Think of sun, sea and sand and you will immediately conjure up images of the Costa del Sol, the stretch of land spanning the entire Mediterranean coast running from Almeria to Cadiz which is awash with attractive beach side property and chiringitos.
The name ‘sunshine coast’ was first applied to the area in the 1920s in an advertising campaign and it wasn’t until the 1950’s that the original farm land and fishing villages were transformed into a playground for the international jet set, with Marbella and the world renowned Marbella Club designed by the European prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, at the heart of the action, attracting aristocracy, royals and film stars. Developer José Banús designed the glamorous marina bearing his name to rival the French Riviera which proved a great success at attracting the rich and famous, looking for Spanish property, high quality leisure pursuits and of course world class golf.
Nestling just a few kilometres from Málaga is Torremolinos the original seaside package holiday destination, started by an Englishman opening his home to paying guests. However, it wasn’t until the 1970’s with cheap flight prices that mass tourism really got underway spreading to the neighbouring towns of Fuengirola and Benalmádena, well on its way to becoming the holiday destination that we all know and love.
Newer residential and tourist resorts have appeared along the coast such as Mijas Costa, Calahonda and the upmarket developments of El Rosario and Elviria, home to impressive villas, apartments, golf courses and hotels on the coast.
Travelling further west there is no shortage of holiday or investment hotspots, such as the ‘new golden mile’ with its choice of international hotels or the more traditional taste of Spain in the towns such as Estepona or the hillside village of Casares.
Today the upmarket resort of Sotogrande located just a few miles to the east of Gibraltar in the region of San Roque, is home to the international standard golf clubs including the world renowned Valderrama host to the Ryder Cup. The area is also well known for polo attracting not only the rich and famous by but UK royals. The architecture has also been nominated by the local government for the quality of design.
Costa del Sol for all the family
The family is the core of Spanish culture and it is no different on the Costa del Sol. Family living in the region can take advantage of healthy air, beaches and clean sea water, plus a whole host of outdoor sports and entertainment such as aqua parks, safari parks, zoos and even crocodiles.
Why choose the Costa del Sol?
- Healthy outdoor lifestyle
- Safe environment to bring up a family
- Year round temperate climate
- Favourite choice of European expats
- World class public and private health facilities
- Wide choice of beachside, country and urban property
- Low cost of living
- International standard facilities, restaurants and services
