The Malaga Province and the Costa del Sol

Research shows that Spain has recently overtaken France as the holiday and relocation destination of choice for most Britons: this article looks at one of the most popular regions in Spain for expatriate relocation and discusses what it has to offer anyone in search of a new life abroad.

The Malaga province is located in south central Andalucia in Spain and is seemingly most famous as being the gateway to the Costa del Sol and for Malaga international airport – which often serves as people’s first entry point into Spain!
But the region offers far more than just popular beaches, shopping opportunities and an international airport!
The Malaga Province is one of the first and still most popular regions of Spain attracting expatriate retirees and those in search of a new life in the sun.

So what has the Malaga Province got to offer?
Firstly there’s Malaga itself – the provincial capital city is the second largest city in Andalucia and considered by many to be one of the most vibrant, atmospheric and historic cities in Spain. It is indeed a lively and exciting port city which offers its inhabitants and visitors an excellent quality of life, a city unspoilt by tourism and the passage of time.
The city boasts excellent shops, restaurants, bars and attractions such as Picasso’s birthplace and museum, La Manquita (the cathedral) together with beautiful tropical gardens and long stretches of sandy beach. It is a city steeped in history and a city which likes to celebrate its history – the festivals or fiestas in Malaga are famous throughout Andalucia and beyond – from the Feria de Malaga to the Three Kings Festival.
Apartment living is popular in the city and prices vary widely depending on the property’s proximity to the beach and other attractions. The city is a popular second home destination for those in search of a holiday home in the sun which is also suitable for letting.
Next there’s the Costa del Sol of course – which is basically a line of holiday resorts stretching from Malaga almost as far as Gibraltar – it was once a line of small fishing villages until a Spanish development drive began in the 1950’s to awaken the potential of the region. Now the Costa del Sol has been made famous through package holidays which brought waves of sun seekers to the expansive sandy beaches.
So, the nightlife and entertainment on offer are plentiful along the Costa de Sol but what else does the region have that has attracted so many expatriates to relocate to it?
Golf, sailing, water sports, incredible weather and an excellent expatriate network providing people with home from home support and familiarity which can ease even the most reticent expatriate into their new life abroad!
One of the most popular areas for both tourism and expatriate relocation on the Costa del Sol is Marbella. And what makes this resort so attractive is its cosmopolitan character. It is currently home to thousands of people from all around the globe and it is this mix of cultures, traditions, languages and people that makes Marbella a magical destination.
The people in Marbella are friendly, the atmosphere in and around the resort is peaceful and the destination is right for more and more property investors and expatriates.
The property market in Marbella and along the Costa del Sol is ever strong. With more golf resorts under development and more people drawn to the region the high property prices are expected to continue rising throughout 2005 and beyond.

Southwest of Marbella is Estepona – Estepona is a small fishing village with lots of character, an interesting history and is one of the few resorts in the Malaga Province to fully retain original charm and character, it really has not sacrificed its beauty and atmosphere for tourism.

This makes Estepona an incredibly desirable place – tourists want to visit it and sample the quality of life available and the beautiful year round sunny climate, and expatriates seeking a degree of exclusivity are drawn to the stunning (and pricey!) real estate options available in Estepona.
Heading away from the most popular coastal resorts towards, Axarquia, Antequera, Guadalhorce or Ronda you will find that the rich and diverse natural beauty of Spain abounds and stunning properties can be purchased at more acceptable prices. These areas are becoming more and more popular with expatriates looking for a different type of life in Spain – away from the bars and bustle of the traditional coastal resorts.

 

Axarquia – in terms of both tourism and ideal expatriate locations this area has only really been ‘discovered’ in the last ten years or so. It offers smooth rolling hills and beautiful mountain scenery, pretty traditional white villages and abundant wildlife set among a fairly wild and rugged landscape which is proving highly desirable and suitable for hiking and walking enthusiasts!
 

Antequera – This is one of the regions most attractive towns, it is located on the edge of a 540 metre high plain with rugged mountains to the east and south.
The town itself is a white walled busy market town and boasts well preserved buildings and site of outstanding natural interest.
 

Guadalhorce – affording visitors and residents some of the most incredible and wild natural scenery in Spain, Guadalhorce valley is framed by mountains adorned with fertile orchards, olive groves, almond trees, thickets and pretty traditional white villages.

Ronda – the beautiful Serrania de Ronda mountains lead to the historical town of Ronda which is perched over 100m above a sheer drop into the El Tajo gorge. While most visitors to this part of the region tend to stay for just half a day, those looking for unique and unspoilt Spain will be reluctant to leave. In fact, more and more expatriates are considering this region for their escape to the sun.

 
When you consider the wealth, depth and breadth of opportunity, scenery, attractions, excitement and quality of life available is it any wonder that the Malaga province is so attractive to both expatriates and holidaymakers year on year