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The Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a great place to invest and live as there is such a wide range of properties both residential and commercial for sale.

If you have not been to the Costa del Sol for sometime then you will be surprised at the changes that have occurred. Spain still has the cleanest beaches with blue flags. There is a whole new infrastructure and facilities for the holidaymaker & the resident, first class motorway links, new roads, clinics, English & International schools & colleges. A huge selection of leisure interests i.e. tennis, sailing, bowling, horse racing, fishing, diving, water sports and not forgetting some of the best golf courses in the world. In addition there are a wide range of facilities such as hypermarkets, shopping centres, restaurants, cinemas and casinos.

Direct flights are available from the UK into various Spanish airports making it easy to fly to a land with fantastic weather (approx 320 days sunshine) and an atmosphere hard to beat.
 
BENALMADENA

This is a very British resort, which has long been the favourite area for holidaymakers from the U.K, people wanting to buy either residential or commercial property or both.

Only fifteen minutes from the airport at Malaga Benalmadena has one of the best Marinas in Spain, with its Moorish Architecture, over 1000 berths for all sizes of boats and pleasure crafts and countless international café-bars /restaurants to sit and watch the world go by, or jump on one of the many big game fishing boats for a day of fishing or just simply hire a boat for leisurely cruise round the bay.  The Marina at night comes into a world of its own with discos and music bars scattered all around the area. Just a short walk from the marina is Benalmadena Costa which runs along the front towards Fuengirola, this area starts by the well known area called “24 hour square” running past countless British & International bars, restaurants shops, banks, package tour hotels all the way to the “Casino” at Torrequebrada.

About ten minutes drive from the coast is the village of Benalmadena Pueblo with its white washed village houses on narrow cobbled streets. Take the narrow twisting streets past Spanish café-bars, little shops and flower sellers to the beautiful church at the top of the village where the views of the coastline are absolutely fabulous.

 
ARROYO DE LA MIEL

Arroyo is situated between Benalmadena Costa and Benalmadena Pueblo with a large British population of many thousands and is the main commercial centre of Benalmadena. Tivoli World fun-park is situated in Arroyo with rides to suit all the family young and old, also there is a large market on a Friday and a car boot market on a Sunday morning. A major tourist attraction is the cable car ride which runs from Tivoli World up the mountain side to the top where the 360 degree views are out of this world and on a clear day you can see the coast of Africa. Being the commercial centre it is as busy in January as it is in July and business’s benefit from both seasonal and resident trade throughout the year.

Arroyo is situated between Malaga and Fuengirola by a very good and efficient train service. State schools, private schools, good clinics and hospitals are near by. Short and long-term rental accommodation is readily available in the area making it an ideal location for both holidaymakers and residents.
 
TORREMOLINOS

A cosmopolitan resort that attracts visitors from all parts. Torremolinos is a very lively town which has been a popular holiday destination for many years, no doubt due to the many bars, restaurants, discos and nightclubs in the surrounding resort as well as the good shopping facilities and the beaches of Bajondillo and Carihuela which are lined with typical seafood restaurants (Chirranguito’s) where you can sample everything from a simple tapas to a paella for two. The beaches are clean and sandy and attract holidaymakers in their thousands from all over the world. Torremolinos has a great number of hotels and apartments to attract visitors twelve months of the year.

 
FUENGIROLA

International bars/restaurants (English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Chinese etc) are all over Fuengirola as are the many and varied shops. Nevertheless there is a large population of British residents as well as a year round influx of British holidaymakers who all come to this part of the coast. Fuengirola stretches out to cover the areas of Torreblanca, Los Boliches and Carvajal all with a large number of hotels and self-catering accommodation. The marina in Fuengirola is where you will find many boats of varying sizes and home to the local fishing fleet, there are numerous cafes and bars all around the marina and a very popular market on a Sunday morning. Towards the outskirts of town is the biggest market on the Costa del Sol, which is held on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (car boot). The Paseo (promanade) runs from Fuengirola all the way to Los Boliches and is a great place to have your business, as you will get the sun worshipers and beach goers in the day and the strollers out for a walk at night.

 
MIJAS

Mijas Costa is the area between Fuengirola and Marbella and consists of mainly housing developments, most having a commercial centre with cafes, bars, restaurants, gift shops, laundries and supermarkets. There is a mixture of apartments, villas and townhouses, which tend to be occupied by either residents or holidaymakers. La Cala, El Faro, Miraflores, Riviera and Calahonda are a few of the developments in this area and the business’s here benefit from the large population of residents and holidaymakers.

Mijas Pueblo is a fifteen minute drive up to the Sierra Mijas hills, this is a very Spanish village with typical white washed village houses on cobbled streets, plenty of restaurants  and gift shops galore. There are cliff top walks that provide stunning views of the coastline also a popular but slow way of touring round the village is by donkey and is very picturesque.

 
MARBELLA

Known as the jet set resort of the Costa del Sol, Marbella is famous for its high-class hotels and shops. The old town is well worth a visit as you can stroll through narrow streets stopping for snacks in the picturesque Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square). Marbella is the haunt of many famous people, film stars and Royalty, and is consequently more expensive but the right property/business in the right place can be a very good investment.

 
PUERTO BANUS

Just along the coast from Marbella is Puerto Banus. Once a sleepy fishing village, it is now another haunt of the rich and famous. Expensive yachts now fill the harbour which is surrounded by many cafes where visitors “people watch” hour after hour. Businesses can be expensive but profitable.

 
SAN PEDRO

San Pedro de Alcantara is in an ideal situation, just 10 kilometres west of all the glitz and glamour of Marbella, yet just a few minutes drive from the natural beauty of the Sierra de Ronda mountain range and 20 km from the town of Estepona an ancient farming community once famous for sugar cane, today San Pedro is a refreshingly unspoilt pueblo with an appeal all of its own. Be sure to head for the central plaza with its gracious parish church and surrounding narrow streets which are packed with intriguing small shops, sidewalk cafes and bars. Thursday is street market day with all the associated hustle and bustle - bargain shopper’s paradise.

 
ESTEPONA

Estepona is one of the few coastal towns that have succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character despite the onslaught of tourism. There are still the usual tourist facilities here like hotels, restaurants, leisure, and shops. Estepona still has many traditional Spanish cafes and tapas serving Spanish fare. Steep cobbled narrow streets are more suited to horse or donkey not the modern car. You will find the unusual shops and bodegas in Estepona, all very inviting, very friendly and cheap.

 
CARTAMA

A small town that holds on to its traditions. Now you are really in the countryside. This area is mostly agricultural land producing olives, fruit, almonds and vegetables. Cartama is the main area covering Cartama Pueblo, Cartama Estacion and nine other rural cores. The fortress that stands there is witness of how different people lived in Cartama. Here there are several craftsmanship workshops that still make traditional pieces iron work and pottery.
 
ANTEQUERA

A small town, but growing in size and popularity with the British buyer. The town is well linked to Malaga by good roads and full of traditional Spanish fiestas, which go on through out the year. In the restaurants you will find both food typical of the area and from other regions of Spain. Antequera offers the visitor and resident an urban landscape and a street structure that changes depending on the period with numerous monuments throughout the town.

 
ALHAURIN de la TORRE

A town at the base of a mountain range that changes from pine trees to fruit trees

and has a combination of traditional and modern, the contrasts being Arabic constructed streets, white washed houses with geraniums hanging from behind window grills and balconies in narrow streets, modern residential complexes and, while walking through the streets, you will find churches, hermitages and lots of old buildings dating well over 100 years old. All this and still with a coastal climate and fresh mountain air. The surrounding area has become very prosperous for the growing of citrus fruits, olive and tropical fruit production.

 
CHURRIANA

A small inland town very close to Malaga giving easy access to the city its self and Malaga Airport. Again there is an excellent road system with both sides been flanked by the ever popular citrus plantations, eucalyptus and pine nut trees. There is a beautiful botanic garden where you will see a wide range of tropical birds. The area was fortified by the Arabs who originally built a fortress where the church now stands today in the Plaza del Castillo.

 
ALHAURIN el GRANDE

In the countryside it is the perfect place to have a quiet day out strolling and admiring the views. Alhaurin el Grande is located on the north side of the Sierra de Mijas. It is an area covered by citrus and fruit trees. You cannot miss the views of the Fahala riverside, with its waterfalls and lakes. The town has a long list of festivals with the most important one being Easter. You will be able to taste the areas local food dishes in many of the Spanish restaurants in and around the town. Local craft work such as lace, embroidery and crochet work are exquisite and available to purchase.

 
COIN

With good links to all the towns around it and only 20 minutes from Marbella. Do you want to see nature at its best? Well here you are. In spite of its developing size it still has white washed houses on narrow streets, patios with arches, windows and balconies with iron bars. The water of the many public springs is drinkable and was once the main supply for the town. For culture and leisure there are a wide range of sports, exhibitions, concerts and theatre. You will find a craftsman in coin for any kind of work you require from traditional to modern and for the budding pot thrower there is even a pottery artist’s school

 
TORRE Del MAR

On the eastern side of Malaga. The town is the beach resort of Velez-Malaga which is the capital of the Axarquia region. It is thought that the area once formed part of an ancient Greek settlement which was destroyed by the Carthaginians prior to the arrival of the Romans. Nowadays it is better known for its 4 km of golden sands lined with restaurants, bars and holiday apartments catering for the many visitors. At the seafront end of Paseo de Larios are a line of bars and discos known as El Copo which go on all night Fridays and Saturdays attracting crowds of all age groups from a wide distance.

 
NERJA / FRIGLIANA

Nerja is on the coast some 50km from Malaga on the N-340 coastal highway and marks the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol. Once a sleepy fishing village but the town now has a population of 12,000. Nerja boasts 16km of soft sand and crystal clear water. All major water sports can be found here, including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing plus lots more. Walk round the narrow streets of the virtually unchanged old quarter passing by whitewashed village houses with wrought iron terraces overflowing with geraniums on which you can here the song of canaries. From Nerja you can go to many of the mountain villages, one of these been Frigliana, a white washed village perched on the side of a mountain. Away from the coast the new roads take you to another Spain, a part still untouched by holiday apartments, hotels and international bars.

 
CAMPILLOS

Campillos stands on a natural route which links the province of Malaga with the north of the province of Cadiz at one extreme of the Antequera basin among cereal and olive fields. Its main region of scenic and ecological interest is the zone by Dulce, Salada, Redonda, Capacete, Marcela, Cerrero and Camuñas Lagoons, declared a Nature Reserve by the Andalusian Regional Government. The village’s most notable monument is Our Lady’s Church. Campillos is also famous for its long tradition of producing leather garments.

 
ALORA

This village enjoys a privileged location in the Guadalhorce Valley, which it overlooks from the north. In addition to its vegetable gardens, orchards and citrus trees it also boasts interesting areas nearby such as Los Gaitanes Pass – (which it shares with Ardales and Antequera ), La Sierra de Huma and La Sierra de Aguas. Its urban layout of Arabic origin gives it a special charm which must be enjoyed without haste due to the steep nature of its streets which lead up to the symbol of the village: The castle, made even more curious by the fact that it is now used as a cemetery.


ARCHIDONA

Archidona stands at the foot of the Pico Del Conjuro Mountain amidst olive groves and meadows on the road linking Antequera with the province of Granada. It boasts a myriad of places and elements of natural and urban interest. Grande and Chica Lagoons and The Hoz de Arroyo Martin are examples of the former, while the pick of the latter is the Octagonal Square, a construction built in the Mudejar style and inspired by French urbanism. Other interesting monuments include Virgen de Gracia Sanctuary built on the ruins of the old castle, the Nazarene Chapel and the old granary building.

COMPETA

Competa, Archez, Sedella, Canillas de Albaida, Canillas de Aceituno, all villages which stand at the foot of the impressive Tejeda and Almijara Sierras; all villages converted from Moorish to Christianity, where vines were the main crop and are still an important element in the landscape as well as the economy. All display similar characteristics reflecting the true soul of the Axarquia region, its scenery, its way of life and its history. The layout of their streets and the architecture of their whitewashed houses creating unforgettably picturesque corners, gives them a unique seal of identity - so much so that - together they make up what is known as the Mudejar Route - Ruta del Mudéjar. Competa’s village centre is the most spectacular in the province its architectural highlight being Our Lady’s Church.


ARDALES

Located between the Serrania de Ronda, the Antequera Basin and the Guadalhorce Valley, doesn't belong, geographically-speaking, to any of the aforementioned areas, though the presence in its area of the Guadalhorce-Guadalteba hydrological complex is probably enough reason to situate it in the latter. The village, of Arabic origin, lies at the foot of the rock that bears its name and is typically Andalusian, with its narrow streets and white houses. It contains a number of places of interest, such as Doña Trinidad Grund Cave, with its interesting paintings; Turon Castle, La Peña Castle and La Molina Bridge. Furthermore, the reservoir area boasts facilities for camping, swimming and spectacular excursions on foot, such as El Caminito del Rey route in The Gaitanes Pass.


EL CHORRO

The village is located beside the dam of The Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir which was founded to cater accomodation for the workers who built the dam, who gained access to it via El Caminito del Rey road. Its scenic beauty and its excellent rural holiday facilities, including camping sites, restaurants, bars, and accomodation, have turned it into a tourist attraction - it has been declared a Beauty Spot.

 
IZNATE

Iznate rises over a small hillock on the Iznate hills. A relief of rounded hills cut by numerous ravines, frequently covered with vines, olives and almonds which form a landscape characteristic of the Axarquía mountains. The small river of Iznate, which collects the district’s waters, hardly leaves room for some plots, which introduce a bit of contrast. At present there is no documentation or archaeological findings to speak of man’s presence in this land before the Arabic period. Its actual name comes from this era and seems to originate from the term "hisnat" meaning castle, which seems to indicate the presence, in this area,of outposts or frontier forts.

After the Christian conquest in 1487 the town of Iznate continued to be mainly Moorish but from the first years of Christian rule they began to manifest their complaints for the abusive behaviour of some of the Christian mayors. This prepared the land for the rebellion in 1569 which extended over the whole region and the nearby lands of Granada. After the expulsion of the Moors in 1574 it was repopulated with old Christians from Antequera, Estepa and other inland areas.

At the end of the 16th century, it was one of the towns with the largest grape productions but disaster struck at the end of the 19th century by a plague of phyloxera causing the abandonment of a good part of its vineyards and wine presses.

 
TOLOX
 
The village of Tolox is situated at the foot of the Blanca and Parda sierras set in the centre of the Natural park of Sierra de las Nieves. The inhabitants of Tolox, some 3100, live off the orange and olive crops and also from the great influx of visitors to the spa of ‘Fuente Amargosa’ which from the last century has been especially recommended for bronchitis and kidney diseases. Neolithic remains have been found in the Tinaja cave in mid sierra but the present site of the town seems to be from Phoenician times, without forgetting the Romans presence and of course the Arabs, from which the structure of the streets is conserved as well as many irrigation ditches and terraces for crops. Tolox has one of its most outstanding traditions in the fair of San Roque, patron saint of the town, which is celebrated between the 14th and 18th of August, with the renowned ‘Coheta’ in which over 60,000 rockets are set off during the course of the procession. On the 8th of December they celebrate the festivity of the Immaculate Concepcion or ‘Day of the Girls’ with a charivari. Other activities which are followed with great interest are the Flamenco singing festival celebrated in January and the Folklore dancing festival in mid June. The handicraft works are related to life in the sierra: esparto grass, palm and pitta fibre or wood carving with which many goods are made. There are also works in saddlery. Among the gastronomy there is the traditional confectionery with rusks, patties, oil cakes, date bread, cold meats, kid stew, fried pumpkin or pickled pumpkin with oranges and cod soup. In addition they also produce an excellent mosto (unfermented grape juice).

 
 
ESTEPA

Estepa is to be found just off the A92 highway, slightly above Malaga in Andalcia and is a perfect stop over between Sevilla and Granada. Over recent years Estepa has grown to accommodate a swelling population and the residential part of Estepa offers nothing for the visitor, however, the old town offers a wealth of monuments and churches. The town has retained its typical Andalucian atmosphere, very similar to nearby Antequera. The town is very peaceful and it is a pleasure to walk the narrow streets which are lined with whitewashed Andalucian houses with churches dotted between.

Wheat fields and olive groves surround Estepa. The town is famous for its olive oil and its cakes made from local flour. The people of Estepa are friendly and welcome visitors, although not too many foreigners visit the area.

For the best view of the town head for the castle and the Mirador. There are several important monuments to visit in Estepa and several beautiful churches.
 
MONTEFRIO

Montefrío is a village located in the north-west of Granada province in Andalusia. Much of it is under the protection of a government department which declared it a historical and artistic village because of its amazing beauty. It is a typical Andalusian village of the interior with whitewashed houses in harmony with the landscape, Arab roofs and no large buildings. Montefrío has several monuments that reflect a very rich past, but what amazes visitors the most is the overall view of the village: small white houses with Arab roofs presided over by an impressive cliff on top of which the Christians built an old church known as La Villa. This symbolized the victory of Christianity over Muslim. Montefrío was even the court of the Arab King Aben-Ismail. There is also an imposing round church in the middle of the village, built in the French Neoclassical Style, which was finished at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Montefrío's beauty has attracted several companies who have used its image to advertise themselves including well-known car and airline brand names.

In its present location, the village has been being built around La Villa. The closest streets to La Villa are the oldest ones. Among these are the quarters of El Arrabal and La Solana, with narrow windy roads in the Arab style. From here the views are magnificent, as they are from the quarter of El Coro, in the hill opposite La Villa. However, even those areas of the village which have been built recently do not clash with the area and the whole of the village of Montefrío is an ideal place to relax. The population is around 7000. The most important source of income is farming, especially the production of olive oil of very high quality. The landscape of the countryside is mountainous and full of olive groves. If you are looking for a place far from the well known seaside resorts, where people are kind to visitors, where life moves at a slow pace and everything is more natural, where you are surrounded by countryside just by walking 500 metres, this is the place for you. The village also has modern facilities too. There are several banks, cash machines, supermarkets, a tourist office, lots of bars, (some with areas outside to place tables in Summer), some restaurants, (none of which are expensive) and even a couple of discos for young people. There is also a primary and a secondary school, public sports facilities, a 24 hour medical centre and magnificent public swimming pool with amazingly low prices which opens in summer. The people in Montefrío are friendly, open and welcoming.

 
ALMERIA

Bathed in warm Mediterranean seas, between mountains and valleys is situated one the most fascinating of all the regions of Almería - The Levante.


Many different civilisations from the long of history of the Iberian Peninsula have left their mark here and we can see this reflected today in the numerous archaeological sites, the buildings of Arabic design, the regional cuisine and craftwork and the local traditions - all of which of which serve to compliment the beautiful villages and the spectacular scenery.

The warm and dry climate (temperatures annually average between 20-22C) make for a terrain full of contrasts where virgin beaches meet protected areas of natural beauty and desert landscapes give way to impressive mountain ranges.

The Levante region of Almería is a unique location to visit and relax offering many possibilities. Some of the places you might want to discover for yourself are:
 
CABO DE GATA NATURAL PARK

The only coastal nature park on the Spanish Mediterranean. Here you can find fishing villages such as Sam Jose, La Isleta del Moro, Las Negras and places of natural beauty and interest such as the unspoilt beaches of Monsul and Genovesas, las Salinas, El Mirador (viewing platform) e las Sirenas, the bird sanctuary, the Cabo de Gata lighthouse and the ancient gold mines at Rodalquilar.

 
CARBONERAS

Retaining the charm of a typical Mediterranean fishing village, Carboneras has much to offer. You can visit the castle of San Andres, the Mesa Roldan lighthouse, the Andre Bloc ‘maze house’ or the beaches at Los Algarrobicos and los Muertos.

 
SORBAS

 

The first thing you notice at Sorbas are the houses perched precariously on the edge of a ravine. Beyond that there are many things of particular interest – the Santa Maria church, the Villaespesa theatre, the houses of the Dukes of Valoig and Alba and of the Marques del Carpio, the district of La Alfareria and the spectacular Karst (vaults below the town) made in yeso.

 
MOJÁCAR

The unmistakable white outline against the sky which hides a maze of winding streets and alleys make this cosmopolitan hilltop village a fascinating place to visit.

The views from the Plaza Nueva and the old Castle-viewpoint are simply spectacular and the ‘Puerta de la Ciudad’ (ancient arched gateway), the fortified church and the moorish fountain (communal drinking fountains) with 12 spouts are sites of historical significance. The Castillo at nearby Macenas and the Perulico tower situated below on an untouched beach are also well worth a look.

TURRE

The greenery of the surrounding citrus and olive groves and the profile of the mountains looming behind mark out the Turre landscape. Here you can visit the Ermita (hermitage) San Francisco de Asis, the local church ‘Iglesia parroquuial de la Purisima Concepcion’, the surrounding Moorish villages such as Teresa and Cabrera or nearby archeological sites such as the cave at Palmera and Los Murcielagos.
 

LOS GALLARDOS

Far from the bustle of the beaches we find this ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying the authentic rural setting. Places of particular interest are the remains of a roman villa ‘cadima’, the san Jose church, the windmill (Molino de la Higuera y el de la Cueva) and the oldest wood burning oven in the region (historically there were no ovens inside houses. Every village had communal outdoor wood burning ovens).

 
BEDAR

Bedar has maintained all the charm of its mining past and remains a fine example of rural architecture. The Arabic fountain (public drinking fountains) and laundry, the parish church,the ruins of the Moorish castle and the Cerro de la Senora (highest point in the village decorated with a commemorative statue) are some of the points of particular interest.

 
GARRUCHA

This pretty fishing port is a centre for tourism which combines the authentic flavour of a typical working town with an excellent beach. You might like to visit the Town Hall, the Parish Church of San Joaquin, the Ermita (hermitage) del Carmen, the fish auction and market, the Plaza del Ancla and the Castillo de Jesus el Nazareno or simply stroll along the lovely seaside promenade.

 
VERA

Commercial and administrative centre of the region – where you can admire the Parish Church ‘de la Encarnacion’, the Convent ‘de los Padres Minimos’, the bull ring, the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the public fuente (drinking fountains), the Cerro del Espiritu Santo (the highest point in the town decorated with a shrine or statue) and the Ermita (hermitage) de la virgin de las Huertas.

 
CUEVAS DEL ALMANZORA

Cuevas is surrounded by an arid and mysterious landscape dotted with the fertile farmland and citrus groves and presided over by the majestic castle-fortress of Los Fajardos (Marqueses de los Velez_. There are many interesting places to visit in town and around the locality such as the ‘Church de la Encarnacion’, the ‘Casa (house) de la Tercia’, ‘La Torre (tower) de las Mateas’, the ancient cave dwellings, the castle of Villaricos, the Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Contemporary Art.


PULPI

Set amongst fertile farmland and looking out to sea, this village is notable for the Parish Curch, the castle of San Juan de Terreros and the Old Inn around the Fuente where the legendary ‘Reyes Catolicos’ (Spanish Monarchs of the 15th century) once stayed.

 
ANTAS

The great prehistoric wealth of Antas is evident from the important archweological remains to be found there. This typical farming village, set amongst the traditional crops of citrus andolive, offers various sites of particular interest : ‘Al Charco (village pond) de las Palomas’, the aqueduct at El Real and the ‘Parroquia (parish church) de la Virgen del la Cabeza

HUERCAL-OVERA

At the intersection between Andalucía and el levante and surrounded by cultivated farmland we find Huercal Overa, famous for the Easter week parades which have been recognised with a national tourist award. Some of the most outstanding places to visit here are: the local church ‘La Iglesia Parroquial de la Encarnación’, the Pósito Municipal, the Castillo, the Ermita (hermitage) y Calvario, the house of the four towers and the remains of the castle of ‘Santa Barbara’.

TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja is located on a great plain amongst lagoons.
The current municipality grew next to a tower, the old one (la Vieja), which gave it its name.
The area has some splendid beaches, fishing and a tradition of salt-making. The production of Salt in Torrevieja is one of the main in Europe and a visit of "The Salinas" is ‘a must’.
Two enormous salt lakes are the characteristic traits of this tourist area. From the North to the South, the coastline begins with the popular Mata beach with its fine sand.
Cervera cape is linked to Salaret point by a series of small, rocky coves, particularly those of El Mojón and Zorras followed by two of the most popular beaches: Locos and Cura, both with fine sand.

SANTA POLA

An important tourist municipality on the Spanish Mediterranean sea.
The "Salinas" Natural Park, is a landscape of great environmental and geological interest. When all the factors come together it can produce some spectacular sunsets.

Beaches located to the West are ideal for children and older people owing to the calmness of their shallow waters. The beaches to the East are protected from the northern winds by Cabo Santa Pola and have cristal waters and fine sand.
Between the Cap and the port are the beaches "Varadero" and "Levante" with nice beach promenades.


ALICANTE

Alicante the capital of the Costa Blanca offers the most varied landscapes and the most enviable contrasts. It is a cultural city with parks, gardens, night-life and a city centre with a wide variety of businesses. Alicante also enjoys fine sandy beaches.
The beaches, port and promenade are major characteristics of Alicante. The fine sands of San Juan beach in the north stretches 3 km to Cape Huertas which separates it from the popular Albufereta beach. In the south of the port lies Saladar beach.

The port is the busiest leisure area in Alicante with restaurants, pubs and discos, a yacht club and marina with facilities for learning to sail.

VILLAJOYOSA

La Vila Joiosa is the historic capital of the Marina Baixa district.
It is a fishing port and tourist attraction in one. The port and seafront promenade in the Arsenal quarter near the sea are surrounded by multicoloured houses built around a church dedicated to the Assumption.

The Doctor Esquerdo boulevard runs along the broad beach on which the town is built.
A visit to the port in the afternoon will provide you with the chance to see the day's catch being auctioned off at the market. The whole town's marine vocation is represented in the July fiestas when the traditional battle between the Moors and Christians is held at sea and on the beach

BENIDORM

Benidorm is the leading tourist enclave on Spain's Mediterranean coast. It has a complete range of facilities and services to accommodate millions of national and foreign tourists each year. Skyscrapers, avenues and newly opened streets in this busy urban centre facing the sea have been created to offer a modern yet tasteful city for holidays and fun.

The Canfali hill, a promontory located in the centre of Benidorm bay, divides the coast into two splendid sandy beaches - the Levante and the Poniente beach. The walk along the shore totals five kilometres providing a spectacular view of the sea and the Alicante coast. The Levante beach was developed first and has countless bars, Cafés and terraces for snacks, drinks and watching the world go by for the afternoon. The Poniente beach offers the same quality - with a full range of services.

 ALTEA

A visit to Altea starts at the highest part of the town. A magnificent view is gained from the Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo boasting a church topped by unique blue and white tiled cupolas. Cobblestoned streets and steps descend the hill flanked by whitewashed houses which were once protected by town walls. At the foot of the hill is the fishermen's quarter now enlivened by a seafront promenade and a port which keeps the town busy. Along streets and around plazas, craftsmen and artists mingle with holidaymakers and neighbours to form a captivating crowd.

CALPE

Calpe sits close to the Rock of Ifach on a hill rising up from the last spurs of the Sierra Bernia, a geographical marvel that provides access to the northernmost towns of Alicante's Marina district. lt is an authentic tourist site with a coastline boasting sandy beaches and cliff faces. Next to the seafront promenade are the remains of an ancient fish salting factory from Roman times.

Calpe's fishing port comes alive with hustle and bustle as the afternoon fish auction draws near.
On the Restaurant terraces the public have the opportunity to try some of the fresh local shellfish.

JAVEA

Touristic and maritime town situated between the San Antonio and La Nao capes, enjoying the impressive and magnificent protection of the Montgó mountain (753 m).
A clear and pleasant Mediterranean washes its 25 km of beaches, coves and cliffs.

The old town has an interesting historical centre with tosca porticoes, gothic windows, iron barred windows, balcony railings and luminous patios.
The fortress San Bartome is an example of a late gothic church with a defensive character.

Aduanas del Mar is the urban centre developed around the harbour. Visit the Santa Maria de Loreto Church, a fine example of expressionist architecture build during the 60’s.
The Arenal area is the commercial and recreational centre of the town.

In the Montgó Natural Park (Les Planes) a visit of the windmills is a must with lovely views over the bay of Jávea.

DENIA

Discovering Denia is a delight. It is full of life, colour and Mediterranean "joie de vivre". It has something you can feel in the local streets, something you see in the faces of people you meet, reflected in radiant smiles, friendly, open looks, warm, inviting manners which gives a feeling that Denia welcomes you with open arms. It has always been a safe haven for seafarers, a stopping point for travellers and an attraction for tourists.

Denia has twenty kilometres of seafront suitable for all tastes. Just relax and enjoy the sun. When it gets too hot you can simply slip into the cool clear waters of the Mediterranean.

To the north are sandy beaches which are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and walking along the shore. They have all the required services and the EC blue flag for clean seas.
To the south are rocky coves to be marvelled at. In these crisp, clear waters you can swim, dive and enjoy yourself, fishing, scuba diving or just relaxing.

COSTA CALIDA

Costa CálidaTwo seas on one coastline - the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean. Impressive cliffs, heavenly beaches of endless white sand, lively ports and wild coves with crystal clear water, more than 3,000 hours of sun a year and mild temperatures - even in winter - with a yearly average of more than 18ºC - This is the Costa Cálida, the ideal place to spend days relaxing both in winter and summer.

From the fishing town of Aguilas to the white dunes of the beach of El Mojon in San Pedro del Pinatar, stretch kilometre after kilometre of beaches and deserted coves awaiting the arrival of the bather, the sailor, the diver or the fisherman. In addition, there are delightful picturesque fishing villages, like La Azohia or Cabo de Palos where you can lose yourself for a few days; ports like the one in Mazarron where you can spend a lively evening and enjoy its magnificent gastronomy after a day on the beach; heavenly areas of natural beauty, unique in the whole Mediterranean, at the beaches of Calblanque and Calnegre... and one of the most highly considered tourist complexes in the Mediterranean: La Manga del Mar Menor, a paradise between two seas with infinite beaches, sandy sea beds and crystalline waters, and endowed with an excellent hotel infrastructure.

Furthermore, fans of water sports will find one of the best places in the world for practising sailing, canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing, fly surfing, windsurfing, catamaran, and every other type of water sport activity in its numerous clubs, ports and sailing schools. The Nautical Resort on the Mar Menor and similar consortiums in Mazarron and Aguilas offer the chance to hire out equipment, book sailing courses and reserve accommodation at extremely interesting rates.


RURAL DESTINATIONS

Urban DestinationsAs a result of its intense historical tradition, the reiterative superposition of cultures, its strategic location as a Mediterranean enclave and its transitional character as a border territory mid-way between the Meseta and Andalusia, the Murcia Region retains innumerable vestiges of the past, making it an ideal meeting-point where History and tradition have been instilled with new life and placed at the visitor’s disposal. The abundant remains and archaeological sites include rock-paintings in cave-shelters dating back to the Iberian period, the splendour of Roman antiquity with its urbanistic refinement and penchant for the theatrical, Visigothic cities, Arab medinas, Christian castles, watch-towers, churches and temples, civil and military constructions...

This ample historical, artistic, architectural and cultural heritage can be contemplated and admired in a diversity of natural settings, in the actual locations where the monuments themselves were erected, or within the thematic spaces provided by the Regions network of museums. The Region of Murcia is thus likened to a rich printed fabric upon whom History has been depicted for our contemplation.

Murcia, capital city of the Autonomous Region, on the banks of the Segura, Cartagena, a port fronting on the Mediterranean, Lorca, the town of a Hundred Coats of Arms, and Caravaca, the Holy Town, will provide many reasons why a visitor would wish to visit any time of the year for a holiday or just a short stay.

INLAND DESTINATIONS

Inland DestinationsThe interior of the Murcia Region is ideal for those in search of relaxation, nature, sport and good food. The mountains here are full of wild game and woodland and crowned with castles, fortresses, hermitages and convents. Stories and ancient legends enshroud these evocative, welcoming parts, inviting you with their robust, tasty cuisine to enjoy a few days relaxation in the fresh country air. Quiet, sleepy towns, such as Moratalla, Mula, Bullas, Cehegín, Caravaca, Jumilla, Yecla, and numerous other localities open their doors to visitors in search of new, tranquil sensations, those who want to lose themselves for a few hours among holms, pines, oaks and junipers, visit archaeological sites, experience traditional lifestyles, and, to get their strength back, sit down to a hearty stew, some migas or a tasty dish of game, accompanied by a fine bottle of local Denominación de Origen wine.

The more adventurous can paddle down river by canoe, go potholing, climbing, hiking, horse riding and cycling. Those who prefer can learn to knead bread, make homemade cakes, distil essences and liqueurs, cut honeycomb or make cheese. It is a question of taste.

To relax after a pleasant day in the country, nothing better than in front of an open fire, or, if it is summer, in the open air preparing a delicious barbecue in the Moorish oven of the country houses for rent throughout the region which offer all kinds of facilities to make your stay unforgettable. This network of rural accommodation also includes inns, hotels, campsites, apartments and bungalows as well as wooden cabins for those who seek a holiday with a difference.
 
Buying in Spain.
 
What You Need To Know.

Using an Agent:

As an agent we can be very helpful to you the buyer. We will provide a wide range of properties and local information. We will also be able to help you find the right property even if we do not have it listed already. Agents do not normally make a charge to buyers and therefore it makes sense for a buyer to use the very helpful services of an agent. The seller usually pays the agent’s fees within the price of the property. Do not make the mistake of listening to the guy sat in the bar who says he can find you a property or knows someone who can find you a property.

Make an Offer:

When you have decided on a property the first step is to make a verbal offer through your agent. Negotiations will then proceed until a price is agreed. When a price is agreed it is usual for the buyer to pay a deposit of at least 3000€ to take the property off the market, while a deposit of 10% can be arranged (less the 3000€ to 6000€ holding deposit), (Please note that the deposit is non-refundable if you do not complete the purchase), this will be held by the lawyer while he/she makes all the necessary checks and searches.

Appoint a Lawyer:

The lawyer should be fluent in your language, will carry out the necessary checks on the property and complete the legal requirements of the sale. The first check is to obtain from the Property Registry a “Nota Simple” which will identify the registered owner and provide details of mortgages or embargos on the property.

Your lawyer will obtain from the seller receipts for payment of IBI (Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles), the annual real estate tax. These will show the “Valor Catastral” the assessed value of the property on which your property income tax will be based on. He will also ask for receipts for the electric, water, basura (rubbish collection) bills and community fees paid.


Exchange of Contracts:

The exchange of private contracts or the signing of an option to buy would normally take place about two weeks after the formal acceptance of an offer, when the lawyer would have completed his searches. The contract will set out the agreed terms and state the date of completion.


Complete at the Notary:

On the assigned day both buyer and seller (or their authorised representative) will attend the office of the notary to sign the “Escritura de Compraventa” (the title deed), which should state that the property is free of charges, mortgages, and tenants. The notary does not check the terms but solely certifies that both parties have agreed them. At this point the balance of payment is made and possession passes to the buyer. Your lawyer will arrange payment of taxes and fees, register your title deed at the Property registry. Don’t forget to have your property insured.

The Costs:

There are three fees to be paid, Lawyers fee, Notary fee and Property Registry fees. Also there are two Tax’s, Transfer Tax (ITP) and “Plus valia”.

Lawyers Fees: Usually about 1% to 2% of the purchase price plus 16% IVA.

Notary Fees: Charges according to a fixed scale. His charges may range from 340€ to 1200€

Registry Fees: As a rule of thumb, about 60% of what the Notary charges.

Transfer Tax: If you are buying a re-sale property you are obliged to pay “Transfer Tax” (ITP) at 6%, but when buying from a developer then you should pay 7% IVA plus 0.5% stamp duty.

Plus Valia: This is a local municipal tax and is based on the officially assessed increase in the value of the land since the last time the property changed hands. It can vary considerably depending on the size of land the property stands on. Paid by the vendor.

Who pays what:  It is normal practice for the buyer to pay the above fees and taxes. The vendor pays his own Plus Valia & Capital Gains Tax and the Estate Agents Fees.
 

WHEN BUDGETING DO NOT FORGET TO ADD APPROX 10% ON TOP OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PROPERTY TO COVER THE AFOREMENTIONED COSTS.

Within 2 – 4 weeks a private agreement is signed between the two parties with a deposit transferred to Spain and held in the Lawyers account. The Lawyer and your agent will determine any outstanding debts; this could be property tax (IBI), community fees, telephone, electricity, water bills, purchasing fees and plus-valia tax.

When the mortgage has been agreed and all the property searches have come back the Lawyer can be authorized to release the 10% deposit to the owner.
 
Title Deeds.

A date is set, normally 1 – 2 months (or earlier if possible) after the private purchase agreement to sign the title deeds. It is the Notary who issues the title deed or “Escritura” and the completion takes place in his office.

If the purchase is financed by a mortgage then a bank representative is present in order to pay and sign the mortgage. The title deed is registered by the Lawyer in the corresponding property register. Giving power of attorney to the Lawyer can save you going back to Spain to sign.

 

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