Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt
The Costa del Sol boasts one of Europe’s most privileged climates. Honouring its name, the Costa del Sol has over 330 days of sunshine a year, light and warmth are never too far away.
White pearly beaches stretch lazily far away until the land meets the sky, a myriad golf courses, exclusive yacht moorings, international restaurants and elite private schools; all these contribute to make the Costa del Sol a unique and ideal place to settle and live in with an exceptional quality of life.
From the rich tapestry of history and culture weaved by Malaga city, to the modern bling and glitz of Marbella, passing through the sweetly-scented gardens of Estepona and the spiritual insightfulness of Benahavis, the Costa del Sol offers a wide array of lifestyles to choose from, and a great selection of properties for sale in Spain. Which one appeals to you?
Where to live on the Costa del Sol?
For reasons of space, I can only name but a few. But Benalmadena, Casares, Fuengirola, Manilva, Mijas, Nerja, and Torremolinos all deserve their space as well.
Málaga, the Costa del Sol’s culture capital. Its vast cultural offering spans from the Picasso Museum, Pompidou Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum, Saint Petersburg’s Russian Museum, the bullring to a slew of glam theaters, such as the trendy Teatro del Soho; all give it a luster of a cosmopolitan city. But if we dig deeper in its historic roots, history buffs will get lost in its Roman and Carthaginian ruins, Augustus’ two-millennia-old amphitheatre, the imposing Arabic Citadel (Ciudadela) perched high atop the city walls with commanding views overlooking the bay and adjacent scented gardens. The magnificent architecture spearheaded by its iconic cathedral (La Manquita) the only one in the world with only one tower (the funds towards the second tower were generously gifted long ago to assist thirteen struggling colonies in their War for Independence against a mighty overseas empire. A pungent reminder that freedom and independence always comes at a price, least we forget), the beautiful English merchant district (Paseo de Reding) with its elegant lavish nineteenth century mansions which embellished doors have been the mute witness of countless romances though time. Easter Week floods its streets with religious fervour, balconies are decked up in red, processions abound and the sweet smell of burning incense gently drifts though the air of its alleys taking us back in time. The food, don’t get me started; simply delicious with fresh produce brought every day to its nineteenth century central market (Mercado de las Aterazanas), a feast for the senses. For botanic lovers, you are in for a treat. You will find majestic trees which exotic seeds were brought by sailors over the centuries from far-flung places from all over the Spanish Empire. These mature trees, now centuries old, dot Malaga’s sprawling avenues (Avenida Principal) and parks, providing shade with a lush green canopy encompassed by the soothing chirping of birds. Malaga, passion for life.
Marbella, an iconic place of world renown and beauty. Marbella honours its name, since the times of the Catholic Kings, which means ‘beautiful sea’ in Spanish. Luxury and good life meld to create a unique place chosen by discerning tourists and bon vivants for generations. Marbella, with its beautiful bewitching La Concha mountain, draws you in, capturing the imagination of tourists for decades. It is a melting pot of nationals from all over the world, who flock to it choosing it as second residence to enjoy the sea and its famous all-year-round micro-climate. Modern communications (including toll highways), a plethora of amenities, dozens of golf courses, horse riding schools, a first-class modern hospital, renowned schools, shopping centres galore make Marbella an ideal home for families with young children and retirees. Marbella caters to discerning and sophisticated property buyers looking to purchase outstanding homes. For party owls, Marbella’s thousand and one nights offer untold pleasures that will keep you coming for more. Or you can simply chill out in the evening, hearing the cicadas’ gentle buzzing in your terrace al fresco, sipping a glass of a fine Rioja while you watch in good company a dramatic dusk set against a dashing blue sea. This sassy city offers the best of style, beauty, and luxury the world has to offer for those privileged few that can afford it. If anything, you will be spoilt for choice. Marbella, it’s the lifestyle.
Benahavis is a small peaceful town nestled high in Ronda’s snow-capped mountain ridge. This picturesque town, founded by Arabs over 1,000 years ago, is straight out of a postcard. It is home to over 100 family-run restaurants which cater to a demanding crowd. This town blends high cuisine with a balm for the spirit. Over the last years, it has become the place of choice for ultra-wealthy individuals looking for privacy who have built fabulous mansions overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The dusk falls against a dramatic sky drop of the silhouetted mountain ridge is second to none, simply breathtaking. This steady influx of affluent newcomers, who flee from large urban agglomerations which dot the coastline, has strongly contributed to make it the town with the highest income per inhabitant in all of Andalusia. Its spiritual wellness is the best-kept secret of those in the know. Benahavis, it’s the flavour.
Estepona. ‘Astapa’ was founded by Phoenicians over two-thousand years ago. For years overshadowed, even snubbed, by its two glitzier neighbouring sister cities; no more! It has come into its own, becoming a hotspot for bustling offplan activity. Estepona teams with life, commingling a traditional laid-back Spanish lifestyle with an international sophistication. The Kempinski 5-star resort hotel is the city’s flagship of style and luxury. Estepona has worked hard to build its own reputation as a garden Eden which is reflected in its beautiful sprawling gardens and lush green areas surrounding the city. At the city’s heart, you will find its orchidarium, a living museum straight out of H.G. Well’s The Time Machine novella. If you are looking for the authentic Spanish flavour, and (still) affordable seashore prices, look no further. Estepona, the garden city.
Andalusia, where heaven meets earth. Will you resist its pull?
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