The Spanish Mediterranean Costas

Before buying your Spanish property its worth learning a little about the area where you intend to invest. There are many web sites offering information on Spain its customs, lifestyle etc., here however, we are presenting a brief description of the more popular regions for purchase of residential or holiday property. Therefore, we suggest before visiting Spain with the intentions of buying your dream villa or apartment read a little about the area and the principle towns. Remember location is a very important factor when purchasing property.

Alicante, Almeria, Altea, Andalusia, Aspe, Barcelona, Baza, Benalmadena, Benidorm, Benitachell, Blanes, Calpe, Cartegena, Castilla la Macha, Catalonia, Crevillent, Denia, Elche, Estepona, Fuengirola, Granada, Guadix, La Romana, La Vega Baja, Lorca, Malaga, Mar Menor, Marbella, Mazarron, Mijas, Murcia, Nerja, Orihuela, Puerto Banus, Quesada, Salinas, Salou, Sitges, Sotogrande, Spanish regions, Tabarca, Taberno, Tarragona, Torremolinos, Torrevieja, Tossa del Mar, Valencia, Valencian Community, Zurgena

The Coastal Regions - Andalusia / Andalucia

Andalusia boasts 3000 hours of sun per year, many kilometers of golden sand beaches and beautiful natural ports which made it a safe refuge for Phoenician navigators, thousands of years before Christ.

The coast of Huelva and Cadiz faces the sometimes stormy Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by long tidal beaches with fine sand. The Mediterranean coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to Almeria on the other hand offers a more settled climate with less wind and higher water temperatures.

Andalusia is divided by Guadalquivir river, the "father" of the old civilisations who have left an impressive monumental track long its banks. Other major features are the high mountain ranges of Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos.

The attractions for visitors is extremely varied, from golden beaches to those beautiful mountain ranges with a variety of interesting fauna. Not to mention the famous "white villages" with their rich folklore, arts and crafts. There are great possibilities for many different sports be it skiing in the Sierra Nevada or surfing off the coast of Cadiz. Wind surfers will find ideal conditions, probably the best in Europe.

Andalusia is the "mother" of Spanish folklore and is probably best known region by foreigners abroad. Here you will live the magic of Flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style, myths like Don Juan and Carmen were born here. It is a land of great traditions, but also a land that has progressed throughout the years, to the gem it is today.

Major attractions

Seville
The Andalusian capital, the third largest city of Spain, is among the most best loved tourist resorts thanks to its unique ambience and its great monuments. The Arabian belltower Giralda, the city's landmark, the enormous cathedral, Torre del Oro, and the old district Barrio Santa Cruz are among the highlights.

Granada
The Moorish Jewel, located at the foots of snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a must-see. Most outstanding is certainly the great Arabian palace Alhambra.

Cordoba
The long-time centre of Moorish Spain preserves monuments of outstanding importance. The Mezquita, the great Mosque, is perhaps most impressive.

Malaga
Among its major attractions are the Moorish Alcazaba and, of course, the splendid Mediterranean coast.

Costa del Sol
The coast of Malaga is of great touristical importance, thanks to its splendid beaches, outstanding installations and smooth climate. Among the most famous centers are
Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirol, and San Pedro de Alcantara.

Ronda
A beautiful town, surrounded by an impressive mountain range.

Almeria
Almeria is among those Andalusian cities which have best preserved their Moorish heritage. Of great touristical attraction is also its splendid coast, Costa de Almeria.

Cadiz
Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain, founded by Phoenicians. It is fascinating for its typical Andalusian ambience with whitewashed houses and tropical vegetation.

Huelva
Of great importance as a fishing port as well as for its industry. The city itself and its surroundings are marked by Christopher Columbus, who started his travel to America from the nearby Palos de la Frontera. There you may still visit the monastery where he prepared his travel, alongside with a reconstruction of the port and the three famous ships.

Doñana National Park
This extense preserve including beach areas with moving dunes as well as marshy regions of great importance for their flora and fauna. It is located next to the outlet of Guadalquivir river, Matalascañas, Acebuche and El Rocio. Numerous species of migrant birds, on their way from Eurasia to Africa, stay here during the breeding phase.

Costa de la Luz
The "Coast of the Light", in the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz at the Atlantic Ocean, offers splendid beaches of fine sand. Major centers of attraction are Punta Umbria, Islantilla, Isla Cristina, Mazagon, Matalascañas, Barbate, Algeciras, Tarifa, Conil de la Frontera, Chiclana de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Rota, Chipiona, and Sanlucar de Barrameda.

Jerez de la Frontera
In the hometown of the world-famous Sherry wine several "Bodegas" may be visited. Jerez too is the site of a renowned equestrian school. Wine and horses mark the ambience of this manorial town.

Jaen
Jaen, located inland, is dominated by its medieval fortress. Additional attractions are the 11th century Moorish baths and the Renaissance cathedral. The nearby Sierra de Cazorla is an outstanding natural preserve.