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Holidays in Spain have been the choice for British holidaymakers for decades and with good reason. Spain offers a seductive blend of gorgeous weather, exotic locations, dazzling beaches, grand monuments, tantalizing food and drink, and a host of activities such as swimming and golf along with a pulsating nightlife. But in a country so overrun with visitors, where do you go to find the authentic Spain? If you want to find the real Spain with all the conveniences of modern living, head for the Costa de Almeria. Here’s why Almeria is the place for your holidays in Spain.
For one thing, there’s the location. Costa de Almeria stands on the Mediterranean in the eastern part of Andalucía – home of flamenco and bullfights and birthplace of Picasso. Other than beaches and scenic fishing villages, the area is studded with the magnificent remains of ancient Moorish civilisation, orange groves, and orchards of white grapes.
Its Moorish castle, Alcazaba, is the second in size of Andalusia’s Islamic fortresses after the Alhambra. This magnificent hilltop structure features stout walls and towers and commands stunning views of the surrounding area.
Another Almeria attraction is one for film buffs. This is where they shot the old Spaghetti westerns and today it’s rewarding to visit the sets of such films as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in the desert of Tabernas.
If you love nature, you’ll enjoy a visit to another local treasure- the natural park of Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata. This large terrestrial-maritime reserve covers the town of Carboneras, the mountain range of Sierra de Cabo de Gata, and 120 km² of the sea as a part of a Marine reserve. It’s home to 1100 species of fauna the majority of which are birds making it an ornithologists’ delight.
Another thing that makes Costa de Almeria so special is the weather. The region offers a unique desert climate with sunny dry winters and hot summers tempered by the coastal breezes. This means that any time of the year is perfect for your Spanish holiday. The region gets over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and has the greatest number of cloudless days in the whole of Spain.
This sublime climate, combined with the fact that the Costa de Almeria is home to the longest stretches of coastline in the whole of Andalucía, makes it the perfect place to enjoy water sports such as sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing and rowing. Almeria is a great place to search out deserted empty beaches with hidden coves and then sunbathe or go diving in the warm, limpid water. The 2005 Mediterranean Games were held here and a sporting feel still lingers throughout the area.
And if golf is your activity of choice, you’re in for a special treat. For one thing, this is the only spot in Europe where you can play golf in the middle of a desert. Golfing in Spain is a treat in Almeria; the region is home to seven first class golf courses many set against the dramatic backdrop of the coastline. Playing a round of golf here is a very comfortable and informal affair. You can play in shorts and t-shirt on any day of the year. All the facilities you need are on hand to ensure memorable Spain golf holidays – shops, bars, hotels, cafes and restaurants.
So if you want a rich and relaxed lifestyle with all the activities you could ever wish for, visit the Southeast of Spain and you’ll surely fall under the spell of the serene beauty of Costa de Almeria. Getting there is now a snap. Almeria International Airport is less than an hour’s drive away and offers regular, scheduled and budget flights from most UK airports. You can also get there by flying to Murcia International Airport, and Alicante International Airport, both are not more than two hour’s drive from Almeria.
After you’re trip, you may decide to join the many who after their holidays in Spain decided the Spanish lifestyle was for them and invested in a Spain property. Buying a property in Spain as a second or main home is a great investment and allows you to transform that holiday into a lifelong experience. If you decide to invest in a Spain property, be sure to get professional advice. Best of all, buy into a reputable resort project to get all the facilities you need around your home.
Being a costal region in Catalonia, Spain, Costa Brava is considered one of the top destinations for spending the holidays in Spain. Hotels Costa Brava offer the tourists a particular charm and the best quality and service. The variety of choices amazes even the most pretentious taste. You will have the possibility to choose among the small family-run hotel businesses, hotels situated in the historical buildings, hotels located on the shore or among the mountains. The variety will be suitable for any budget.
In Costa Brava, the hotels are divided into two types of establishment: hotels and pensions. The categories vary from 1 to 5 stars or so called Grand Luxe, whereas some other establishments have been awarded only tourist quality certification or environmental quality certification, which offer them to offer places to stay for tourists. If you want a separate accommodation, or if you travel with your family, then Costa Brava apartments or villas are what you need.
Besides Costa Brava apartments and hotels, it is possible to rent apartments and villas in the rural region or at the periphery of Costa Brava. In the rural area, you will experience the pleasure of being in the heart of nowhere, surrounded by peace and tranquility, in excellent countryside perfect for long, calming walks. In this way you can enjoy a different kind of holiday in a restored habitual farmhouse in the Costa Brava, planned to make you feel unusual, to live the peace of the rural area.
Hostels Costa Brava located alongside the shore offer not only expensive accommodation, but also very cheep zones for youth and for tourists who do not have a very large budget. Girona’s Pyrenees suggest the best places to discover the zone that is low-cost, amusing and different. In this way, living together with other people can turn into a very pleasant experience and you can make friends with many people around the world.
If you want to escape from the crowded beaches and from the baking sun in a calm and pleasantly cool region, then mountains are the best choice for this “run”. Costa Brava offers you mountain leisure besides seaside holidays. In the province Pyrenees in Girona, you will find a wide range of mountain hotels and pensions where you can stay for a night and rest. It is a great opportunity to know the countryside of that area in various ways.
Hotels Costa Brava offers besides traditional services, a great range of additional services. People, who come to Costa Brava have valued the benefits of Girona hot springs and therapeutic properties of local mineral waters since the time of the Romans. You can enjoy today, the thermal baths in practically all hotels in Costa Brava. Modern services and excellent professional stuff for saunas and massage will make your trip not only unforgettable but also healthy.
Costa Brava is a great place for holidays all year round, not only in the summer time. You can choose Costa Brava apartments for a good rest, or hotels Costa Brava, but no matter what you choose, you will always get top service. Professionals will help you to improve your health or to make you relax during a pleasant massage. Costa Brava is the place where you can get all for reasonable price.
Original article: Costa del Despair? Really?
It looks like the media, in this case the mail are trying to label the Costa del Sol with a new nickname. Previously known as the Costa del Crime, followed by the Costa del Golf, now the Mail is trying for the Costa del Despair. Quite catchy but not as impressive at the Costa da Morte, Coast of death (official name) that is found in the north of Spain.
The article which can be found here mail online makes a few points that outside of sensationalism hold little validity, a few of which I intend to comment on.
The author of the article or one of his researchers was in contact with me when they came down on ‘fact finding’ tour asking if we knew of any ‘expats’ that were desperate to go back to the UK, which unfortunately for the reporters, we could not help them. And from the article they did not have much luck finding anything of particular interest.
“In the UK we face spiralling national debt, plunging house prices, sky-rocketing unemployment and the return of 50 per cent income tax – but for the British expats on the Costas the situation is even worse.
The Spanish economy is predicted to shrink by 3 per cent this year and one in five people is expected to be out of work – twice the EU average. Home repossessions have doubled, bankruptcies soared, and the bottom is fast falling out of the tourism industry.”
I do not think anyone can argue that the situation is harder on average for everyone, everywhere, but as far as I understand it, recently Alistair Darling has stated that the economy of the UK will contract by 3.6%.
In regards to unemployment, it has always been traditionally high in Spain; with even during its most robust year of growth it was at 8%, nearly twice the EU average. Of course there are more bankruptcies and repossessions that is the state of the economy. And tourism has only decreased by 23%, not bad considering a crisis.
“The broad reasons are well-documented. Barely six months ago, £1 bought about €1.4, but with the exchange rate now at virtual parity, the private and state pensions on which many expats depend – and which are paid in sterling – have lost almost one-third of their value.”
Unfortunately this is true, but even at a one to one exchange, 1€ goes substantially further in Spain than a £1 does in the UK. So those on sterling pensions, although maybe not able to spend as they did before they can still live. As with many of us, you just need to cut back where you can. And I am sorry to say, you cannot always expect the exchange rate to be in your favour.
“At the same time, interest rates on their investments have fallen from around 6.5 to 1.5 per cent. To compound their problems, many are tied into long-term Spanish mortgages at much higher fixed rates, so they are not benefiting from falling interest rates.”
I would be interested to see where this information came from, as a vast majority of mortgages are variable rates here in Spain. In most cases Euribor + anything from 0.5 to 2%. Yes mortgage rates might not be as low now as they are in the UK, that is due to the rates sent in Brussels and the resilience of Spanish banks, which except for one savings banks in central Spain, have not needed to rely on the central government for survival.
“There are now an estimated one million surplus homes on the conspicuously over-concreted costas, many of them purpose-built for the British market, but estate agents are closing down all along the coast.”
The figures in regards to ‘surplus’ homes are not clearly documented. Although currently there are estimated 55,000 surplus homes in the province of Malaga where the Costa del Sol is located. According to most knowledgeable people figures range from 700,000 to 1 million surplus properties in all of Spain.
“And as the only buyers are speculators making audaciously low offers (50 per cent of the asking price is not untypical), the villas and apartments expats bought for optimum prices during the recent property boom – in the belief their value could only go up – have become virtually un-sellable.”
Crap (technical term). Yes people are making low offers, of course. But for properties that are priced correctly for the current market, are selling with only small discounts being made. At the end of the day a property is only worth what someone is willing to offer.
“The picture grows more depressing still when you drive 40 minutes along the coast to the cheap-and-cheerful British enclave of Fuengirola, with its brash, football-themed bars, and cafes serving English pub grub
Strolling along ‘Fish Alley’, a gourmet thoroughfare for British stodge and lager guzzlers, it soon became clear that the glutinous gravy-train has well and truly hit the buffers.”
Amazingly there are quite a few new bars and restaurants opening along fish alley and the surrounding areas. This is a street that consists of only bars and restaurants. Those that appeal only to one segment of the market, and the low end of said market are bound to have difficulties in this climate. On the other hand those that appeal to a wider demographic are, if not thriving, at least surviving.
“Like most of his rivals, he is attempting to lure customers with cut-price meals. ‘This is the REAL deal,’ reads his latest sign. ‘Fresh Icelandic fish, fresh chips and mushy peas – only €7.50.’”
7,50€! Sorry this is vastly overpriced for one dish. Similar dishes can be found for 5€ and 3 course meals for 8€ or so.
“’Business was fantastic at first,’ said Mr Hill mournfully. ‘We only needed to open from 6pm till 10.30pm, and we would get 90 customers. Now we open for 13 hours a day, and we’re lucky if we get 30.”
Again I am sorry. Anyone with a catering background knows that long opening hours are the norm. Also when located in an area with a lot of competition, you need to differentiate from your competition.
This is no different for anyone looking at selling a product, service or property. You need to be competitive. If the only offers you are getting are low, maybe your prices are too high?
Regards
Andrew Belles
Spanish house prices are slowing and in some cases reducing and for those seeking to buy a home in Spain this could well be the time to seek out a bargain. One area that will be worth giving some attention is the region of Costa Tropical.
Costa Tropical offers many opportunities for home buyers and real estate investors, from beach front property, to inland estates to something that allows you to ski in the morning and relax on your deck in the evening.
The Costa Tropical, situated between the Costa Almeria to the northeast and the Costa del Sol to the southwest, is a fascinating place on the Spanish coast for residents and visitors alike. This area has one of Europe’s most unique microclimates and some 320 days of sun a year. This subtropical paradise along the southern coast of Spain is an ideal location for those who want sun, warm weather and great beaches.
Stretching from one Granada provincial border to another, the Costa Tropical begins around La Rabita in the east and runs to La Herradura in the west. The coast along this stretch of Spain runs almost exactly east west, before curving to the north and south on either end. The climate here is affected by the winds and waters from Africa and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the north. According to the World Health Organization, this is one of the healthiest places to live on the planet.
Along this stretch of coast, there are three main towns, Almu?r, Motril and Salobre?nd a total of 26 beaches, many of which have been repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag, which confirms the cleanliness of both beach and water. Motril is the easternmost of these three towns although it is in the middle of the Costa Tropical, and is a lively and busy Spanish town of shops and business. It is popular in the summer for its seven beaches that offer a range of water sports and activities, and is often considered the second most important city in the province behind the capital and namesake Grenada.
Motril has seven beaches, a few of which have been awarded the accolade of some of Europe’s cleanest beaches. Spanish families in particular love Motril’s beaches. The most well known beach is the Playa Granada which has a very family friendly atmosphere. Younger visitors enjoy the more lively Poniente Beach with its promenade and the Playa de Calahonda with its deep, clean waters. Further from town there are water sports opportunities at Carchuna beach, a nudist beach at La Joya, or the shallow waters and fine sand of the beach in Torrenueva.
Spain will always be popular and like all other housing markets will have its ups and downs, one thing is sure it remains one of the most popular places to buy a second home for Europeans.
Seasoned travelers to Spain who are looking for a new adventure should consider a road trip. Costa Calida is a superb starting point and home base for a day trip by auto. There are few better ways to see the beauty of the Spanish coast up close and personal. From the majestic mountains, to the white sand beaches and sparkling blue-green Mediterranean Sea, the scenery is breathtaking.
Costa Calida, located in the Murcia region of Spain, is gaining popularity with tourists. Rivaling neighbor coastal regions, such as Costa Blanca and Costa Almeria, the area offers some competitive advantages. It lags behind its coastal neighbors in urban development. This means that accommodations (hotels, villa rentals, resorts, etc.) in this region are often cheaper.
Much of the region’s natural beauty has been preserved. Where development has occurred, the goal has been to build in harmony with nature. Much of the area’s commercial and residential design blends with the surrounding environment. Trees, beaches, and mountains have been left largely undisturbed. The result of this careful planning may be evident in a recent World Health Organization report.
WHO rated the province of Murcia the cleanest in Spain. The clean air is just one more boost for tourism along Costa Calida.
Tourists can start their Spanish holiday at any number of Costa Calida accommodations. Self-catered holidays are extremely popular in Spain. Choosing a rental villa, private residence-for-hire or other self-catered accommodation allows travelers freedom to determine their own schedules. Self-catering is also less expensive. This is a great option for holiday-makers who prefer to spend most of their time sightseeing.
For tourists who long for a pampered vacation, there are a number of all-inclusive resorts to choose from. Clubs and resorts offer recreational activities, superb cuisine and even entertainment for children.
Seeing the sights of Costa Calida by auto is relatively easy. Many local attractions are within a day’s drive or less from the region.
For foreign travelers visiting Spain for the first time, hiring a local driver may be a wise option. A local guide will be more familiar with driving laws and the idiosyncrasies of Spain’s highways. This is especially true for visitors from outside of Europe and the UK. Visitors who are unfamiliar with driving in Spain may have difficulty getting around. It may also require obtaining a special driver’s license.
Depending on where a tourist’s accommodations are, some cities also have excellent public transportation systems. The cost is usually fairly minimal. Taxi service is also reliable, but can get costly depending on travel distance. A better option may be to join up with a bus tour. Companies run regular bus trips to attractions and sites in areas surrounding Murcia and up and down Costa Calida.
Traveling by bus allows tourists to relax and not worry about driving. Guides are professional and knowledgeable about the areas they visit. It’s an excellent way to learn about the rich history of Spain while seeing the sights.
It’s well worth a visitor’s time to take a road trip even without making any major stops. The entire Costa Calida can be driven in just a few hours. The variety in terrain and the contrast between cities and villages makes driving in Spain an adventure worth taking.
Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca in Spain are easily two of the most popular tourist areas in the region, hosting people from all over the world. Surprisingly the area actually has a very large Irish and British group in their community. Tons of people from all of Northern Europe enjoy vacations in this area and many more go on to buy and own vacation properties and second homes.
You’ll easily find Torrevieja just 50 kilometers outside of Alicante to the Southwest of the city. Usually, travelers will come in through the Alicante Airport and use rental cars to travel around the area. The name of the city actually translates to “old tower” which is in reference to the old salt tower that was in the city through the 1800’s.
Now, if you’re looking for the greatest temperatures in Spain (year round) then The Costa Blanca is the place that you want to be. It’s much more cold and wet in the Costa Brava during the winter if you’re comparing actual Spain cities. If you grimace at the thought of hot and humid weather then you’ll like it far better than Costa del Sol, which is a location to the South. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, the climate in the Costa Blanca is actually one of the healthiest in the world.
The Costa Blanca actually translates to mean “the white coast”. This is located on the Eastern coast of Spain, which is engulfed by bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. The Costa Blanca stretches between the city of Denia up in the North, down to the city of Torrevieja to the south.
If you’re looking for an area that has a long summer then the Costa Blanca and the city of Torrevieja have just that. The winters in this area are mild still, and enjoy warm temperatures with not a lot of rain. You’ll be able as well to enjoy the spring and autumn months due to the fact of warm weather as well, however not as hot as they are during the summer months.
You’ll find that the less mountainous Torrevieja is a mostly flat region, with palm tree lined streets and sandy beaches. Also in the area are salt lakes, which act as both tourist attractions as well as one of the major industries of the area.
Again this area in Torrevieja is known for its salt production. When driving through this city as well as Alicante, salt lakes can be seen from the road. There is approximately one half million tons of salt produced each year from the huge salt mountains in the area. This is a major industry for the region, as well as for tourism within the region.
Actually, if you’re in for a natural health benefit then you’ll enjoy visiting one of the many spa’s in the area which tout the benefits that salt has on both the skin as well as for arthritis. These health benefits will help keep you relaxed in the area, as well as keep people coming back year after year to visit and enjoy fun in the sun up and down the coast of the Costa Blanca.
Jack Blacksmith works mostly for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web publication about Alicante . His articles on Torrevieja can be found on his site .
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How about Las Vegas next time?
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