Attractions Of The Costa Del Sol: Popular Areas

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Attractions Of The Costa Del Sol: Popular Areas

The southern coast of Spain, known as the Costa del Sol is one of the most popular travel destinations in all Europe. Named for the wonderful climate and the 300+ days of sunshine each year and mountain ranges that run the length of the region provide all year-round moderate temperatures like no other in Europe.

Written by Jason Wild, Partner, The Marbella Connection

Since its beginning as a prime holiday destination in the 1960s, the Costa del Sol has appealed to tens of thousands of property buyers. As a result, it consistently ranks as one of the most popular places to buy a home in the world.

The Costa del Sol stretches 180 kilometres from the borders of Cadiz in Sotogrande to the entrance of Malaga City Centre, all within the province of Malaga, with key airports found either end of the region…

The sandy beaches, chilled out way of life that only Andalucia can offer and the amazing culinary delights just add to the attraction of this coastline that runs along the Mediterranean sea.

Extensive sports and leisure facilities including some of the best golf courses anywhere in the world open all year that also helps drive the rental market through all twelve months. In this introduction to the Costa del Sol we explore the areas where the demand is registering the most upward trend for luxury homes and new-build properties that make up this popular coastline.

Costa del Sol Guide…

As one of Europe’s prime holiday locations, the Costa del Sol boasts everything a top tourist destination needs to attract visitors year on year and with its mild climate offers opportunity to visit any time of year and it will still be milder than almost all other options on the continent.

Over 300 days of sunshine a year
Geographically regarded as one of the best-connected areas to travel to by air and road.
Over 70 Golf courses in the region. Multiple other leisure activities available including water sports, boating, hiking, cycling, horse riding, spa & hammam facilities and many more…
180kms of sandy beaches running along the Mediterranean coastline
The Costa del Sol offers a great base to visit and travel to other parts of the country for day trips and weekend sightseeing trips
Some of the best shopping facilities in Spain
The choice of cuisine and variety of beverages in the region is unsurpassable
Nightlife and late dining experiences aplenty
A wide range of international schools and higher education centres.
Safe environment and very family orientated culture.
Stable internet network infrastructure to be able to conduct business with the outside world.

Popular areas in the Costa del Sol:

Mijas Costa

The pueblo of Mijas is one of the jewels of the Costa del Sol, a beautiful little village which nestles in the hills behind Fuengirola at 400 meters above sea level so has great views back to the coast about 10km to the south. The village has managed to retain much of its traditional relaxed Andalucian way of life with the locals displaying their passion for all things festive. Mijas Costa is the region that stretches 12 kilometres offering modern, tourist orientated development including the popular La Cala de Mijas and Sitio de Calahonda. Both large residential urbanisations located along the coastline within the municipality of Mijas.

Marbella

Known for its glamour, this resort town has always been popular with the rich and famous equally as foreign residents who are seduced by the lifestyle. Marbella’s history stretches back to Roman times and is southern Spain’s answer to St Tropez. The old town with its cobbled streets and plazas is packed with delightful boutique shops but for fashion shopping Puerto Banus has all the top designer stores and the place kicks into life at night with a backdrop of large yachts offers fun for all tastes. Marbella’s gastronomic scene is second to none with beachfront ‘chiringuito’ restaurants to Michelin-star dining.

Estepona

With a population exceeding 70,000, Estepona is one of the few coastal towns that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character. Notwithstanding, all the tourist facilities are here, including hotels, restaurants, leisure and cultural activities, and shops. The numerous street cafes and tapas bars still serve traditional Spanish delicacies. In the ‘old town’ the steep, narrow streets are pedestrianised and decorated with different colour flowerpots. It is a delight for walking round. You will find bars and small shops in Estepona, where you’d least expect them, all very inviting and friendly.

Benahavis

Once an Arab stronghold on top of the highest mountain in the locality emphasised by the 11th Century castle ruin but the region is also synonymous with food with a high concentration of top class restaurants that draws visitors simply to savour the cuisine. An area with a high percentage of resident expats who find the setting idyllic and simply can’t resist spending time here. In spite of this, it has remained remarkably unspoiled, with winding narrow streets and picturesque mountains and natural streams. Standing 500 metres above sea level and 7 kilometres inland from the beaches and area of Guadalmina and San Pedro de Alcantara.

Casares

A picture postcard village with a population of just three thousand and the view from the approach is definitely worth a photo. To say that Casares is beautiful is an understatement. There is something very special about the village of Casares that means you can simply park the car and just focus on taking photos. There are the sugar cubes again, piled precariously high and just nudging the battlements of an Arab castle. It is hard to believe that this enchanting place is only ten kilometres from the coast and somehow seems to still succeed in avoiding the coach tour circuit.

Manilva

Manilva is made up of several communities. The white village of Manilva itself, located a few kilometers inland from the fishing village on the coast , San Luis de Sabinillas. Then to the west there is a quiet yachting marina called Puerto de la Duquesa with its surrounding residential area and golf course with various housing developments as far as Punta Chullera. The municipality covers an area of 35 square kilometres with around 17,000 full time residents and a further 14,000 who live on a temporary basis in holiday homes. The main economy is based on agriculture and fishing and, more recently, tourism.

Sotogrande

At the western end of the Costa del Sol, in the municipality of San Roque in Cadiz lies Sotogrande. One of the most luxurious sports and residential areas in Europe. Its 2,500 hectares includes a renowned international school and many leisure activities; sailing & boat hire, kayaking, diving

& kite surfing schools, local fitness clubs as well as 7 of the most renowned golf courses on the Costa del Sol. Other pursuits include, hunting & clay shooting, cycling & mountain biking plus natural reserves ideal for hiking and nature walks. The boating Marina boasts many fine restaurants swish café’s and quality bars for a relaxing environment.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.