Ask any British expat why they chose their corner of Spain, and you will usually get a fierce, unwavering defence of their local barrio, beach, or mountain valley. So when España Fascinante recently polled thousands of seasoned travellers to name Spain's single most beautiful autonomous community, it should come as no surprise that the vote ended in a dramatic tie. The co-winners? Asturias and Andalusia—two regions so geographically, culturally, and climatically opposite that they perfectly capture the dual soul of Spain.
For property owners and long-term residents, this split vote underscores a reality we know well: there is no single "Spain." There is the sun-drenched, Moorish south, and there is the dramatic, emerald-green north.
1st (Tie): Asturias – Spain's emerald Queen of the North. Source: Pablo Sebastian Intelisano / Getty Images
1st (Tie): Andalusia – Moorish grandeur and year-round sunshine. Source: ViliamM / Getty Images
2nd Place: Galicia – Celtic heritage and rugged Atlantic estuaries. Source: Luis Dafos / Getty Images
3rd Place: Valencian Community – Mediterranean beaches meet modern design. Source: Ventura Carmona / Getty Images
4th Place: Aragón – High Pyrenees and enchanting medieval villages. Source: Jorgefontestad / Getty Images
A Tale of Two Spains: Why Asturias and Andalusia Co-Reign
It is fascinating to see voters split straight down the middle between the Principality of Asturias and Andalusia. It proves that expats and travellers are increasingly moving beyond the standard holiday brochure image of Spain to appreciate its wilder frontiers.
In Asturias, you are dealing with "Green Spain" (España Verde). Here, dramatic limestone peaks in the Picos de Europa plunge almost directly into the Cantabrian Sea. It is a land of cider houses (sidrerías), Celtic bagpipes, deep-dish bean stews (fabada), and cool summer breezes. It is the antithesis of the crowded Costas, drawing Brits who want hiking boots rather than flip-flops, and who do not mind occasional rainfall if it means lush pastures and deserted, dramatic coves.
Andalusia, on the other hand, is the romantic heartbeat of the peninsula. It is the Spain of flamenco, white-washed hill towns (pueblos blancos), olive groves that stretch to the horizon, and world-class architectural marvels like Granada’s Alhambra and Seville’s Plaza de España. For many expats, Andalusia’s intoxicating blend of Moorish history, vibrant street life, and reliable winter sunshine makes it unbeatable.
The Complete Reader Ranking: Who Made the Top Five?
While Asturias and Andalusia shared the crown, the remaining spots in the top five highlight regions that have seen a massive surge in interest from British second-home buyers and digital nomads over the last decade:
2nd Place: Galicia – The Silver Medalist
Sitting proudly in second place is Galicia. Much like its neighbour Asturias, Galicia won over voters with its untamed Atlantic coastline, world-famous seafood, and the labyrinthine stone streets of Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña. The deeply indented estuaries (rías) offer some of the cleanest boating and sailing waters in Europe.
3rd Place: The Valencian Community – The Expat Favourite
Claiming third is the Valencian Community—home to the Costa Blanca, Valencia city, and Alicante. While famous for its endless golden beaches and being the birthplace of authentic paella, voters specifically nodded to its enticing hinterland. Move just 30 minutes inland from the bustling coast, and you find tranquil valleys filled with almond blossoms, medieval castles, and limestone climbing crags.
4th Place: Aragón – The Mountain Playground
Aragón secured fourth place thanks to the raw majesty of the Aragonese Pyrenees, the stately elegance of its capital, Zaragoza, and fairy-tale settlements like Albarracín (widely considered one of the most preserved medieval villages in Europe). It is a haven for skiers, cyclists, and those seeking absolute tranquillity away from tourist crowds.
5th Place: The Balearic Islands – Island Magic
Rounding out the top five are the Balearics. Despite intense summer overtourism, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera remain undeniably gorgeous. Voters highlighted the sea breezes, dramatic limestone cliffs of the Tramuntana mountain range, and hidden turquoise coves (calas) that still offer slice-of-paradise living off-season.
Over to You: Where Does Your Loyalty Lie?
Did the voters get it right by splitting the crown between the green north and the sunny south, or was your home region robbed of the top spot?
Which autonomous community won you over when you decided to buy or move to Spain? Are you a die-hard Andalusian sun-worshipper, a Costa Blanca veteran, or have you discovered the tranquil magic of the northern coastline? Drop into the comments below and tell us why your corner of Spain beats them all!