The Basque Country represents one of Europe's most sophisticated and culturally rich destinations for luxury real estate investment. Stretching along Spain's northern Atlantic coast from the dramatic cliffs of Bilbao to the elegant Belle Époque architecture of San Sebastian, this autonomous region combines breathtaking natural landscapes, world-class gastronomy, and an unparalleled quality of life. For discerning international buyers seeking premium properties in Northern Spain, the Basque Country offers an exceptional blend of tradition, innovation, and coastal refinement.
At Vivas Casa, we specialize in exclusive Basque Country real estate — from contemporary beachfront villas and historic palatial residences to sophisticated penthouses with panoramic bay views. With deep local expertise and a curated portfolio of high-end properties, we provide international clients worldwide with comprehensive support throughout every stage of acquisition, ensuring seamless and secure transactions in this prestigious market.
Why Invest in Luxury Real Estate in the Basque Country
The Basque Country stands apart as a destination where cultural heritage meets modern prosperity. This is Spain's wealthiest region, boasting the highest per-capita income in the country and a remarkably stable economy centered on innovation, finance, and advanced manufacturing. The region enjoys extraordinary infrastructure — including Bilbao's international airport, high-speed rail connections to Madrid and Paris, and exceptional healthcare and educational institutions.
Beyond economics, the Basque Country offers an incomparable lifestyle. The climate is temperate and green, with lush hills descending to a rugged coastline dotted with pristine beaches. The region is home to nearly 40 Michelin-starred restaurants, making it one of the world's premier gastronomic destinations — San Sebastian alone ranks second globally in Michelin stars per capita, surpassed only by Kyoto. Cultural sophistication pervades every aspect of life, from the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to the International Film Festival in San Sebastian.
For luxury property investors, the Basque Country presents multiple advantages: political and economic stability, strong rental yields in prime locations, growing demand from international buyers, and properties that consistently appreciate in value. The region attracts affluent retirees, business executives, and families seeking security, excellent schools, and a refined Mediterranean-Atlantic lifestyle.
Prime Locations for Luxury Properties in the Basque Country
San Sebastian (Donostia) — The Pearl of the Cantabrian Coast
San Sebastian epitomizes elegance and sophistication. This coastal jewel, once the summer residence of Spanish royalty, has maintained its aristocratic character while evolving into a cosmopolitan hub. The city curves gracefully around La Concha Bay — consistently rated among Europe's most beautiful urban beaches — and offers an exceptional selection of luxury properties.
The most exclusive neighborhoods include La Concha and Ondarreta, where Belle Époque villas and contemporary penthouses command stunning bay views. Paseo del Faro, situated near Monte Igueldo, features some of the city's most prestigious addresses, with palatial properties overlooking the dramatic coastline. Gros, the dynamic neighborhood adjacent to Zurriola Beach, attracts younger affluent buyers with its surf culture, Michelin-starred restaurants, and renovated designer apartments. Antiguo, near the University of Deusto, offers tranquil residential living with elegant period properties and modern villas, just minutes from Ondarreta Beach.
The Miraconcha and Zubieta Street areas represent the pinnacle of San Sebastian real estate, with exclusive apartments offering unobstructed sea views and proximity to the city's cultural heart. Properties here typically feature marble entrances, spacious terraces, and access to private amenities.
Bilbao — Urban Sophistication Meets Coastal Proximity
Bilbao has undergone a remarkable transformation from industrial port city to cultural and architectural destination. The gleaming titanium curves of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum symbolize the city's renaissance, while the revitalized waterfront along the Nervión River offers contemporary luxury living.
Neguri in Getxo, just 12 kilometers from Bilbao's center, stands as one of the region's most prestigious residential zones. This exclusive enclave features grand estates, designer villas, and historic palaces, many with direct sea views and private beach access. The Eguzkialde Palace, a landmark property by architect Leonardo Rucabado, exemplifies the architectural heritage of this distinguished neighborhood.
Las Arenas, another premium area in Getxo, combines beachfront location with elegant residential complexes and individual villas. The famous Vizcaya Suspension Bridge — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — connects this area to Portugalete, adding historical significance to the locale's natural beauty.
Within Bilbao proper, the Ensanche district offers sophisticated urban apartments in historic buildings with high ceilings, while Zorrotzaurre Island presents cutting-edge new developments along the Deusto Canal, attracting buyers seeking modern design and waterfront views.
Hondarribia — Medieval Charm and Coastal Exclusivity
Hondarribia, a fortified medieval town on the French border, offers a unique combination of historical architecture and contemporary luxury. The old quarter, with its cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses, has been impeccably preserved, while the surrounding hills shelter modern villas with exceptional views.
Jaizkibel and Jaitzubia neighborhoods are among the most exclusive residential areas in the entire Basque Country. Properties here, often occupying plots exceeding 2,000 square meters, feature infinity pools, landscaped gardens, and panoramic views spanning from Mount Jaizkibel to the French coastline. The proximity to both San Sebastian (20 minutes) and Biarritz (30 minutes) makes Hondarribia ideal for buyers seeking privacy without sacrificing accessibility.
Getxo and the Greater Bilbao Metropolitan Coast
Getxo encompasses several distinguished neighborhoods along the Bay of Biscay. La Galea, perched on dramatic cliffs, offers spectacular contemporary villas with uninterrupted ocean views. Average property prices in Getxo reached €3,752 per square meter in 2024, reflecting strong demand from affluent buyers seeking the perfect balance between coastal tranquility and urban connectivity.
Plentzia, a charming beach town within easy reach of Bilbao, provides a more relaxed coastal lifestyle while maintaining access to the metropolitan area's amenities and international schools.
Zarautz and the Guipuzcoan Coast
Zarautz boasts the longest beach in the region and has become increasingly popular among investors due to its vibrant surf culture and growing vacation rental market. The coastal route between Zarautz and Getaria features exclusive villas with direct Cantabrian Sea access, combining natural beauty with proximity to gastronomic landmarks like the Michelin-starred Elkano restaurant.
Luxury Villas, Apartments and Exclusive Residences in the Basque Country
The luxury property market in the Basque Country encompasses an impressive range of architectural styles and residential typologies. Buyers can select from contemporary beachfront villas with infinity pools and smart home technology, Belle Époque palaces meticulously restored with modern amenities, designer penthouses featuring panoramic terraces and premium finishes, or traditional Baserri farmhouses — characteristic stone and timber structures set within extensive rural estates.
Premium properties typically include multiple reception rooms, professional kitchens equipped with high-end appliances, spa facilities with indoor pools and saunas, landscaped gardens designed by renowned landscape architects, private elevator access, advanced security systems, and garaging for multiple vehicles. Many exclusive residences occupy gated communities offering 24-hour security, concierge services, tennis courts, and private beach access.
Vivas Casa maintains an exceptional portfolio of both on-market and off-market properties, providing our international clientele with access to the most coveted addresses in the region. Our comprehensive services include property sourcing tailored to specific requirements, complete legal due diligence and title verification, organization of in-person or virtual viewings, negotiation and transaction management, and facilitation of remote purchases through power of attorney when necessary.
The Basque Country Lifestyle — Culture, Gastronomy and Natural Beauty
Acquiring luxury property in the Basque Country means embracing a lifestyle defined by sophistication and authenticity. The region's gastronomic culture stands unrivaled — San Sebastian's pintxos bars transform evening socializing into a culinary art form, while restaurants like Arzak (three Michelin stars since 1989), Azurmendi (three Michelin stars, pioneering sustainable gastronomy), and Elkano (celebrated for its grilled turbot) represent the pinnacle of international cuisine.
Cultural life flourishes year-round. The San Sebastian International Film Festival attracts Hollywood celebrities and international filmmakers each September. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao houses rotating exhibitions of contemporary art masters. Traditional Basque festivals — from the Tamborrada drum parade to village fiestas — celebrate the region's unique cultural identity. The Semana Grande in both San Sebastian and Bilbao brings week-long celebrations featuring concerts, fireworks, and traditional sports competitions.
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the region's diverse landscape: world-class golf courses at Jaizkibel and Basozabal, exceptional surfing at Zurriola and Mundaka, sailing and yachting from the Real Club Náutico, and hiking trails through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the Basque Mountains. The region's temperate climate supports year-round activities, from coastal walks to mountain excursions.
International schools, including the British School of Navarra and Deutsche Schule San Alberto Magno, provide excellent education in multiple languages, making the Basque Country ideal for families. Healthcare is exceptional, with modern hospitals and specialized clinics offering services comparable to the finest European medical centers.
Luxury Property Prices in the Basque Country
The luxury real estate market in the Basque Country reflects the region's prestigious status and strong demand from international buyers. High-end properties typically begin at €1 million, with premium offerings reaching €5–10 million or more depending on location, size, and amenities.
In San Sebastian, luxury apartments with sea views in neighborhoods like Miraconcha or La Concha range from €1.2 million to €3.5 million, depending on size and position. Exclusive villas in Igeldo or Ulia commanding panoramic bay views typically start at €2.5 million and can exceed €6 million for exceptional properties with extensive grounds and direct beach access.
Bilbao's most prestigious addresses, including renovated historic palaces in the Ensanche district or contemporary penthouses along the waterfront, command prices from €800,000 to €2 million. In Getxo, particularly in Neguri and Las Arenas, luxury villas with sea views range from €1.5 million to €4 million, with exceptional estates occasionally surpassing €5 million.
Hondarribia's exclusive hillside properties in Jaizkibel typically begin at €1.6 million for modern villas with privacy and views, reaching €3–4 million for larger estates with premium finishes, landscaped grounds, and exceptional positioning.
Building plots in prime locations — offering opportunities for bespoke villa construction — start at approximately €400,000 in residential areas, with exceptional parcels in prestigious developments commanding significantly higher prices depending on size, views, and proximity to beaches.
International Buyer Support — Expertise You Can Trust
At Vivas Casa, we understand the unique needs of international clients investing in Spanish luxury real estate. Our multilingual team provides comprehensive support throughout the entire acquisition process, from initial property research to final completion and beyond.
We conduct thorough due diligence on every property, verifying legal title, ensuring planning permissions are in order, and identifying any potential issues before you commit. Our network of trusted professionals — including independent legal advisors, tax consultants, architects, and interior designers — ensures you receive expert guidance at every stage.
For clients unable to travel to Spain, we facilitate remote purchases through properly executed powers of attorney, coordinating all legal documentation, property inspections, and closing procedures. We also assist with residence permit applications for buyers seeking to establish primary or secondary residence in Spain.
Our after-sales services include property management, rental income optimization for investment properties, assistance with utilities and local registrations, and ongoing market intelligence to help you maximize the value of your Basque Country investment.
Discover Exceptional Basque Country Properties with Vivas Casa
The Basque Country represents a rare opportunity to acquire luxury real estate in one of Europe's most culturally sophisticated and economically stable regions. Whether you seek a beachfront villa in San Sebastian, a historic palace in Bilbao's elegant quarters, or a contemporary masterpiece overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, Vivas Casa provides access to the finest properties and unparalleled expertise.
Our curated portfolio includes both publicly listed and exclusive off-market residences, ensuring you discover properties perfectly aligned with your vision and requirements. With decades of combined experience in Northern Spain's luxury property market and multilingual capabilities, we offer the knowledge, discretion, and dedication that discerning international clients deserve.
