The Costa del Sol is, perhaps, the best-known "Costa" to British people.
It is set in the far south of Spain, the last European land before you cross the Mediterranean sea to North Africa. Its main town is Malaga, location of the international airport that serves the area with flights from virtually every British airport.
The Costa Del Sol's success has been firmly based on its weather and its beaches and the resorts that have grown up along them including Torrremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella, Estepona and others to the west of Malaga and Nerja to the east. Inland are spectacular Ronda and, a few hours drive, the spectacular inland cities of Granada and Seville.
The area has a superb climate with a temperature range of the upper 50s F in winter to the 90s F in the summer and low annual rainfall.As you can imagine the coastal strip is quite built-up but the further west you go (towards Gibraltar and the Costa de la Luz on Spain's Atlantic coast) there is less development.However, this area's busy buzz and all-year lifestyle is exactly what many people are seeking for their retirement: health-giving weather, lower-than-UK costs, beaches, bars, restaurants and, when desired, many places of interest to visit.
It has two of the most stylish (and expensive) resorts in the Spain - Marbella and Puerto Banus.Every amenity is available, healthcare is excellent and the area is within easy reach of all parts of the UK.However, expect to pay more for your retirement home on this coast than you will on other Costas (though prices are lower as you go inland).
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| Retirement developments on the Costa del Sol: |
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Costa De Almeria
The Costa de Almeria has been the least-known of the Spanish Costas in the past, but this is changing fast.It is a province of Andalucia (like Costa del Sol) situated to the east of Malaga. Its principal city is the busy port of Almeria which is also the location of its international airport. There are daily services to the UK from here and the service is growing as more and more British people discover the Almeria area.
This area has the least rainfall of any part of Spain and still enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year. Temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) in winter but can rise to 35 degrees C (95 degrees F) in high summer.
There has been an acceleration in home building in the area over the past decade but prices, though they are on the rise, are still considerably cheaper than the other Costas.The area has excellent beaches and an inland mountain range with attractive Spanish villages.
The main resorts of interest to UK residents are: Roquetas De Mar which has undergone sensitive improvement and expansion in recent years and has a super six mile beach and promenade, port and marina as well as an excellent golf course; Almerimar, an attractive purpose-built resort with a fine marina and excellent golf and, further north, Mojacar, with its "white" village winding up a hill and busy coastal strip area.
Other areas are Garrucha, which is a very Spanish port and the Vera Playa beach resort which is fast developing as an upmarket, quiet and sought after area.Almeria is also the fruit and vegetable growing centre of southern Spain with agriculture a vitally important part of the local economy.Of all the Costas, Costa de Almeria offers the "real" Spain and the lowest prices.
Costa Calida
This is the area next to Almeria going north, with the attractive town of Aguilas at its southerly end and Cartagena and La Manga at its northern end.This is, in fact, the coastal area of Murcia and is served by Murcia Airport which has services from most UK airports. A new airport is due to open in the area in 2008.
Again the climate is superb, described by the World Health Organisation as one of the healthiest in the world.This is a quieter area than the Costa del Sol but has a vibrant property market thanks to its weather, beaches, attractive towns and excellent facilities.
La Manga is a highly popular and elegant area, with a wide range of property available, good medical, shopping and social facilities and some excellent golf courses.
Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca rivals Costa Del Sol as a popular destination for British people, both for holidays and as a location for a Spanish home.It stretches for 100 miles either side of the city of Alicante whose international airport has flights from every airport in the UK.
In the south, the region begins south of Torrevieja which is highly popular with Brits seeking an affordable home in the sun, and continues to the huge resort of Benidorm and on to the smaller, more exclusive towns of Altea, Calpe, Javea and Denia.
Again its popularity is built on its climate and vast range of facilities and attractions.The northern area has a backdrop of mountains and the coast has beaches, sandy coves, rocky headlands and picturesque views.The coast's hinterland is also magnificent with attractive villages, much agriculture and panoramic views.
There is a wide range of property available, medical facilities are first class and there is a vast array of hotels, restaurant, bars and shopping right along the coast. Sports facilities, including water sports are all available.The city of Alicante, the area's capital, is well worth visiting for its historic links and its fine port area..
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| Retirement developments on the Costa Blanca: |
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| Villamartin Hills |
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| Santa Pola Life Resort |
