Overlooking the beach needn’t mean expensive, at least in Spain. To prove it, none of these front-line properties along the Costas comes with a price tag of over €250,000

Costa del Sol, west
Not a bad view to wake up to, is it? Just picture yourself enjoying a siesta to the gentle sound of lapping waves. There’s not a lot between the sparkling Mediterranean and this three-bedroom apartment in the waterfront community of San Luis de Sabanillas, near Duquesa Port west of Estepona. For more info, click on the image.

Bars, restaurants and shops are a short walk away too, as is golf at La Duquesa Golf. Estepona, with its traditional old town and lively beachfront is a short drive up the coast, with Marbella and the famous Golden Mile a little further on. Just 10 minutes west is the upmarket resort of Sotogrande, a favourite with the international jet set, with its marina, championship golf courses, polo club and multi-million-euro homes.

Costa del Sol, east
Sundowners taste especially sweet when drunk with views like this one, enjoyed from the terrace of a two-bedroom penthouse apartment in Torrox Costa, east of Málaga. The property, which comes with a proven rental history, is within the established front-line Laguna Beach urbanisation, which offers direct access to the beach and includes communal swimming pools, gym and tennis courts, as well as a commercial area with shops, bars and restaurants.

Just four kilometres inland is pretty Torrox, a traditional white village clinging to the hillside, while the colourful city of Málaga is around 35-40 minutes west and larger resort of Nerja just 10 minutes east.

Costa Cálida, Puerto de Mazarrón
Reserving your spot on the beach would never be a problem at this smart three-bedroom penthouse apartment, ideally located in a frontline spot in Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia.

A highlight is its large balcony, reached via the bright and airy lounge/diner area, which overlooks the seafront. The property was recently refurbished, so is ready to occupy.

Puerto de Mazarrón is a traditional resort set around a bay, with fine sandy beaches, and a marina and fishing port. The historic city of Cartagena is a short drive east and a little further is the famous lagoon of Mar Menor and the La Manga strip.

Costa Blanca, Torrevieja
The sea views are especially impressive from this south-east facing, two-bedroom apartment, thanks to it being in a corner spot on the sixth floor. Its location on the seafront in Torrevieja gives it easy, walkable access to every type of amenity, allowing you to enjoy a beach lifestyle with an urban twist.

Torrevieja is a traditional city in the southern part of the Costa Blanca, with a large seafront and active expat population. The resorts of Orihuela Costa, including Punta Prima, Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca and Campoamor, are easy to reach too, being just 10-15 minutes south, with the city of Alicante to the north.