Snowy Towns in Spain to Buy a House

Where Does It Snow in Spain?

While city and beach tourism may seem more common, mountain areas attract many visitors each year. According to Statista, Spanish ski resorts receive an average of five million visitors annually, generating around 160 million euros in revenue during the 2021/2022 season.

Towns and areas with snow—whether near ski resorts or not—have become attractive destinations for vacations, driving increased real estate investments in these locations.

But where exactly does it snow in Spain? What are the best snowy towns to buy a house? While the Iberian Peninsula is known for an average of 300 sunny days per year, certain areas with unique geography have snow throughout the winter season.

The places where it snows most in Spain:

Catalan Pyrenees

Stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the border with France and Andorra, and connecting with the Aragonese Pyrenees to the west, this region is one of the snowiest areas in Spain. It has a milder climate than other parts of the range due to its proximity to the sea.

On the southern side of the Pyrenees, you’ll also find the Garrotxa Natural Park, the best example of volcanic landscapes in Spain. These features make it an ideal destination for tourism, renting rural houses, or owning a second home to enjoy snowy views.

Aragonese Pyrenees

Bordering Catalonia, Navarre, and France, this area offers rich biodiversity, including animals like golden eagles, bearded vultures, wolves, and even brown bears. It also features Spain’s tallest peaks, such as Aneto and Monte Perdido, which exceed 3,000 meters in height.

Known for its medieval villages and architectural heritage, highlights include the Royal Monastery of San Juan de la Peña. It is also home to national parks such as Ordesa and Monte Perdido.

Navarrese Pyrenees

Another snowy region in Spain is the Navarrese Pyrenees. This area is less rugged, bordering the sea to the west, near the Basque Country. It offers spectacular natural scenery, such as the Irati Forest, Baztán Valley, and Gorbeia Natural Park—perfect for tourism.

Alongside its natural beauty, you’ll find historical landmarks like dolmens, cromlechs, and routes connected to the Camino de Santiago, making it a unique and history-rich location.

Sierra Nevada

Unlike the previous regions, Sierra Nevada is located in southern Spain, spanning Granada and Almería. It is the highest mountain range in Western Europe after the Alps, with Mulhacén as its tallest peak at 3,478 meters above sea level.

Additionally, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986 due to its rich biodiversity, featuring more than 2,100 plant species.

Sierra de Guadarrama

Another area with frequent snowfall in Spain is the Sierra de Guadarrama, located between Madrid and Segovia. It is home to the Guadarrama National Park, known for its unique geological features, including peaks like Peñalara, which stands at 2,428 meters.

This region has immense biological value, with plant species found only in this area, such as the Spanish broom.

All these geographic locations boast highly visited and in-demand towns, making them ideal places to buy luxury homes and, if desired, generate rental income.

Towns with Snow in Spain to Buy a House (Near Ski Resorts)

Now that you know the snowiest places, let’s take a look at the most charming towns with snow in Spain, located near ski resorts, where you can buy a luxury home:

Sierra Nevada (Granada)

Cenes de la Vega

Located just 20 minutes by car from the Sierra Nevada ski resort and only 10 minutes from the Alhambra, this is an ideal location. It is known for its rich gastronomy, natural surroundings, and picturesque landscapes.

Monachil

This municipality covers 90.13 km² and is situated in a valley. It includes the Veleta peak and the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort within its boundaries. Thanks to its geographic location, it is perfect for hiking, mountaineering, and climbing activities.

Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid)

Navacerrada

This snowy town in Spain appeals to all preferences. It combines mountainous landscapes, breathtaking views, a reservoir, and hiking and cycling routes. Additionally, during Christmas, it hosts an outdoor market offering artisan products and gourmet foods for the most refined tastes.

Cercedilla

Just 8 kilometers from the Navacerrada pass, Cercedilla is ideal for hiking, skiing, horseback riding, climbing, and zip-lining. The town features the Ski Museum, the Fábrica de la Luz, Roman roads, bridges, and a 12th-century chapel.

La Molina (Girona)

La Molina

Located in the Cerdanya region, this town sits at an altitude of 1,158 meters. It spans 44 square kilometers and includes its namesake ski resort. With fewer than 1,000 residents, it combines high mountain landscapes with Catalonia’s largest valley, making it ideal for outdoor sports.

Alp

Situated in Girona, this town offers diverse environments and points of interest. It also boasts a network of over 50 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails.

Candanchú (Huesca)

Candanchú

Candanchú is located at 1,530 meters in the Aragón Valley in the Pyrenees, near the ski resort. It stands out not only for its winter snowfall but also for year-round activities, including mountain sports, hiking, horseback riding, and family-friendly activities.

Canfranc

This is one of the most visited towns by skiers in the area due to its tourist attractions. These include the International Station of Canfranc, inaugurated in the early 20th century, as well as fortifications like the Torreta de Fusileros and the Coll de Ladrones Fort.

Baqueira Beret (Lleida)

Arties

This town, with 524 residents, lies in a small widening of the valley where the Valarties River meets the Garona River. It features historic buildings dating back to the 12th century and Renaissance houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. It’s perfect for adventure sports year-round.

Salardú

At 1,260 meters in altitude, Salardú is perched on a rocky elevation beside the Garona River and fortified due to its strategic location among the mountains. It serves as a starting point for hiking excursions to Banhs de Tredòs, where visitors can enjoy thermal baths. It is also the last town before Baqueira, where the first chairlifts to the Baqueira Beret ski resort are located.

Benefits of Buying a House in a Snowy Town or Near a Ski Resort

Mountain tourism, along with adventure sports, has significantly increased in recent years. During the 2023-2024 ski season, Sierra Nevada recorded revenues of 46 million euros and over 1,100,945 visitors. Investing in real estate in such areas is therefore a great idea.

These numbers highlight the growth of this type of tourism, which demands more accommodations. The limited supply has increased property values. For example, Engel & Völkers recorded an average property price of 731,000 euros in 2023 in the Aran Valley.

Therefore, buying a house in a snowy town in Spain offers several advantages that benefit investors:

Second Home

It’s an excellent way to grow your capital by acquiring a luxury second home in a unique and highly sought-after location.

Profitability

Purchasing property in snowy towns or near ski resorts offers buyers the opportunity to earn higher returns if they choose to rent the property during the peak winter sports season.

A real estate agent is the ideal person to guide you and provide advice when making investments like this. Don’t hesitate to find a good real estate agency that can provide you with the information you need.

Safe Investment

While beachfront properties are often considered the best real estate investments, snowy towns should not be underestimated. As previously explained, these areas are gaining popularity and have become safe investments during times of economic uncertainty.

As you can see, snowy towns in Spain present a great opportunity to invest in real estate. At Engel & Völkers, we are delighted to guide you through the process of acquiring a house in one of these areas. Simply get in touch with us, and we’ll help you manage everything you need.