Gecko Towers
So often the ill-informed scoff that the Costa del Sol – located to the left and right of Malaga (Andalucía’s second city) – as, in their limited view, it is not “Real Spain”.
Let’s not forget that this is the Spain – part of then Hispania Ulterior – the birth place of Hadrian and governed by Julius Ceasar – which nearly 2000 years ago was extensively colonised by the Romans, who built thermal baths at Manilva, a basilica and recently discovered pottery kilns on the beach at San Pedro de Alcantara and villas with magnificent mosaics in Rio Verde (Marbella). Recent excavations at the developing El Fuerte and La Fonda hotels in Marbella have revealed 12th to 18th century remnants including wall art at the latter. Much of the antiquity that is being unearthed is being preserved for the interest of curious guests.
It is also said that the Puente Romano, at the eponymous hotel in Marbella, carried traffic from the tuna processing plant at Bolonia, on the Costa de la Luz, to Rome.
How much more “Real” do you want to get! Contrary to a conveniently held myth, the Costa del Sol was not discovered by the bucket and spade tourists in the late 1960’s
I am not blind to the over development of poorly designed apartment blocks thrown up over the last forty to fifty years; some of which, let’s be honest, have irreparably bruised parts of this beautiful region. Nor am I immune to the observation that the influx of expats, who have chosen to make their homes here, has led, by way of example, to the arrival of the dubious delights of the UK’s “Iceland” and Germany’s “Aldi” and “Lidl” supermarkets, aimed at satisfying an insatiable appetite for anything “from home”. An endearing notion as I cannot recall being in the UK and hankering after a frozen Eccles Cake!
In some rather snobbish way the Costa del Sol is seen as falling short. Whether this is because it’s not regarded by Vogue readers as sufficiently “cool” as, at least, not as “chic” as its French Mediterranean cousin, the Cote d’Azur, or because it isn’t perceived as having the “age” of Italy’s Amalfi coast or Sardinia’s “Costa Smeralda”, no one has yet been able to explain to me.
Yes, but are these the real concerns of those who choose to knock the Costa del Sol. I am as inquisitive as the next man, to understand this prejudice and the perceived shortcomings of Marbella, the jewel of the Spanish Costas, and happy to speak in its defence.
In the 1970’s it was given the cheeky, pejorative moniker as the “Costa del Crime”. Coined back then when the lack of an extradition treaty between the UK and Spain meant that it was regarded as a safe haven for gangland members fleeing the UK police. True they came and drenched themselves in cheap booze and sunshine but I am told many returned home “for a nice cuppa tea” when Blighty called.
Even post Brexit, and the falling away of the impact of the European Arrest Warrant, so far as the Brits are concerned, this year, days after the publication of the highly publicized lists of “wanted” offenders, several “faces” had been held and returned to face justice. There is a seriousness and determination about the Guardia Civil and Policia Local’s desire to rid this charmed region of the worst excesses of gangland culture that seems to be paying dividends.
This gingham table clothed view of Spain, with recollections of Dictatorship, Donkeys and Thursday night Paellas – accompanied by flamenco dancers – is now as out dated as those pictures of white Seat 600 cars on the dusty ”Englishman’s Graveyard” coastal road, the N340.
The suggestion that the Spain as depicted in “South from Granada” or “Driving Over Lemons”- interestingly both being centred on Andalucía – or that the truly majestic cities of Granada or Barcelona, with their history, artistic qualities in abundance and depth, as the only Spain that we should aspire to visit, is just as blinkered as the tourist seeking out Athens’ “Parthenon” with the singular intention of buying a set of worry beads.
What is certain is that the Costa del Sol occupies some prime European real estate. So much so that it has been dubbed the “California of Europe” for its spectacular combination of scenery, amazing climate and many varied cultures. It presides over the shimmering and often turquoise Mediterranean. It busily seeks to reconcile the iconic, cosmopolitan, increasingly sophisticated and handful of Michelin starred restaurants of Marbella, with its brash neighbour, Puerto Banus. Gradually, like California, Andalucia is growing in confidence that allows it to start to offer the world’s largest and most valuable companies, like Google’s Cybersecurity business, a proud new home.
Marbella is at the heart of my Costa del Sol and was established by, and used to be primarily, the playground of the privileged few. With improved communications and Spain’s integration into the wider community its role within the new Europe is much more proletarian – it’s just a really nice place to spend some time.
Defined by its unique location, the Costa del Sol is assured of more than its fair share of wonderful sunshine, that will see you indulging in your favourite sports for the majority of the year. The beach is a hugely popular draw and is constantly being bettered by the enterprising Town Halls of, particularly, Marbella and its neighbour, Estepona. Sports abound, of course, with golf, tennis, water sports and horse riding are widely available. For those who enjoy hiking there are some beautiful views to take in as you work your way up one of the spectacular mountains. Oh…..and if you are a ski-bunny don’t forget that you really can have breakfast on the beach and be skiing by lunchtime in Granada’s Sierra Nevada ski region – just two hours from Marbella.
Whilst living in London a radius of about a two hours – M25 permitting – by car was considered as sufficient distance to travel on a Friday evening to have a weekend away. Add another thirty minutes on a plane from most UK airports and you can arrive at the Costa del Sol’s Malaga airport ready for whatever you seek on your journey to discover the Real Spain. You will soon realize you’ll never stop re-discovering this beautiful region of Spain.
Should you be interested in discussing the legal process involved in buying a property in the Marbella region, we would be delighted to assist you. Our multi-disciplinary team of bi-lingual, highly experienced and wholly independent Abogados and Asesores Fiscales are ready to help you.
Please call me, Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917 or, if you prefer, or e-mail me at mark@roslegal.es
Please note that our posts are for general interest. There is no substitute for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
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