|
|
You want to share your holidays at a place where you can find good atmosphere, calmness and various famous and beautiful destination. For this don’t go anywhere, pack your suitcase for travel to Spain. This country is an amazing and diverse country as the north resembles the rolling, green hills of Ireland while the south gives you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture as well. Tremendous history of Spain is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture. It is not only famous for bull fighting but for many other things also. Millions of tourists from all over the world prefer travel to Spain. This country is the third most popular tourist country in the world and has amassed such popularity due to its rich culture.
There are countless activities that Spain offers to its people, natives and guest alike and for every age is more than enough reason to make Spain one of the top tourist destinations. There are top destinations like Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Salou, Alicante, Marbella and the list goes on. Barcelona is known for some of the most incredible beaches in the surrounding areas, the maritime museum, zoo and the aquarium. There are also some of the best shopping malls, bars and night clubs. Spain is also the sight for one of the best art museums. It is known as Prado, where more than four thousands masterpieces are displayed. Works of Spanish as well as foreign artist are highlighted at Prado.
For booking your travel to Spain don’t ask anyone search over the internet is a right way. There are lots of websites that are providing detailed information and attractive offers travel to Spain. You are to select one according to your budget and book your travel to Spain. When choosing a holiday many people tend to choose one that offers a fair amount of variety and perfect weather conditions, they also like to have nearby beaches to relax or take a refreshing dip in the sea. Spain has some of the most stunning natural surroundings you will feel anywhere in the world. If you are planning of travel to Spain in a group or with family members, then Spain has so much to offer.
With a golden coastline, glorious weather and numerous family friendly local attractions, Spain is the perfect destination for a family camping holiday. Most people who go camping in Spain will head straight for the North East coast, and with good reason – Costa Brava and Costa Dorada are undoubtedly the best camping spots in the country, with access to the outstanding beaches and many of the best campsites in Spain.
If you are still undecided about where to go on holiday this summer, here are five great reasons why you should try a camping holiday in Spain…
The Campsites
It is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for a camping holiday, and Spain’s campsites are consequently of a very high quality. Those who expect muddy fields and basic facilities from a campsite will be bowled over by what Spain has to offer! Swimming pool complexes, gyms and saunas, restaurants, children’s clubs and sports centres are typical facilities of Spain’s luxury campsites. For those who don’t want to stay in a tent, there are plenty of mobiles homes in Spain that are available.
The Beaches
Costa Dorada and Costa Brava are two of the most popular destinations in Europe for beach holidays, and it is easy to see why. It has dozens of beautiful beaches, ranging from bustling beach resorts like Sitges to the quiet secluded coves of Tarragona. Most of them are perfectly safe for children, and many have water sports facilities and boat hire as well, so there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
The Weather
No more wet tents and mud slicked campsites on a camping holiday here – Spain’s “Golden Coast” is justly famed for its outstanding weather, with over 320 days of sunshine and summer temperatures of over 30°C. The warmest period is between July and August, although the weather is still sunny and pleasant (and the water good to swim in) for the entire period between April and October – this is the perfect time to got camping in Spain.
The Cities
There are several cities that are well worth a visit if you are camping in Spain. Barcelona is an obvious highlight – the legendary central boulevard of “Las Ramblas”, the many art galleries, the colourful architecture of Antonio Gaudi and the chic shopping districts are all great attractions. Lesser known but equally enjoyable is the city of Gerona; with its ancient cathedral, old fortifications and a mixture of Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, it is a delightful place to explore on a day trip.
The Attractions
There are plenty of local attractions to see whilst camping in Spain. PortAventura is one of the biggest theme parks in Spain, with a mixture of colossal roller coasters (such as the Stampida and Dragon Khan) and smaller rides to suit both adrenaline junkies and those of a more sensitive disposition! Another sight not to be missed is Santa Maria de Montserrat, a Benedictine abbey and notable pilgrimage site up in the Catalan mountains which is visited by thousands every year.
Stephen Lane is the Marketing Director of Canvas Holidays, one of the leading European camping and mobile home holiday companies in the UK. If you want to go camping in Spain, Canvas have over 40 years experience of tailor made camping holidays to destinations across 9 European countries.
If you believe only what you read in the press then you won’t be looking to step out of your house at the moment, never mind think of travelling abroad … and as if the credit crisis wasn’t enough, now we are also faced by near parity between the pound and the euro. Yet if you are prepared to look below the surface I think you will see things look much more interesting … especially here on the Costa Blanca in Spain. In fact I would go further and say that all of the reasons why Spain has been the most attractive destination for both holidays and second homes for us Brits remain valid … and some may have got better!
When the oil price was spiralling out of control last year there were serious fears that we might be seeing the end of cheap flights. Thankfully, this has not proved to be the case at all, and if you are able to travel light with hand luggage only, then there are some phenomenal bargains to be had on the budget airlines – just make sure you don’t ignore the terms and conditions as penalty charges are harsh!
And once you are over in Spain, how to get around? You will find car hire which given the immense competition has always been good value, is now even cheaper as companies fight to fill the fleets of empty cars that they find they now can’t sell. You do not need to book only with the internet brokers to find a deal. I for one find considerable peace of mind in dealing with the hire car companies direct – the response to any problem should it occur is much better for a start. Similarly, excessive supply means there are some real bargains available when it comes to accommodation and owners are very concerned that they may not get any summer bookings so it may not be necessary or prudent to wait for the last minute to make that reservation – especially if you want to pick from some of the gems you can find here, not just the leftovers.
Eating out has always been one of the big attractions in Spain. True, prices have risen since the arrival of the Euro, but you really don’t have to look hard to find great value, with many of the better restaurants now offering inventive and high quality “menu del dias” with dishes selected off the a la carte menu to attract in the clientele. And I don’t need to add the wine remains as tasty and cheap as ever!
Yet Spain has become more than just an occasional holiday destination. Changes in the buying process over the years, the higher priority given to leisure time and most notably the increasing interest in second homes have all contributed to the house-buying boom over recent years.
In this regard the excellent accessibility of Spain from the UK can not be ignored – not just the short travel time, but also the number of daily flights and departure points. People are increasingly looking at Spain as a preferred place to live – both in retirement, and more and more as a better environment to bring up a family. That is not saying there aren’t negatives here … not at all – the worst for example we refer to it as “being Spained” in our attempt to soften the frustrations experienced when dealing with the mind numbing bureaucracy and officialdom over here (although it is the way the country works and is the same for all – not just the foreigners). The counterbalance though is the attitude and way of life, with people choosing to focus on enjoying the positives, rather than concentrating on the negatives as seems to be the way all too often in the UK.
And of course we must not forget the weather … yes the reality might be that Spain is a cold country with a hot sun … but the sun does come out a lot! And it isn’t only the summer months that are great. No, there was something nice about having breakfast last Christmas Day outside on the terrace. And the fact that in winter the earliest it gets dark is nearly 6pm … well enough said!
But hang on a minute – why bring up house buying when all is doom and gloom at the moment. Well that isn’t exactly the case. It is true that it is not a great time to be a forced seller. But as a buyer, for the first time in some years there are some real opportunities appearing. Following the building boom of recent years there are clearly significantly more sellers than buyers at the moment, which puts the buyers firmly in the driving seat. This is particularly true in the “off plan” sector where investors who expected to sell their part completed project for a quick profit, are now being forced to make the completion payments they never expected to have to make. The credit crisis and reluctance of the banks to lend is also currently creating a window of opportunity for those who already have the necessary finance in place – those able to move quickly are not only able to take advantage of the increasing number of repossession properties, but to also make cheeky “take it or leave it” offers. The current lack of liquidity globally has exaggerated this position of power but with all the concerted governmental efforts being made this will not last for ever – eventually the “credit” dam will become unjammed.
Clearly the exchange rate is an issue, and we do not know how long this current situation will last. Nevertheless it is not necessarily a block to taking advantage of current market opportunities – particularly if you are able to find a seller looking to repatriate funds to the UK … of which there are a growing number at the moment … in which case a lower euro price today will still equate to the sterling value of early last year.
Please don’t think I am saying everything is attractive at the moment. For a start, many properties are cheap for a reason and given the available alternatives will remain so at almost any price. You must not loose sight in the rush to pick up a bargain of the need to do proper due diligence. Even the infamous Valencian “land grab” law, which whilst never the threat to all houses as depicted in some of the UK sensationalist press, has now been moved to the back-burner as large building projects are shelved. But don’t be fooled that it has disappeared off the statutes – it will return when times get better, and needs to be considered … but only for certain types of property.
Remember, “the night is darkest just before dawn” … yes things are pretty bleak out there in the world at the moment. There has never been an economic downturn co-ordinated in so many countries at the same time, but it is only a cycle and things will get better again. The reasons why people want to buy a property abroad – particularly in Spain – remain unchanged. What has changed is that now the choice is greater and prices are much more affordable – at times reaching “bargain basement” levels. I would be lying if I said I or anyone one else can accurately predict the bottom of the market. But two things I do know are that we only know we reached the bottom, sometime after we have passed it, and that the greatest choice and opportunities are before the consensus joins in.
Whenever you decide to act – now in the down-turn, or once things have got better – the advice you must not ignore is that most mistakes happen when buyers do not do the proper due diligence and did not take professional advice. You wouldn’t do it in your home country where presumably you understand the rules pretty well. Whilst the system in Spain has improved over time, it is still a foreign system conducted in a foreign language.
If you are planning to buy in the Costa Blanca area in the coming months, or are looking for more information to see whether the possibility is an attractive one then talk to Costa Select where you can find a complete and professional buyer-focused property finding service.
A detailed map of Spain will come in handy when it’s time to plan your vacation. You can get a quick overview of the geography and topography, and help you orient yourself to the important cities and landmarks within the country. You can also get a feel for where Spain lies in relation to the rest of Europe and the world.
Where in the World?
Spain is at the southwest part of Europe. In comparison, Spain is just over two times the size of the state of Oregon in the US. Besides the mainland, Spain also includes several islands off the coast of Morocco. The islands are the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Penon de Alhucemas, Islas Chafarinas and Penon de Velez de la Gomera. Understanding the physical layout and area of Spain goes a long way toward understanding the Spanish culture.
Though Spain borders several countries (France, Gibraltar, Portugal and Morocco), it still has a considerable amount of coastline (nearly 5000 km). Beaches are a significant draw for vacationers. Another reason it’s so popular is because of the mild climate. Spain enjoys good weather nearly year-round. The most temperate area is along the coastline, with the more extreme temperature changes occurring inland.
At its lowest point, Spain is at sea level. The country’s highest point is a peak in the Canary Islands. The Pico de Teide reaches 3718 m.
Important Cities in Spain
The Strait of Gibraltar lies at the southern tip of Spain. This is the route from the Mediterranean Sea to the North Atlantic Ocean. This is a popular passing area for merchants and trade.
The Alicante region, located in the southeast region of Spain, is a popular tourist attraction for visitors from Europe. It offers a wide variety of activities, from historical ruins to modern conveniences.
Madrid, Spain’s capital, is near the center of Spain, near the Tagus River, which flows to the North Atlantic Ocean via Portugal. Seville is in the southwestern part of Spain. It’s famous for it’s tributes to Spanish culture through art and culture. It’s also an important financial center in Spain. Barcelona and Cartagena are also popular tourist spots.
The cities of Gijon and Santander are located near the Bay of Biscay, on the northern coast of Spain. Other northern coastal cities include A Coruna and Vigo. As Spain is nearly completely surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that fishing and salt harvesting are big business here.
Focusing on the area of Spain, Peter J. Wilson writes articles especially for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His abstracts on detailed map of Spain are found on http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain.html .
If you are after unlimited sunshine, unlimited beautiful beaches, truly wonderful food, a wide choice of entertainment, and a wide choice of homes at affordable prices, then you will find Spain hard to resist. Although the vast majority of holiday makers (and residents) come to Spain to laze about on the beach, there’s much more to the country than the Costas and its islands .
Spain offers infinite variety with something for everyone, including terrific beaches for sun seekers and unbelievable scenery with tremendous views and wonderful mountain walks. For those who wish a more urban based life there are some of the most sophisticated cities to be found anywhere. For food lovers, you will find some of the best food to be found anywhere and wine to match.
To buy a home in Spain is not just to buy a dwelling but your chance to buy a lifestyle, and as a place for your holiday, second or retirement home, Spain is unrivalled, particularly if you’re seeking year-round sunshine.
So, why buy in Spain?
You can come up with a number of reasons why you would want to buy a home in Spain , although it’s important not to fool yourself or try and manufacture something that isn’t there with regards to what you can expect. Be consistent and realistic about what you can expect, ask fundamental question about what it is exactly that you want from a home in Spain? For example, is it a second home, holiday home or retirement dwelling that you wish to buy?
The south eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain has the highest percentage of retired persons in the world, when both Spaniards and foreigners are included. If you’re seeking a second home, what exactly will you want to use it for and how long will you wish to stay there? Do you plan to rent all or a portion of it to offset mortgage and operations costs? If that is the case, how essential to the overall plan is the property rental income? Is the decision to buy purely based on investment criteria? Do you plan to work or start a business in Spain? These are questions that need answers no matter where you purchase , but especially in Spain because of the variety of choices Spain has to offer.
Quite often potential buyers have a number of reasons for purchasing property in Spain. For example, many people buy a holiday home with an idea of living there permanently or semi-permanently after they retire. In a lot of cases the motivation is to start by purchasing a holiday home with the intention of retiring there later on. If this is the case, there are many more factors to take into account than if you were simply buying a holiday home that you will occupy for just a few weeks a year. If, on the other hand, you plan to work or start a business in Spain, you will be faced with a whole different set of criteria. You may be thinking of buying a home in Spain and commuting to another European country to work. More and more people are now doing that as they find that Spain has much more to offer nowadays.
Whatever the reasons for buying a home within Spain whether purely for residential or investment purposes, life in modern day Spain makes it such a difficult option to refuse.
Spain is a big, beautiful country that attracts many tourists every year because there are many great sights to see. The accommodations in Spain vary greatly so there are accommodations in Spain for those looking for luxury and those looking for a bargain. Spain has many great cities, beaches and villages, and the accommodations in Spain at these different locales will provide a home away from home for many tourists. Madrid is the largest city in Spain, and this beautiful city of often the place that most tourists begin their trip. There are many fine accommodations in Madrid that will provide comfort on many different budgets.
There are some wonderful five star hotels in Madrid, and these accommodations in Spain are expensive but luxurious. Many tourists can get some good deals on these fine hotels by making their arrangements through some kind of package tour. There are great small hotels throughout Madrid that are reasonably priced for those on a budget. These accommodations in Spain are usually very comfortable and located conveniently throughout the city. These smaller hotels often provide a place where tourists will feel welcome by the staff of the hotels.
Accommodations In Spain Are Modern And Ancient
Spain has some magnificent beaches, and the accommodations in Spain around the beaches are often designed for the informal lifestyle around the seaside. The beaches of Spain attract thousands of tourists every year, and there are many facilities for the tourists close to the beaches. Most of the tourists looking for a holiday in the sun make reservations for accommodations in close proximity to the beaches. Most of the people in charge of the beach accommodations cater to those who want a holiday in the sun.
The accommodations in the beach areas are often very modern, and these accommodations in Spain seem to increase constantly. Some of the accommodations in Spain are very old. Tourists often look for the older accommodations in Spain because they are looking for the flavor of the country and the culture. These accommodations often provide great insight into the past and present of this beautiful country at the same time. Spain welcomes people from all over the world every year because of the fascinating sights and events in this great country. Tourists can visit great museums, beautiful shops or a bull fight with colorful matadors. Many of the tourists who visit Spain return to see what they missed on their first trip. http://www.living-in-spain.info
Spain has become one of the most popular tourist and holiday destinations on the planet. The total number of visitors and holiday makers who come to Spain each year is more than 150% the numbers of the whole of the Spanish population!
So what is it that makes Spain such an attraction for all these tourists and holidaymakers?
-For most Brits, the first reason they are likely to give is the weather- the fantastic Spanish climate which just gets better and better the more one travels further and further south into this country. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it is true that regions such as the Costa Del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria are a tremendous draw for anyone looking to escape the grey of a Northern Europe winter or even Northern European summers of late!
-In addition to the climatic adavantages, Spain is a country which offers tremendous geographical variety and diversity. Believe it or not, this land of golden palm fringed beaches is the 3rd most mountainous country in Europe- indeed, where else in Europe can you ski in the morning and be on the beach basking in 25c of sunshine in the afternoon? Well, you can in the Sierra Nevada mountains which lie just 1 hours drive north of Malaga and the beaches of the Costa Del Sol.
-Culturally, Spain is amazingly diverse as you will notice in its art and architecture, cuisine and its peoples. All across the southern province of Andalucia, itself a Moorish word, you will find evidence of a people who came to occupy this part of Spain from North Africa hundreds of years ago, bringing with them a rich tapestry of cultural, artistic, linguistic and architectural styles and mores. The Alhambra Palace in Granada is probably one of the most famous and impressive legacy of Moorish architecture in the whole of this region.
-Linguistically too, Spain is very diverse. Catalan, a language as much akin to French as Spanish, is widely spoken in the North East of Spain and in great historical cities such as Barcelona you will see signs written in both Catalan and Spanish.
-Perhaps one of the biggest attractions for many tourists is the Spanish way of life. Whilst the often referred to “manana” culture can sometimes be very frustrating if you need something done in a hurry, there is no doubt that the outdoor lifestyle which is enjoyed by the Spanish people is much to be admired and envied by us Northern Europeans who are confined to indoor activities only for many months of the year.
Surely the essence of a relaxing holiday is to be able to relax over an evening meal eaten ” al fresco” washed down with beautifully refreshing Spanish wines such as Rioja or Ribera Del Douro? Wander through villages and small towns and stop to buy fresh produce at the many markets you will come across, enjoy a peaceful and relaxing “paseo” or evening stroll after an evening meal and rub shoulders and share pleasant and light hearted conversation with the locals- that is how to get to know, experience and enjoy the real Spain!
Top Tips As To How To Make The Best of What Spain Has To Offer?
Whilst there are many hotels of all sizes and descriptions which one could stay in, in my opinion the best way to experience this fabulous country, is to consider renting one of the may thousands of holiday homes, holiday villas or apartments which can be found on any high quality web based holiday property rental website.
When you rent a holiday home whether that be a holiday villa or holiday apartment in one of the many regions of Spain, you will instantly appreciate the benefits that this offers as opposed to the confines and limitations of staying in a hotel or pension. You can come and go from your holiday home as you please, you can organise sleeping and eating arrangements to suit the size and mood of your group and best of all you can experience first hand the real Spanish way of life by staying in authentic rural Spanish villages or energetic towns and cities.
As much as Spain is a fantastic destination for a holiday or short weekend break, the wrong or inappropriate choice of accommodation can totally ruin your experience and enjoyment. That is why I would strongly encourage you to go self catering and to seek out a holiday villa or holiday apartment to rent in one of the many diverse resorts and regions of Spain.
From coastal villas, apartments, townhouses, studios or rustic fincas you can take advantage of Spain’s wonderful sun drenched beaches, fabulous golfing resorts, or if its rural tranquillity which you seek, then accommodation set against a backdrop of soaring mountain peaks, lush green valleys and quiet rural retreats will be just for you.
Why move to Spain with Nicks removals to spain More Than 550,000 Britons Now Own Property in Spain The British are coming the British are coming. Well, yes, they are but, this time to Spain and not to Canada. The British are moving out of the UK in droves and are buying up property in Spain. One in three Brits wants to retreat to Spain. Spain is cheaper than the UK, has lovely weather all year round, Spaniards are friendly, the wine is great, and the Spanish government is very welcoming. I have been toying with the idea of moving to Spain. Spain really is heaven on earth.
Over half a million Brits now own property in Spain. In some small Spanish villages, they make up a large ratio of the population. More than 25% of them are qualified to vote in Spain on national issues, and voting rights on local issues look to be soon to follow. Spain is becoming home to the English, but why. The United Kingdom is one of the most pricey countries in Europe. Taxes are high, the crime rate is rising, immigration is a mess, the weather is terrible, and a lot of British feel the government stopped listening to them years ago. In a sensible way, the British, on the whole, are an really unhappy moaning people.
Many UK citizens will dream of one day retiring in sunny Spain. After all, thousands of people have done so in the past, and thousands more are planning to do so in the future. Considering the many benefits of living in and buying property in Spain for your retirement such as the lower cost of living, excellent local cuisine and fantastic climate why wouldn’t you want to move to this beautiful country. When you get a definate date for your move it is best to get your removal company booked often certain dates or times of the month can be very busy with end of contracts and exchanges falling on the same dates try our online removal quotes fill in quote form only takes couple minutes. So what are you waiting for The weather is beautiful all year round and the Spanish beach resorts are some of the prettiest in the world. The way of life in Spain is more relaxed than in the UK
When traveling to Spain, be ready to gratify in a diversity of culture and traditions. With its many regions, each with its diverse authority and ways of doing things, travelers to Spain will be certain be treated to a plethora of picturesque sights, sounds and experiences.
Touted as one the world’s famous tourist destinations, Barcelona, travelers to Spain will find the openwork spires of the El Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia or the Church of the Holy Family. The personal obsession of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi y Cornet was reflected in the neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece reknowned for its undulating curves and flamboyant design just before he died in a trolley accident. Travelers to Spain’s Barcelona will also find the paved thoroughfare Las Ramblas leading to Plaza de Catalu’a fascinating. In the oldest section of the city, travelers to Spain will get to see the Church of San Pablo del Ocampo and the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, which is a monument to Christopher Columbus. In Barcelona, the Barri Gotic and the red brick Arc del Triomf can be found. Both were designed by Josep Vilaseca.
Travelers to Spain will love touring Barcelon’s finest educational and art institutions. Among them are the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Royal Archives of Aragon, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Contemporary Art Museum.
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a metropolis known for its nightlife. Travelers to Spain will be entertained with its bars and summer terazas. Areas of note are the Chueca and the Circulo de Bellas Artes where travelers to Spain can enjoy relaxing and drinking in its many bars and discotecas. Three of the finest museums in the world can also be found in Madrid. travel through Spain’s art history as you view the country’s art collection. Museo del Prado is the most famous of the lot. Travelers to Spain will be able to see in the museum Velazquez’s Las Meninas and Goya’s Las Majas.
The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, on the other hand, houses Pablo Picasso’s Geurnica, a depiction of the Spanish Civil War. Travelers to Spain should consider the following notable museums such as Thyssen-Bornemisza art museum that houses close to 800 paintings; the Lazaro Galdiano Museum; the National Library, which houses every book published in Spain; Museum of Bullfighting; the National Museum of Decorative Arts; and the Cultural Center of Madrid, which contains a theater for zarzuela, Spain’s version of the opera. Of course, no place will compare to the Royal palace itself, where travelers to Spain can walk through the residential rooms of 18th and 20th century royalty.
Another sight that travelers to Spain should not leave without seeing is the Alhambra Palace, which is possibly the greatest work of the Moorish art in Spain. Consisting of several courtyards and patios, this Palace in Granada is a superb piece of architectural work with its elaborate inlaid walls and ceiling designs.
Traveling to Spain will not be complete without visiting Cordoba, a city in the South. Look for the Mezquita, Europe’s grandest and utmost gorgeous mosque. Alcazar is another magnificent tourist destination. This Moorish palace was the venue for the Inquisition though it is currently essentially in ruins.
Spain’s sprawling beaches and resorts also provide the perfect tourist destination. Travelers to Spain will fancy Costa del Sol and the Costa Brava, a string of coves from Palamos to Begur.
Starting a business in Spain is extremely easy and typically should not take more than a month. Buying Spanish property and doing business in Spain form a recipe for success, as thousands of foreigners have already discovered.With more and more people of working age coming to Spain, there has been a marked increase in the number of applications to operate a business in Spain.
Statistics show that the country has been recognized by British nationals as the ideal destination for relocation and running a business. Spain, which boasts nearly 1.5 million commercial premises, is a paradise for small companies and sole traders.
Doing business in Spain is a lucrative proposition not only because of the ease with which one can set up and run a business, but also because of the relatively low labour costs compared to the UK. The huge number of tourists and foreign residents is a major contributing factor to the desire to set up both tourist related and service businesses in Spain. There are an estimated 2.8 million permanent foreign residents in Spain.
Only last year, some 47,000 Britons became Spanish residents bringing the total registered British residents to 274,000. According to an estimate published in The Guardian recently, almost 750,000 Britons spend most or part of the year living in Spain. Over 650,000 British citizens have already settled permanently and 16 million British tourists visit Spain every year.
All you need to set up a business in Spain is the NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero), which is a mandatory identification number for anyone setting up a commercial operation in the country. This number can be obtained from the Oficina de Extranjeros at the local police station or police headquarters.
The process is relatively simple and the NIE can be obtained within a month. Once you have the NIE, you can buy property, open a bank account, apply for a business permit and pay taxes.
There are several lucrative sectors for doing business in Spain. The tourism and hospitality industry throughout coastal Spain, especially in Costa Blanca, Costa Almeria and Costa Calida, is witnessing a boom like never before.
The number of tourists visiting Spain each year has crossed the 50 million mark and is still growing. There are around 300,000 holiday homes owned by non-residents, of which British nationals alone are reported to own over 45,000.
New residents are successfully doing business in Spain running schools, shops, medical practices, estate agencies, bars and restaurants, in fact the opportunities are only limited to your imagination and hard work.An example of an emerging sector is the ‘photovoltaic’ manufacturing industry. This is a way of generating solar energy for large-scale commercial applications as well as for the residential sector. Though in the early stages, this market has great potential and offers enterprising businessmen the chance to set up a business in Spain and capitalize on this new emerging market sector.
Apart from the ease of running a business, another advantage is the availability of excellent residential and commercial properties at great prices. Spain is the second home for many Europeans because the cost of property is significantly lower than countries like France, Germany and even parts of Italy.
The Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria are among the biggest Spanish property hotspots, owing to their great tourist appeal.Significant infrastructure development is underway in these regions to cater to the tourist influx and the consequent demand for Spanish property.
Therefore, if you are not sure as to what kind of business in Spain you want to start, buying a commercial Spanish property as an investment may be a good option for you.
|
How about Las Vegas next time?
|
