There’s always something exciting to do at the Costa del Sol

With Marbella property prices at their lowest for a decade, it’s no surprise international buyers are flocking to the Costa del Sol to buy holiday and retirement homes. Living in Marbella offers a complete change of lifestyle and there’s always something exciting to do at the Costa del Sol.

It’s not just about hanging out at famous beach clubs and getting a perfect tan – the Costa del Sol is rich in entertainment of all sorts. Take fashion for example. You don’t have to go to Milan, Paris or London to enjoy a vintage fashion show!

The Maga Sublime Collection will be on display at Malaga’s Automobile Museum from 7^th March 2013 onwards, showing around 30 stunning gowns and outfits from the world’s most famous fashion designers such as Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Balmain. Advertised as a journey through 20^th century couture, the Maga Sublime Collection will exhibit dresses that have never been on public display before. Opening hours of the Automobile Museum, itself a great place to visit in the Avenida Sor Teresa Prats, are from 10 am to 7 pm every day.

Equally sensuous but infinitely more energetic, coastal resort Nerja offers some of the country’s best Tango shows, which kick off on Friday 5^th April in the Cultural Centre, Calle Granada. The shows will eventually transfer to Mijas Costa, where the dancers of the Producciones Lastra will present their unique new interpretation of this historic dance.

The Malaga Province is one of Spain’s most beloved holiday destinations and buying a property in Marbella, Nerja or Mijas Costa will prove to be a sound investment choice in a number of years when prices start to rise again. With its colourful religious festivals, fantastic climate, its people’s joie de vivre despite current economic adversity, Spain has never lost its appeal, attracting tourists and property buyers alike.

It’s not difficult to get around either. There are plenty of car hire providers, coach tour operators and trains, regular city buses and tourist sightseeing buses providing affordable transport throughout the Malaga Province. From activities for children that include theatre, beach club fun and water parks, to days out on the green or fishing boat trips along the coast, life in Marbella is never dull.

There are no fewer than 26 km of glorious beach stretching between Cabopino and Guadalmina and boating enthusiasts can choose from moorings in three marinas. While holiday or retirement homes located in the Sierra Blanca mountain range tend to be on the expensive side because they overlook the famous Golden Mile, luxury apartments and villas in Cabopino and Guadalmina are affordable and typically start at EUR 100,000 for a new or resale one-bed, one-bath property.

At San Pedro de Alcántara, which is a traditional town located some 10 km outside of Marbella, property prices can vary greatly. Within a short drive of Puerto Banus Marina, San Pedro de Alcántara property starts at around EUR 165,000 for a resale garden apartment with 2 bedrooms and a 20 sqm terrace. Resale apartments with 4 bedrooms cost between EUR 298,000 and EUR 350,000, while 4-bed penthouses originally listed for around EUR 1 million can now be bought with 50% discounts and bank financing.

Located in San Pedro de Alcántara town centre, where the streets are lively with shops, bars and restaurants, 3-bed duplex penthouses are offered at around EUR 200,000 to EUR 265,000 depending on when the property was built.

Offering 465 sqm floor space, 3-bed, 3-bath luxury duplex penthouses from the upper rungs of the Marbella property ladder were originally listed for EUR 950,000 but are now for sale at a heavily discounted EUR 750,000. Overlooking the sea and some truly spectacular palm-forested stretch of land, these attractive properties are located in the urbanisation of Monte Halcones and are far more traditionalist in design than most of Marbella’s newly constructed homes.

From San Pedro de Alcántara’s Paseo Maritimo the views stretch all the way to Gibraltar and Africa. The white sands of the beach and the traditional town are a far cry from the glitz and glamour of Marbella central, but it’s a great place to call home!