Spring 2021 is the perfect time to look for your home in Spain, read about Costa Blanca property for sale, a sea-front villa in Costa de Almeria, or an apartment overlooking a golf course in Costa Calida, and find out why people love to retire to Marbella. You can learn more about the subject of buying a property in Spain with estate agent's latest property offers and you can also connect with the Spain Property Guide team, so start your journey to owning your dream overseas property, holiday home or to live and retire in Spain. Read interesting articles about the popular areas to live that include Ibiza, Costa del Sol, the Costa de Almeria, and Costa Blanca there really is so much choice, even for you to find a bargain property. Articles that include the latest currency facts and information to get a currency exchange quote from the market leaders Currencies Direct. Legal Services in Spain offer professional legal advice for purchasing a property in Spain and what you need to know about obtaining a Spanish visa all of this, and more in the latest Spain Property Guide. You can read here or with the Google Play store.
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Miguelete, the
beautifule bell
tower in Valencia
RETIRING IN MARBELLA 06
INLAND ANDALUCIA 08
CURRENCY OUTLOOK 10
LOOKING BACK AT 2020 AND
FORWARD TO 2021 12
A FEELING FOR SPAIN 14
COSTA DEL SOL 16
MARBELLA’S LAKESIDE COUNTRY CLUB 18
FRONT ROW SEAT AT THE EDGE 22
WHY ENGEL VÜLKERS 24
GOLDEN VISA - YOUR FIRST
CLASS TICKET TO SPAIN 27
SPENDING TIME IN SPAIN 28
COSTA ALMERIA 30
FIREPITS AND BARBECUES 32
COSTA CALIDA 34
LEGAL ADVICE 36
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH 40
LA FINCA GOLF 42
COSTA BLANCA NORTH 48
DISCOVERING JAVEA 50
DAVID FERRER 54
JAVEA GOLF 55
BALEARIC ISLANDS 56
IBIZA COOL 58
CONTACT
SALES >> sales@spainpropertguide.com
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Tel: Spain +34 966 94 20 22 • Tel: UK +44 7498984177
COVER IMAGE: View to the Peñon Ifach in Calpe from Moraira.
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SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
05
Why do people love to
RETIRE IN MARBELLA?
The most obvious answer that comes to mind is
the benevolent climate, which makes outdoor
living and exercise possible for most of the year,
but to this you can also add the uplifting effect of
wonderful natural scenery and inspiring views. The
latter are usually a combination of mountain, golf,
coastal and sea views, There is always a golf course
of tennis club nearby, as popular as a social spot
as for sport, and for those who enjoy exercise of a
different kind, the Marbella area also offers a great
many cycling, hiking, mountain biking and coastal
pathways – always accompanied by grand views.
drink, meeting for dinner with friends or planning an
excursion into the surrounding countryside.
A HEALTHY PLACE TO LIVE
The easy-going way of life and sunny climate are
accompanied by a healthy Mediterranean diet
made up of fresh fish, vegetables and lots of local
fruit. Often prepared with olive oil, known to be one
of the healthiest options, it is light, delicious and suited
QUALITY OF LIFE
An active life, combined with a stress-free
environment, is the ideal mix, and Marbella makes
both possible, with a lively, cosmopolitan social
scene, lots of leisure and entertainment options and
also cultural diversions in the surrounding cities and
country areas. All of this, combined with a gentle
pace of life, adds up to a stress-free environment
where life really is what you make it. Marbella is the
ultimate place for romantic walks by the beach,
watching the sun set behind Gibraltar as you enjoy a
06 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
to the season. Marbella has a fantastic choice of
dining options and international cuisines, but local
food is still a great choice, especially for the healthconscious,
and there is a growing trend towards
organic, natural and vegetarian or vegan venues
too, as well as farmer’s markets.
FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES
Medical care is also well taken care of in Marbella,
from the more than adequate free state health
system to a broad range of private clinics and
retreats. Many also join yoga or Pilatus classes, and
since this is a friendly, safe area with good security
facilities, peace of mind in a beautiful setting is the
ultimate way of life that Marbella has to offer – at
little more than two hours from most European
capitals.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
07
Inland Andalucia – an alternative
lifestyle near the Costa del Sol
The beautiful
views from
Ronda.
By Michel Cruz
To many foreign residents and visitors southern
Spain is about the beaches, resort hotels, golf clubs
and luxury residential areas that extend along the
coastal plain of the Costa del Sol, yet there is a different,
largely undiscovered side to this region and it begins
little more than half an hour from Marbella.
For those who might occasionally wonder what lies
behind the mountain ranges that run parallel with the
Mediterranean coastline the answer is simple: go out
and find out for yourself, but prepare to be amazed
for this is a world of deep green valleys bounded by
Traditional crafted
stone work
in Alhambra.
pine-covered hillsides and soaring peaks where the
sun catches the whitewashed walls of pretty mountain
villages.
It’s a landscape dominated by national parks,
agricultural land and pastures, dotted amongst
which you will find country villages and towns where
time seems to move at a different pace. It is a region
of charm and beauty that retains an authentic
Spanish ambience and rightly calls itself the real
Andalucía. No longer as isolated as it once was – good
communications have brought modern comforts and
amenities to these parts – it is a rustic world at little more
than half an hour’s drive from the coast.
COTTAGES AND FINCAS
This hinterland of the Costa del Sol has long cast a
spell on foreign visitors and residents in search of the real
thing. Though perhaps not as glamorous as the coastal
region it is also devoid of its traffic, crowds and built-up
areas, and this appeals to many. A significant number
of people have chosen to have their holiday homes
here rather than by the sea, while others have settled
permanently. They include amongst them Marbella
residents with a weekend getaway, and though village
properties are popular the majority prefer to be in open
country near a village or town.
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The idyllic
village of
Genalguacil.
From Ronda in the east to Cortes de la Frontera,
Gaucín and beyond Jimena de la Frontera in the
west, you’ll find stylish country homes to suit a wide
range of tastes, preferences and budgets. Ranging
from pretty little cottages through to fincas and grand
estates, there are rustic properties in a variety of styles
and sizes, including restored historic buildings such as
mills.
FINDING A BIT OF RURAL IDYLL
People who search for the true Andalucía close to
the coast come from many different backgrounds,
and have varied greatly in their needs and
requirements, but they all share a love of this region,
its beauty and the lifestyle it makes possible. Most
want elegant homes in which classic Andalusian
country styles are matched to modern comforts and
amenities, though the actual architectural styling can
vary.
It’s all available in a great variety of settings,
views and designs in countless valleys and hillsides
spreading northwards from Marbella towards the
country town of Ronda and beyond. This extensive
area extends inland from near Sotogrande in the west
to Málaga in the east, creating an exciting range of
alternatives to the classic Costa lifestyle.
Alcazar baths of
rain water.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
09
CURRENCY OUTLOOK:
Euro tumbles on renewed
coronavirus concerns
EURO
EUR/GBP: Down from £0.86 to £0.85
EUR/USD: Down from $1.20 to $1.17
POUND
GBP/EUR: Up from €1.15 to €1.17
GBP/USD: Down from $1.39 to $1.37
The euro struggled to attract support
through March with the EU’s sluggish
vaccine rollout remaining a key source of
pressure for the single currency.
Further diminishing the appeal of the euro was the
startling resurgence of coronavirus cases across the
continent, with Europe’s third wave forcing countries
to tighten restrictions once more.
Meanwhile, data coming from the Eurozone
has been mixed over the past month, with some
positive releases offering temporary respite for the
single currency, but proving unable to reverse the
prevailing selling bias.
Looking ahead, barring a dramatic improvement
in Europe’s vaccine rollout or a sharp drop in local
coronavirus cases, it’s likely we could see the euro
remain on the back foot through much of April.
March has seen the pound struggle to maintain the
highs hit back in February as a key pillar of support
for Sterling (its successful vaccination programme)
appeared to be under threat due to shortages and
potential export bans from the EU.
This stoked concerns that the UK government
will need to alter its roadmap for easing lockdown,
something which Boris Johnson also warned about
when schools reopened at the start of the month.
However, Sterling has still been able to find some
support through the past month, with Chancellor Rishi
Sunak’s budget providing a lift after he announced a
more-generous-than-expected stimulus package.
The pound was also able to advance on a broadly
weakened euro.
Turning to April, the focus for GBP investors will be on
whether the government moves forward with its plans
to reopen more of the economy on 12 April, with any
delays likely to negatively impact GBP exchange rates.
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11
Looking back at 2020
and forward during 2021
It’s fair to say that most of us are ready to look back
at a year that will go down in history as one of the
strangest ever. 2020 will not be remembered fondly
by most people around the world, having brought us
a virus and accompanying restrictions that have had
a profound impact on the economy and society, on
the Costa del Sol as elsewhere, but it was also a year
that allowed us to slow down, take stock and perhaps
appreciate the more important things in life.
This includes side-stepping our increasingly frenetic
lifestyles, analysing what is really important to us and
spending time with our families. While we missed
our social lives, our freedom of movement and saw
businesses and careers impacted, we also had a rare
chance to reconnect with home and family, and
this again led to a renewed appreciation for home
and hearth – with a surge in home improvements,
redecoration and renovations as a result. Travel suffered
in favour of staying put in your own backyard, much like
a temporary return to the not so distant past.
This break from our constant rushing about, flying
around and consuming at full speed had social and
economic repercussions within the human realm, but
nature also showed us just how much we impact upon
the environment by staging a humbling comeback
in record time, with weather patterns showing signs
of restoration, and all manner of animals returning to
placing they had not been seen for long years. Most
people have seen the images of dolphins in the Venice
lagoon, but they also visited the shoreline of the Costa
del Sol in a marvellous display!
A RESILIENT PROPERTY MARKET
While the Spanish economy, like most others, showed
a sharp decline in H1 following the near-closing of all
economic activity during the first and most intense
lockdown of March-May, the third quarter registered
a similarly significant rebound upon the relaxing of
restrictions, and the final quarter of 2020 is expected to
have produced a smaller return to contraction, resulting
in overall negative growth of the Spanish economy for
the whole year. No major improvement is expected
for Q1 of 2021, but from then onwards rapid recovery
growth should follow a gradual return to normality.
Within all of this, the Spanish property market proved
remarkably resilient. This is especially true of ‘top areas’
such as the Balearic Islands and the Costa del Sol, where
demand for properties for sale rebounded strongly in
Q2 and then again levelled off to a lower yet sustained
level for the remainder of the year. There was no major
dramatic drop in transactions, and prices of new-build
homes and the most attractive real estate remained
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solid, with only older and less appealing properties losing
a little ground, though of course the travel restrictions
imposed on most potential buyers have had a negative
effect on the sector.
PROSPECTS FOR 2021
Experts predict the present status quo to be
maintained into the beginning of next year, when the
‘weaker’ properties, i.e. older homes or those in less
attractive areas, are expected to drop in value by up
to 10-20%, which of course creates fresh opportunities
for investors and savvy buyers. In the most in-demand
areas, however, such opportunities also exist but will be
fewer, so you have to work with your agent to find them
in homes, building land and commercial real estate. The
resurgence of the property market will broadly mirror
that of the economy as a whole, and this is expected
to begin by the end of Q1, as vaccines take effect and
restrictions of movement are gradually lifted.
If all goes to plan, we will be well on the road back to
normality by the summer, and though 2021 will essentially
become known as the year of recovery, the simple
rebound should produce strong growth in most sectors,
including real estate, with prices returning to upward
motion by mid-year latest. In all, 2021 looks to offer us
more than 2020 did, though as we revel in our newfound
freedom and business activity, we should look back at
the lessons this past year taught us about evaluating
what is important and finding a balance between work,
consuming and the simpler pleasures in life – and your
home is central in all of this!
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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A feeling
for SPAIN
As the author of the highly acclaimed
Duende, Andalus, Guerra and Sacred
Sierra, it is fair to say that Jason Webster
has a feeling for Spain. Where so many have
tried to come to grips with this fascinating
country Webster seems to have a secret formula
– he simply immerses himself and gets under
the skin of one of Europe’s most multi-layered
cultures.
“Spain is a country that repays your interest
in it,” says Jason Webster as we sit in his country
cottage on the outskirts of Valencia. All around
are fields, though the city rises up no more
than a few kilometres distant. It shows just how
assimilated he has become, for where most
foreigners seek the Spanish seaside or at least
the elegant avenues of downtown Valencia,
Jason has chosen a spot amid everyday
Spanish people. “It always surprises me when
people move here saying they love Spain, only
to settle down in a Disney-style caricature of
it.” As always, his comment contains no hint of
judgement; instead, it is the kind of observation
that has formed the basis of his writing on Spain.
Though they delve headlong into Spain’s past
and present, Webster’s books have a knack
of tacking you on a journey that describes the
country without ever passing moral judgement
or attempting to persuade the reader in
direction or another. “I have my views, but when
I write I don’t like to be didactic.” What’s more,
the information contained within his novels are
not merely researched and re-interpreted, but
primarily sourced through first-hand personal
experience. “When I describe gypsies and
the flamenco scene in Duende, or Moroccan
migrants in Andalus, I draw on my own body
of encounters,” says the young author whose
willingness to plunge headlong into adventures
has formed part of his immersion in Spain’s multifaceted
society.
“Maybe it would have been wiser to think
before I acted. Some of the situations I got
myself in were actually quite scary and
potentially dangerous, but what it has done is
shown me sides of Spain that I would otherwise
never have seen.” Perhaps this accounts for the
success of his books, for unlike many he doesn’t
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merely dip his toe in the water but dives right
in. I get the impression Jason likes it this way,
and that he is secretly attracted to the shadier
sides of society. Let others describe the pretty
buildings, the mighty sierras and the picturesque
mountain villages that still retain much of
Spain’s famed old charm. For Jason Webster it
is the underlying clash of classes, cultures and
generations that are worth writing about.
The interaction between these layers of society
holds his fascination, in all its dysfunctional
cohesion. “We think of societies as homogenous,
but they’re not, least of all in a country like
Spain. A society is often a pact between many
different groups of people and it is the degree of
cohesion that allows it to function. I’m interested
in the invisible glue that holds it all together – or
doesn’t.” Such themes rise to the fore in all his
books, whether you’re following his exploration
of the flamenco world, his travels with migrant
workers or his journey into Spain’s divisive
past. “The Civil War is over, but its divisions and
tensions still simmer, and need confronting
before they can finally be laid to rest.”
As a student of Spanish, Arabic and Islamic
culture, he is also drawn to the stuff that binds
Catholic Spain to the Islamic world. “Though it
blocked it out for many centuries Spain has a
partly Muslim past. This means that part of its
identity derives from this period. To shut it out
doesn’t make it go away, it is merely a denial.
After centuries of such denial, the current era
seems to be one in which Spain, one way or
another, is exploring its Muslim past. It will be
interesting to what conclusions will be reached,
but for me it is exactly this West-meets-East blend
that makes Spain so fascinating and multilayered.
You need only look at the Alhambra to
confirm its role in the making of this fascinating
country.”
The Bulls Kills You is Jason Webster’s fifth and
most recent novel. It the first in a new detective
novel set featuring Chief Inspector Max Cámara
of the Spanish Policía Nacional and is set in
Valencia, Webster’s adopted home.
www.jasonwebster.net
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
015
COSTAEL SOL
Without doubt the Costa del Sol is one of the most
popular tourist destinations in the world. Stretching
from Almeria to Tarifa, it caters for all tastes, ages
and nationalities; with such a wide range of facilities and
attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Miles of sandy beaches, fantastic all year round warm
climate and modern facilities keep tourists flocking back
year after year to resorts such as Torremolinos, Benalmadena,
Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona.
East of Malaga is less popular than west, but no less appealing,
from Rincon de la Victoria, Torre del Mar and Velez Malaga,
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Malaga
Nerja
Marbella Mijas
Torrox
Torremolinos
Benalmadena
San Pedro Fuengirola
de Alcantara
Estepona
Gibraltar
to Nerja; the area combines beautiful coastline, with whitewashed
villages and some of the most spectacular inland
scenery of the Axarquía.
History & Culture
The area’s history dates back to the Phoenicians and has
since been inhabited by Greeks, Romans and Moors, all of
whom have left their mark on the architecture and culture
of the region. The Costa del Sol is as much steeped in
culture as any other region of Andalucia; from Picasso, to
bullfighting, flamenco to the colourful ferias, the region has
an immense cultural offering.
Jetty in Marbella Club,
Malaga.
Image by Angela Ruiz
Moreno
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
17
REAL DE LA QUINTA –
Marbella’s lakeside country club
Compared to the larger, master-planned resorts,
development in Marbella has always been
somewhat ‘bitsy’ – made up of a mosaic of
independent projects which, urbanisation by urbanisation,
have built a town. Though the overall effect is attractive,
it reflects a form of development that is often modelled
around groups of investors acquiring relatively small
parcels of land to develop alongside similar new or
existing urbanisations. The potential level of involvement is
limited by the scope of the project, which mostly involves
simply building and selling residential and resort real
estate. For the funds and professional developers involved
it is therefore in essence a purely commercial exercise with
limited opportunity for deeper personal involvement and
long-term presence.
THE LUXURY OF A MASTER-PLANNED PROJECT
“Compared to this we’re in a very privileged position,”
says Borja Pascual, CEO of La Quinta Grupo Inmobiliario,
which has long owned significant tracts of land in the hills
above San Pedro Alcántara. “It means that not only do
we have the scale to create a true resort and residential
community, rather than just individual urbanisations, but
can do it with a true sense of commitment, following a
clear vision and concept that translates into a master plan
into which all the different elements are harmonised and
coordinated. What’s more, we don’t just build and leave,
but have on-going relationship with our projects in the
form of continued service provision.”
This is what the company has been doing for 30
years now in La Quinta, where its presence and daily
involvement has continued long after the last phases were
developed and sold. “It’s a different kind of development
altogether, with a level of commitment that prescribes
not only a high level of dedication to your clients, but
also the desire to ensure that what you offer is truly
satisfactory.” Indeed, it would be hard for Borja and his
team to hide if things went wrong, so they are particularly
focused on producing quality in both product and
subsequent service. “We have a longer-term approach
that is business-oriented but less out-and-out commercial
than many developers exactly because we create
communities, not just single projects.”
CREATING SOMETHING SPECIAL
This is one of the reasons why the La Quinta group
develops its projects autonomously. Borja points out that
it would have been easier, in the short-term also more
profitable, to have simply parcelled up the land and sold it
as individual plots to private buyers and larger sections to
developers. “But then we’d miss the opportunity to create
something truly special here, and that is what we want
to do at Real de La Quinta – produce a fantastic living
environment that we can all be truly proud of and which
adds value to Marbella as a whole.”
The setting of Real de La Quinta in a broad, green
valley with flowing sea and mountain views is truly
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Situated within a green valley just ten minutes from
Marbella, Real de La Quinta builds upon a very solid concept
of development as it ‘takes the beach to the hills’ to create a
very new kind of residential community.
Images courtesy of
La Quinta Grupo Inmobiliario
imposing, providing an ideal country club environment at
a short distance from Marbella. “The site offers fantastic
opportunities to produce something of rare quality, so
we wanted to do it justice and have therefore not rushed
ahead and built a batch of apartments or villas but have
really studied the possibilities in detail.” In the process it has
evolved and grown, not in scale as much as in concept,
and become a project with highly distinctive features.
“The starting point and indeed focal point of many a
Costa del Sol property development has traditionally
been a golf course, and indeed, we felt Real de La Quinta
needed its own course, but the main focus has become
something quite different yet entirely complementary to
it.”
BRINGING THE SEA TO THE HILLS
The focal point of life at Real de La Quinta will be a
large manmade lake that will act as a true lifestyle feature
surrounded by the golf course that in itself frames views
down to the sea. “In a way we’re ‘bringing the sea to
the hills’ because the lake will have its own beach area
and offer non-motorised water sports such as rowing,
kayaking and windsurfing.” Also bordering the lake, whose
perimeter is traced by a scenic pathway that also crosses
an island, are a lakeside country club with an infinity edge
pool and poolside waiter service, and a racquet club
offering tennis and padel. Holding all of this in its embrace,
the golf course will feature a clubhouse, driving range,
academy and two six-hole sections that make flexible
rounds of six, twelve and eighteen holes possible.
The above forms part of the initial phase of Real de
La Quinta, which also sees the construction of the Los
Olivos apartments and penthouses in two locations close
to the course and lake, and numbering 120 and 60 units
respectively. The development phases have consciously
been designed to flow uphill to reduce any visual impact
on existing owners, and the second stage will see villas
built on the eastside of the lake and course, with a 50-
room boutique hotel and wellness centre surrounded by
a Mediterranean style ‘village’ of apartments, shops and
cafes forming a social hub and nucleus of services for the
resort.
s
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The commitment to the detail is certainly there, as well
as the willingness to invest in know-how and quality, as the
La Quinta group searched for noted specialists in the field
and found it in DTJ, an American firm that is a world leader
in creating resort master plans, with particular expertise
in developing lakes of this kind. “It is a company with a
worldwide pedigree, so in bringing this level of international
substance to Marbella we’ve created truly professional
foundations for the project that also incorporates a far
greater dedication to sustainable development than is
currently required by regulations.” This commitment to
‘green development’ is pretty advanced by Marbella
standards and is regarded as one of Real de La Quinta’s
greatest assets.
BREEAM-CERTIFIED PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
BREEAM, which stands for the ‘Building Research
Establishment Environmental Assessment Method’ – the
leading international benchmark for the assessment
and regulation of sustainability in construction – provides
certification levels that are increasingly sought after around
the world. Many, however, fail to meet the requirements that
range through five qualitative levels from strict to extremely
demanding. To qualify for Level 5, for example, a building
has to effectively be energy and resource neutral, which
means being capable of meeting its own water needs
without external supply and providing full electricity-free
lighting throughout the structure – including stairwells and
underground areas.
“In a drier area like this it is a tall order, but we’re extremely
proud that Real de La Quinta’s design has achieved
BREAAM certification at level 3, making it the first resort of
its kind in Europe to do so,” says Borja. “The process will be
monitored and finally adjudicated once everything is up and
running, and it is fair to say that we have gone far beyond
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legal requirements to shape the design and configuration
of Real de La Quinta around the desire of making this a
sustainable project – from the natural materials used and
the natural energy and light created to architectural design
that blends into the environment, landscaped gardens
using beautiful but also water-efficient indigenous flora, the
maintenance of ecological corridors and far more.”
MODERN HOMES BUILT TO LIVE IN
The master planners and architects have had to assimilate
all of this in their designs, and for this La Quinta brought
together the best of international technical know-how
and local creative design, selecting Gonzalez & Jacobsen
to produce the architectural styling of the Los Olivos
apartments. The latter will consist of two and three-bedroom
apartments and penthouses, with also a select number of
four-bedroom deluxe apartments. “We’ve avoided cold,
linear geometry in favour of an architecture style that is
modern and refined yet also human and complementary to
the surrounding scenery,” says Borja. “Modern materials and
tones are in this way softened with natural elements and a
more varied design that also adds character and privacy to
the homes.”
Around 20 per cent larger than the norm for apartments in
this price bracket, the two-bedroom apartments will feature
upwards of 116m2 of interior space with generous terraces
while the three-bedroom properties will start at 140m2 and
large terraces, with the penthouses naturally bigger still. “The
qualities and amenities are top-end, and early buyers will be
able to personalise and upgrade their spec, but above all,
the real luxury that Real de La Quinta offers is a concept built
around a very special living environment. One that combines
fantastic views and close proximity to Marbella in a beautiful
natural setting bordered by protected natural reserves. This,
we believe, is the true source of wellbeing.”
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Front row seat at
The Edge
Some locations are so amazing you wonder how someone got hold
of it. The Edge is situated in just such a spot; a perfect frontline
beach location surrounded by greenery and sandy beaches on
the west side of Estepona. Close by are a marina, two golf courses,
shops, schools, restaurants and even a horse riding centre, but your
gaze will mostly be fixed out to sea from the modern apartments,
penthouses and also beach villas being created here.
Designed by renowned Spanish architect Rafael de la-Hoz, who
has been responsible for prestigious projects within Spain and
internationally, The Edge is a luxurious frontline beach project situated
footsteps away from the Mediterranean Sea and the scenic coastal
pathway that leads towards Sabinillas in one direction, and the marina
and broad beachfront of Estepona in the other – with Marbella just 20
minutes away.
A BEACHSIDE OASIS
The views from this private, gated development are beyond
comparison, offering panoramic 180-degree vistas across the sea and
along the shoreline to Gibraltar and North Africa. The complex is set
within elegantly landscaped greenery, complete with large swimming
pool, sunbathing decks and cooling water features, as well as a wellappointed
gym and indoor heated swimming pool with spa facilities.
The 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and penthouses sport sleek
contemporary architectural styling with sensual rounded forms that
also create a nautical feel on the panoramic decks, which extend the
open-plan living room and modern kitchen outwards. In addition, The
Edge also features four beach villas that offer a unique opportunity
to own a luxurious sea-fronting property set right on the beach while
enjoying the amenities and services of an exclusive gated community.
Set in an upcoming beachside residential area on the Costa del
Sol’s New Golden Mile, The Edge is one of the most exclusive new
developments in the region – boasting a setting that few can equal, let
alone better.
Kronos Homes
www.kronoshomes.com
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WHY ENGEL & VÖLKERS
By Michel Cruz
Why should you choose Engel & Völkers out
of the many real estate agents in Marbella?
It’s a good question, because it is important
which agent or agents you engage – be it in selling
your property or in helping you find the ideal home or
real estate investment.
WHY ENGEL & VÖLKERS
The first reason why you should engage Engel &
Völkers to work for you is reputation. The best, most
reputable agents with the finest properties for sale on
the Costa del Sol are associated with a prestigious
international real estate brand that adds global
reach and instant recognition to the local knowledge,
expertise and good name they have themselves built
up over many years working in this market.
Bearing the name of such an organisation is not
easy, as only the best candidates are selected, so
you can be assured of quality, service, know-how,
integrity and, importantly, results. One of the most
prestigious international brands of all, Engel & Völkers
has been a success story since it was founded in 1977.
Modern, dynamic and well-versed in today’s business
and marketing practice, the company has enjoyed
sustained, qualitative expansion.
A BRAND THAT STANDS FOR QUALITY
Engel & Völkers is highly demanding of the
more than 400 agents that represent it in 32
countries around the world, but also offers them an
unrivalledlevel of support. Only the best agents are
selected, and they in turn select only the best, most
highly skilled and experienced staff, who receive the
highest levels of training and support in the industry.
The agents likewise are expected to provide a
consistently high standard of service and conduct,
something that is monitored on a regular basis,
but equally have access to a global network of
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connected real estate agents. Combined, they bring
together many thousands of the best properties across
the world, not to mention buyers and vendors on a
global scale. In the increasingly international luxury
market this level of reach and impact is of great value.
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE PROPERTY
The process of proper real estate agency starts with
the property – or better, with the homeowner, for it is
they who instruct the agent to market the property on
their behalf.This is when real professionals distinguish
themselves, providing not only a courteous and
efficient service, but also expert valuations that are a
true, reliable indication of the property’s market value.
Moreover, Engel & Völkers provides homeowners
with a detailed valuation report that is technically
underwritten – including detailed mention of the
factors that influence the home’s value. It is this kind
of know-how and transparent methodology that has
made Engel & Völkers such a trusted and respected
name in global luxury real estate. Having analysed the
property and its setting in this way, they sit down with
the homeowner and propose a marketing plan for a
sales strategy designed specifically for your property.
COMMITTED TO RESULTS
E&V therefore do not simply list a home but commit
themselves to produce results for vendor and buyer
alike. With powerful marketing at their disposal,
its agents feel confident to make such a serious
commitment because they only take on those
properties for which theyare convinced such results
can be achieved. A marketing plan will typically
include a full online marketing strategy, including wellwritten
property and location-specific content, top
quality imagery, video material and specifications that
are optimised to attract the right kind of buyer.
These quality inputs are also used in other marketing
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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applications, such as (digital) brochures, window
cards and property dossiers that can be sent to
interested parties and used in material such as digital
presentations and advertisements in the leading
local and international publications, including
Engel & Völkers’ own GG Magazine – a prestigious
luxury property and lifestyle magazine that reaches
hundreds of thousands of potential buyers across the
world.
A PROVEN TRACK RECORD
The fact that this formula works is reflected in a
track record that shows exactly why Engel & Völkers
has become a global leader in luxury real estate. Its
Costa del Sol agents offer a first-class professional
service characterised by know-how and the ability to
offer authoritative, independent advice – with the full
support and resources of a renowned luxury residential
real estate brand whose growing international
network is the perfect platform to guarantee the
highest level of results for property sellers and buyers
alike. It is this kind of structure, along with the hard
work and dedication of its teams, which has enabled
Engel & Völkers to become the leading marketer of
quality homes in the Costa del Sol region.
ENGEL & VÖLKERS · Marbella Golden Mile · Málaga
Mazal Realty, S.L.
Titular de Licencia de Engel & Völkers Residential
GmbH
Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe
CN 340 KM 178,2 - CC La Póveda, Local 5
29602 Marbella, Málaga
Phone: +34-952-86 84 06
Facsimile: +34-952-86 23 85
Internet: www.engelvoelkers.com/Marbella
Mailto: nathalie.dorpinghaus@engelvoelkers.com
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YOUR FIRST
CLASS
TICKET TO
SPAIN
This is the popular name for what is officially called
the Residency Visa for Investors, and to qualify one
must:
• Purchase one or more properties in Spain for a combined
value of at least €500.000
• Or buy shares in Spain to the value of €1 million or more
• Or invest €2 million or more in Spanish government bonds
If you apply for it from your home country, it is valid for one
year and provides full residency rights during that period,
and can also be renewed, ultimately leading to permanent
residency if successful. If you apply for it within Spain, it is
valid for two years and then can be renewed, so it is well
worth visiting the country and exploring the options in person.
Enquires direct to Alex Radford Legal Abogado;
aradford@legalservicesinspain.com
Sponsored by
https://www.getspanishresidency.com/
spain: (+34) 951 820 099 uk: +44(0) 203 807 4044
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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Spending Time
In Spain
It’s happened – Brexit is now well and truly a fait
accompli, so a whole new range of rules apply
to British homebuyers, residents and property
owners in EU member countries such as Spain.
The reciprocal rights and freedom of movement
enjoyed between the continent and the UK
stopped when the latter ended its membership of
Europe, but this doesn’t mean that no meaningful
relationship can be had between the two or that
Britons looking to own a property, live and work
and/or invest in a place like Spain have no options
open to them.
Since January 1 2021, British people can come to
Spain for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day
period. If you wish to stay for longer, or indeed live
here permanently, then you will have to apply for
Spanish residency from the Spanish Consulate in
your home country
NON-LUCRATIVE VISA
The main applicant will need to have a minimum
of €27.115,20 in a Spanish bank account, plus
€6.778,80 for every dependent within their
household to be able to apply for this kind of visa.
One must present the application in person to the
Spanish consul in their country in a process that
normally takes three months to conclude. When
issued, it has to be collected in person too; it is
then valid for three months, within which time the
applicant has to travel to Spain to apply for the
biometric TIE Card (foreigner’s ID document).
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Who needs
a NIE and
why?
Once obtained, the non-lucrative visa enables
you to reside in Spain and move freely inside and
out of it, though it does not entitle you to work in
the country.
SPANISH RESIDENCY
The easiest way to apply for residency is if you
can show that you were resident in Spain before
31 December 2020, and to do this you’ll need to
provide supporting documentation, in the form
of Spanish bank statements, medical insurance,
being registered on the census and utility bills.
Another fast-tracked way is if you happen to
be married to a Spanish or at least EU citizen. The
former enjoys automatic Spanish residency and
the latter can quite easily apply for it, as well as be
entitled to work here, enjoy local healthcare and
have their pension paid out in Spain.
A British spouse of an EU citizen with Spanish
residency can then also apply for the same, but
even if you haven’t lived in Spain before or can
have the way paved by a European partner, there
are still ways of achieving residency in Spain.
Enquires direct to Alex Radford Legal Abogado;
aradford@legalservicesinspain.com
WHAT IS AN NIE NUMBER?
An NIE number (a numero de
identificacion de extranjeros) is an
identity number for foreigners in Spain.
It is a document that provides a number which
you are required by the various authorities in
Spain to have when dealing with them.
WHY DO I NEED AN NIE?
The Spanish authorities will need your NIE
number to enable you to pay taxes in Spain
upon the purchase or inheritance of a
property, to buy a car, gain a mobile phone,
open a utilities or bank account or incorporate
a company. Basically, without an NIE number
in Spain you will struggle to deal with any
official organisation.
HOW DO I GET AN NIE IN SPAIN?
You can complete the necessary paperwork
and apply in person for an NIE number at a
local police station in Spain. They provide
appointments for you to attend in person, but
these are often at inconvenient times and will
be conducted in Spanish and you may not
obtain your nie on the same day.
Alternatively, you can use a third party to
apply for your NIE number on your behalf, by
using a power of attorney. We have teams up
with www.yournienumber.com who have an
experienced multilingual team here to help
you apply for your nie. Visit their website for
more information.
Sponsored by
spain: (+34) 951 820 099
uk: +44(0) 203 807 4044
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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COSTA
ALMERIA
Almeria
Aguadulce Retamar
Belerma Cabo de
Adra
Gata
Almerimar
Villaricos
Vera
Garrucha
Mojacar
Agua Amarga
Las Negras
San Jose
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It seems most Spanish costas are around 200 kilometres
long, and the Costa de Almería is exception, measuring
217 kilometres in length. In essence, it is a continuation
of the dry, warm, rugged terrain of the Costa Cálida,
but as you head south towards the Cabo de Gata
nature reserve the landscape becomes increasingly
‘Martian’.
The sleepy little resort community of San Juan de los
Terreros marks the northern edge. At Pozo del Esparto
there is a delicious sense beachside seclusion in the
midst of a perhaps more lunar landscape, sure to delight
nature lovers. This part of the coast is made for people
yearning to get away from the madding crowd, and
even at the little marina and resort of Villaricos there
is no sense of a major high-rise town. It was in nearby
Palomares that locals discovered missing bombs that
the US Navy had waylaid but had not been able to
relocate, despite large-scale searches.
Enjoy the palms
on Mojacar’s
sea front
A NATURAL AND NUDIST PARADISE
This open-spaced, thinly populated coastline has
attracted such a concentration of nudists that a resort
dedicated to this kind of tourism sprang up in Vera,
where the Playas de Vera is now one of the largest
nudist resort areas in the world. Residents of the nearby
inland town of Vera are not always pleased with the
epithet, but it has put this part of the coast on the map
and creates many jobs in the area.
Just south of here are the resorts of Puerto Rey and Las
Marinas, which are marked by low-rise development,
Further along, at the marina resort town of Garrucha,
this culminates in a bit more of a town feeling, complete
with larger buildings and a historic centre. One of the
highlights of the Costa de Almería is Mojácar, which
is curiously divided into the original hillside town – a
pretty collection of white-plastered houses – and the
charming beachside resort of Mojácar Playa.
Here too, the quaint Mediterranean ambience has been
remarkably well maintained. Some more small resorts
follow, before one enters a vast space of protected
open coastal scenery en route to Carboneras, another
pretty Andalusian style beachside resort village. At
Aqura de Emedio, midway between Carboneras and
Mojácar, the dramatic white cliffs and grey-white
beaches stand out against a world of blue skies and
water.
It continues this way almost all the way to Almería
city, marking this as one of the most rugged, secluded
and natural of costas in all of Spain. For those who
lament the authenticity of earlier years, before tourism
became so large-scaled, the Costa de Almería is the
perfect answer. Dazzling the eye and the senses with
its roughhewn beauty, this is a place of small, intimate
coastal resort and fishing towns, where you can sip
a cold beer at a bohemian beach car or enjoy fresh
fish to the uninterrupted sound of the waves. Not for
everyone, but paradise who those who enjoy peace
and natural pleasures.
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FIRE PITS and BARBECUES:
add spice to your garden
Thinking of gardens we naturally picture lawns,
shrubs, trees and flowerbeds. Next come
images of terraces, pergolas, stone pavements,
planters, lights, irrigation systems, outdoor furniture
and entertainment facilities such as swimming pools.
In Marbella, many luxurious villas and apartment
complexes also feature tennis and paddle courts within
their grounds, as well as poolside cabana bars with
showers, toilets, changing rooms and also covered
dining areas featuring bars and even outdoor kitchens.
The sky is the limit really for an area that has gained
greatly in attention and stature over the past decade
or two, as terraces and gardens have become the
outdoor lifestyle areas of note – especially in areas
such as the Costa del Sol, where the climate makes
it possible to spend so much of the year outdoors
relaxing, entertaining and also dining in the open air.
Seating and dining arrangements have therefore
blossomed into comfortable, stylish chill-out zones with
their own bars, barbecue areas and that great new
addition, the fire pit.
FIRE PITS
Like barbecues, fire pits come in many different shapes,
forms and sizes, but the general idea is to provide
a warm, cosy space around which to gather in the
evenings and extend the use of your outdoor areas
further around the year. Even in summer the evenings
can sometimes be a bit cool, especially if you live near
the sea. But fire pits are not only warm and practical;
they’re also an attractive focal point around which to
gather, socialise, dine or simply roast marshmallows in
time-honoured tradition.
There are many different options when it comes to
materials, sizes, functionality and budget, using more
traditional stone or cast iron, or indeed very modern
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oil drum designs or sleek gas-fired versions
not unlike modern fireplaces. The colour tone
can range from black or earthy shades to light
or green marble; the shapes from round or square to
angular, and they can be raised or even sunk, working
on wood, gas, kerosene, chippings or any of a variety
of other options. Key thing is that a fire pit adds to the
elegance and cosiness of your garden.
OUTDOOR COOKING
The barbecue is perhaps more familiar to most, but it
too varies greatly in size, form and cost. They can come
in the form of steel, aluminium – in which case they’re
often mobile or fitted into modern outdoor kitchens –
or are built out of bricks, complete with a functional
chimney. The latter kind is usually wood-burning, though
coal briquettes are sometimes also used in these and
the more high-tech versions. The latter, however, tend
to be attached to a gas bottle, and today the range of
functionalities available makes these amazing machines
outdoor gastronomic marvels.
Indeed, get a good barbecue along with a cosy fire
pit and al fresco lounge and dining area, and you
may not see much of your kitchen throughout the long
Marbella summer. Contact us for lots of expert advice
and creative ideas on how to incorporate these and
many more fantastic ideas into making your garden the
ultimate lifestyle space.
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COSTA
CALIDA
Less famous by name than some of Spain’s other costas,
the Costa Cálida extends from the Costa Blanca
southwards to the border of Almería province, covering
a 250-kilometre stretch of shoreline within the province of
Murcia.
It’s a classic Mediterranean region of blue seas, rocky cliffs,
secluded bays and coves, and golden beaches dotted
with holiday resorts and traditional fishing towns. As its name
indicates, this is a warm coast, with warm summers and very
comfortable winters, and as rainfall is low the region also
offers a healthy climate to visitors and residents, making it
much-loved with families and especially retired tourists and
homebuyers from northern countries.
Formerly – and still – a rural area sprinkled with little country
towns, this is now a major holiday and retirement destination
that is marked by two distinct areas:
MAR MENOR
At its northernmost point, in El Mojón, the Costa Cálida
touches the Costa Blanca. South from here is the Parque
Regional de Las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar, a
coastal marshland protectorate named for the nearby town
of San Pedro del Pinatar. The centre of town is surrounded by
extensive residential and holiday resorts in suburbs such as
Las Esperanzas, Los Imbernones, El Salero, Las Pachecas, Los
Antolinos, Las Beatas, Los Sáez, Lo Pagán, Molino del Chirrete
and Los Cuarteros, which front the main feature of this part of
the Costa Cálida: the Mar Menor.
Where the more inland resorts offer residential golf living
complete with extensive on-site amenities and leisure facilities,
the beachside area that extends southwards towards
Santiago de la Ribera and fronts the western shoreline of the
Mar Menor up to a military airbase provides a more classic
beachside ambience. Though this is not the Mediterranean
but a saltwater lagoon – at 170km2 Europe’s largest – known
for its warm, shallow waters and delicious sweet fish. The lower
section is dotted with smaller resorts and towns such as La
Roda, Playa de Los Narejos, Los Alcázares, Bahía Bella, Punta
Brava, Los Urrutias, Estrella De Mar, Los Nietos and Mar de
Cristal.
LA MANGA
The saltwater lagoon conditions of the wonderful Mar Menor
are created by a dry climate and the 22-kilometere long
sand bar that extends from the protected Playas de La Llana
down to the La Manga resort at its southern end, where the
land spit joins the mainland at Cabo Palos and Playa Honda.
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Among the famous golf courses in this area are the Hacienda
Riquelme Golf Resort, Hacienda del Alamo, El Valle and of
course La Manga itself.
COASTLINE
If the northern areas surrounding the Mar Menor are where
most of the tourist and residential resorts are located, then the
coastline of rocky cliffs and bays extending from La Manga
down to Aguilas is rather more natural and authentic. Here
you will find a succession of fishing towns such as
Puerto de Mazarrón and natural coastal reserves – as well as
the historic port of Cartagena, a cultural gem first founded by
Carthaginian traders more than 2000 years ago.
In the later years of Franco’s rule, a US aeroplane accidently
dropped bombs during naval exercises not far from the coast.
It sparked a massive ‘search and rescue’ operation on the part
of the American forces, who much to their embarrassment
could not locate the errant devices. Fortunately, some
locals managed to do just that several weeks later, and the
potentially dangerous of equipment was returned to its redfaced
owners. Ever since, the Costa Cálida has become not
only one of the favourite tourist destinations in Europe, but
thanks to its climate, scenery and good value for money, also
a popular focus for year-round residence and retirement.
San Javier
Murcia
Santiago de
la Ribera
La Manga
La Azohia
Cartegena
Mazarron Isla Plana
Aguilas
The bay of Aguilas
in Murcia.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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Spanish Conveyancing
PROCESS SIMPLIFIED
Life is about to get not just easier, but more
secure when it comes to completing the sale or
purchase of a home in Spain. It was generally
recognised that the dual system used in Spain to
record land and property details – the Land Registry
plus the Cadastre – was unwieldy and, worse than
that, sometimes produced conflicting data on the
same property. To put it simply, the Land Registry
normally included a written description of a property
while the Cadastre had graphic representation in
the form of a map or plan. The problem was that,
on occasions; the two did not match, leading to
legal confusion. On top of that, as the Cadastre
was not routinely cross-referenced with the Land
Registry, details on any alterations and extensions
built on a property would not necessarily appear
on the Cadastre, again possibly leading to legal
complications. But now the Spanish government has
taken action to smooth the conveyancing process
and ensure the two registries are consistent when
describing a property.
Chief amongst the changes is the requirement
that Land Registry descriptions must now include a
‘graphic representation’ of the property in the form
of a copy of the map or plan held by the Cadastre.
LAND REGISTRY DESCRIPTION SUPERSEDED
This will supersede the old Land Registry description
and ensure buyers know exactly what they are
purchasing. On top of that, the Cadastre will have to
make note of any alterations to a building marked
on the Land Registry records, and the two institutions
will also have to use the same reference code for
each property in order to avoid confusion and make
the comparison of data between the bodies easier.
Government officials estimate it will save the need
for some 22,000 personal declarations a year, saving
€1.8million. More importantly, it will provide greater
security, clarity and transparency for people when
36 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM Continued on page 38 >>
Supplied by
Email/tel direct Alex Radford - Spanish Abogado
a.radford@mylawyerinspain.com
Calling from the UK: 0845 508 2395
Calling from Spain: +34 671 48 00 01
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
37
Continued from page 36 >>
buying a property, and should speed up the
process greatly.
Our team of lawyers specialised in
conveyancing and property law carry out the
following checks:
• Whether the property is legal and fully registered
• Arranging surveys and valuations
• The information on title deeds including debts
and mortgages
• Does it have the correct planning in place
• Are community fees payable, (if applicable)
• The electricity and water services
• Make sure the annual tax was paid
• After completion setting up direct debits for the
supplies
HOW TO BEGIN THE PROCESS
1. In order for a smooth purchase from start to
finish our recommendation is to sign a power of
attorney so we can apply for your NIE number,
open a bank account and complete the
property purchase
2. If you haven’t obtained it yet, for an NIE
number (Número de Indentificación de
Extranjero, Identification Number for Foreigners,
in English) this is compulsory for purchasing
property in Spain. But before we begin working
together, we would love to speak with you as
this can be done via a digital meeting or via
telephone or in person as our offices across
the country. We will explain the conveyancing
process, timescales and the costs of the
transaction.
38
l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
Power of
Attorney
in Spain
Enquires direct to:
Alex Radford Legal Abogado;
a.radford@mylawyerinspain.com
Supplied by
spain: (+34) 951 820 099
uk: +44(0) 203 807 4044
- Our Team
of lawyers
Are you ready to purchase a property in Spain?
If yes, the Power of Attorney is the kind of document to start
with.
Let us explain about protecting our clients in Spain, when it
comes to purchasing a property in Spain there is nothing like
doing everything from a legal perspective to have peace
of mind and to avoid unwanted surprises and expensive
comebacks.
You may have heard of some stories where people were
scammed when they bought or sold property in Spain, a
common pattern is using the wrong professionals, trying to
DIY, and/or trusting somebody other than a qualified Spanish
Abogado.
You can rely on Alex Radford and his team My Lawyer In
Spain to complete the whole process from start to finish We
are an experienced and specialist acting for clients buying,
selling, inheriting property across Spain and its islands.
We know how to protect our clients and not only because
we are licensed and registered as a law firm in Spain
but also because we are multilingual and we have the
professional knowledge.
When you appoint a lawyer to act on your behalf this
procedure is called “Power of Attorney” by way of an official
document signed at a notary in your country or in Spain
through which the client gives us specific legal power to
act on behalf of a client. Once we have Power of Attorney,
we will be able to start the purchasing procedure on your
behalf.
Here are some of the actions we will carry out when we
assist you with the legal process of purchasing a property in
Spain:
• Draft a pre-contract agreement or purchase offer and set
out the conditions
• Obtain a NIE number application
• We will carry out checks to establish if the property is
legal?
• Investigate any outstanding Utility bills
• Confirm if the property is still classified as “in construction”?
• Confirm if there is a mortgage on the property?
• Confirm and explain the position of the Tax liability
• Day of the signing (whether you are buying or selling we
will represent you at the notary and we will make sure
everything is in order)
• Land registry (the title deeds of the property must be
registered at the Land Registry office)
Power of Attorney is the process to start with. In addition,
through a Power of Attorney we would be able to act
on your behalf on certain tax matters, or even solve
unexpected problems in the future that could not have
anything to do with your property.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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Named ‘the White Coast’ for its cliffs and beaches, the Costa
Blanca is a world of sand-toned hues contrasting with the
azure-blue of the Mediterranean and the generally deep
blue of its skies. This is essential Mediterranea, a region imbued by
this ancient sea and its cultures.
Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Moors and Franks, they were
all here, moulding today with the indigenous population with
a culture that is Spanish, but also has its own distinct identity.
Spanish is the main language, with English, German, Dutch and
French also frequently heard, but the other official language
is Valenciano, which can be considered to be a derivative of
Catalan and also closely related to the local vernaculars of the
Balearic Islands.
As a tourist and residential region, the 200 kilometres of the Costa
Blanca can be divided into a northern and a southern section,
which border Valencia’s Costa del Azahar and the Costa Cálida
respectively. Though the regional capital of Valencia – a jewel of
a city, and second only to Madrid and Barcelona within Spain – is
about an hour’s drive away, the nearest point of reference is the
Mediterranean port of Alicante, itself a popular tourist destination.
COSTALANCA
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SOUTH
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Moving up along the coast from the Costa Cálida, the
Southern Costa Blanca is characterised by beachside
resorts such as the chilled atmosphere of La Zenia, the
amenities of Torrevieja – one of the icons of this coastline
– and the smaller but equally popular Guardamar del
Segura. This is a mostly sandy shoreline perfect for
tourism but it offers a diversity of resorts, including
the small-scale innocence of El Pinet la Marina, at
the entrance to a large area of marshes.
At its north end, in Bras del Port, high quality salt is
produced close to the famous resort town of Santa
Pola. Rounding the coast, one reaches the final
part of the southern Costa Blanca, as it approaches
the city of Alicante, which marks the dividing line.
Here Monte Faro is a pretty coastal town set amid
spectacular cliffs, and though Arenals del Sol and
Urbanova are a little bigger, they too invoke a sense of
endless beaches and classic summer holidays.
Elche
Rojales
Orihuela
Villa Martin
Alicante
Santa Pola
Guardamar
de Segura
Torrevieja
Denia
Ja
Benissa Mo
Altea Calpe
Albir
Benidorm
Villa Joyosa
Photo of the beach
in Guardamar de
Segura.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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LA FINCA GOLF RESORT
La Finca golf course was established in 2002 with a top
quality golf course and hotel resort. The golf course was
designed by the famous Spanish designer Pepe Gancedo
who was also a keen golf amateur player in Spain. The course
is laid out with wide generous fairways that offer amazing and
somewhat spectacular greens that add to the experience
every golfer desires. The greens are completely different from
each other, a variety of shapes, some of them being famous
such as the seventh hole, it is a square shape with large
dimensions that resembles an English bowls green. Also at
the fourteenth hole, which is deep and round, well known to
players as the Chinese wok. The picturesque views all around
this course are added together making a host of delightful
characteristics at La Finca golf course and are why it has
become so popular over the last nine years and is regarded
as one of the best golf courses in Spain.
La Finca golf course has also been the chosen venue
of a number of prestigious tournaments since its opening,
the Junior European Championship and the Spanish Junior
Championship as well as the finals of the Audi Class and Audi
Quattro circuits, for amateur golfers. At a professional level, La
Finca golf course has hosted the qualifying for the EPD Tour as
well as the Valencian Community professional circuit.
As one would expect the course other amenities making an
all round easy choice as the perfect place for your round of
golf, the resort offers buggies and club hire, the golf academy
at La Finca Resort is the ideal place to improve your game
and discover the best golfing techniques.
The professional teaching staff will help you learn and
improve your overall standard whilst gaining new golfing
skills. The golf pros are Víctor Andreu who is a recognised
42 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
professional golfer. He has served on the national golf team
for over ten years, has a pro license granted by the Royal
Spanish Federation and is member of the Spanish PGA with
title of Master. Victor also runs the children academy in La
Finca golf club, teaching students and golf lovers as well as
some other professionals.
The prestigious international award The World Travel Awards
was given to La Finca Golf Resort for the second year running
an amazing achievement to win two consecutive years as
the accolade of Spain’s best Golf Hotel in the World Gold
Awards.
The development at La Finca Resort was renovated in
2019 together with its group that offers three courses Las
Ramblas and Villamartin. Undertaking extensive building
works that included greens being re-built as well as bunker
enhancements. The extremely popular restaurants also were
refurbished providing high quality dining for both golfers and
visitors’ to the area. The Club House Terraza is the perfect
place to have a rest and build up the energy required after
having had a round of golf is at La Finca golf resort. The
restaurant offers a snack menu allowing you to enjoy a quick
bite as well as to enjoy the stunning views of the golf course.
The property developments around the resort have also
seen significant investment making the area of La Finca
one of the top property destinations in Costa Blanca. Golf
enthusiasts as well as those who want to live In Spain. The
village of Algorfa has many property developments with
a range of modern Spanish villa styles as well as compact
apartments that lend themselves to ideal holiday homes.
For anyone who are looking for a property in Spain and that
wants to live in a modern style development ideally situated
close to the beach, a shopping centre that
has amazing country side appeal with the
mountain ranges of Costa Blanca then La
Finca resort in Algorfa Alicante is certainly
worth looking at.
120 modern rooms where luxury,
comfort, style and design are the common
denominators — to make your stay simply
perfect.
Everything you need for a luxury stay -
FACILITIES:
• Free outdoor car park
• Covered car park with cctv security (check rates)
• Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi
• Balinese beds and sun beds in the pool area
• Several lounges and meeting rooms for all types of
functions and events
• Tennis courts and paddle-tennis courts, with free loan
of sports equipment (subject to availability)
• Gymnasium
SERVICES:
• 24-hour Reception
• Room service (check schedule)
• Guest Service Centre
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free shuttle service (check terms and conditions,
timetables and availability with Reception).
• Free loan of bicycles (subject to availability)
• Laundry service
• Airport transport service at special prices (booking in
advance with the Guest Service Centre required).
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME WITH US -
multilingual property experts for 25 years on the Costa
Email: info@welcome-estates.com
Web: www.welcome-estates.com
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Benijofar
Av. Federico Garcia
Lorca, 15, Benijofar,
03178, Alicante
+34 966 714 719
La Zenia
C. Maestro Torralba, 2
La Zenia,
03189
+34 966 714 719
FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA 265.000€
LOS ALTOS 139,750€
110m 2
m 2
603m 2
m 2 Pool
m 2
m 2
m 2
3 2 Pool 66m 2 Parking 2 2
m 2 m 2 m 2 m 2
m 2
Ref: CM7747
Ref: CM7872
EL CHAPARRAL 49,950€ VILLAMARTIN 145,000€
m 2
41m 2 Parking Pool
m 2
1 1
m 2 m 2
Ref: CM7851
DAYA VIEJA 124,999€
m 2
m 2
105m 2 140m 2 3 2 Pool
Ref: CM7479
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
CABO ROIG 88,000€
m 2
90m 2 133m 2 Pool
@
m 2
3 2
m 2 m 2
info@casasmanuel.com
44 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
Ref: CM7868
@
m 2
m 2
71m 2 Parking 2 1 Pool
Ref: CM7422
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
www.casasmanuel.com
THE CASAS
MANUEL
FAMILY
Benefiting from two strategically
placed sales offices in Benijófar (Sales
office, and a dedicated aftersales
office) and La Zenia, Casas Manuel is a
professional, family-run company which
has been selling property throughout the
Costa Blanca since 2001 offering both
buyer and seller an exceptional strength
of service.
Since 2001, our reliable and professional
approach to business has created for
us many strong relationships throughout
Spain, UK, Belgium, France, Iceland,
Sweden, Russia, Norway, Czech Republic
and Holland. We pride ourselves on our
very personal and professional service that
we deliver to ALL clients.
As shown by our Testimonials page
– Trust is earned though our collective
Honesty, Hard Work, Transparency,
Knowledge and Ethics.
Our reputation for Values such as
these has enabled us to provide serious
property buyers the benefit of always
Whether you are buying
or selling, our approach to
business is simple - To provide
the best service possible to
every client we meet.
having a wide variety of well-priced
properties to offer for sale on the Costa
Blanca South. So, whatever budget range
stipulated… whether from small beachside
apartments, semi-coastal townhouses,
traditional Fincas, right through to luxury
villas – we will help you!
When you consult our specialist advisors
you will find we take your requirements
very seriously indeed and because we
listen to you we apply our extensive
knowledge and capacity within Casas
Manuel to diligently find you the perfect
property in your ideal location.
In simple: Our team is here to make your
Spanish buying process as easy as possible
and will be assisting you through every
step of the buying process...
If you are looking for something that we
do not have in our portfolio then not to
worry, you simply tell us what it is you want,
and our team of dedicated agents will
find it for you.
In 2016 Casas Manuel were honoured
to take part in a new Channel 4 property
series “Sun, Sea and Selling Houses”. The
success of the 1st show resulted in the
series being re-commissioned by channel
4 and was followed up by a further three
series!
FEATURED PROPERTY
FEATURED PROPERTY
Benijófar
Stunning new build villas on the
outskirts of the popular village of
Benijofar. These villas are built over
two floors boasting a open plan
living/dining area on the ground
floor along with a shower room.
The first floor holds the two double
bedrooms along with a family
bathroom along with a roof top
solarium.
€224,900 Cabo Roig
KEY FEATURES
• Beds: 2
• Baths: 2
• Plot size: 134m2
• Build size: 90m2
• Pool: Private
• Parking: Off-road
• Full furnished
Ref CM6810
New Build Villas located in Lomas de
Cabo Roig, within walking distance
to all the local amenities that Lomas
de Cabo Roig has to offer. The
properties offer 3 double bedrooms,
3 bathrooms, spacious living and
dining area with an American style
kitchen. The property is sat on a
spacious plot which has a private
swimming pool, plus a roof solarium.
€349,900
KEY FEATURES
• Beds: 3
• Baths: 3
• Plot size: 199m2
• Build size: 131m2
• Pool: Private
• Parking: Off-road
Ref CM7870
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
45
ONE WAY SELF DRIVE
VAN HIRE
CHAUFFEUR SERVICE
PACKING MATERIALS & BOXES
LEGAL AND FULLY INSURED
Pets welcome
46 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
SPAIN 965 794 682 UK 0208 090 4292
Office: +34 965 020 204
UK: 01273 900966
Email: info@welcome-estates.com
Web: www.welcome-estates.com
We speak:
FEATURED PROPERTY
STUNNING APARTMENTS
ONLY 70 METRES FROM
GUARDAMAR BEACH
SEA VIEWS
3 BEDROOMS AND
2 BATHROOMS
• Build Size 108m2
• Ground floor with garden
• Middle floors with terrace
• Penthouses with solarium
• Lift
• Underground parking
• Pre-installed air-con
• Close to amenities
• White Goods
PREMIUM LISTING - CAMPOAMOR
PLAYA FLAMENCA
ROJALES
• 2 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Build Size 64m2
• Pre-installed
air-con
• Close to
amenities
• White Goods
Prices from
169,000€
TERRIFIC TERRACED VILLAS
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Build Size 184m2
• Basement
• Close to
amenities
• Private pool
Prices from
228,900€
Ref 658126
363,000€
STUNNING VILLA CLOSE TO THE BEACH
BEAUTIFUL APARTMENTS
Ref 658180
Ref 366353
3 BEDROOMS &
3 BATHROOMS
• Build Size 194m2
• Short walk to beach
• Pre-installed air-con
• Sea Views
• Close to amenities
• White Goods
799,000€
Ref 658101
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
FABULOUS APARTMENTS
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Build Size 85m2
• Close to
amenities
• Short walk to
beach
• White Goods
Prices from
182,900€
SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS
TERRIFIC TOWNHOUSE
Ref 658155
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Build Size
100m2
• Pre-installed
air-con
• Communal
pool
Prices from
269,000€
Ref 656701
25 years
experience
Welcome Estates brings more
than 25 years of experience in
the Spanish Property Market. Our
team of experts offer an unparalleled
level of knowledge of the Costa
Blanca region and the current
market and are always on hand to
support you every step of the way in
the buying and selling process.
With our office at the beautiful La
Finca Golf and Spa Resort, we offer a
range of New and Re-sale properties
on the best golf resorts, coastal areas
as well as town/village properties.
Whatever your goals, we are able to
help you achieve them.
Welcome Estates is built on a simple
ethos, helping you to build a better
life. We recognise that all clients have
their own unique requirements and
we work with you to make them a
reality.
Let us help you find the perfect
property in Spain.
Get instant CASH!
REFER A FRIEND
Welcome Estates Southern
Spain S.L will pay you 1%
on any introduction that
leads to a sale on a new
build property and 0.25% on
a resale property.
Do you have a friend, relative,
client or colleague looking to
buy property in Spain?
For more details go to:
www.welcome-estates.com/referral
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
47
West Beach
Promenade,
Benidorm
48 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
An ancient coast of beaches, crystalline waters and
rocky cliffs that lead down to secluded little coves and
bays, the northern part of the Costa Blanca is often
described as the most beautiful section of all – and one of
the finest examples of Mediterranean lifestyle to be found
anywhere.
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
Alicante provides the big city feel as well as a large international
airport for the region, and as you head north from here the
first significant resort town is El Campello, popular above all
with Spanish tourists. From here to the pretty coastal town of
Villajoyosa, with its multi-coloured houses, there are only tiny
beachside spots dotted, and more of the same until you come
to the most famous Costa Blanca resort of all: Benidorm.
Famous for its package tourism, as humorously depicted in
a British comedy series, this large resort town is redeveloping
its look and offering to appeal to a more modern kind of
tourism, complete with stylish resort hotels and a series of large
theme park attractions such as Terra Mítica, Terra Natura and
Aqualandia. From here, the coast becomes more rugged,
with imposing capes and rocky cliffs and bays that together
create breath-taking scenery against a backdrop of blue
skies and green pine groves.
Altea is a stylish resort town with a beautiful historic centre that
ranks as one of the region’s highlights, while Platja L’Olla is a
wonderfully secluded stretch of coast between distant cliffs.
Just before you reach another iconic resort town, Calpe,
Altea Hills is the first of a series of luxurious villas suburbs with
stunning coastal views – one of several residential resort areas
that offer an excellent choice of modern homes with all the
latest styles, amenities and high-tech comforts. The views from
here are truly stunning.
COSTALANCA
EXQUISITE SHORES
Calpe is gifted with a stunning setting – a wide bay overlooking
an iconic rock cape not unlike that of Gibraltar, as well as an
inland lagoon known as Les Salines. This picture perfect spot
first named by the Phoenicians provides the ideal setting for
a resort town, and Calpe is the last large town before you
come to the end of the Costa Blanca at Jávea and Denia,
passing the pretty little coastal resort of Moraira. Beyond it lays
gorgeous coastal scenery with idyllic bays such as Plata de la
Granadella, with its turquoise water.
Jávea and Denia are two pretty towns fronting sandy beaches
and surrounded by attractive residential areas set within pine
groves, with many following the undulations of golf courses
such as the excellent La Sella Golf. The iconic Parc Natural
Montgó crowns the natural beauty of this region, which is also
less than an hour from Valencia, close to many more beauty
spots and always just a short drive from country villages full of
authentic regional charm.
NORTH
Elche
Rojales
Orihuela
Villa Martin
Alicante
Santa Pola
Guardamar
de Segura
Torrevieja
Denia
Javea
Benissa Moraira
Altea Calpe
Albir
Benidorm
Villa Joyosa
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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DISCOVERING
JÁVEA
Perhaps better known as a stylishly relaxed
Mediterranean resort destination on Spain’s eastern
seaboard, the little town of Jávea is at heart a classic
Spanish country town overlooking a landscape of cliffs wealthy merchant class whose elegant Baroque style
enveloping a bright blue bay and mountains surrounding country estates and town houses add lustre to the rural
a deep green valley.
cottages and tightly packed homes of the area.
In reality the municipal area of Jávea is divided into
three distinct parts. Most familiar to outside visitors is the
coastal resort, tucked into a corner of a large bay. Here,
luxurious apartments surround a coastal village that looks
out at a fishing harbour and marina that eventually gives
way to the resort hotels that dot the long sandy beaches
of El Arenal. At the far end of this the coast rises to the
spectacular cliffs that mark the Cap de la Nao area. It
is here, within the pine-covered slopes overlooking the
bays and coves, that a collection of luxurious residential
area provides a privileged setting for a lifestyle that has
been drawing people for many decades now.
At the heart of it all, though, is the historic town of
Jávea – the original country village that grew into a
prosperous town thanks to its position dominating a large
and fertile valley. Largely level, this agricultural area
stretches for kilometres inland, and has long formed the
basis for wealth in the area, producing a range of export
products that has included olive oil, raisins and oranges.
Famous throughout Europe for these products, the region
also benefitted from the bounty of the sea, creating a
The epicentre of the old town is the Church of Sant
Bartomeu, an imposing structure that originally dates
back to early medieval times. Like most of the historic
quarter it is built mainly from local Tosca stone hewn
for centuries from the coastal cliffs, and still bears the
pockmarks of warfare sustained during the civil war.
Today, however, the only invaders are the small groups of
tourists drinking in the sights or relaxing in a quaint square
as village life goes on around them. This is a town of
cobbled streets, picturesque archways, historic buildings
that reveal bewildering layers of successive cultures, and
above all a mesmerising ambience.
Get a glimpse of what life was like here not so very
long ago at the Museo Soler Blasco, set within the
Palace of Antoni Banyuls, experience the lively and
quintessentially Mediterranean atmosphere of the
municipal market – or simply wander through peaceful
cobbled backstreets and lively squares, eventually
finding your way to one of the many quaint cafés and
restaurants – and you will get an idea of what a true
Spanish country town is all about.
50 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
DISCOVER JAVEA
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
51
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
BUYING IN SPAIN?
from our Extensive Northern Costa Blanca North Portfolio
we’ll get you moving...
Moraira 275,000 €
Villa
Ref: HO473758
Altea 175,000 €
Apartment Ref: HO354096
Javea 1,095,000 €
Modern Villa Ref: HO232889
168m2
Build
828m 2
Plot
3 2
Bedrooms Bathrooms
Private
Pool
85m2
Build
NA
Plot
2 2 Community
Bedrooms Bathrooms Pool
374m2
Build
1000m 2
Plot
3 3
Bedrooms Bathrooms
Private
Pool
Denia 179,999 €
Apartment Ref: HO593564
Jalon 159,000 €
Townhouse Ref: HO121316
Calpe 575,000 €
Villa
Ref: HO350095
105m2
Build
NA
Plot
3 2 Community
Bedrooms Bathrooms Pool
165m2
Build
NA
Plot
3 2
Bedrooms Bathrooms
350m2
Build
1600m 2
Plot
6 5
Bedrooms Bathrooms
Private
Pool
Moraira • Javea • Jalon • Calpe • Denia
With 5 office located strategically throughout the
Northern Costa Blanca, our portfolio of properties is
second to none. Whether you’re looking for a lock-up and
leave weekend escape, rental investment, or something
larger and more permanent, contact us.
Hamiltons Central Office
(+34) 96 649 1883
moraira@moraira-hamiltons.net
www.moraira-hamiltons.net
52 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
@
@
@
+34 96 5744179 Avenida Madrid, 03724 Moraira
info@tabairarealestate.com
www.tabairarealestate.com
CUMBRE DEL SOL 109.500€
MORAIRA 699.000€
3
m 2 m 2
m 2
m 2
2 1
320m 2 845m 2 4 2 Pool
m 2 m 2
m 2
m 2 m 2
86m 2 Terrace Pool
Ref: 30.332E
m 2
Ref: 20.3314E
BENISSA 235.000€
BENISSA COSTA 550.000€
m 2
137m 2 Terrace Pool
m 2
3 2
m 2 m 2
Ref: 10.268E
MORAIRA 600.000€
m 2
m 2 Ref: 20.3177E
203m 2 704m 2 3 3 Pool
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
JAVEA 1.250.000€
m 2
178m 2 897m 2 Pool
m 2
3 2
m 2 m 2
Ref: 20.3277E
m 2
m 2 Ref: 70.427
393m 2 1.000m 2 3 2 Pool
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
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DAVID FERRER
Think of Spanish tennis and the name Nadal
immediately comes to mind. Of course, Rafa
Nadal is a great champion and probably the best
representative the country has had in the sport, but
extend your horizon beyond this modern sporting icon
and you will see that Spain has produced a very good
proportion of the world’s top players, both past and
present.
Among them, and very much in the present, is David
Ferrer. Currently ranked 6th in the world – the highest
ranked Spaniard after Nadal – Ferrer hails from the
pretty coastal town of Jávea, which also gave birth
to Rimontgó. “We share a hometown,” says Antonio
Ribes Bas of Rimontgó, “so naturally everybody here
is enormously proud of young David.” An icon in
this, his home ground, David Ferrer has become an
international sporting figure and very much a source of
national pride in Spain.
He showed great talent and a passion for the game at
a young age, moving to up along the coast to Gandia
age 13 and on to Barcelona at 15 to attend Juan Carlos
Ferrero’s academy. His coach, Javier Piles, was tough
on the young prospect, yet when Ferrer felt he’d had
enough of the sportsman’s regime in 1999 and left to
a Jávea
champion
work on a construction site, he was back and asking for
more ‘tennis punishment’ before the week was out.
The following year, aged 18, he turned pro and has
never looked back since. Amassed over $10 million
dollars in prize money and a total of 11 career titles so
far, David Ferrer peaked in 2008 when he reached 4th
in the ATP rankings. Who knows if he can better that; at
29 the Spaniard still has a lot of good years in him and
the possibility of progressing beyond the semi-finals of
a grand slam tournament and claiming first grand slam
title is still very much alive.
NINJA RETURNS
Known as a clay court specialist, David Ferrer is a classic
style player lacking some of the hard-serve, hard-shot
characteristics of some of his contemporaries. Instead
he depends upon his mobility and ability to return almost
everything thrown at him, and do it accurately. It is this
drive to not be beaten that has earned him accolades
from some of the best players in the game, and indeed,
according to Roger Federer it is not new Wimbledon
champion Novak Djokovic but David Ferrer that is the
best returner of the ball in modern tennis. Not bad for a
boy from Jávea.
54 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
JÁVEA GOLF
Jávea is perhaps better known for its
beaches, its marina and its water sports,
not to mention some of the best hiking
trails in eastern Spain, but it is also the home
of the Club de Golf Jávea, a fine 18-hole
course with a longstanding tradition in the
gentleman’s game.
Founded in 1981 and designed by
Francisco Moreno the par 72 course extends
across a parkland landscape set between
private villas and wooded groves, with
views of Jávea’s iconic mountain ranges all
around. Elegantly styled and ever so gently
undulating, this course offers well-designed
bunkers and water features for a game that is
challenging but also suitable to beginners.
Like the golf course itself, the club’s other
facilities are well maintained and kept
fully up to date. Most important of these is
the attractive clubhouse, refurbished and
overlooking the course, countryside and the
Montgó Mountain. Inside, it houses the club’s
offices, as well as changing rooms, a pro
shop, club meeting room, restaurant, bar and
a cafeteria with scenic terrace.
Popular with local residents and visiting
players, Jávea Golf Club is a real golfer’s
club with a friendly and informal atmosphere.
The restaurant offers traditional Spanish fare
throughout the day and evening, while
the club’s cafeteria provides light snack
alternatives and an opportunity to drink in the
sun on its large terrace.
Like the real sports club it is, Club de Golf
Jávea also has a practice range and putting
green as well as featuring tennis courts and
a swimming pool to ensure that this is very
much a venue for the entire family. Golfers
and tennis players alike can join coaching
sessions or book individual classes with the
resident pros, who also shine during the
annual tournaments and charity drives that
further underline the club’s contribution to
local community life.
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BALEARIC
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SLANDS
For those who haven’t travelled there yet, the Balearic Islands are an
archipelago in the Mediterranean off the Spanish east coast. The
four main islands are Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera –
and though they share a common history, culture and local dialect of
Catalan that is also closely related to Valenciano, Provencal, Ligurian,
Corsican and Sardo (Sardinian) – each has a character and ambience
of its town.
PALMA DE MALLORCA
By far the largest and dominant island is Mallorca, where the capital
Palma de Mallorca is the main cultural, economic and metropolitan
centre of the Balearics. This historic city is a treasure trove of imposing
architecture, with cultural layers that date back to pre-Roman,
Byzantine, Moorish and later periods, influencing the local cuisine,
traditions, art and people. In addition to the many cathedrals,
fortresses and elegant streets and plazas to enjoy are the picturesque
old city, the harbour area with its old towers and of course the white
sandy beaches within a stroll of town.
MALLORCA
If you avoid the built-up tourist town of Magaluf, which not long ago
catered mostly to British package tourism but is now being upgraded,
skirting the southwest cape will take you through a series of rather
stylish beach resorts such as Santa Ponça overlooking idyllic bays.
Head inland to the pastel-coloured charm of Andratx or Valdemossa,
a quaint mountain village reminiscent of the prettiest ones in Provence
or Tuscany. The whole western mountain range and rocky coastline
is a spectacle of pretty little towns overlooking spectacular cliff-side
scenery.
Round this region and you reach the Bay of Alcudia, where mountains
give way to plains and expansive, white sandy beaches. This too is
a visitor’s paradise complete with stylish coastal resorts, and as you
trace the eastern shoreline you’ll be rewarded with elegant little
towns and in places gorgeous beaches that have a very natural
and untouched fell. Round yet another spectacular cape and you
approach some of the most spectacularly beautiful Mallorca coastal
scenery in places such as Cala Pi, whose iconic aquamarine water
pretty much sums up the island.
IBIZA
If Mallorca has captured the hearts of tourists and jet-set visitors such
as Claudia Schiffer and Michael Douglas, then Ibiza will forever be
associated with heady summer holidays and the birth of the beachside
club scene. Many of the most famous DJs, such as David Guetta, cut
their teeth here and the likes of Calvin Harris, continue to feature on
a regular basis at landmark venues like Pasha, which turn partying
into a resort occupation. There is, of course, also another side to this
famous party island, as seen in the historic charm of its towns and
country villages, as well as the natural beauty of much of its coastline,
where areas such as Es Cubells are popular with high-end visitors and
celebrities seeking privacy, luxury and seclusion.
MENORCA AND FORMENTERA
For more of that iconic beachside beauty in the form of green
Mediterranean pine groves that grow right up to white sand beaches
washed by azure waters, Menorca is the place to visit. More intimate
and natural than the larger islands, it is a scenic paradise where the
land feels like it spills into the ever-present Mediterranean Sea. Even
smaller and more sauvage, Formentera is where lovers of nature, sea,
sky and sandy dunes will feel at home – on land as well as snorkelling
in its clear blue waters.
A view of the
old town castle
in Ibiza.
Ciutadella
Andratx
Pollenca
Palma
Inca
Alcudia
Cala Ratjada
Maó
MENORCA
IBIZA
San
Antonio
Santa Eulária
des Ríu
Ibiza
City
Cala d’Or
MALLORCA
FORMENTERA
POPULAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS
MALLORCA
When it comes to quality real estate, Mallorca is not a place of large
concentrations, but rather of many little treasures dotted around
the island. That said, you’ll see names such as Pollensa, Alcúdia, Port
Adriano and Puerto Andratx appear frequently as they are among the
finest, most popular residential areas overlooking gorgeous coastal
scenery near all amenities.
IBIZA
The same is true of Ibiza, but those in the know look for homes in Sant
Josep De Sa Talaia, Santa Eulalia Des Ríu and also Sant Antoni De
Portmany – all perfect examples of privileged living on this golden isle.
MENORCA AND FORMENTERA
In Menorca, it will be hard to resists the atmosphere and scenic charm
of the Ciudadela de Menorca, though others head to the coastal
pleasures of Maó and Es Mercadal, while in Formentera Cala Envaster
is a perfect spot on a bay in an island otherwise made up of small
communities and country properties.
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IBIZA COOL
If you think Ibiza is only about clubbing and scores of
youngsters on summer holiday packages, think again.
This island is cool, trendy and appealing in so many
more ways, and its popularity with A-list visitors is proof
of it.
To many, Ibiza has always been about summer,
beaches, open-air parties and late night clubbing. The
capital of Europe’s summer clubbing scene has spawned
its own genres of music, as well as numerous famous
clubs, but aside from techno, trance and chillout music
there is another, more cultural side to this tourist isle. Those
in the know, like Richard Branson and other well-heeled
latter day flower power children, have long since been
enjoying its pleasures. Together with the creative types
who helped develop the iconic Ibiza style, they have
turned this super cool spot in the sun into one of the most
must-experience places of the Mediterranean.
Ibiza has long been associated with a brand of
shabby chic style that is considered by many to be
the ultimate in trendiness. It is a place where hip types
like to congregate – surfers, models, pop stars, trendy
millionaires and those successful in the world of design.
Coming from similar hippy roots perhaps, the fashionistas
and those who in spite of their wealth want to remain
‘with it’ and somehow spiritually grounded flock to the
private villas, secluded low-rise boutique hotels and other
hotspots overlooking paradisiacal coves or white yachts
bobbing quietly on the turquoise water.
THE COLOUR OF IBIZA
More rustic destinations just inland are also very
popular, as are sports where you can enjoy freshly
caught fish or organically grown vegetables at quaint
– but stylish – seaside venues. Shabby chic is therefore
a word that has come to characterise Ibiza and in turn
the style has drawn much inspiration from it. If there were
a colour to represent the island and encapsulate its
ambience it would be azure; the deep aquamarine blue
of its coastal waters, the intense blue of its skies and the
liquid freshness of sea air.
Or perhaps the pure, stark white of its plastered walls,
the sails that play against the horizon or the white linen
that seems to become an inadvertent uniform for
sophisticated urban types seeking summer epiphanies in
the Med. Modern and trendy yet ancient and mysterious,
the real Ibiza is a world removed from the shallow
hedonism of its squalid club scene, where revellers feed
on a cocktail of sun, drum beats and chemicals to
achieve a trance-like state of oblivion. The physical Ibiza
has an ephemeral quality, but one where it is the play
of visual beauty, tactile senses and an altered pace of
being that creates a mesmerising effect.
Besides crystal clear waters inviting the visitor to swim,
sail and scuba dive, it offers a surprising amount of
beautiful nature for so small an island. From the cliffs and
coves rise the pines the island is famous for, converting
into maquis heather in the hardiest of spots before
opening up into idyllic valleys covered in green fields,
blankets of wild flowers and almond trees. This is rustic
Ibiza, a place of goats, donkeys, quaint villages and old
rural traditions. It is also home to an amazingly stylish form
of rural tourism in which easy elegance and comfort
have been raised to an art form.
A popular natural area is the Ses Feixes wetlands,
a swampy lowland area bordering Ibiza Bay that is
a wintering ground for countless species of bird. You
will also find bats and reptiles where the Moors once
cultivated land using a complex irrigation system
of canals and water deposits. Here, where intense
agriculture flourished for centuries in a man-made
environment, nature began to reclaim its marshes and
return them to their wild inhabitants from the 1960s
onwards.
ANCIENT ROOTS THAT LINGER
Much of what makes this island so haunting can
be traced to its ancient roots, which though planted
in a very distant and hazy past continue to produce
fresh shoots. While it shares much of its story and
characteristics with mainland Spain – Ibiza is just
79 kilometres east of Valencia – this is above all a
Mediterranean world. As a result, the Pine Islands – the
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By Michel Cruz
name for Ibiza and its smaller neighbour, Formentera –
have always been a little removed from their mother
nation. Claimed by the Catalan as their own, the
people speak a local dialect of that tongue, yet could
also communicate with the Corsicans and Sardinians
with whom they share an almost invisible yet ancient
bond.
Beaten by the salty sea winds and the voyagers
they carried here, these tiny islands have been
invaded, sacked and pillaged more times than you’d
care to know, but the many stones have produced
an interesting mosaic. A popular attraction are the
remains of a Phoenician settlement at Sa Caleta, one
of the finest examples of its kind, while the islands of Es
Vedra and Es Vedranell are famous as the spot with the
third most powerful magnetic energy in the world. Es
Vedra is also the birthplace of the Carthaginian general
Hannibal.
It is said that sacrifices were performed here by
ancient cults, whilst others say it is the tip of the sunken
civilisation of Atlantis, thus explaining why it is such a
popular landing spot for intergalactic travellers. The
hippies who tell you this will also say they’ve seen UFOs
shooting over here, but maybe that’s down to the kind
of ‘tobacco’ they smoke. Either way, it’s a wonderfully
mysterious spot in which to indulge in wild theories and
feel the otherworldly atmosphere as you – per tradition
– make a wish the moment the island comes into view.
Though it now houses almost half the island’s
125,000 people, Ibiza town was for long little more
than a small port protected by the Almudaina Castle.
This large walled fortress, which stands at the top of
the picturesque Dalt Vila (Old Town), provided the
protection that made life here possible, but from the
mid-19th century onwards Ibiza’s capital developed
quickly, a process that was further boosted by the rise
of the tourist industry from the 1950s on.
A SENSORY EXPERIENCE
The old walled town is so pretty that the entire area
has been declared a world heritage site by Unesco,
complete with castle, churches and the quaint houses
and little plazas. Here you will almost stumble over the
history of the island, or simply drink in the atmosphere,
while on the other side of the bay luxury yachts lie in
the trendy marina fronted by luxury boutiques, eateries
and lounge bars. Much of the nightlife continues to be
concentrated around calle Barcelona, while the town
is also home to some of the most popular clubs, among
them the famous Café del Mar, where revellers come
to chillout and watch the sun set.
They are just some of the more than 40 clubs and
trendy bars that dominate the summer clubbing scene,
though in recent years Ibiza has tapped into the cool
chic scene so strongly associated with it, catering in the
process not only to young revellers and cultural tourists
but also the well-heeled visitor wishing to remain young
at heart.
What Ibiza offers visitors is therefore becoming
increasingly diverse in nature, but always based around
a strong sensory experience – from the release offered
by the clubs to the relaxing, almost spiritual atmosphere
to be found along the pretty little coves and secluded
beaches. Where the package vacationers follow the
well-beaten path to the 18 kilometres of large sandy
beaches such as those at Calls Bassa and La Salinas,
those occupying the private villas and low-slung
boutique hotels will seek out secluded spots far away
from the madding crowds. Lying ensconced within
small pine-covered estates, the private lodges they
stay at offer peace and anonymity in what is a typical
Ibiza mix of laid-back hippy style complete with Thai or
Indian influences, yet suffused with comfort, luxury and
first-class service.
Ibiza chic is earthy, designed in a way that appears
to be random and informal yet is actually demanding
of creative energies, and provides five-star services
in an ambience that seems to want to decry earthly
luxury and opulence in favour of a more ethereal way
of being. The result is an Ibiza-branded experience that
makes this the coolest of all Mediterranean islands.
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