Gecko Towers
Having been based with my wife and kids in the Marbella region for 20 plus years, the answer to this question is a subjective, unqualified and resounding ….Yes! Over two decades has taught us a few things that I feel compelled to share. However, it is vital that in illuminating for our audience the many and varied faces of this fascinating location, that we seek to be as objective, measured and rational.
Equally, we must avoid getting caught in some kind of time shift nightmare when those things of a bygone era are heralded as being those things that continue to be of most value. For a long time Marbella was the preserve of European aristocracy and the Hollywood elite, it is now much more egalitarian. It’s vital to appreciate that Marbella and the Costs del Sol is a continuing and evolving tableau that allows those who want to enjoy its many diversions to do so with impunity. It’s not just it’s history, which, of course, includes Roman, Phoenician and Muslim, it is to be enjoyed here and now. A couple of years ago I wrote on this in our blog Marbella is continually evolving!
I really want to celebrate the real core of why I am increasingly convinced that the Costa del Sol ticks the most boxes. So that it can boastfully claim, brimming with self-confidence, that the Costa del Sol is the Best Place to Live in Europe.
Let’s talk a little geography. By Costa del Sol, I primarily mean the western Costa del Sol from Malaga to Gibraltar. It’s the bit I know best. The eastern Costa del Sol, embraces the wonderful hillside town of Frigliana, the breathtaking cliffs at La Herradura and the beautiful, diving-friendly, coastal town of Nerja, but turning left or right at Malaga airport is the first choice that often confronts the newly arrived visitor. We turned right.
Cards on the table I was reluctant to move to Spain. There was a time when a stampede of wild horses would have had a job getting me to Malaga. Partly an image issue in the late 1990’s, partly I was deep into a metropolitan professional career in London’s Mayfair and felt anywhere else would fall short. However, we’d taken the decision to live overseas for various personal reasons, but having lived in Africa and worked in Paris, for me, France called. We still love Provence and, let’s face it, there is little that compares with French gastronomy, wines or confectionery! At a critical point in our decision-making, the early 2000s I found myself – as I had done for the previous decade – at the international music business festival, MIDEM in Cannes, which was then held in January. I had been playing backgammon – not my strongest skill – with Robbie Williams when the heavens opened and it rained, stair-rods for four days straight. And, given its close proximity to the Alps, it was very, very cold.
Now, if you’ll allow me a couple of minutes to preach, do not make a decision as to where you are going to base yourselves, raise your kids and generally live life, on something as esoteric as the weather. It’s vital for many, I get that, but chasing sun rays is not recommend as a long term prospect. Friends from far north Scandinavia always look at me slightly sideways when I say this as their decisions are more based on when the seasonal dark gives way to the light, so seeing more of the sun is for them the simplest decision. Those drawn to an outside, active and fulfilling life – and I challenge you to tell me who isn’t – may well insist that the existence, or not, of regular sightings of the sun is key to their move to the Costa del Sol. Exercise, swimming, dog walking, attending Pilates classes or playing padel tennis are some of life’s simple pleasures and tend to be more enjoyed on a warm morning or late afternoon. A demonstrably reliable fact, is that the sun is here, often. As such, for many, the exceptional climate of the Costa del Sol becomes a vitally important ingredient in determining their location of choice.
The Sun gives the coast its name – the “Costa del Sol” – the Sun Coast. An inspired piece of branding but the origins of the expression have a curious international flavour. In 1933 in Marbella an hotel, the “Hotel Miramar” was opened. Its promotional literature was in English and French and prominently featured the expression “Côte du Soleil”. This prompted the national tourism office to use the Hispanic version of the same expression, Costa del Sol, along with other geo-locations such as the Costa de la Luz – the Light Coast – more of which later.
We’ve all seen the “Life’s A Beach” T-shirts? On the Costa del Sol there’s no shortage of beaches – to know more in granular detail please check out our Get to know Marbella. Particularly those to the East of Marbella and in Estepona are by far the most comfortable, powdery sand but generally the beach is a massive draw. Likewise the often fifty shades of blue sea, some recently a little blighted by algae that grows in the heat but clean up campaigns are the priority for local municipalities.
The Beach – in its generic form – is the answer to one of the most asked question of those seeking a property on the Costa del Sol. For many the priority is being near to the beach. As you’ll imagine there are relatively few, and costly, prime beach-side spots – what our estate agent friends call “Front Line”, but there are more sea views. Be certain of what you prefer to avoid disappointment.
We recently had an example of this whilst staying in a small wooden bungalow high above the beach on the Costa de la Luz. One of my most favourite places in the World only twenty minutes or so west of Algeciras. It has its own style of low umbrella pine trees ribboning along windy sandy beaches capped by an azure Atlantic blue sea. It’s sublime.
Located around 90 minutes from home in San Pedro de Alcantara, this haven for wind sports enthusiasts is very beautiful in the summer and somewhat isolated in the winter. It is certainly a great weekend getaway. Our rental had the most beautiful view over the beach towards Tarifa – the kite-surfing capital. Kites flew, board sailers ripped across the water and the sky growled with heat and tension. A truly magnificent view. However, and I am prepared to be called unbelievably spoiled, but by the end of our lovely stay I had completely taken the majesty of this stunning view for granted. Had we purchased the property bearing this view, it would have carried a premium because of the view. My message is simple but be clear what you really need to pay for to satisfy your expectations and wish list.
Generally the Costa del Sol climate is perfect for your terrace full of fresh herbs or the odd tomato plant, but is also a very positive both for your mental and physical health. Skin aliments, joint issues and respiratory conditions have all been known to have been favorably alleviated by managed and careful exposure to the sun and the dry heat that visits for the majority of the year. There is a throwaway line that many long term residents claim to be anecdotally correct that life on the Costa del Sol tends to add perhaps ten years to a usual lifespan – but don’t sue me or the coast if that turns out to be wrong!
Regardless of where you come from, it is now usual to have an expectation on arriving somewhere like the Costa del Sol of being able to benefit from local amenities and infrastructure. The province of Malaga is served both by an excellent modern airport with far flung and ever evolving international connections, a road system largely funded by the EU which is brilliant and makes driving long distances – Spain is quite big – very easy and a widening Technological Hub, sponsored by the Seville regional government, that is full of bright, driven and talented tech entrepreneurs and coders.
The Marbella region is graced by several excellent hospitals and clinics both state run and those funded through health insurance premiums. Schools, likewise have blossomed over recent years such that in addition to those providing a core Spanish education there are several excellent English curriculum, Swedish and American privately funded schools reflecting the core cosmopolitan audience that has chosen the Costa del Sol as their new home.
You’ll all have heard of the Mediterranean Diet, with olive oil, fresh Omega 3 rich fish and an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables. In addition, the varied restaurant offer is complimented by Michelin starred restaurants, varied sushi, vegan, Inca, paleo and organic offers to appeal to every taste. A particular favourite for me are the Ventas (similar to Dickensian Coaching Inns dotted around the UK) located up and down the coast where there have “Menu del Dia” offers, which are often exceptional. And let’s not forget the iconic beach restaurants or chiringuitos!
Talking to a friend the other day she had done what a lot of visitors insist on doing, bringing a jar of her favourite Waitrose coffee. She announced with some surprise that the same coffee enjoyed in her English home “tasted even better in Marbella” suggesting there was some unknown element in the local water that added to her enjoyment of her familiar brew. If we could only bottle that!
One thing that never completely escapes me is the recent history of the Costa del Sol is that of a tourist centre. The family of a friend were the owners of a clutch of hotels in the Torremolinos area that provided early visitors – given their proximity to the airport – with the much needed bucket and spade holidays that drove the first international holiday makers in the late 1960s. Now tourists have become much more experience seeking and discerning travelers.
From Marbella, the ancient spa baths and mosque of Cordoba, the Goyesque spectacle at the bull ring in Ronda, the magnificent Alhambra and ski resort at Sierra Nevada (Granada), the Lake District to the Northwest of Malaga and the Camino del Rey – billed as the most dangerous walk in Andalucia – are all very easily accessible. It is said that from Marbella you can snow ski in the morning and be on waterskis by the beach in the afternoon. Closer to home, I would suggest that for the mildly intrepid conquering La Concha (the shell), the stunning mountain behind Marbella, is well worth the walk. The mountain is singularly responsible for the unique Marbella microclimate along with picture perfect views up an down the coast. Even closer to home in San Pedro de Alcantara, for those keen on nourishing body, mind and spirit, daily groups doing beach yoga, Tai chi and transcendental meditation have become much more frequent.
As we progress on this journey, embracing the almost limitless prism of opportunities, tastes and experiences, it’s also vital that we touch on the grey of which we are aware and need to be cautious of. No one who visits the coast should approach this region with a child-like naivety. Wherever wealthy people congregate, there are many temptations and those who’ll fuel a demand for the extreme. An underworld is known to exist. My best advise is to avoid clubs that give you an uneasy feeling, minimize the bling and, to quote a popular US TV show, “Very little of good happens after 2.00 am”!
So unashamedly, I am confident that the Costa del Sol is by a country mile the best place to live in Europe. Indeed, I cannot think of anywhere else in Europe that so seamlessly blends, climate, culture, lifestyle and enterprise. I think you could even replace the word “Live” in my title with the alternative, “Thrive” as I firmly believe that the Costa del Sol has allowed my family to do just that. I would be delighted to discuss our journey with those interested or curious. My contact details are below.
Should you be interested in discussing the process involved in buying a property in the Marbella region, we would be delighted to assist you. Please contact me to discuss your precise requirements.
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Please note that our posts are for general interest. There is no substitute for proper advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
Nothing contained in this article should be seen or taken as the writer or the publisher providing legal, tax or financial advice. All details have been reasonably fact-checked and all efforts have been taken to ensure that facts are accurate as at the date of publication.
My details: Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917 or e-mail me at mark@therightsgroup.com
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