There's nothing like heading to the bar for a cold pint after a hot, lazy day in the Spanish sun. That is, until your ears adjust to the noise level and you realise that the throng of human voices sounds awfully familiar. They sound British.

In Spain and Portugal, it is not uncommon to find that, rather than taking in some rich Iberian culture, you are surrounded by your very own countrymen. Your neighbours, your local barman and probably your friends are all about as Spanish as the local KFC. If it weren't for the sun, you may as well have moved to Brighton.

While some Brits enjoy meeting up with other British ex-pats and their familiar ways, others like to find the 'real' Spain and Portugal. And, although it may take some effort, these spots can still be found. You just have to know where to look.

Costa del Azahar
Believe it or not, there are still places in Spain where you will not see any new apartment blocks under construction.

Alcala de Chivert and Torreblanca in inland Costa del Azhar are two such places, according to Sharon Hillyard of C & S Homes Overseas, and this is reflected by lower house prices, compared to the coast. Hillyard says one of the properties on their books in these "typical Spanish working towns" is a detached two-bedroom country house in an orange grove, which is priced at 140,000 euros. For that you get panoramic views, solar panels, a small reserve tank which could be made into a swimming pool, and a slice of 'real' Spain. "Colourful markets are held there every week and this is where friends like to meet and enjoy a gossip", says Hillyard.

For those who prefer to be ahead of the inevitable property-buying mass, there is the 'up and coming' town of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis. A typical property in this area includes a three-storey townhouse in need of some renovation for 60,101 euros.

Moving on to Cuevas de Vinroma you will once again notice the lack of high rise development. This large village has all the necessary amenities as well as a communal swimming pool and Spanish residents who like to chatter away in the squares. According to Hillyard, you can buy a detached, three-bedroom country masia there, close to the village, for 150,253 euros.

About half an hour inland, on the top of a hill, perches the village of Cervera de Maestre. A typical Spanish town house there will cost as little as 77,000 euros – and looks can be deceiving. "The houses appear to be small when looking at them from the outside, but upon opening their front doors you are amazed at the amount of space which confronts you", says Hillyard. She goes on to suggest other villages such as Cabanes, Vall D'Allba, Benlloch, Cati and Calig. "Of course, you won't find any nightclubs, bingo halls or fish and chips shops there, but isn't that what you want to get away from? These villages offer a much slower pace of life, along with peace and tranquillity amongst the most wonderful scenery and superb climate."

Costa del La Luz
For a slice of Spanish paradise, all to yourself, Costa del la Luz is a good start, says Eric Carter of Elite Overseas. He recommends Ayamonte, on the country's Portuguese border. "It's an unspolit Spanish town. There is no McDonalds, no Red Lion pub, no English influences. It's very old-fashioned Spain and only ten minutes from the Atlantic coast." A two-bedroom apartment on a golf course would cost about 150,000 euros, says Cater. You could get a two to three-bedroom Spanish finca (large traditional house) with one to two acres of land for the same money.

Costa Calida
A new airport near Murcia will see popularity in this currently quiet area rise with time. Nearby Corvera and Totana are areas worth looking at for the discerning buyer. Only 20 minutes from the coast, this area has more Spanish than foreigners, says Carter, but it is also well-equipped with a sports centre, shopping facilities and eight or nine schools. In this area, a two-bedroom apartment on a golf course costs around 170,000 euros, and the same for a Spanish finca.

Almeria
Towards the east of Almeria, Huercal-Overa languishes undiscovered and reasonably priced in the south Spanish sun. Currently Brits are very much in the minority in this emerging area, which many say is like a desert. However, Huercal-Overa is only 20 minutes from the coast and is generating its first forest for over 500 years.

Portugal
While Portugal is increasingly popular with British buyers, even the Algarve still holds some secrets of its own. Carter says Tavira, 15 minutes from Faro Airport has beaches and scenery but is as yet quite underdeveloped. There, the fishing village of Cabanas is of the picture-postcard variety and offers a real chance to get away from it all without being completely isolated. "It's a gorgeous little area and is unspoilt. It has very good golf courses nearby so it is good for development", says Carter. In fact, Cabanas is within easy reach of 14 championship golf courses and beaches.

On average, you would pay about 150,000 euros for a two-bedroom apartment in this area. Elite Overseas Properties currently has a development here of 216 apartments and 50 villas. Prices range from 169,000 euros for a one-bedroom apartment to 225,000 euros for a villa.
Away from the Algarve, the south-western coast's Costa de Lisboa has many small fishing villages. To the far north is the Costa Verde, with rural areas that are some of the least developed in the country. Slightly south, the Costa da Prata has a picturesque coastline, historic towns and villages. The Praia D'el Rey, a golf and beach resort, is to many the face of 'real' Portugal as it is far removed from crowds and commercialisation.

A health spa which opened at Praia D'El Rey earlier this year has one-bedroom apartments selling from 196,359 euros, with top of the range villas climbing into the millions.

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For further information:
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Article first published in December 2005