Moving to the Costa del Sol?

These days it seems everything good is coming back to Marbella and surrounding Costa del Sol. The property market is once again buzzing with excitement, as property prices hit record lows. But, because of those low prices, foreign investors have certainly been taking advantage. Luxury property for sale in Marbella is quickly being bought up; Marbella properties for sale including beach front apartments are all but gone. The fact of the  matter is the prices are starting to rise, and things are moving forward rather quickly. Buying property in Marbella must be top priority in order to secure the best possible investment.

Why should you move to the Costa del Sol?

Do you know why so many people are moving to the Costa del Sol? Because it is a privileged location on the shores of the Mediterranean in the South of Spain! It’s a bold statement, but for many people who visit, buy houses, and live on the Costa del Sol, this is precisely why they choose it. This place isn’t just one of the best places to live in Europe; it’s among the most incredible spots globally. Why? Well, let’s break it down. Picture this: sandy beaches, lots of sun, and the sea. Now, throw in some mountains, and that’s the whole package.

The Costa del Sol sits in a stunning spot, snuggled between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s way down in the south of Europe and gets more sunshine than anywhere else on the mainland, soaking in over 300 sunny days yearly. Life here is modern, relaxed, and welcoming, with people enjoying a friendly, lively lifestyle mostly spent outside.

Its unique luxurious services, sports facilities, and gorgeous homes make this place very attractive. The Costa del Sol boast stunning natural spots, and the excellent Andalusian culture adds even more charm.

The Costa del Sol is easily accessible because of its international airport in Málaga. It’s a great place to explore Andalucía, Cordoba, with incredible cities like Seville and Granada nearby. And hey, if you’re into windsurfing and skiing fans, you’ve got Tarifa close by; the Sierra Nevada ski resort is just a hop away. This means there’s plenty to do all year round!

Good Reasons to Visit the Costa del Sol.

One of the obvious replies to this question is going to be the weather of course.  What with a record 320 days of sun on average but there are so many more reasons why people should come to the Costa del Sol.  So let’s reply to those travel writers who give you a couple of biased or clichéd reasons to avoid coming here and give you more rounded and genuine reasons why you should…

The Costa del Sol – It’s an All Year Round Resort…

Life on the Costa del Sol doesn’t stop once the holiday season ends, it continues on.  It’s not just somewhere that relies solely on holidaymakers and travellers but caters very well for both its native inhabitants and settlers to the area.  With events, festivals and fiestas to entertain everyone all through the year, making it a place you can visit at any time.

Beautiful Blue Flag Beaches…

Pretty much everywhere along the coast of Southern Spain there is an amazing beach to be found.  You cannot really take a wrong turn when looking for a clean, safe and spectacular beach to spend a glorious summers day on.  In 2009 23 beaches on the Costa del Sol were awarded with a blue flag status, through Fuengirola, Los Boliches, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, La Cala de Mijas, Marbella and Estepona to name but a few.

Spanish Culture…

Even though Spain is now a multi-cultural country is still stays true to its traditional roots and its this that makes it such a wonderfully authentic place to come.  Its so lovely to see a country holding onto its beloved traditions and ways of life.  The laid back Spanish attitude rubs off on you, as does the passion, music and dance that is all their own, like Flamenco, which was born here and has to be seen up close and personal, as does the passionate and intense, classical guitar and Spanish Folk that accompanies it. Ole!

Fabulous Authentic Food…

From Tapas and Tortilla to Paella, these are only 4 great reasons to sample the culinary delights of Spain.  This country really knows how to cook and have some great ideas concerning food, Tapas being just one of them.  The story goes that the thirteenth century KIng Alfonso X invented it when he became ill and was advised to only eat small bites of food with a little wine.  This made so much sense to him that he ordered all the taverns in Castile had to serve a little food with their wine thereafter.  So you see its not just a snack it’s a health issue.  Maybe this is why the Spanish People are some of the most healthiest in Europe due to their diet and with a vast array of incredible restaurants in all areas of the Costa del Sol, you will find somewhere to tantalize your taste buds to the max.

The mediterranean diet.

For some, the Mediterranean diet is just an optional eating plan when looking for a healthy lifestyle regimen. But for those in the know …. who have actually had the pleasure of visiting the Mediterranean countries on holiday, or better yet, actually live in this part of the world, you’ll know that it is so much more than just a diet.

You could be in a teeny kitchen in a cold far off land, but I guarantee you, that once you start combining the fragrance of fresh green basil, with crushed garlic, and cut into a juicy red pepper, … or perhaps smell the rich gorgeous cherry tomatoes roasting and sizzling in the oven in golden olive oil and rosemary …. that by simply closing your eyes, you’ll notice a smile creep onto your face and you’ll be transported into that blissful, sunny land once more.

So, what exactly is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet itself can be traced back to Crete, the largest of Greece’s islands, which out of interest has the highest olive oil consumption per head in the world. It also has the lowest death rate from cardiovascular disease and the highest proportion of centenarians.

It developed out of a region which offered little pasture for raising animals, but a lot of sun and sea. As a result, it’s people have traditionally lived on quantities of ripe fruit, herbs, seafood and bread, with relatively little meat and dairy produce. And they used a lot of olive oil. In Greece, it is said that the average person gets through over 20 litres of olive oil in a year.

You’ll be able to sit back and enjoy some of the many benefits the Mediterranean Diet  lifestyle has on offer irrespective of where you are in the world. However, for the full benefits, come and visit us soon on the Costa Del Sol. In fact why you´re here why not look for the Perfect Holiday Home.

The People…

It has to be said that apart from being one of the healthiest races in Europe, the Spanish people are definitely one of the friendliest too.  Maybe the two go hand in hand?  It’s not just a fake friendly but an open and genuine one.  They are mostly genuinely happy, friendly people as you see it shown not only to tourists or anyone wanting their services but also to their family and friends.  There is nobody more friendly to ask for help, (especially when you try it in very broken Spanish), they will give it in abundance and forgive you for your language faux pas.

Great Roads…

Whether it be by bus, taxi or driving your own car, you will find the roads a joy to drive on most of the time.  Not only are they built really well with a smoothness of silk feel under your wheels but they are very well signposted and easy to navigate. Get your motor running!

Transport and Travel on the Costa del Sol.

Its just amazing how on the ball the Costa del Sol is with regards to getting around.  It will never be a problem for anyone visiting or living here.  With a regular system of taxis, buses, trains and metro, that run like clockwork and side by side all day and week long, there are no real concerns about how to get to and from where you need to go.  These systems are also very affordable and give options for weekly and monthly passes, saving you money yet again.  Just brilliant.

The Costa del Sol is very well connected to the rest of Spain and Europe, thanks to Malaga Airport’s frequent low cost flights to the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe. People living in the western Costa del Sol can also fly from Gibraltar and more routes are coming here all the time.

If you want to explore the rest of Spain there are also a lot of internal flights, plus the super-fast train the AVE which whisks you from Malaga up to Madrid in just a few hours. The roads are excellent and very quiet most of the year, so driving around Spain is a very pleasant experience. There is a network of toll roads to get you from A to B quickly, or slower routes if you want a leisurely drive.

The Costa del Sol has a coastal road (the N340) which connects the whole area and is generally good, but can get busy and badly effected by accidents. The AP7 toll road is very quiet by comparison and a great choice if you’re in a hurry.

If you need to rely on public transport, then you’re best off basing yourself along the trainline from Malaga to Fuengirola to give yourself the most options until the long awaited extension is completed. However, there are many bus services which go along the coast connecting the towns, as well as the “urbano” services which go around the towns themselves. These are quite slow and not as frequent as you would like, so it’s best to have a car if possible.

Spanish Healthcare.

‘‘Our health is our wealth’’ as they say, and so if you’re buying property on the Costa del Sol it’s important that you feel that you can get the right medical help when you get here. The Spanish national health system is excellent and as long as one member of the family is working and paying into the Social Security system, you can apply for all the dependents to be covered for free. All you need to do is register with the town hall (Padron) and then go to your nearest doctors’ to register.

If you’re Spanish is not very good, you could be lucky enough that your health centre or hospital has a volunteer translator. The Costa del Sol hospital for example has a wonderful team on hand to help and in the most popular expat areas this service is often in place. There is also a telephone translation service available through the service Salud Responde. Call the help line on 902 505 060 24 or email the Salud Response line for information.

If you’re only here for a short time and have a medical emergency, you can use your EHIC card to access emergency care free of charge, but only in case of an emergency.

However it can cause issues if you always need help with translation, which is why many expats choose private medical cover which has English speaking doctors and healthcare professionals. Sanitas is the equivalent of Bupa and is the most well-known provider, but there are many more out there so shop around for the best price. Helicopteros Sanitarios is an excellent service with doctors coming to your home and even helicopters to take you to the nearest public hospital in case of serious emergency.

English Healthcare.

It is not always guaranteed, even on the Costa del Sol, that your doctor speaks English. This is where speaking Spanish can help, particularly if it you are having any long term medical issues. There are a number of state hospitals along the Costa, that speak different languages, and of course there are a number of private medical health services available, such as Helicopteros Sanitarios. However, whilst knowing the language is important here, you can always take along somebody who is fluent in Spanish.

Things to do…

From fiestas to fruit throwing, there is something for everyone here and the list is too long to put into one article really.  However there will always be something for you to do, regardless of who or how old or what type of person you are.  The Costa del Sol has something for you and it aims to please.

Golfers Eden…

Tee off on some of the grandest golf courses and resorts in Andalucia here.  The Costa del Sol has around 60 top class golf courses, 4 of which are ranked top ten in Europe.  Hundreds of thousands of golfers come from all over europe to play on famous courses such as the Valderrama Golf Club, the San Roque Golf Club and La Reserva Golf.

Fiestas…

The Spanish do love a good party and boy do they do it in style.  They’re many festivals and fiestas are legendary and go on all over the Costa del Sol throughout the year.  The streets fill with lights and costume and parades and the celebration of life is had by everybody.  Their fireworks displays are a regular occurrence throughout the fiesta season and are magical and spectacular to behold.

Do I Need To Speak Spanish On The Costa del Sol?

The Costa del Sol is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, where you will find a lot of people fluent in several different languages. It just shows the diversity of language on the coast and its international flavour.

On the Costa, there is a flourishing, self sufficient British ‘way of life’, where you can find many things British – Sunday roasts, curry houses, fish and chips, all served in British establishments. You can watch British films at the cinema, there are British estate agents, lawyers, accountants and financial advisors. Do I need to speak Spanish on the Costa del Sol?

There are British schools with British teachers, following the UK curriculum. You can get UK TV and UK radio stations. UK national papers are printed in Spain, and are widely available. British supermarkets, such as Iceland, stock British food. Almost everything is translated, from ticket machines to ATM’s. Funerals are even British, and the Costa even has a British cemetery! If you are planning on driving and owning a car, you do not even need to know Spanish, as you will find a number of British car mechanics along the Costa.

A quick search on the internet and you will find a number of language schools in your local area where you can choose to learn in small groups or one to one

Taking all this in to account, the average British person arriving on the Costa del Sol, do not need to speak Spanish. Although it goes without saying that having knowledge of Spanish is useful, as beyond the tourist areas, many local people tend not to speak foreign languages.

If you are looking to integrate, this is where learning the Spanish language really counts, as you will be able to have access to the Spanish way of life. Also when it comes to medical care and bureaucratic necessities, such as opening a bank account, obtaining residency, and other legal requirements, then knowledge of the language certainly helps.

Integration

It can be too easy not to learn Spanish, as there are around one million British expats living in Spain, the majority residing on the Costa del Sol. A lot of people do not bother to integrate, and only make English friends, and going to English bars and restaurants. 

It is very important to integrate and for this you need to speak Spanish. That way you will become immersed in Spanish culture, and this will open up new opportunities, as well as having the best of both worlds. Once you have learned Spanish, you can begin to make friends with your Spanish neighbours, get to know the Spanish way of life, customs and start to converse and form friendships with Spanish people.

Finding Work on the Costa del Sol.

If you are planning to relocate to the Costa del Sol, then finding a job is normally a key requirement. There is no hiding from the well-publicised fact that Spain has a high unemployment rate, however, don’t let this put you off! There are jobs on the Costa del Sol, especially if you are skilled and also speak Spanish, plus there are lots of international companies which are starting to recruit again thanks to the improving economy.

If you have experience in the hospitality industry (bars, restaurants, hotels etc.) or are a qualified teacher, have real estate experience, are good with customer service then there are plenty of opportunities around on the Costa del Sol. Salaries are lower than you may be used to, but just remember that cost of living is less too.

If you are English and don’t speak Spanish but can work in customer service, financial services, marketing or IT, then Gibraltar is an excellent option. There are many serious international companies there paying good salaries and you can still live in Spain and commute to Gibraltar for work.

Before you start your job search, make sure you have some money behind you to give you the time to look for the right job and have all the neccesary paperwork including an NIE number. This number is needed to do almost anything in Spain, so take your passport, proof of residence down to your local police station. If you wish you can apply for your NIE number before moving to Spain.

If you do not have a job prior to arriving then you can contact recruitment agencies, check out job ads in the local papers (such as Sur in English) search online and take a look on Facebook for job groups to see what’s out there.

We are always looking for experienced, passionate real estate agents who speak multiple languages. If you would like to be part of the LuxuryForSale.Properties Homes team in Marbella, send your CV to [email protected].

Whatever your background and level of experience, if you’re looking for a job on the Costa del Sol or a new career path we would like to hear from you! As long as you have passion, enthusiasm, energy and a positive attitude then you have the skills we need

Experience, knowledge and expertise are all very well but don’t let that put you off. Other personal attributes that feature just as high on our wish list are people with ambition, team player attitude and effective time management

Many people looking for employment opportunities on the Costa del Sol have a desire to change their lives and working background, to take on new challenges and expand their skill sets into new areas of which we encourage ambition and drive, and hope that the roles we currently have available are something you want to talk to us about

Listing Executives

We’re always on the lookout for people to join our highly efficient Listing Department, Bringing new listings to LuxuryForSale.Properties and keeping our Vendors updated and informed in the most dynamic way. If property’s your thing, you’re a team player, a people person and have good administration and communication skills, we would be happy to receive your CV.

Sales Executives

Showing people properties for sale is of course at the very heart of what we do; our business is the most professional, well-organised and effective on the Costa del Sol. We ensure our Buyers have access to every property option that interests them and deliver a service second to none. If you’ve got lots of energy, a bright personality, are adaptable to dealing with a wide range of people, and most importantly if you simply Love Life on the Costa then we look forward to hearing from you!

Customer Services

In the past few years we’ve handled literally hundreds of thousands of enquiries from buyers, vendors, agents and businesses if you’ve got what it takes to bring more buyers and vendors to visit and spend
time with us, and have plenty of enthusiasm and an open mind, then please get in touch.

Family Life on the Costa del Sol.

Many families come and buy property on the Costa del Sol looking for a better life or to secure the perfect home from home for those school holidays. Whichever camp you fall into we’d say go for it – the Costa del Sol is the ultimate family destination!

It is a wonderful place to live. You can put your children into Spanish schools and watch them blossom into bilingual youngsters, which has a great mix of cultural identities, Alternatively there are international schools to keep them on their home curriculum, but let them benefit from the amazing weather, sports and leisure activities. There are loads of after school options. Many townhalls offer Sports, Dance and Language classes at very affordable prices

The climate plays a huge part in why it’s so much fun to be a child here – head to the beach after school perhaps, or swim in your private pool to cool off, or be in the playground every day as the sun is shining. It’s all great fun and it’s keeping them active and engaged, rather than cooped up in front of the TV or computer.

For the parents there’s a real sense of freedom to do everything with your children and have fun as a family, whether it’s having a beer in a café next to the playground, or enjoying a family lunch on the beach so when the children can play.

There is a huge range of family activities on your doorstep on the Costa del Sol from water parks and zoos, to wildlife attractions, indoor play areas, cinemas, bowling alleys and even a theme park. Check out Marbella Family Fun for a really good list of activities plus real ratings and recommendations from fellow families.

If you’re searching for property on the Costa del Sol for the whole family, please let us know your requirements, ages and interests of your children and school needs. We can then recommend areas for you and only show you the right properties to suit all the members of the family.

Schools on the Costa del Sol.

A common concern for families moving to Spain are schools, but the great news is that there are lots of options on the Costa del Sol to choose from.

For the youngest children, a good option is a bilingual nursery which allows them to develop and for parents to be able to communicate with the staff in their own language. There are many of these in Marbella, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Estepona and Sotogrande.

If your children are young and you can speak enough Spanish, then putting them into a state Spanish primary school is a great option. This then allows them to integrate into the community and become fluent in Spanish. They can start in September the year they turn three years old, although it is not compulsory until six. The schools are free and open to all EU citizens and primary state education has a good reputation. The key is to ensure that as parents your language level is enough to be able to communicate with the teachers and keep up with the homework. It’s very important to note that the time to apply for a school place is between 1 and 31 March for the following September, so don’t miss the window! http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/educacion/portals/web/escolarizacion

Secondary school level is known as ESO and is from 12 to 16. We have read mixed reviews of state secondary schooling for non-Spanish kids, although many have thrived in the system, it depends on the child and the school. If you don’t speak Spanish, or aren’t sure that you’ll be staying in Spain, then International Schools are a good option for you and there are around 20 on the Costa del Sol. There are schools which follow the UK curriculum and teach in English, German and Swedish schools, oftenteach the International Baccalaureate in several languages. These schools are fee paying, but are generally cheaper than the equivalent schools back home and offer more flexibility for a family who may be moving around.

For older kids there are obviously universities and colleges, including very well regarded hospitality schools and also programmes from other countries such as America. Although please note that if you wish your child to go to a Spanish University they will need to complete the “Selectividad” entrance exam.

Search online and ask questions on forums about your nearest schools, and go and visit them to see what you think.

Best Spots in Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol has three main parts: the west, the east, and the central area. Right in the middle is the star attraction, Marbella. It’s like the five-star gem of this place! You’ve got the fancy marina at Puerto Banús and the posh country clubs in nearby Benahavís.

Málaga, the big city in this region, is going through a remarkable revival. It’s a stunning old city with many museums, shops, places to grab tapas, old-style buildings, restaurants, and some awe-inspiring sights.

Marbella is the epitome of luxury living on the Costa del Sol. Famous for its Golden Mile, this area is lined with exclusive villas, high-end restaurants, and beach clubs. Marbella’s vibrant nightlife, world-class golf courses, and upscale shopping make it a top choice for affluent individuals and families.

Adjacent to Marbella, Puerto Banús is a glamorous marina known for its luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and upscale dining. This area attracts celebrities and wealthy visitors, offering a vibrant atmosphere with numerous entertainment options. The marina’s chic waterfront apartments provide stunning views and a lavish lifestyle.

For those seeking a quieter, more secluded lifestyle, Benahavís is an excellent choice. Nestled in the hills just a short drive from the coast, this charming village is known for its gourmet restaurants and stunning natural scenery. This town boasts luxurious hillside developments with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains, like La Zagaleta.

Estepona blends traditional Andalusian charm with modern luxury. Its picturesque old town, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene make it a desirable place to live. Estepona boasts a variety of high-end residential areas, including beachfront apartments and exclusive golf communities.

Mijas, with its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets, offers a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary living. The area includes Mijas Pueblo, a charming village, and Mijas Costa, a coastal stretch with beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. Mijas is ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated lifestyle.

Are you moving to the Costa del Sol?

LuxuryForSale.Properties is located in the Marbella area, on the Golden Mile making us perfectly placed to show you around this beautiful stretch of coast. We work exclusively in the best areas of the Costa del Sol.

Due to the large LuxuryForSale.Properties network we are able to offer our clients properties in all other areas so there is no need to look anywhere else
Our team of Specialists have all had the experience of moving here permanently so they are perfectly placed to advise you and assist in all aspects of buying here in Spain.

Relocation Service?

We are here to help make your move as simple and hassle free as possible and should you wish to speak to one of our team regarding your relocation please complete the form on this page and someone will contact you directly to discuss your personal requirements.

We make relocating easy, Moving to Spain doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Tap into LuxuryForSale.Properties local knowledge and expertise

The only agency that offers you 100% after sales service. You can get lots of information from our site with Buyers Guides, Seller Guides, area Videos and much more.

Our service includes, but is not limited to:-

1. Assistance with finding you the the right schools for your children.

2. Introduction to haulage companies to help you move to Spain.

3. Help with obtaining NIE numbers and residence in Spain.

4. Help with Tax Returns.

5. Help with transferring all bills into your name in Spain.

6. Furniture packages, introduction to the best quality and value independent furniture shops.

7. Introduction to the best building services from minimal lock changes to full reforms.

8. Assistance with locating of business or personal services, satellite connection, phone and internet.

9. Post Office locations and services.

10. Cleaning services.

Let LuxuryForSale.Properties Homes take you on a journey through the Costa del Sol and find your perfect area and the right property to make your dreams come true.