Useful information about the Costa del Sol
Climate and much more...
With 325 days of sunshine per year and an average temperature over 20oC, it is no surprise that the
temperate weather of southern Spain has traditionally been the primary attraction for most visitors. However,
in recent years, more discerning and sophisticated tastes have meant that home buyers are looking for much
more than warm weather and a glass of sangria on the beach.
Some parts of Spain may be quaint, romantic and pretty, but what if you get ill or want to raise a family? The very best modern medical services are close at hand with an international hospital just four kilometres from central Marbella. A wide choice of International schools is also available, offering educational standards comparable with any major city.
Mijas Costa
Just as Mijas village is serenity, tradition and culture, so Mijas Costa equals that magic combination of sun, sand and seasports. The beaches at La Cala have been awarded the "Blue Flag" as among the best in the province and are geared to provide action: jet skis, water skiing and parasending are all on the go. Be sure to check out the chiringuito charm here too, where you can sample a variety of Spanish seafood eaten with the favourite holiday drink, tinto verano: ordinary red wine topped up with casera (lemonade). The Mijas municipality covers an impressive 148 sq km and includes two major urbanisations, Sitio de Calahonda and Riviera del Sol. The former is informally known as the English village in Spain and the place to come for karaoke, second hand shops, British doctors and dentists, Indian restaurants, imported foods and, naturally enough, a plentiful choice of pubs. The nearby Riviera del Sol is similarly inviting and popular among foreigners, particularly the large commercial centre with its bar, telephone booths and grocery store combined. The sports centre is also well equipped and includes an 18 hole golf course and thriving tennis club.
Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus is located just west of Marbella, before you reach the small town of San Pedro de Alcantara. This is the place to be pampered yachtside and ogle those fabulous luxury yachts while sipping a drink at one of the many open air restaurants and bars. The setting is close to ideal, with its impressive mountain backdrop and ocean views. Since its inception some forty years ago, the port has steadily grown and now features a casino, commercial shopping centre, a Corte Ingles department store, marine observatory and a multi cinema with films shown with their original soundtrack. Nightlife buzzes at Puerto Banus with your choice of alfresco bars, piano clubs and discos while during the day this is a window shopperīs dream with several of the world renowned fashions houses featured here, in addition to small, interesting shops and boutiques. If you really want to have a birdīs eye view of the portīs magnificent position, then regular boat trips are the ideal solution and available on a regular basis from the central promenade.The beach adjacent to Puerto Banus holds a European blue flag. Every Saturday morning at Puerto Banus by the bullring is a very popular street market where you can pick up all sorts of bargains.
Estepona
With an overall population of 37,000, the 'old town', as it is known, is a bustling and atmospheric centre. Estepona is one of the few coastal towns that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character, despite the onslaught of tourism. Notwithstanding, all the tourist facilities are here, including hotels, restaurants, leisure and cultural activities, and shops. The flip side is that the numerous street cafes and tapas bars still serve traditional Spanish delicacies and the steep, cobbled, narrow streets seem more suited to horses than cars. You'll also find unusual shops and bodegas in Estepona, where you'd least expect them, all very inviting, very friendly - and very cheap!
