|
|
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.
UK and worldwide advertising by the Spanish National Tourist Office emphasises the multi-faceted nature of the country. Different regions all offer unique landscapes, lifestyles, cuisine and opportunities for exploration.
Spain is a country of sleepy villages where the siesta is still observed and wonderful meals are served not before 3pm for lunch and 9pm for dinner. This is traditional Spain – and you don’t have to travel far from popular resort areas to find it.
But of course, Spain is also the hustle and bustle of the big, modern cities – with international standard hotels, major art centres and museums. Sporting legacies from the Olympic Games of 1992 as well as the fanatically-followed football teams all add to the mix of non-stop attractions for city breaks or multi-centre visits. Of course, in Spain you will find some of the most dramatic landscapes and seascapes in Europe.
So: here are a set of Top 10 Tips which reflect the best of this fabulous country:
Beaches: From the cosy coves of the Costa Brava to the vast acres of golden sand on the island of Fuerteventura, there is a beach to suit you whether you like a busy resort or a strip of sand near a fishing village.
Nightlife: The Spanish like it long and late and you’re more than welcome to join in. Try a traditional flamenco show or the latest sounds on the disco island of Ibiza.
Food: Tapas bars have brought Spanish cuisine to many countries, and you will soon discover it is as varied and delicious as anywhere in Europe. You should not miss a meal of rice-based paella, the Spanish national dish.
Wine: There are wine growing regions all over the country, the best-known being La Rioja in the north. Visit Jerez to see the home of sherry and check out the little known vintages of the Canaries.
Art: Spain has produced world-renowned painters ranging from classical Velazquez to surrealist Picasso. Madrid has some of the finest art museums in the world.
Cities: All the buzz and excitement of the country comes together in the capital, Madrid; and Barcelona, the Olympics city by the sea. Also look at up-and-coming Seville, Valencia and Palma.
Nature: Spain is home to many national parks, such as the Picos de Europa in the north and Donana in the south. Tenerife has Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide.
History: Did you know the Moorish Arabs ruled Spain for seven centuries, and that their legacy includes the fabulous Alhambra Palace in Granada? Palaces and castles abound.
Shopping: Big city stores such as El Corte Ingles rub shoulders with colourful traditional markets. The Canaries are a duty-free zone.
Touring: Hire a car or take your own, and discover the “Real Spain” along the back roads. Touring routes include the White Towns of Andalucia.
There you have it – 10 great reasons for a holiday in Spain – and 10 great reasons to go back for more.
There are many reasons why people choose to ultimately live in Spain. Some of these are listed below but there are probably many, many more, and each persons reason is as individual as they are.
Climate.
Spain has often been described as having the best climate in Europe. The eastern and southern coasts such as Valencia and Almeria are mainly dry and warm where people can enjoy the sun, sea and the many quite beaches all year round, whilst the mountainous regions such as Asturias and Aragon in the North have extremes of temperature which favour outdoor sports like hiking and cycling in summer to skiing in the winter. Many people who own a property in Spain would claim to prefer visiting it in the low season when there are no tourists around and the temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the outdoor life the Spaniards are famous for.
Healthy Diet.
The Mediterranean diet (and especially Spain’s) has long been renowned for its healthy benefits. Sun and oranges, delicious seafood, vegetables and very good wines are all words often used to describe one of the finest cuisines of Europe. Olive oil is one of the major ingredients used in cooking Spanish dishes, the most famous of which is paella. Cook at a few of the Spanish recipes we have here and enjoy a glass or two of the Rioja to complement the dish.
Spanish Language.
Castilian Spanish is the official national language and if you are living in Spain, then you should try to learn it, as Spanish is also one of the World’s leading languages being spoken by more than 450 million people (mainly in Spain, South America and the USA). If you would like to learn Spanish then try one of the many online courses or look in your local area for Spanish language courses close to where you are.
Spain – several countries in one.
You would find it difficult to describe Spain in just one word or sentence. There are so many assortments of weather, culture and geography that it’s tricky to know where to begin. There is something for everyone in Spain and differences such as plains, mountains, crisp cold mornings, long warm evenings, snow, sun, long sandy beaches, small rocky coves, rural villages or modern cities will give you some idea of the diversity of the country. Take a look at some of our thoughts on places to visit.
Outdoor life.
The Spanish lifestyle is best described as ‘outdoors’ and if you enjoy walking, swimming, playing golf or water sports then this certainly is the country for you. It is not difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle in Spain if you have the time or the enthusiasm. Many Spaniards take their meals outdoors and spend long hours socializing in the evenings.
Spanish Culture.
Spain has been dominated throughout history by many different races and cultures, which has resulted in the country having a rich variety of traditions and customs. From the Romans and Iberians to the Moors and more lately immigrants from northern Europe and beyond, all have left their mark on society. Visit the castles, galleries and museums that abound in Spain to immerse you in the culture or just wander the streets of some of the towns and villages to soak up the atmosphere and learn about ‘real’ Spain.
Spanish People.
It is often said that the Spanish know how to enjoy life. They are extroverted people who love to eat and to party but yet they can be described as loyal to their friends and very protective of their families. Foreigners are generally made very welcome in Spain, especially if they try to speak the language, as not only do they bring wealth in to the country but also they have show exceedingly good taste by coming here in the first place and as Spaniards are very proud of their country, this carries a lot of weight.
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.
If you want guaranteed sunshine , beaches beyond compare, some of the best food in the world, a wide choice of entertainment, and a terrific selection of homes at unbeatable prices, then you will find Spain almost too good to turn down. 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 amazing variety that covers most options for everyone, including magnificent beaches for sun worshippers 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.
Why would you want to purchase a home in Spain?
There are many excellent reasons for buying a home in Spain , although it’s important not to be under any illusions about what you can expect from a home there . Get the basics right from the outset on what your expectations are , 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 Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol has the highest percentage of retired persons in the world, when both Spaniards and foreigners are included. If you’re seeking a second home, will it be mainly used for long weekends or for lengthier stays? Do you plan to rent all or a portion of it to offset mortgage and operations costs? If so, how important is the property income? Are you primarily looking for a sound investment? Is part of the plan to open up a business and work from Spain? These are questions that need answers no matter where you purchase , but nowhere more so than Spain where the range of available options is so varied.
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 indeed the case then there a whole number of factors that need to be taken into consideration at the outset than you would need to consider if the motivation was to occupy somewhere just for say a few weeks every year. Conversely if the plan is to live and work within Spain then there are an entirely different set of criteria that need to be looked at. Part of the motivation might be to live within Spain yet commute to other European locations on a regular basis as transport (especially external links) is so straightforward to come by. Many people are doing just that because Spain has a lot to offer.
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.
Although all I can see is continuing property pain in Spain, I keep reading suggestions that now is the time to snap up a bargain. In fact at every stage of the crash there has been no shortage of property insiders talking up the market:
“We have again an increased demand, we do not have an oversupply . . those buying today will be judged to have been the smartest buyers”. [Viva Estates April 2007]
“It is an exciting time in Spain, it’s a buyer’s market and quite frankly, it’s never been better.” [Mediter Real Estate February 2008]
“it is currently a good time to buy in Spain” [Beatriz Corredor, Spanish Housing Minister June 2008]
“now is a very favourable time to purchase in Spain” [spanishpropertyclub.org.uk September 2008]
“Experts say this is a good time to buy in Spain because property prices have dropped on average by 20 per cent” [Sunday Mail January 2009]
“Now is the time to buy in Spain . . . I predict that the overall market in Spain and in its coastal provinces will recover in due course to even greater values, undreamed-of at the height of the previous boom.” [Almanzora, developer May 2009]
So after years of false and dangerous optimism is now the time to buy? Here are my 10 reasons to doubt it.
1. The backlog of unsold or unfinished homes in Spain
UK house prices are seeing a tentative recovery but the UK’s strict planning laws have kept the supply of new property tight whereas in Spain the opposite is true. There are estimated to be 900,000 unsold completed dwellings weighing down the market with many more unfinished constructions. The problem is growing: during the first of the year twice as many new builds were completed as were sold.
2. Repossessions
As in the UK repossessed properties are adding to market woes and this drag on prices is set to worsen. The Spanish paper Expansion reported recently that “one in five households are at a high risk of default” and that banks are “preparing a for a second wave of defaults from the Autumn” because of unemployment. Repossessed properties are often sold cheaply at auction or using websites owned by the banks like Caixa Catalunya’s www.procam-inmobiliaria.com.
3. Unemployment
High unemployment is likely to weigh on both the Spanish and UK housing markets for a while. It’s hard to see the market for Spanish property rising to “undreamed of” levels with unemployment approaching 20%. Spain’s unemployed are paying the price for an economy overly geared towards construction and many jobs lost in construction and estate agency will never return. It’s hard to see unemployment falling sharply with tourism suffering and a social security system that actively discourages job creation.
4. The “Credit crunch” is not over
As in the UK mortgages remain hard to come by as banks rebuild their balance sheets and remain wary of lending to all but those with perfect credit. It’s hard to see a sustained recovery without the return of the “normal” buyers who don’t have 30% deposits to put down. Would-be buyers often fall foul of highly conservative valuations by the banks. Under the headline “Tricks and Mortar” The Economist described how the Bank of Spain has allowed the banks to hide €22bn of bad loans suggesting that they are not about to return to full health any time soon.
5. Tarnished reputations
Even with normal credit conditions there are other reasons to doubt that Spain can shrug off the property crash at least in coastal areas popular with foreign buyers. The perception that owning a property in Spain is a sun-drenched dream has been buried by:
>Estate agents’ hype prior to the crash (see above). Who will ever believe that Spanish property is a rock-solid investment again?
>Illegal build scandals in Andalucia and Murcia may be resolved without all the affected homes being bulldozed but the damage to reputation has been done.
>Valencia’s “Land Grab” laws which have tainted all Costas by association.
>Bankrupt promotors have left a trail of broken promises to those that bought offplan, not to mention many half-built and badly maintained developments
6. The weak pound
As I write sterling is at €1.17, much better than its nadir of than €1.03 in January, but a far cry from the €1.40 to €1.50 range that used to make Spanish property seem so attractive. Can the pound recover further? I don’t know but I wouldn’t bet on it while UK government borrowing is spiralling out of control.
7. Prices have fallen everywhere
Many of the industry’s boosters say that because Spanish prices have fallen they must now be bargains. This is not necessarily true because prices in most countries that attract British buyers have also fallen. For example in Dubai the investment bank EFG-Hermes said recently that they expect a drop of 50-60% from the 2008 peak. As for Florida prices have been falling steadily for 3 years; Irish broker Jack French has 2 bed condos in Orlando from 50,000€, a 75% discount. Prices in former hotspots in Eastern Europe such as Bulgaria are described as being in meltdown.
8. Murky figures
It might help us see light at the end of the tunnel if we could rely on reported statistics but the old cliché “lies, damned lies . ..” rings all too true in the world of Spanish property. The main government (INE) and private (TINSA) indices show prices falling 7-10% from the peak but property writer Mark Stucklin says “in reality, the index has to be taken with a pinch of salt”. A further problem is promotors and other sellers failing to reduce their advertised prices putting the onus on buyers to negotiate “discounts” which does little for market transparency or confidence.
9. Buyers returning?
Some agents have reported increasing numbers of enquiries latterly but these claims should be treated with caution for a number of reasons:
>they are made by Estate Agents! Is it really true, as Dreamhomes Worldwide claim on their website that “there is definitely no shortage of clients in search of properties on the Costa del Sol”?
>the crash has forced many agents out of business so the surviving agents should be getting more enquiries, other things being equal
>how many “buyers” are actually just looking? Completed transactions are the real test and these are still showing double digit year on year falls in most areas.
10. The end of a super boom
The industry is able to get away with its propaganda about “bargains” and “undreamed of” price rises in the future because the property boom mentality is deeply ingrained in the British and Spanish collective psyches. We have become used to a cyclical pattern with higher and higher peaks following periodic busts with seeming inevitability. There is every reason to believe that this time will be different and that we have reached the end of a super boom in property and asset values generally.
To understand why you have to look at the reason previous busts have rebounded to begin new booms. The pattern has always been the same – governments have slashed interest rates to boost consumer demand, reflate asset prices and end the recession. The trouble is that this policy has left households more and more indebted to the point where they can’t afford to take on any more debt even with very low interest rates. I believe we have reached the limit of debt-fueled growth in Spain, Britain and most of the Western economies. Any recovery we see this year will be artificial or phoney, built on the back of public sector debt which is not a sustainable source of growth nor likely to trigger a new private sector boom.
CONCLUSION
If you are being tempted by all the talk of recovery and bargains I would advise caution. There is no rush. Take time to observe the market making sure that you are reading unbiased opinion and facts not manipulative propaganda from industry insiders posing as experts. A good place to look is spanishpropertyinsight.com which I have found to be a rare source of independent information on the Spanish property market. My site focuses more on Spanish law and Spain property laws than property prices as such.
|
How about Las Vegas next time?
|
