Salamanca is a province in western Spain, part of the autonomous community of Castilla y León. It borders Portugal to the west and shares boundaries with the provinces of Zamora, Valladolid, Ávila, and Cáceres. The provincial capital is the city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a center of academic and cultural life.
The province covers approximately 12,350 km² and has a population of around 325,000. Its landscape features a mix of plains, forests, and mountain ranges such as the Sierra de Francia and Sierra de Béjar. The climate is continental with cold winters and hot, dry summers.
While the city of Salamanca attracts the most attention, the province includes a range of towns worth considering for those interested in property investment, second homes, or rural living.
Notable Towns in Salamanca Province
Salamanca (City)
The provincial capital is known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and its sandstone architecture. The historic center includes the Plaza Mayor, two cathedrals, and multiple academic and religious buildings. The city has a steady rental market due to its student population and is well connected by train and road.
Ciudad Rodrigo
Located near the Portuguese border, Ciudad Rodrigo is a fortified town with a well-preserved medieval wall and castle. Its historical layout and relative isolation make it attractive to buyers looking for quiet surroundings and architectural character. The town also hosts seasonal festivals and is near natural parks.
Béjar
Béjar is in the south of the province, on the edge of the Sierra de Béjar mountains. Once a textile manufacturing hub, it now appeals to people seeking access to hiking, skiing (La Covatilla resort), and open space. The town includes a small old quarter and basic amenities.
La Alberca
This village in the Sierra de Francia was one of the first in Spain to be declared a National Historic Site. It has timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, and traditional events. Although tourist-oriented, it maintains a stable local community and offers a rustic housing market with regulated development.
Peñaranda de Bracamonte
A town located northeast of Salamanca city, Peñaranda is a commercial and agricultural center. It is known for its arcaded main square and baroque church. The town has affordable property prices and is well connected by train to Salamanca and Madrid.
Ledesma
Situated northwest of the capital, Ledesma is a small town with Romanesque and Gothic architecture and a scenic location by the Tormes River. It has a quiet atmosphere and serves as a low-cost option for rural properties within driving distance of Salamanca city.
Alba de Tormes
Located 22 kilometers southeast of the capital, Alba de Tormes is closely tied to Saint Teresa of Ávila. It has religious landmarks, a ruined castle, and a mix of modern and older housing. The town is growing slowly and offers views over the Tormes River.
Property Landscape
Salamanca province includes a wide range of property types: city apartments, stone village homes, rural estates, and modern housing developments. Prices in the capital are moderate by Spanish urban standards, while rural towns and villages offer lower entry points. Many buyers are Spanish nationals, but there is growing international interest in areas near Portugal and the Sierra de Francia.
The province’s relative affordability, solid infrastructure, and calm pace of life continue to attract both residents and investors looking beyond the typical coastal markets.
