Five top long-stay destinations in Spain

Remote work, retirement, sabbaticals, slow travel — there are more reasons than ever to spend extended time in a single place rather than rushing between landmarks. Spain has long been one of Europe's favourite long-stay destinations, but not every region is equally suited for it.

The places below check the boxes that matter for a month or longer: reliable connectivity, year-round liveability, food and culture that don't get exhausted in a week, and proximity to airports for the inevitable visits home. They are also five of the most rewarding places in Spain to call home for an extended period.

For the long-stay traveller who's already done Andalusia and the Mediterranean, Cantabria is a revelation. Green hills running into the Atlantic, traditional cuisine that puts the Basque Country on notice, surfing beaches in Liencres and Somo, and small towns like Comillas and Santillana del Mar that look unchanged since the 19th century.

Summers are mild (25°C is a hot day), winters are wet but not severe, and the property prices are a fraction of what you'd pay on the Mediterranean. For families looking for nature, hiking, surfing and an authentic Spanish experience away from the crowds, Cantabria is hard to beat.

Spain's most exclusive private residential community, Sotogrande is structured as if it were designed for long stays: golf, polo, sailing, an international school, fine dining, beach club, and a level of privacy that's rare on the Mediterranean. The summer is intense but the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) are ideal — perfect weather, no crowds, fully booked life.

Vivla has homes in all five of these destinations. If you're considering a long-stay base in Spain — or a series of long-stay rotations across the country — talk to our team about the homes available and which ones match your lifestyle.