Explore Castile and León
Spain's largest region: a high plateau of castles, wheat fields and well-preserved historic cities like Salamanca.
About Castile and León
Castile and León is Spain's largest region: a vast, high plateau of wheat fields, castles and historic cities, with mountains on its edges. Its towns are among the best preserved in Spain, from the golden sandstone of Salamanca to the cathedrals of Burgos and León. It is also home to the Ribera del Duero wine country.
Salamanca is a lively university city with one of Europe's oldest universities. Valladolid, the regional capital, is a pleasant, practical city about an hour from Madrid by high-speed train. Life is calm and affordable, and the climate is continental, with warm summers and cold winters.
Prices are moderate: Salamanca asks around €2,643/m² and Valladolid around €2,198/m², less than half of Madrid. The transfer tax is 8%, with a higher rate on more expensive homes.
What to know first
- Spain's largest region, with castles, historic cities and wine country
- Salamanca, a lively university city, and Valladolid, an hour from Madrid by train
- Prices less than half of Madrid's
- A 8% transfer tax, higher on more expensive homes
- Warm summers and cold, sunny winters
Asking prices compared
Ranked on asking price per m². Municipalities and sub-municipal entries are listed apart, because a district cannot be ranked against the municipality that contains it.
| Place | Asking price / m² | Population | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole municipalities | |||
| Salamanca | €2,643/m² | 145,583 | Mid |
| Valladolid | €2,198/m² | 301,798 | Mid |
How the prices spread
Salamanca asks a little more than Valladolid, thanks to its popularity with students and visitors. Both ask less than half of Madrid's prices. For buyers who work in Madrid, Valladolid combines lower prices with a fast train connection.
The table shows average asking prices, not sale prices. Within one town, prices can vary a lot from one area to the next.
Who each part suits
A university city
One of Europe's oldest universities, a golden old town and a lively student life.
A calm city with fast trains
A pleasant, affordable regional capital about an hour from Madrid by high-speed train.
Cities in Castile and León
Browse properties by city
Salamanca
Castile and León
€2,643/m² · Population 145.583
Valladolid
Castile and León
€2,198/m² · Population 301.798
The case for
- Historic cities
Salamanca's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the region is full of castles and cathedrals.
- Affordable prices
Less than half of Madrid's prices.
- Close to Madrid
Valladolid is about an hour from Madrid by high-speed train.
- Good food and wine
Roast lamb, Ribera del Duero wine and a strong tapas culture.
- Calm and safe
Little traffic, little noise and a relaxed pace of life.
The case against
- Cold winters
Winters are long and cold, with frost and fog.
- No sea
The nearest beaches are several hours away.
- Few flights
The region's airports have few routes; most people fly from Madrid.
- Higher tax on more expensive homes
The transfer tax rises above 8% on more expensive homes.
- Few international buyers
Fewer services in other languages than on the coasts.
Questions buyers ask
- What taxes do I pay when buying?
- On a resale home, 8% transfer tax, with a higher rate on more expensive homes. Lower rates apply to some young buyers and large families. New-build homes pay VAT instead of transfer tax. Ask a tax adviser about your situation.
- How far is Madrid?
- Valladolid is about an hour from Madrid by high-speed train; Salamanca about an hour and a half by train.
- What is the climate like?
- Continental and dry: warm summers and cold, sunny winters with frost.
- Salamanca or Valladolid?
- Salamanca for student life and a beautiful old town, Valladolid for lower prices and the fastest train to Madrid.
- Is it a good place to retire?
- For many people, yes: calm, safe and affordable, with good healthcare. The cold winters are the main drawback.
- Is it cheaper than Madrid?
- Yes, by far. Both cities ask less than half of Madrid's prices per square metre.