Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is arguably the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Spain’s coastal areas. It has been a Mecca for foreign visitors for over 30 years, which has resulted in it’s steady development into the modern cosmopolitan place it is today. The development of property for sale on the Costa del Sol has exploded since the 1980’s and today the finest selection of quality properties is available to the foreign property buyer or investor.

The Costa del Sol is the coastal area of the province of Malaga that is one of the eight provinces that make up the autonomous region of Andalucia. Many of the things people often associate with Spain, such as bullfighting or flamenco actually originate from Andalucia, which is the largest of the autonomous regions of Spain. These cultural influences are present in everyday life and the vibrancy and culture is one of the reasons for it’s popularity with foreign tourists and those looking for a new way of life.

Geographically the Costa del Sol is divided into east and west, by the ancient city of Malaga, which is the gateway destination for the majority of foreign visitors who arrive on the Coast. Although similar in many ways, the eastern and western Costa del Sol each has their own distinct flavour and identities. The eastern Costa del Sol property development has not seen such a huge boom as on the western side although a wide selection of quality property and investment opportunity is readily available. The eastern stretch of coast starts at the city of Malaga and continues for 54 Kilometres to the popular tourist destination of Nerja in the east.

Malaga International Airport is the first arrival port for most people travelling to the Costa del Sol. The airport’s huge variety of routes, especially to the UK and northern Europe, have helped in the regions development as a major tourist destination and more recently as one of the prime locations for international real estate development. Originally, Malaga Airport was a staging and re-fuelling point for French civil and military aviation on the way to the former colonies in the early days of air travel. General Franco initiated the massive development of the southern coasts of Spain during the 1960’s, which saw Malaga Airport become one of the busiest in Spain.

The City of Malaga, which strangely tends to be ignored by the majority of foreign tourists and property buyers, has a wealth of history and culture. The city has experienced a recent renaissance and massive inward investment form both the European Union and central government. Some of the city’s highlights include the 10th Century Alcazaba built by the moors, the primera liga Malaga football club, a new Picasso museum and fantastic shopping streets. Granada and the ski resorts of the Sierra Nevada’s are also close by, being just over an hour away on good new modern roads.
To the west of the city and airport 100km of coastline stretches westward all the way to the border of the province of Cadiz. This part of the coast has been intensely developed and has a modern infrastructure that any European nation would be rightly proud of. A mind blowing choice of Spanish property for sale is available all along the western Costa del Sol, the vast majority of it built to the highest possible specification using the most modern methods of construction. Arena Estates will provide you with the widest possible choice and advise on the most viable investment opportunities to suit your budget.

On the Western Costa del Sol Marbella is without a doubt the most well known and exclusive of the various towns along the coast. The purchase of property in Marbella is a lifestyle choice and statement as well as a sound property investment opportunity. The town and it’s surrounding areas have the most modern infrastructure and variety of shopping, nightlife, quality beaches, fine restaurants, five star hotels and world renowned golf courses.

When considering the purchase of a property in Spain many factors need to be considered, but the western Costa del Sol really has it all. From modern motorways to numerous international schools, hospitals, property prices that have risen drastically year on year and the added bonus of widely spoken English and to a lesser extent German, French and Scandinavian. The western Costa del Sol now also has a much younger international population with many foreigners working as ‘Autonomos’ (similar to self employed status in the UK) or setting up business’s further increasing the areas attractiveness as a place to live and work.

One of the most important reasons behind the Costa del Sol is obviously it’s climate which is the warmest place year round in mainland Europe. The mild winters and long hot summers are a welcome change to Northern Europeans used to long cold wet winters. The coast receives very little rainfall though it is important to remember that it can rain hard for a few weeks during early autumn and late spring. In summer, although temperatures often rise to as high as 35 degrees centigrade, this is often accompanied by soft warm wind making it feel cooler.

West from Marbella lies the glamorous year round resort town of Puerto Banus where people of all ages and nationalities will find something to occupy them. Further west lies the more traditionally Spanish town of Estepona which has maintained much of it’s historical charm as well as La Duquesa, The luxury development around Sotogrande and of course that little part of Britain in the sun Gibraltar.
The Costa del Sol is also famous for it’s golf courses with some of the highest concentration of courses per kilometre in the world. Near Sotogrande is the world famous Valderrama home to the Spanish Open. The vast number of courses has led to intense competition ensuring that the courses and facilities are often of the highest standard. The development of new property for sale on the Costa del Sol has resulted in large numbers of properties on or overlooking the courses. For golfers looking for a place in the sun the Costa del Sol is unbeatable.