The Costa del Sol
There can be few people who haven't heard of the Costa del Sol, or come to that, even visited it!
It has after all been an international tourist destination for more than 50 years. All initially attracted by it's incomparable year round climate, and over 160 kilometres of glorious and varied coastline.
Things have changed since those early days. The climate and coastline hasn't, but the infrastructure and wealth of facilities has. In doing so, it now attracts not just International visitors but International investors and those seeking permanent living with a quality of life, lifestyle and diversity, unequalled anywhere in Europe.
Climate
The area's mild climate is the root attraction that makes it possible to enjoy the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities year round.
The climate on the Iberian Peninsula is generally stable and, as far as meteorological science permits, weather forecasts are reliable. The seasons are fairly predictable, with periods of rain in the Costa del Sol from the end of September to the end of November, and in March and April. During the rainy season sunshine and warm weather is still enjoyed as the rain rarely falls for more than a couple of days at a time. The remainder of the year enjoys hot sunny weather, long days and a wonderfully temperate climate.
The Coast
The Costa del Sol stretches along just over 150 kilometres of Málaga province and is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations.
Malaga city, the capital of the province, lies towards the eastern end of the province with some 54 kilometres of varied coastline of cliffs, coves, caves and beaches stretching further eastward towards the urban and tourist centre of Nerja.
However, in closer proximity to the development is the Western Costa del Sol. This is the 100 km plus of coastline that begins at Malaga city and stretches westward all the way to the border of Cadiz Province.
A diverse combination of beaches, resorts, leisure marinas and fishing ports; this part of the coast is highly developed in terms of both property and infrastructure and it attracts an important percentage of Spain's international tourism.
Communications revolve around Malaga International Airport, (8 km west of the city) currently undergoing a vast expansion program, which will more than double it's present size, and improve it's already efficient access facilities.
Gibraltar airport is also just one hour away from the Monte Mayor district of the Costa del Sol. Gibraltar airport now attracts many more airlines and offers a regular service to most UK airports.
The province of Malaga, although the smallest in Andalucia, measuring 7.272 square kilometres, is indeed a land of contrast. Mountains, sea, rural villages and sophisticated tourist resorts and enjoying the contrasts is one of life's rare pleasures.
Shopping
It is often said, that if you can't buy it here, they don't make it!
Residents on the Costa del Sol will find that this is one of the easiest areas in Andalucia to find just about anything and everything. Thanks to the international climate that is created by so many different nationalities living together, products from all over Europe and the world are sold at various key points along the Costa del Sol.
The quaint and traditional independent shops dotted through the quiet back streets of cities and villages still exist in their 1,000's. But the international chains are here too; companies like Dunnes Stores, Iceland, Habitat and Ikea offering everything from toys to computers, and from furniture to fashion. Also on hand are the vast and modern department stores of El Cortes Ingles.
In Marbella there is the cool and extensive shopping mall of La Canada. With over 250 shops and restaurants, bowling alleys and multi-screen cinemas. There is something here for everyone.
Scandinavian shops and German bakeries dot the coast and Asian and Arab markets can be found by asking members of their respective communities to point you to the nearest outlet in your area.
For the fashion aware, Puerto Banus is an absolute paradise. From Paris, Italy, London and New York. Every label is here. The boutique fashion shops are lIned up side by side facing the multimillion-pound yachts. This really is the playground (and high street!) of the rich and famous.
Beaches
The sun and the beaches are always a major attraction. Most of the 161 kilometres of Malaga province coastline is beach, and with most of the hotels in the province built close to the beaches, most of the finest restaurants within shouting distance of the beaches and the best climate in Europe, it is little wonder that the beach means so much to local residents and tourists alike in Malaga.
Monte Mayor has many fine beaches all within easy reach. You can chose from the chic beaches of Laguna Village and Marbella to the more rustic and tranquil beaches stretching down to Sotogrande.
All the beaches of the Costa del Sol are excellent and are cleaned every day. Most provide all the services that only a great Spanish beach can offer: Bars, restaurants, showers, beach umbrellas, beach beds, palm trees, children's parks, special access for the disabled, lifeguard services, policing, water sports and much more.
Marina's
Where there is water, there are also boats! Along the coast of Andalucía there are numerous marinas, ideal for both those with yachts who need a berth, and for those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a harbour.
Most of the marinas are located on the Costa del Sol. The Costa del Sol has a wealth of yacht marinas and harbours, many with over 1,000 berths (including Benalmádena and Puerto Banús). The latter, located just beyond Marbella is Spain's answer to St. Tropez where some of the most spectacular gin palaces and luxury yachts are moored. There are numerous sailing clubs located at the Costa del Sol's larger harbours, all of which offer tuition and classes. Both crewed and uncrewed yachts can be rented, although you need a skipper's certificate or a helmsman's overseas certificate to rent an uncrewed yacht.
And as always around every good leisure marina, there are numerous good bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Golf
The Costa del Sol has become a Mecca for golfers over the past few decades due to its fine weather that makes it possible to play golf the whole year around.
In addition to the challenges of Monte Mayor, at present, the number of courses on the Costa del Sol is around 100 and it is increasing every year. These golf courses range in complexity from simple 9-hole courses for the beginner to PGA-rated courses like Valderrama in the neighbouring province of Cadiz.
The provinces of Cadiz and Huelva also offer a number of excellent, quality courses that provide memorable challenges for all levels of golfing enthusiasts.
Education
Education in Spain is of a very high standard and apart from the numerous quality local schools, the Costa del Sol also has a good selection of International schools, ranging from those that offer a purely British or American programme, to those that follow the Spanish curriculum but with a strong emphasis on tuition in English.