits early on, the grey areas that could cost you money or sleepless nights later. That includes everything from tax risks and under-declared prices to surveys, timelines and local capital gains tax. The details matter in Spain, and small oversights can have long-term consequences.

1. Under-declared value
2. Surveys and valuations
1. The three types of property surveys
1. Building Condition Report
2. Structural Report
3. ‘Snagging’ Report
2. How much is a surveyor?
3. Valuations
3. Negotiating the price with the seller
4. Speeding up the process
5. Don’t get stuck with the plusvalía

Under-declared value

This is much less common these days thanks to Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, both EU and Spanish, and a clampdown by the tax authorities. Nevertheless, you may come across the practice of under-declaring the price in the legal documents to avoid tax, and the accompanying concept of ‘B money’ or negro.

This process involves understating the value of a property so that the official sales price on the deeds is shown as between 5% and 20% (even up to 50% in the old days) less than the actual purchase price. The buyer is expected to deliver the balance in cash ‘under the table’. The benefits, on paper, are that the buyer pays less transfer tax and the seller pays less capital gains tax.

Resist all pressure to take part in this kind of fraud. Although it was once commonplace in Spanish property sales, it is illegal. If uncovered after the sale, you will be fined heavily. 

Also bear in mind that any under-valuation of your property will make you potentially liable for more capital gains tax when you come to sell it, as your ‘profit’ will appear to be higher than it really was.

Surveys and valuations

In Spain, there is no requirement to have any kind of building survey carried out when a property is bought or sold, although if you’re getting a mortgage, the lender will probably insist on a valuation survey.

But it makes sense to get a survey done for your own peace of mind. When researching who you need when buying property, make sure the surveyor is independent. The last person you want is someone with a social or business connection to the seller, the seller’s lawyer or the estate agent. 

It takes time for the surveyor to visit the property and prepare the report, so always commission the survey as early as possible. Some surveyors will give you a verbal report immediately after the inspection so that you can proceed (or not), but always insist on a follow-up written report as well. 

The three types of property surveys

Building Condition Report

This general health check comes with detailed advice on any work that needs doing before you buy it. Or you could negotiate a price reduction and do the work yourself. 

The surveyor takes measurements and compares them carefully with the Title and Tax descriptions, as discrepancies can indicate that work and building have been done without permission. Buy such a property, and you become liable for the fines. You could even be forced to demolish it. 

The surveyor will check that the property doesn’t infringe the coastal law (ley de Costas), verify the Energy, Technical Inspection and Structural Insurance certificates and provide advice on utility bills.

Structural Report

This is only required after the Building Survey has identified a serious structural problem and is normally carried out by a structural engineer.

‘Snagging’ Report

This is for new properties. As well as checking the services etc, the surveyor will examine the property and list even the smallest scrape or blemish the developer needs to fix. 

This list should be in both English and Spanish, as often the tradespeople who carry out the work will ignore anything they don’t understand. When the developer informs you, in writing, that the works have been completed, you or your surveyor can revisit to verify that everything has been done.

How much is a surveyor?

The cost, like many hidden expenses when buying property, will depend on the amount of time involved, and in this case, the surveyor. A survey for a large, older property in a rural location will cost much more than one for a new apartment, which is just around the corner from the surveyor’s office. 

You can make savings by asking for a reduced report listing only the defects found, their cause and how they can be fixed. 

Valuations

Surveys do not generally include a valuation of the property. If you want to reassure yourself that the price you’re paying is a fair one, you’ll need to commission a valuation survey. Save a bit of money by combining this with the Building Condition report.

Spanish building regulations are more stringent than they used to be. That’s not to say that today’s developers don’t also cut corners from time to time, but if the property you’re buying is more than 20 years old, you should definitely commission a survey.
The results put you in a stronger negotiating position. For this very reason, the seller may not consent to a survey being carried out before the private purchase contract has been signed. 

• If they refuse, there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s especially a problem if the mortgage lender requires a valuation. 

At the end of the day, if the seller refuses to let you carry out a survey, you can easily draw your own conclusions as to why this might be. And the safest advice would be to simply walk away at this point.

Negotiating the price with the seller

You may find the asking prices of property in Spain somewhat arbitrary and idiosyncratic. This can work against your ability to negotiate, as there is often little respect for the concept of objective value. 

However, at the very least, you should arm yourself with the prices of similar properties in the region and try to find out the area’s standard discount on the asking price.

Speeding up the process

One of the things you’ll need to agree with the seller on is a deadline for signing the deeds. This is usually between one and two months after the private purchase contract. 

If both sides want to complete faster than this, it’s possible to agree to skip the private purchase contract stage altogether. However, always build in sufficient time for your team to carry out their work.

Don’t get stuck with the plusvalía

Paying the local capital gains tax, the plusvalía, is the seller’s responsibility, but you will end up being liable for it if the seller disappears without paying it. This is because the debt is technically tied to the property, so once the property is yours, so is the debt. 

You should be particularly cautious if you’re buying from a non-resident. If you and your lawyer feel you need to address this risk, you can offer to pay the plusvalía, deducting the amount from the final payment you make to the seller at the notary’s office. This is known as a retention (retención, in Spanish). 

Lawyers may practice several retentions upon completion to safeguard the buyer’s interests in the event the seller has any outstanding debts or has been unable to prove there are no arrears.

Larrain Nesbitt Abogados is a Spanish law firm specialising in conveyance, taxation, inheritance, residency, and litigation. 

You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone on (+34) 952 19 22 88, or by completing our contact form to book an appointment.

The information provided in this guide is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as a substitute for professional legal advice.

2.022 and 2.026 © Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt and Andrew Rogers. All Rights Reserved. Voluntas Omnia Vincit.

Marbella-based Larraín Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) has over 23 years of experience at your service. We offer a wide range of 60 legal and corporate services. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record of successfully assisting expats all over Spain.

You can review here our client’s testimonials.

Article copyrighted © 2024. Plagiarism will be criminally prosecuted

Summer has arrived, and with it the holiday season is at its peak.  

Scammers are also at their peak, as a new rental season is upon us to fleece unsuspecting punters.

The best way to avoid falling for a scam is to be aware of it.

I have collated below eight tips that may help you avoid being scammed on renting a holiday home in Spain.

1. Fake listings. Scammers use enticing photos from legit sites for their phoney property listings. When you arrive at the property, it's either not up for rental or it's occupied by someone else.
2. Bait and switch. The property shown in the photos is not the same one when you arrive.
3. Property is listed below the market rate As they say, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. You know that €2,000 a month villa in Ibiza you are being offered? Yep, it’s a scam.
4. The person you are dealing with is not the owner. This is normally a telltale sign you are being scammed. Excuses given will be that they have been left in charge of the property as the owners live abroad, etc. Always ensure the person you are dealing with is the owner, realtor, or property manager.
5. You are asked to pay in cash or by other exotic means which are not traceable (i.e. Bitcoin).
6. You are asked to make overseas payments to a country other than Spain.
7. Always in a rush. Pay up or give up. They typically give you under 24 hours to pay them as they have “a long waiting list”.
8. You are asked to pay in advance the full rental price without meeting them in person or physically touring the place yourself. Virtual property tours are a huge red flag.
   

Available services from LNA:

• Holiday Rental Accounting Service (HRAS)
• Rentals (contract drafting)
• Contracts (read & review)

At Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) we have over 23 years’ experience assisting clients buying, selling, or renting properties. We can also offer you a competitively priced accounting service to file your landlord taxes every tax quarter nationwide. We are also specialized in immigration & residency visas. You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone on our UK line (+44) 0754 3838 218, or Spanish line  (+34) 952 19 22 88, or by completing our contact form to book an appointment.

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.
2024 © Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt. All Rights Reserved.

Marbella-based Larrain Nesbitt Abogados has over 23 year’s taxation & conveyancing experience at your service. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record successfully assisting expats all over Spain. You can review here our client’s testimonials.

Blog post copyrighted © 2026. Plagiarism will be criminally prosecuted.

By Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt
Lawyer – Abogado
1^st of June 2026

Introduction

It’s no secret Spain faces a huge housing problem, which has only been compounding and aggravated over time with the laws the government has approved in a continued market interventionism, which is backfiring. Spain’s property and rental prices have reached all-time highs. In fact, housing has become Spain’s number one problem, followed closely by high unemployment and illegal immigration. To that end, the Spanish government approved a batch of laws last year in an attempt to alleviate the situation.

One of the star measures was the creation of the new Registro Único Estatal de Alquileres (national registry for holiday rentals). The goal, on paper, was to exert control over holiday rentals nationwide, by weeding out illegal ones, to facilitate accommodation, and increase the security and supply which would hopefully bring down the price of rentals. Whilst this sounds good on paper, unfortunately, in reality, it panned out very differently. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

The issue was that, as explained in multiple articles, Spain’s regional Authorities already had devolved competencies over tourist rentals. In fact, over the past decade, every region in Spain has passed its own set of laws on holiday rentals and has Regional Tourism Authorities that exercise strict control over them, even granting Tourism Licences. 

The central government unilaterally decided to invade devolved competencies constitutionally attributed to Spain’s 17 autonomous regions by creating a new central registry, which in effect duplicates and overlaps their competencies. I reported this in this article published by Idealista.

I’ve heavily criticised this in several articles.  The European Union also took notice and slapped the wrist of Spain for going out of its way to overcomplicate matters. The European Union heavily criticised Spain's new national short-term rental registry, stating that the duplicate registration requirement violated EU short-term accommodation rules. The European Commission previously issued warnings to Spain, arguing that the newly introduced national registry created an unnecessary administrative double burden for hosts, conflicting directly with EU Regulation 2024/1028.

Some autonomous regions appealed against this new law from the government to Spain’s Supreme Court.

This week, we’ve learned that Spain’s Supreme Court - the highest court in the land - has overturned the new national holiday registry with its 620/2026 ruling, in effect scrapping it altogether. This affects NRUA code applications, suppressing them.

As a result of the Spanish government purposely ignoring the Rule of Law, cornerstone of any self-respecting democracy, it has now introduced (even) more legal uncertainty and confusion in the real estate market. Investors, and consumers at large, dislike legal uncertainty. Everyone wants to work within a safe legal framework and play by the rules. Clear laws enable legal security and foster investment and job creation in their wake. Clearly, Spain’s government has overreached by invading legal competencies constitutionally attributed to Spain’s 17 regional autonomous governments. The government must cease to continuously undermine, if not contravene, Spain’s Constitution at every step.

The saddest part is that this legal outcome was entirely foreseeable and avoidable.

Impuesto de Solidaridad a las Grandes Fortunas (ISGF) – national Wealth Tax

On another unrelated taxation matter, I bet my bottom dollar that we are also going to see this same legal outcome as well with Spain’s Impuesto de Solidaridad a las Grandes Fortunas (or ISGF, for short). This was another ‘star’ measure of the government. Again, because of constitutionally devolved competencies, regional authorities in Spain have competencies over certain taxes, which include Wealth Tax.

Depending on the political ideology of the regional administration, some of them passed laws which, in effect, suppressed Wealth Tax i.e. the regions of Andalusia and Madrid. Spain’s central government, yet again, decided to step in decisively for electoral reasons and quash this by enacting its own national law to override and supersede the constitutionally regional taxation competencies. As a result, many of these autonomous regions also filed appeals to overturn the government’s new ISGF law.

In my humble opinion, they are right, and their appeals will be upheld over the next couple of years, overturning the ISGF as well.

Conclusion

Long story short, Spain’s incumbent administration has a serious penchant for Authoritarianism that I’ve not seen since the likes of General Franco. It has become only too apparent how this government continuously undermines and attacks the Spanish Constitution and the principles it enshrines. I was born under the yoke of dictatorship in the 70’s, and over time, the country was freed to embrace the ideals and freedoms of democracy, modernising it and bringing it out of its shell. Through democracy, embodied by our Constitution, Spain has enjoyed the trappings of peace and prosperity for over 48 years, which many now take for granted, ending centuries of continued internal warfare, hardship, and political strife.  

Spain’s Constitution has acted as the guarantor of peace and prosperity since 1978. Yes, it’s far from perfect, but it’s the best we’ve got. The government must curb its relentless autocratic tendencies to overreach by intervening in every little aspect of society, including the real estate market, in breach of existing laws.

The government - any government - should never cross the red line drawn by Spain’s Constitution. Spain’s Constitution embodies the spirit of former foes agreeing to lay down arms and bring peace and understanding to the land. It opened a beautiful chapter in our history, reconciling both sides, as equals, as one nation, healing the festering wounds left open by a fratricidal civil conflict. 

Only chaos and political instability await past the thin red line. Our grandparents, who paid the ultimate price, know all too well where that dark path leads to. Let us learn from the lessons of the past and respect and abide by our Constitution.

"Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." – Sir Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (1874 – 1965). Born into a privileged aristocratic family at Blenheim Palace, he was an eminent British career officer, artist, historian, journalist, delicious eccentric and laureate writer – awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 “for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values.” With dogged single-minded determination, he defied alone and managed to stave off, the tyrannical Nazi wave in WWII, unwaveringly assisted by our American cousins, which threatened to swallow whole the United Kingdom as it had already overrun most of Europe. He resolutely led the country out of its darkest hour, restored Europe's freedom and laid the groundwork for peace and prosperity which all future generations have come to enjoy since and taken for granted, or so it would seem. As a keen-eyed historian, in line with fellow Founding Fathers Schuman and Monnet, he was quick to grasp and understand the importance of a united Europe to avoid repeat past mistakes which had resulted in two world wars that ravaged the continent. Consequently, he became a staunch defender of the idea of creating a single supranational political and economic entity which reconciled old foes and would act as guarantor of peace & prosperity in the continent (in his own words, a “United States of Europe”); in time, this European fellowship would be known to us as the European Union. Churchill was instrumental, and the key driving force, behind the creation of the Council of Europe, a forerunner of what is now the European Union. He is credited as one of eleven Founding Fathers of the Union. Churchill incarnated like no other the best of British values. A child of the House of Commons, he was a proud servant of the State, never its master. A true statesman who would always put ahead of any consideration the best interests of our people, semper fidelis to Lincoln's Gettysburg ideals, by tearing down divisive walls and fostering at every opportunity union.

Simply put, he’s likely the finest British politician ever to grace 10 Downing Street.

At Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) we have over 23 years of experience specialising in property conveyance and taxation. We also assist clients with immigration & residency visas (digital nomad visa), and inheritance procedures (probate). You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone on our UK line (+44) 0754 3838 218 or Spanish line (+34) 952 19 22 88, or by completing our contact form.

Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice. This article may be posted freely in websites or other social media so long as the author is duly credited. Plagiarising, whether in whole or in part, this article without crediting the author may result in criminal prosecution. Ní neart go cur le chéile. Voluntas omnia vincit.

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.
2026© Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt. All Rights Reserved.

Marbella-based Larrain Nesbitt Abogados has over 23 year’s taxation & conveyancing experience at your service. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record successfully assisting expats all over Spain. You can review here our client’s testimonials.

Blog post copyrighted © 2026. Plagiarism will be criminally prosecuted.

By Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt
Lawyer – Abogado
21^st of May 2026

Earlier this week, we got the news that Shakira (finally) won her longstanding battle against the Spanish Tax Office. She stands to recover 60mn euros plus legal interests on top. Shakira goes on to join the group of other famous personalities that likewise challenged the tax office and won their cases (such as Xabi Alonso, Piqué, Ana Duato, María Teresa Campos and many more). Shakira is a successful singer known for her generosity and philanthropic foundations in benefit of poor and deprived children of her native Colombia.  

Following the court ruling, Shakira released a public statement:

"Después de más de ocho años soportando un señalamiento público brutal, campañas orquestadas para destruir mi reputación y noches enteras sin dormir que terminaron afectando a mi salud y al bienestar de mi familia, por fin la Audiencia Nacional ha puesto las cosas en su sitio", ha comenzado diciendo. Nunca hubo fraude, y la propia Administración nunca pudo demostrar lo contrario, sencillamente, porque no era cierto. Aun así, durante casi una década, se me ha tratado como culpable, se ha filtrado, distorsionado y amplificado cada paso del proceso, y se ha utilizado mi nombre y mi figura pública para enviar un mensaje amenazante al resto de contribuyentes. Hoy esa narrativa cae, y lo hace con la fuerza de una sentencia.

Mi mayor deseo es que este fallo siente un precedente para Hacienda y sirva a los miles de ciudadanos anónimos que cada día son abusados y aplastados por un sistema que presume su culpabilidad y los obliga a demostrar su inocencia desde la ruina económica y emocional. A ellos va dedicada esta victoria"

Loosely translated in English as:

“After more than eight years of enduring brutal public shaming, orchestrated campaigns to destroy my reputation, and countless sleepless nights that ultimately affected my health and the well-being of my family, the National Court has finally set things right. There was never any fraud, and the Tax Agency itself was never able to prove otherwise, simply because it wasn’t true. Even so, for almost a decade, I have been treated as guilty, every step of the process has been leaked, distorted, and amplified, and my name and public image have been used to send a threatening message to other taxpayers. Today, that narrative collapses, and it does so with the force of a court ruling.

My greatest wish is that this ruling sets a precedent for the Tax Agency and serves the thousands of anonymous citizens who are abused and crushed every day by a system that presumes their guilt and forces them to prove their innocence while facing economic and emotional ruin. This victory is dedicated to them.”

A little known fact is that the Spanish Tax Office, when challenged at court, loses 50 to 70% of its cases (depending on which tax). In plain English, the predatory practices of the Spanish Tax Office, when examined closely, are regularly quashed by the judges ruling on these matters.

The fact is that the tax office banks on the knowledge that most taxpayers refuse to challenge a tax inspection at court. In that knowledge, the tax office unlawfully pockets billions of euros every year.    

Another little known fact is that tax inspectors in Spain are awarded a bonus of up to 25% on successfully 'recovering' funds from besieged taxpayers. In other words, Spanish tax inspectors have a vested interest in pursuing and opening tax cases against weary taxpayers, whether merited or not, regardless.

And finally, another little known fact is that nothing (nada) happens to these tax inspectors when the cases they opened against taxpayers are thrown out by a court, as is routinely the case.

The gist of this article is that you do not have to be Shakira, or even a multimillionaire, to hire a law firm and defend yourself if you think you are being wrongfully and unjustly accused. And even if you are, in most cases the tax office files unfounded cases which are unravelled at court by lawyers for lack of concrete evidence and working on suppositions and hearsay. 

 "A lawyer's job is to protect his clients from other lawyers."

Related service LNA offers:

Litigation

At Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) we have over 23 years of experience specialising in taxation, and property conveyance. We also assist clients with immigration & residency visas, and inheritance procedures (probate). You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone on our UK line (+44) 0754 3838 218 or Spanish line (+34) 952 19 22 88, or by completing our contact form.

Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice. This article may be posted freely in websites or other social media so long as the author is duly credited. Plagiarising, whether in whole or in part, this article without crediting the author may result in criminal prosecution. Ní neart go cur le chéile. VOV.

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.
2026© Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt. All Rights Reserved.

Marbella-based Larrain Nesbitt Abogados has over 23 year’s taxation & conveyancing experience at your service. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record successfully assisting expats all over Spain. You can review here our client’s testimonials.

Blog post copyrighted © 2026. Plagiarism will be criminally prosecuted.

By Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt
Lawyer – Abogado
6^th of May 2026

El Mundo newspaper published a story on the 3^rd of May in which Spain’s Tribunal de Cuentas, the public body responsible for supervising and overseeing Spain’s public expenditure, confirmed that Spain has been using EU public funds to pay Spanish pensions.  

This is of enormous gravity.

Whilst Germany (Europe's economic, military, and industrial powerhouse) has responsibly approved a draconian pension reform, effective as of May 2026, to in effect reduce and adjust its pensions to ensure stability and continuity in the future, Spain is irresponsibly misusing the EUNGF - paid largely by German taxpayers - to ludicrously finance bloated Spanish pensions to the tune of billions of euros Spain cannot - and should not - realistically afford given its ailing economy. Honest to God, the world upside down. And no one is held accountable for this gross misuse of public (mostly German) funds.

It beggars belief.

I had already published an article Now you see it, now you don’t, way back in February 2021, warning that mismanagement of these public funds would likely be the case without proper supervision. Unfortunately, time has proven the article right.  The EUs funds were devised to assist countries gripped by the Covid-19 epidemic to help them get back on their feet and give them a gentle nudge.

This is particularly concerning news because Spain’s public coffers have been the beneficiary of three simultaneous windfalls:

1. EU Next Generation Funds of over €163bn
2. Spain is one of the very few countries worldwide which does not deflate income tax brackets or to adjust income tax for inflation. Meaning the Spanish Tax Office has made an EXTRA 20%, or more, in tax revenue as a result of this unfair, and unprofessional, practice.
3. Unprecedented property boom that has driven property prices to historic records, higher than in 2008, which translates into the tax office cashing in big time on Property Transfer Tax (resales), VAT and Stamp Duty (new builds).

One would think, in view of the above triple whammy, that Spain should have more than enough money to pay all its debts and invest on its future. Well, you’d be wrong.   

Spain, instead of using the NGEU Funds to improve and modernise its economy, bring it into the digital era, has used it to plug budget holes such as paying public pensions. This goes on to show the enormous mismanagement of Spain’s economy and how EU public funds, which were tagged for a certain purpose, have been used instead for several other non-related purposes.   

Spain is still working with 2023 public budget as the government has failed, time and again, to muster the necessary political support to approve new annual budgets. The government just keeps extending 2023 budget every year, which is ludicrous.

Last year, Spain’s Tax Office broke its revenue record on receiving over €300bn in taxes.

The question is what are Spanish Authorities doing with all these vast amounts of money?

Clearly, this money is not being spent on healthcare, education, transportation, or its pitiful Armed Forces (Morocco now surpasses Spain militarily).  

Meanwhile, Spain has now exceeded €2 trillion in public debt, crossing a red line, in my opinion, of which there is no return. The official public debt figures do not take into account €500bn of public debt held by Spain’s 17 autonomous regions.

Something is rotten in the state of Spain.

"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." – Abraham Lincoln.

LNA has a 100% track record of attaining Spanish visa & residency permits since 2013. We have assisted over one thousand satisfied visa clients and their families.

At Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) we have over 23 years of experience specialising in taxation, and property conveyance. We also assist clients with immigration & residency visas, and inheritance procedures (probate). You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone on our UK line (+44) 0754 3838 218 or Spanish line (+34) 952 19 22 88, or by completing our contact form.

Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice. This article may be posted freely in websites or other social media so long as the author is duly credited. Plagiarising, whether in whole or in part, this article without crediting the author may result in criminal prosecution. Ní neart go cur le chéile. VOV.

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.
2026© Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt. All Rights Reserved.

Marbella-based Larrain Nesbitt Abogados has over 23 year’s taxation & conveyancing experience at your service. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record successfully assisting expats all over Spain. You can review here our client’s testimonials.

Blog post copyrighted © 2026. Plagiarism will be criminally prosecuted.

By Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt
Lawyer – Abogado
21^st of April 2026

Introduction

Life was looking good. You were all set up in Dubai. You paid no income tax; you saved money and invested it. Things couldn’t look any brighter until the bombs started falling and the shine came off Dubai.

Nights of terror hiding in the basement, fear sets in with each new drone strike, Dubai property prices falling off a cliff (-20% plunge in a week), the airport is closed amid attacks, and uncertainty becomes the new normality. How long will this war last?

It is now clear that you must escape Dubai with your family, but where to go next? The UK press confirms over 37,000 expats fled Dubai in recent days. Returning to the United Kingdom is not an option for affluent families. Heading back means the HMRC will be all too eager to pounce on you and cash in. High taxation in the UK has become unbearable for wealthy families following the new tax rules from last year.

What if I were to tell you that there is an option to pay ultra-low taxes at the heart of Western Europe?

Spain offers what is known as a Digital Nomad Visa. Whether you are employed or self-employed, working remotely, you and your family can all move to Spain and live a life of peace and abundance, away from all the violence afflicting the Middle East, paying little to no tax under the sunshine. Interested?       

If you are planning to move to Spain, you should seriously consider becoming a digital nomad.

There is no question that the Digital Nomad Visa has become the most sought-after visa in Spain after the Golden Visa was phased out in early 2025.

The Digital Nomad Visa (or tax-free visa, as it is popularly dubbed) offers a wide range of tax benefits that surpass Golden Visas. Golden Visas did not have the slew of tax advantages that DNVs offer. The DNV is all about paying little to no tax, whilst living the high life in Europe. Unlike Golden Visas, you don't need to spend €500,000 to benefit from it all. No minimum investment is required.

The DNV is simply the best visa money can buy in Europe at this moment in time.

8 reasons to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa

1. Ultra-low tax – unmatched tax advantages. Don’t fancy paying much tax? This visa has you covered. No other visa in Spain offers its wide range of tax benefits. You only need to pay a flat tax rate of 24% on your gross earnings in Spain up to €600,000/year. Any assets held abroad go untaxed. Moreover, unlike standard Spanish taxpayers, you don’t even need to declare assets or rights abroad (no need to complete tax form 720). In plain English, you pay little to no tax on your income, and you are not required to declare or pay tax for assets held abroad.  
2. Long duration. Clear rules, initially for 3 years, then works on a 3-year renewal, totalling 6 years. This visa has one of the longest durations available.
3. Fast-tracked. DNVs are granted by Madrid in under 3 weeks. No other visa is expedited as much. The red rug is rolled for you, cutting through all pesky red tape.
4. All the family is included. Your partner, your children (up to 25 years old), and even your parents may be included as dependents.
5. Right to work in Spain. Not only does it give full rights to work remotely in Spain to the main applicant, but it also extends the right to his dependents, either as freelancers or as employees pursuant to Law 13/2014 of International Entrepreneurs.
6. Unfettered access to the Union. Once you attain the DNV, it allows you and your family unrestricted access to the 27 Member States that assemble the Union.
7. Path to permanent residency – optional. The time spent leads to permanent residency (which lasts 10 years).
8. Path to Spanish citizenship – optional. Fancy a European passport that allows you access to 189 countries worldwide? The time spent leads to Spanish nationality after 10 years of continued and legal residency.

Conclusion

DNVS are hands down the best visa money can buy, living at the heart of Western Europe.

Fancy this weekend a shopping spree in London or Milan? Only two hours away by plane. Fancy popping to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower for some culture? Only two hours away by plane. Fancy skiing and catching up with your besties at Gstaad? Only two hours away by plane.

You have all the pros of becoming a legal admin resident in Spain, yet none of the tax cons, as standard tax obligations do NOT apply to you. A legal fiction operates whereby you are treated as a non-resident taxpayer, this is a tax scheme known as Beckham’s Rule.

Unsurprisingly, smart money votes with the wallet. Spain was ranked in 2025 as the best country in the world for digital nomads. Málaga is the world’s third most popular destination for digital nomads.

In my book, DNVs are a steal. Life is too short, and taxes are too high in some countries. Make the most of it, pay little to no tax, apply now for a DNV.

And if paying no tax and living in a peaceful European country wasn’t enough to convince you, property prices in Spain are appreciating by two digits a year. Now is the right time to catch the property train. What are you waiting for? Secure your family’s future and wellbeing, protect and build your wealth, by living at the heart of Western Europe.

DNVs allow you to live anywhere in Spain; you will be spoilt for choice: Barcelona, Costa del Sol, Granada, Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga, Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Sotogrande, and Valencia.

At LNA, we assist you, and your family, to attain a Digital Nomad Visa in under 3 weeks. We can also assist you buying, selling, or renting property anywhere in Spain.

Call us and speak to one of our friendly staff free of charge!

LNA has a 100% track record of attaining Spanish visa & residency permits since 2013. We have assisted over one thousand satisfied visa clients and their families.

At Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) we have over 23 years of experience specialising in taxation, and property conveyance. We also assist clients with immigration & residency visas, and inheritance procedures (probate). You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone on our UK line (+44) 0754 3838 218 or Spanish line (+34) 952 19 22 88, or by completing our contact form.

Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice. This article may be posted freely in websites or other social media so long as the author is duly credited. Plagiarising, whether in whole or in part, this article without crediting the author may result in criminal prosecution. Ní neart go cur le chéile. VOV.

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.
2026© Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt. All Rights Reserved.

Ibiza Old Town at nightfall

21^st of March 2026

I continue today with my running series on the top places to buy and live in Spain. You can find older entries on this city-guide series by scrolling down below. These impromptu light-hearted guides are not meant to be exhaustive; they act as a lighthouse, shedding light on an area’s main highlights and landmarks.

In the Old World, Bes was the deity who represented joy, music, and sexual pleasure

Introduction

Ibiza is the third largest of the four islands that form the Balearic Islands, an archipelago off eastern Spain, located in the Mediterranean Sea.

Ibiza’s history spans over 2,600 years. Founded by Phoenician seafarers, it occupies a strategic outpost and was aptly named Ibosim ("Island of Bes"), dedicated to the Egyptian god Bes. In the Old World, Bes was the deity who represented joy, music, and merriment. Indeed, unbeknownst to its first settlers, the island was fittingly named.

Ibiza exemplifies — like no other place on earth — the sense of joy, music, and sweet hedonism. Ibiza is renowned the world over as the party island par excellence, where revellers enjoy nightlife to its fullest until the crack of dawn.

There are two distinct sides to Ibiza; the first one is a spiritual facet, embodied by its colony of artists and savants, which can be found during the daytime, and which draws inspiration from its pristine azure coves, white sandy beaches, gently rolling thyme hills and golden sky dusks. The second one, found at nightfall, is the hedonistic Ibiza, enjoyed by bon vivants and embodied by its night temples (known as discos), administered by priests known as DJs, with their relentless pulsating electronic beats which pull at your soul.

Both Ibizas work in tandem; they draw and feed from each other synergistically, from dawn to dusk, under a mantle of stars.

Which Ibiza appeals to you? 

Cala Saladeta, with its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. A green canopy of pine trees extends over the adjacent rolling hills.

A unique Mediterranean identity

At just 572 square kilometres, Ibiza may be smaller than some of its neighbours, but what it lacks in size it more than (over)compensates for in spirit and boundless energy. Ibiza was awarded on the 4^th of December 1999 a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of cultural, historical, and biodiversity assets. Sites such as remnants of ancient cities (the Puig des Molins Necropolis) and the fortified Dalt Vila — an impressive fortress perched atop Ibiza’s Old Town — connect the island’s present to its deep past.

The island’s terrain is a mosaic of salty wetlands, aromatic herb fields, gently pine-covered hills and glittering shores. Parc Natural de Ses Salines, a protected reserve shared with neighbouring Formentera, teems with birdlife and reflects the island’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage for future generations.

Cala Salada, another quiet cove with azure crystal waters. Perfect spot to commune with Mother Nature during the daytime. 

Day & night: The two faces of Ibiza

There is a reason the island’s nickname is “The White Isle”. Whitewashed villages and sun-bleached beaches stretch out lazily for miles until where the land meets the sky, offering serenity and slow-paced Mediterranean living by day. For countless travellers, discovering hidden coves, exploring inland hill towns, indulging in local cuisine and sipping herbal-infused drinks as the sun sets below the sea on the distant horizon are highlights of any visit.

But truly, it is at nightfall when Ibiza comes into its own and springs to life. World-renowned bars such as Sant Antoni’s Café Mambo set the stage for nights that pulse with music, while legendary clubbing culture — shaped in part by Balearic beat and DJ-led innovations — has influenced electronic music worldwide.

Even if the superclub era has evolved and some iconic venues now occupy a mysterious, abandoned place in time, the island’s nightlife legacy remains an iconic chapter of its character.

Dusk falls on Cala d'Hort beach. A popular spot during the summertime. It has a fantastic view of the mysterious island of Es Vedra.

Ibiza: Sun, sea & soul

During the daytime, explorers can get lost visiting its myriad natural landmarks and pristine sandy beaches. Ibiza — or Eivissa in Catalan — is one of Spain’s most evocative Mediterranean gems. It is an island full of contrasts, where ancient history meets avant-garde energy, serene coves sit alongside buzzing harbours, and a growing emphasis on sustainable living reshapes life here for both residents and visitors alike.

Clubbing at Pacha, Ibiza.

Ibiza: Temples of the night

These temples of hedonism are tended by night priests known as DJs. Several renowned names claim the spotlight, including French artist David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Keinemusik, Carl Cox, PAWSA, Fisher, Paul van Dyk, Marco Carola, and Solomun. 

But truly, it is the night temples that steal the limelight, burning bright. To name a few, and in no particular order:

• Amnesia: Was awarded the Best Global Club in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. Its foam parties are world-renowned.
• Pacha: Is hands down the most iconic disco. Founded in 1973, it has branched out to 10 countries.
• Ushuaia: Is a beach club with swanky music. Has a large swimming pool with multiple islets for go-go dancers. 
• Bora Bora: Another beach club.
• Privilege: Is the largest disco club in the world with a capacity of 10,000 clubbers.

Ibiza go-go dancers entertaining the crowds

Culinary & cultural richness

Ibiza’s food scene reflects its Mediterranean roots. Fresh seafood, hearty stews and rich desserts like greixonera (a lemon-scented tart) and flaó (a mint-flavoured cheesecake) punctuate menus in seaside chiringuitos and hidden eateries alike. Local drinks such as hierbas ibicencas, an aniseed-flavoured spirit, capture the island’s intoxicating blend of taste and tradition.

Beyond food, the island’s artistic pulse thrives in art galleries, music festivals and creative spaces abound. From ancient museums to contemporary sculptural installations that dot landscapes and seafronts, Ibiza nurtures a vibrant cultural life that rewards both the curious and the connoisseur. Ibiza’s creative energy is harnessed by its local artists, who channel it to create works of art and music for the enjoyment of us all.

Traditional Flao mint-scented cheesecake, worth trading your soul for

A property market defined by scarcity & prestige

For many, Ibiza is more than a holiday destination; it’s a lifestyle investment — literally. The property market is shaped by finite land, protective zoning and high international demand. Nearly half the island’s land is preserved or protected, and strict planning rules mean new-build opportunities are limited, insulating local values from swings in oversupply.

As of 2026, average prices on Ibiza hover around €7,000 per square metre, with prime waterfront districts easily exceeding that figure. Detached coastal villas, especially with uninterrupted sea views, can command values far above the norm, beyond €7,500 - €10,000 per square metre in sought-after zones.

Foreign purchasers remain a significant factor in the market, drawn by global prestige, a Mediterranean climate and a culture that blends leisurely days with international flair. A limited supply of stock and steady demand ensure resilient price stability and long-term capital appreciation.

However, Ibiza’s popularity isn’t without its housing challenges. Housing costs — both for sale and rent — have increased substantially across the island, prompting public debate about affordability, local access to housing and sustainable development for residents and workers alike.

Group of friends celebrating with mojitos at a chiringuito (beach club)

Ibiza’s future: balance is key

Ibiza faces the same predicament many iconic destinations have experienced: preserving its soul and identity while accommodating roaring success. Local planning policies now aim to curtail illegal tourist rentals and manage overtourism responsibly, reshaping how visitors engage with the island and reinforcing quality over sheer volume.

In the end, Ibiza’s true allure lies not just in its beaches or clubs, but in the contrast of experiences it offers. From tranquil mornings amid the sweet scent of wild thyme hills, evenings of fine dining al fresco and beguiling sunset views on an infinite golden sea to warm nights of untold pleasures that echo with the electronic beat of its music long after sunrise.

Ibiza’s future lies in striking the right balance between preservation and innovation.

Luxury yachts moored in Cala D'Hort beach

Conclusion

The spiritual side of Ibiza inspires its artists, gentle poets and intellectuals, fostering creativity. Whether you're attracted to its jaw-dropping landscapes, magic sunsets over a dashing blue sea, or historic landmarks, Ibiza draws you in. Visitors find themselves captivated by the island's cultural and natural treasures, ensuring a memorable experience.

Albeit where Ibiza’s heart truly lies, and is at its best, is with the rhythmic pulsating beat of its colourful nightlife. Making Bes proud, Ibiza embodies — like no other place — wanton release and merriment under a Mediterranean starry sky.

This synergistic duality — spirituality and unrestrained hedonism — neatly combine to define Ibiza, making it its hallmark.

If you haven’t partied in Ibiza, you haven’t lived.

Ibiza, isla del placer.
Ibiza, party island.

Other entries in this running series:

• Costa del Sol: your dream home in paradise – 8^th April 2022
• Sotogrande, the pearl of Cadiz – 3^rd June 2022
• Barcelona, the beautiful – 8^th November 2022
• Madrid, capital splendour – 21^st March 2023
• Mallorca: Heaven on Earth – 8^th June 2023
• Granada, the Last Kingdom – 12^th October 2023
• Seville, a dream city – 21^st March 2024
• Malaga, passion for life – 16^th September 2024
• Valencia, land of the brave – 21^st March 2025
• Santiago de Compostela: The road to God – 16^th September 2025
• Ibiza: Party island – 21^st March 2026

Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice. This article may be posted freely in websites or other social media so long as the author is duly credited. Plagiarizing, whether in whole or in part, this article without crediting the author may result in criminal prosecution. Ní neart go cur le chéile. Voluntas omnia vincit.

2.026 © Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt. All Rights Reserved.

Ní neart go cur le chéile.