The Costa del Sol is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations and the capital of the province is Málaga. The area's mild climate makes it possible to enjoy over 160 kilometers the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities, golf and other sports year round with an average temperature of 25º C.
Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it's miles of beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic weather which have kept tourists flocking back year after year to popular resorts destinations such as Marbella, Puerto Banus, Nueva Andalucia, Estepona, Sotogrande, Mijas Costa and Fuengirola Costa del Sol is one of the most visited regions in Spain. Its great diversity means that the Costa del Sol has something to offer for just about everyone, there is enough entertainment and variety to please both residents and tourists alike. One of the most visited towns is Marbella having a distinctly cosmopolitan feel to it, more so than the other main towns on the Costa del Sol, local celebrities include Sean Connery, Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas (who originally came from Malaga). It's not suprising then that it is often compared with the likes of Monaco and Monte Carlo. Costa del Sol is a wide and big region and has two parts on each side of its capital Malaga – Eastern and Western region:
Benalmadena
Benalmadena is the second closest major resort to Malaga Airport and is neighbor to Torremolinos. This is another very popular town for British tourists and has three areas to it. Firstly, set in the hills there is Benalmadena pueblo which still has the authenticity of a traditional Spanish village with its narrow streets and traditional Spanish houses. Then nearer the coast there is Arroyo de la Miel (stream of honey), a small , modern area packed with shops, restaurants, bars and also hosts Tivoli World, one of the best theme/entertainment parks on the coast which also has a huge cable car that travels up to the mountains and boasts the most amazing panoramic views.Finally there is Benalmadena Costa comprising of 9km's of beach and a 2km promenade. Arguably the centre piece of the Benalmadena Costa is the marina which in the past has been voted the best in the world and has over 1000 moorings. Day or night this area is a hive of activity with a new shopping centre, over 200 bars, shops and restaurants plus a diving school and the very well known Sea Life Centre (watch out Puerto Banus!!). In the centre of town there is the famous 24 hour square with its late bars and early morning discos which is very popular with the youngsters. To the western end of Benalmadena on the way to Fuengirola is the 5 star Torrequebrada Hotel which incorporates the resort's only casino and a spectacular cabaret show. Benalmadena is similar to Torremolinos as regards its popularity with tourists and is also very popular for people looking to move to Spain. Its ease of access to the holiday market, great beaches, major tourist attractions and enviable climate all help to explain why Benalmadena is fast becoming one of Spain's premier holiday destinations.
Property for sale in Benalmadena is good value for money and offers wide variety in type from studio apartments to luxury houses often set in their own grounds with swimming pools. Being so close to Puerto Marina, Benalmadena Pueblo, Costa or Arroyo de la Miel offers investors to take advantage of the busy holiday market and rent out their houses. Families, looking for a more permanent home will find many good schools including a private International College, shops, restaurants and never the less the famous Torrequebrada Golf Course and Country Club.
Fuengirola
Situated on the coast down the hill from Mijas, Fuengirola has five miles of promenade (Paseo Maritimo), which offers a most pleasant walk along the beach with a number of beach restaurants (chiringuitos) along the way to enjoy a relaxing drink or sample the wide variety of seafood they have on offer, watch the chef cook your food on a barbecue on the beach! Fuengirola is central for all the activities available on the Costa del Sol , it is 20mins away from Malaga airport, 20mins from Marbella and Puerto Banus, 10mins from Torremolinos / Benalmadena and 1hr from Gibraltar. There are many excellent places to spend your time in Fuengirola, it has one of the best open air zoos in Europe. There is the Sohail castle which lies at the west end of the promenade with its park and many festivals held within its ancient grounds. The flea market held on a Saturday at the Feria ground is the largest of its kind in the area and will interest those who like local crafts, leather, jewelers and souvenirs.. There is the aqua park, which is an oasis of fun and of course the 5 miles of sandy beaches! For the gamblers amongst you there is the Hipodromo, the Costa del Sol's racetrack which has meetings every week and includes lots of entertainment around the course.
Property for sale in Fuengirola is a great buy for those looking for a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Fuengirola is an ideal real estate location for families and offers buyers a great choice for finding apartments and townhouses or villas and larger plots on the outskirts of El Coto, Sierrezuela, Torreblanca and Los Pacos. Fuengirola is one of the most popular holiday destination and both prices and property types are very suitable for the strong rental market.
Mijas
On the foothills of the mountain range, Mijas enjoys a uniquely mild microclimate, which has turned it into a town virtually entirely dedicated to tourism with an outstanding infrastructure. It is now surrounded by over 100 urbanizations, golf clubs, hotels, a funny water park and other facilities. Mijas is a typical Andaluz village, perched high above Fuengirola and Mijas Costa like so many sugar cubes with spectacular views of the coast and surrounding heavily wooded mountains.
Since this village was first discovered in the sixties, close to sixty nationalities have made the pueblo their home and the impact can be agreeably appreciated via the international cuisine, cosmopolitan clubs and associations and, in general, the influence of foreign culture and the arts. Fortunately, however, the village has still managed to retain some of its quaint traditions, one of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis which line the central plaza. The village dates back to distant time and there are two Mudejar churches here to prove it, as well as the sanctuary of the patron saint of Mijas, from the year 850. One of the most interesting buildings in Mijas is the hermitage of El Puerto which can be spied, just about everywhere in the village, appropriately enough, halfway up a mountain. Also lookout for the Mineral water spring at the entrance to the village.
Property in Mijas is very demanded due to its situation on a mountainside, where buyers and tenants can enjoy the tranquility of the mountainside or the busy life on the coast and the most spectacular views of coastal towns.
La Cala
Formerly a sleepy fishing village set between Fuengirola and Calahonda on the Costa del Sol has become a popular destination for both tourists and residents of the local area. Over the last few years more and more restaurants, bars and shops have opened in this quaint "village." Like most coastal areas on the Costa del Sol La Cala boasts a lovely beach which is serviced by a selection of restaurants and bars. on the opposite side of the main n340 road there is a huge new development being built which is sure to bring many more people to the area. Along with a new golf course and the rapidly growing commercial centre the future is bright for this beautiful village.
Property for sale in La Cala offers buyers good rental potential and the advantage of living close to the sea or further inland in a mountainside home with beautiful sea views to those who are looking to purchase a holiday or permanent home.
Riviera del Sol
Over the last few years Riviera del Sol has become a hugely popular destination for British holidaymakers and for those looking to move to the Costa del Sol and this is reflected by the amount of developments there are here now. On the coast between Marbella and Fuengirola Riviera del Sol urbanization is situated only a few minutes from the new E-15 motorway access, and the national coast road the N-340. Riviera del Sol runs down to the beach and is adjacent to Calahonda. Riviera del Sol is a mixed residential and holiday area enjoying every facility and services needed to enjoy life comfortably. Banks, restaurants, shops, supermarket, chemist and a health centre are all to hand.. Within the Riviera del Sol urbanization you will find Miraflores golf. Close buy you will also find Cabopino golf and Calahonda golf course.
Riviera has always been a strong real estate market for buying apartments, townhouses or detached villas and normally people relocates to the area for many different reasons such as central location, bars, restaurants, schools and low prices compare to other coastal towns and areas.
Calahonda
Over the last twenty years or so, Calahonda has become, in some peoples opinion a town in its own right although the local authorities refuse to give it this status. It is a hugely popular area for both British holiday makers and tourists alike. Calahonda is less than a half hour from Malaga airport in between Fuengirola and the east side of Marbella. Made up mostly of villas and townhouses with very few high rise apartment buildings Calahonda encompasses both rural and coastal life. All amenities are within a few minutes including restaurants, bars, supermarkets, shops, banks, schools, sports facilities, pretty much everything you would expect in a town of this size. There are four golf courses within the area of Calahonda and the Costa del Sol hospital is less than five minutes away. Whether you a tourist or looking to live here Calahonda has everything you could want without having to travel too far.
Calahonda offers buyers of mainly British nationality a wide choice of properties for sale and variety of beach or mountain locations.
Cabopino
There are not many more picturesque and inviting coastal areas than the port at Cabopino. Here you can practice any of your chosen water sports and activities including wind surfing and dolphin watching. Less than five minutes from Calahonda it is the perfect environment for a beach or portside meal and boasts one the most attractive stretches of coastline. (including a nudist beach)There are over 170 berths for both small and medium sized boats and has many restaurants to choose from for that romantic meal. There are also many beautiful apartment buildings and hotels overlooking the port and for those who enjoy the real outdoors two minutes across the main N340 road there is Camping Cabopino. Cabopino is 25 minutes from Malaga and less than 10 minutes from Marbella. Less than 5 minutes from Cabopino is Calahonda where you will find all your usual amenities like banks , shops and supermarkets.
Cabopino offers buyers a wide range of new build and second hand apartments, townhouses and villas and family who are looking to relocate in the area are very easily to fall in love with Cabopino Port and surrounding nature and greenery.
Elviria
is located about 15 minutes east of Marbellas city centre and is 25 minutes from Malaga airport. Elviria has long been a popular holiday resort and is home to the five star Don Carlos Hotel and to the internationally renowned Santa Maria Golf & Country Club. It is less than 5 minutes drive from Cabopino port and there is no shortage of amenities including shops, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, a tennis club, plenty of golf courses and is only 5 minutes from the Costa del Sol hospital. It is a coastal urbanization and as such most properties are within walking distance from the beach. There is also the English International School which caters for primary and secondary students. 10 minutes further inland from Elviria there is fantastic countryside with amazing sea and country views from the La Mairena urbanization. Elviria is perfectly situated and is within easy reach of any of the facilities you might require on the Costa del Sol.
Real estate in Elviria is of its highest demand as it has easy access to Fuengirola - Marbella it is very close to both international and Spanish good schools, well known Santa Maria Golf Course and Country club and has one of the most beautiful beaches. Buyers of property in Elviria are attracted by pine forest, tranquility together with been close to shops, restaurants, Don Carlos hotel and buzzing Niki Beach Club. Properties in Elviria have always been a very good value for money.
Marbella and Puerto Banus
With kilometers of coastline and 24 different beaches to choose from Marbella has something for everyone. Whether you're into jet-skiing, sailing, star-spotting, balloon flights, cable ski-ing or simply enjoying some of the best fresh seafood in the world you'll find it all at Marbella's seafront and water sports centers. Stroll along the famous Golden Mile and dine at some of the most sumptuous (and expensive) restaurants that the Mediterranean has to offer. Or visit one of the many "chiringuitos" - the beach bars that pepper this stretch of coastline, serving much-needed cold drinks and delicious food to summer visitors. If you're a sucker for seafood try their fresh char-grilled sardines. Marbella has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel to it, more so than the other main towns on the Costa del Sol, local celebrities include Sean Connery, Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas (who originally came from Malaga). It's not surprising then that it is often compared with the likes of Monaco and Portofino. If you would like a bit of Hollywood style glitz why not visit Puerto Banus, where you can amble beside the yachts and speedboats of the rich and famous, the king of Spain also moors his yacht in this port from time to time, which is an awe-inspiring sight! Expensive sports and luxury cars litter the area; Puerto Banus is a place that inspires people! Since its inception some forty years ago, the port has steadily grown and now features a casino, commercial shopping centre, a Corte Ingles department store, marine observatory and a multi cinema with films shown with their original soundtrack.
Property in Marbella and Puerto Banus together with the strong real estate investment demand is at the high end of the market providing purchasers of all nationalities with business opportunities as well as houses and apartments of the highest standards and luxury.
