Information about the Costa del Sol and Andalucia

The Costa del Sol is where Hola Properties is located, in the Province of Andalucia, Southern Spain.
We offer properties for sale in Marbella & surrounding areas of the Costa del Sol.

Don´t forget to use the Universal currency converter to find out how much your local currency is worth in Euros.
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We also recommend Yahoo weather for all your forecasting needs, although its more than likely to be sunny!
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Brief History of the Costa del Sol and Andalucia

It should be no surprise to learn that the region has a varied and rich history with a large Moorish influence as the Moors invaded in 711 and it wasn't until the 15th century that the Spaniards started to regain control of the region, finally expelling the last of the invaders in 1610.

With the British taking control of Gibraltar in 1704 and the small matter of a French invasion of Malaga in 1804 that lasted a few years it is no wonder that the Costa del Sol is a culturally diverse area.

Since the 1950's the Costa del Sol has become a major tourist destination. The climate is pretty near perfect, with hot, sunny summers and mild sunny winters.

What to See and Where to Go on the Costa del Sol and Andalucia

As well as the option of simply sun bathing and making the most of the weather this region of Spain offers many places of interest worth exploring.

There is plenty to choose from whether you are interested in a playing golf in Marbella and other local courses, doing other sports, having fun on a family holiday in theme parks such as Selwo, Aquapark and Tivoli World or simply exploring the fabulous scenery and history.

For flight availability & prices we recommend the following airlines:

www.easyjet.com , www.british-airways.com

www.bmibaby.com

www.flymonarch.com

www.expatica.com is a most informative site, which will answer many of your questions prior to considering or after you have purchased your Spanish property.
The site gives in depth explanations regarding relocation – for example how to apply for connection to Spanish utilities, the Spanish social security system, lists of all embassies & consulates.
In the money section you will find important advice on banking, insurance & taxes in Spain.
In education – you will find a large list of Spanish state & private International schools.
Other interesting elements are on work, health & socializing.

The following are just a small selection of places we think you may wish to consider visiting whilst on the Costa del Sol:

Marbella

Marbella helped make the Costa del Sol famous worldwide. About 35 minutes by car from Malaga, Marbella offers the best of the old and the new. You can wander around the seafront and the harbour and admire the huge yachts or relax on the beach. There is an abundance of places to have a drink and eat along the seafront.

Alternatively you could explore the old town, Casco Antiguo with its little squares and narrow streets for a glimpse of a more traditional way of life.

Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus, where the rich and famous hang out, offers designer shopping, night clubs, discos, piano bars, restaurants and an unforgettable marina with huge boats. The whole place buzzes with atmosphere day or night time. It is the ideal place for doing some serious celebrity spotting.

North of Puerto Banus is Nueva Andalucia, one of the most exclusive areas of the Costa del Sol, a completely new vast area filled with luxury properties and some of the best golf courses.

Benalmadena Marina

Benalmadena Marina is excellent for night shopping and offers very good restaurants, bars and clubs surrounded by the luxury yachts moored at the Marina.

Tivoli World one of Spain's largest amusement parks is in Benalmadena and will keep the whole family entertained for hours, as will the Sea Life Centre at the Marina.

A ride on the Benalmadena Cable Car from next door to Tivoli World up to the top of Calomorro mountain is a lazy way to quickly get excellent views over the local area.

Mijas Village

Mijas Village is a beautiful traditional Spanish village set in the hills above Fuengirola with picturesque streets and white-washed houses.

If you visit Mijas Village be sure to venture beyond the main street into the old and winding streets to catch a glimpse of rural Spanish life.

Mijas Village is a 10 minute drive North from Fuengirola.

Fuengirola

Just 10 minutes by car from Mijas, Fuengirola is a lively seaside tourist resort with all the usual attractions including a long sweeping beach, wide range of restaurants, bars, clubs and shops to entertain the holidaymaker whatever your age.

Up above the town itself the old Moorish castle, the Castillo de Sohail is worth walking up to for fabulous views of the local Costa del Sol coastline.

Malaga

Malaga is the gateway to the Costa del Sol and the provincial capital. Most international flights arrive and depart through Malaga airport.

Malaga is a modern city with all the usual attractions including a vibrant street life and night life but it also retains its historical roots.

If you like modern art, the "Museo Picasso Malaga" (Picasso Museum) opened in October 2003. The museum is one of only 3 museums in the world dedicated to Picasso and has over 200 pieces of his work on display.

Ronda

Set high in the mountains north of San Pedro, a trip to Ronda provides a breath taking ride to this Spanish mountain village which is steeped in history. The town itself is divided into a new and old quarter by a split in the El Tajo gorge.

Ronda is great for wandering around and seeking out small tapas bars to try out the Spanish cuisine whilst admiring both the architecture and its dramatic location.

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