Whether you’re looking for a great place to visit on vacation, or invest in holiday property, take a closer look at the Costa del Sol, situated in the province of Malaga on Spain’s southern coast. It could be just what you’re looking for.
It all started with Marbella, no more than a sleepy fishing village 60 years ago, but now one of the world’s most loved tourist and holiday home destinations and a playground for the rich and famous. In a recent article, Christopher Clover of Panorama Properties explained how Marbella epitomises the sophisticated Riviera lifestyle that increasing numbers of young professionals are now seeking, choosing these privileged surroundings to settle down.
Of course, there’s more to the Sunshine Coast than Marbella. A string of beautiful coastal resorts over a stretch of 100 miles offer an extensive selection of property catering for all lifestyles, tastes and budgets.
The weather alone – delivering a glorious 300+ days of sun per year – is enough to attract holidaymakers in their thousands. And with plenty of fabulous sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and a myriad of leisure amenities, including world class golfing and yachting facilities, The Costa del Sol offers holiday home accommodation for families and retirees, investors and expats.
- Torremolinos
At the western edge of the Costa del Sol you’ll find the well known resort of Torremolinos. Once a traditional Andalusian fishing village, Torremolinos now boasts a 7 km beachfront, high rise hotels, a vibrant nightlife and family entertainment including Aqualand and Crocodile Park.
Quieter residential areas can be found at Playa Mar and Pueblo Blanco, with good quality gated complex apartments available for around the €200,000 mark.
- Benalmadena
Benalmadena is a major tourist destination with all round appeal for any age. There’s a picturesque old village (Benalmadena Pueblo), an award winning marina (Puerto Marina), a modern seafront with stunning beaches, a Sea Life Centre (Selwo Marina), an amusement park (Tivoli World) and a cable car up to Mount Calamorro.
Most of the residential areas are located around Arroyo de la Mielis, where many expats have made their home, while more upmarket homes can be found around Puerto Marina. Expect to pay upwards of €200,000 for a nice 2-bed flat, while villas can cost between €350,000 and €1 million.
- Mijas
The beautiful little white washed village of Mijas Pueblo is perched high up on the mountainside 428 metres above sea level but only 5 minutes inland. It is a popular destination for many non-Spanish speakers, and a favoured home for many artists and writers in particular.
A superb location for a holiday or second home, the village has a choice of traditional townhouses and apartments on offer, and there are holiday villas affording truly stunning vistas. Prices start from around €300,000 but can go into the millions.
- Fuengirola
Another pretty fishing village turned into cosmopolitan tourist resort, Fuengirola is well known for its lively nightlife, and miles of sandy beaches stretching from Torreblanca to Sohail Castle, as well as its watersports.
In terms of property, 2-bed apartments can be found for as little as €150,000, and new estates including Puebla Aida in Mijas Golf offer quieter accommodation. However, central Fuengirola properties overlooking the promenade and having seaviews can command premium prices. Exclusive locations such as Los Boliches offer seafront apartments and villas around the €1 million mark.
- Mijas Costa
Stretching from Calahonda to La Cala, Mijas Costa is popular with British families seeking sea, sand and golf. Well maintained Calahonda 2-bed flats are affordable costing in the region of €100-150,000, while La Cala apartment may fetch slightly more – around €170,000.
At Gran Calahonda, a complex with 3 pools and 5 minutes’ walk from the beach and all its amenities, expect to pay around €150,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment – more if you wish to be near Miraflores Golf Club.
- East Marbella
Low density buildings interspersed with golf courses, green zones and, of course, sandy beaches, characterise Marbella’s eastern side. Here you will find the communities of Elviria (home to Elviria Hills and Santa Maria golf clubs), Nikki Beach club, Rio Real, El Rosario, Las Chapas and Cabopino. More exclusive locations include Lot Monteros and around La Cabane Beach club.
Depending on the quality of the complex and its exact location, expect to budget between €200,000 to €400,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in East Marbella.
- Golden Triangle
Connecting the glitzy resorts of Marbella, the Golden Mile and Puerto Banus, San Pedro de Alcantara, Estepona and Benhavis give you the Golden Triangle – the most fashionable place to own a holiday villa or second home in Spain.
In recent years, many exclusive communities have been developed in the foothills away from the main town including Sierra Blanca, La Zagaleta and Nueva Analucia – all favourites with wealthy expats. A superior 2-bed apartment will set you back from €250-350,000 while villas start from €450,000 and can go a great deal higher.
On the seafront, villas and penthouses are highly priced and very sought after, fetching several millions.
- Estepona
The large, popular family resort of Estepona has a wonderful 13 mile long stretch of beaches, a picturesque old town and a busy fishing harbour. This resort has managed to retain a comparatively Spanish village feel.
Two-bedroom apartments here are priced in the region of €120-180,000.
- Sotogrande and La Duquesa
If you are looking for the prestige of the Golden Triangle but in a much quieter setting, Sotogrande on the western edge of the Costa del Sol is the perfect place. Surrounded by championship golf courses Valderrama, Sotogrande, San Roque and La Canada, there’s also a luxury marina and polo club.
Expect to pay from €350,000 for a 2-bed apartment around the marina, reaching in excess of €1 million in the most exclusive locations. La Duquesa is a smaller marina resort offering less expensively priced property.
This article was written by Dakota Murphey.
