Spain Property Guide Spring 2021

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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

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COVER IMAGE: View to the Peñon Ifach in Calpe from Moraira.

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• South orientation with all-day sun

• Good access to the town of

Benissa

• Large poolside veranda terrace

• Independent guest

accommodation

• Floor heating with individual room

thermostats

• Wood burning stoves in both living

area and dining area

• Quality external PVC carpentry

with mosquito blinds and security

grills

LUXURIOUS

COUNTRY HOME

IN BENISSA

Located 5 minutes from Benissa town, this prestigious fourbedroom

country home built in 2007 boasts beautifully

presented interiors and premium construction quality and

fixtures. The coastal areas and beaches of Calpe and

Moraira are an approx 15-minute drive.

This luxury Benissa property has 10,000 square meters of land

all with a flat landscape, there are around 2,700 square

meters surrounding the property, walled, landscaped and

with pool area and large parking bay. The remaining land is

rural, providing good distances from neighbouring properties.

• Large garage for 4-5 vehicles

• 10 x 5-meter pool

• Excellent summer kitchen/

barbecue dining terrace

• Central courtyard with a well

799,000€

695,000€

493m 2

10,000m 2 4 4 Pool

m 2

m 2 m 2

m 2

m 2 Ref: 20.2637

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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

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

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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UK18486EN

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

12 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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

013

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

14 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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

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

18 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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.

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

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

20 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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.”

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

22 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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.

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

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

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

24 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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

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

26 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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

spain: (+34) 951 820 099

uk: +44(0) 203 807 4044

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

COSTA

ALMERIA

Almeria

Aguadulce Retamar

Belerma Cabo de

Adra

Gata

Almerimar

Villaricos

Vera

Garrucha

Mojacar

Agua Amarga

Las Negras

San Jose

30 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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.

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

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

32 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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.

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

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.

34 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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

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

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.

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

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

40 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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

Benissa Mo

Altea Calpe

Albir

Benidorm

Villa Joyosa

Photo of the beach

in Guardamar de

Segura.

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plot

3 2 Community

Bedrooms Bathrooms Pool

165m2

Build

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€

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

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.

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

BALEARIC

56 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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.

SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l

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

58 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM

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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