Research shows that Spain has recently overtaken France as the holiday and relocation destination of choice for most Britons: this article looks at one of the most popular regions in Spain for expatriate relocation and discusses what it has to offer anyone in search of a new life abroad.
The Malaga province is located in south central Andalucia in Spain and is seemingly most famous as being the gateway to the Costa del Sol and for Malaga international airport - which often serves as people’s first entry point into Spain!
But the region offers far more than just popular beaches, shopping opportunities and an international airport!
The Malaga Province is one of the first and still most popular regions of Spain attracting expatriate retirees and those in search of a new life in the sun.
So what has the Malaga Province got to offer?
Firstly there’s Malaga itself - the provincial capital city is the second largest city in Andalucia and considered by many to be one of the most vibrant, atmospheric and historic cities in Spain. It is indeed a lively and exciting port city which offers its inhabitants and visitors an excellent quality of life, a city unspoilt by tourism and the passage of time.
The city boasts excellent shops, restaurants, bars and attractions such as Picasso’s birthplace and museum, La Manquita (the cathedral) together with beautiful tropical gardens and long stretches of sandy beach. It is a city steeped in history and a city which likes to celebrate its history - the festivals or fiestas in Malaga are famous throughout Andalucia and beyond - from the Feria de Malaga to the Three Kings Festival.
Apartment living is popular in the city and prices vary widely depending on the property’s proximity to the beach and other attractions. The city is a popular second home destination for those in search of a holiday home in the sun which is also suitable for letting.
Next there’s the Costa del Sol of course - which is basically a line of holiday resorts stretching from Malaga almost as far as Gibraltar - it was once a line of small fishing villages until a Spanish development drive began in the 1950’s to awaken the potential of the region. Now the Costa del Sol has been made famous through package holidays which brought waves of sun seekers to the expansive sandy beaches.
So, the nightlife and entertainment on offer are plentiful along the Costa de Sol but what else does the region have that has attracted so many expatriates to relocate to it?
Golf, sailing, water sports, incredible weather and an excellent expatriate network providing people with home from home support and familiarity which can ease even the most reticent expatriate into their new life abroad!
One of the most popular areas for both tourism and expatriate relocation on the Costa del Sol is Marbella. And what makes this resort so attractive is its cosmopolitan character. It is currently home to thousands of people from all around the globe and it is this mix of cultures, traditions, languages and people that makes Marbella a magical destination.
The people in Marbella are friendly, the atmosphere in and around the resort is peaceful and the destination is right for more and more property investors and expatriates.
The property market in Marbella and along the Costa del Sol is ever strong. With more golf resorts under development and more people drawn to the region the high property prices are expected to continue rising throughout 2005 and beyond.
