Spain Property Guide - January 2022 Issue 7
Buying property in Spain guide, read the number 1 overseas property magazine dedicated to Spain and is designed specifically for property buyers in the UK and Europe, Buying in Spain made simple providing readers the necessary information, interesting articles, and the latest property for sale. Find out more about the most popular places to live in Spain. If you're looking to buy a luxury villa in Marbella for retirement, or a holiday apartment by the sea in Costa Blanca then you will find hundreds of property listings at www.spainpropertyguide.com web portal with an easy-to-navigate search tool. Look out for the new weekly articles that include legal advice provided by the registered Spanish abogado from My Lawyer in Spain dedicated legal team. Advice with all that you may need to know about obtaining residency in Spain and the visa requirements to live and work in Spain. There are many benefits for you when registering to the Spain property guide web portal, you can save your search, share property details, and arrange a virtual video tour of your chosen Spanish property. You can also request a personal property finder, this service is dedicated to your exact needs and will save you time and can also save you money.
Buying property in Spain guide, read the number 1 overseas property magazine dedicated to Spain and is designed specifically for property buyers in the UK and Europe, Buying in Spain made simple providing readers the necessary information, interesting articles, and the latest property for sale.
Find out more about the most popular places to live in Spain.
If you're looking to buy a luxury villa in Marbella for retirement, or a holiday apartment by the sea in Costa Blanca then you will find hundreds of property listings at www.spainpropertyguide.com
web portal with an easy-to-navigate search tool. Look out for the new weekly articles that include legal advice provided by the registered Spanish abogado from My Lawyer in Spain dedicated legal team. Advice with all that you may need to know about obtaining residency in Spain and the visa requirements to live and work in Spain. There are many benefits for you when registering to the Spain property guide web portal, you can save your search, share property details, and arrange a virtual video tour of your chosen Spanish property. You can also request a personal property finder, this service is dedicated to your exact needs and will save you time and can also save you money.
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
BUYING IN SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
ENGLISH
EDITION
PROPERTY
®
WINTER > 2021/22 > COMPLIMENTARY EDITION
GUIDE
.COM
PLUSVALIA
TAX FOR
PROPERTIES
IN SPAIN
GRANADA
SEDUCTRESS
OF THE AGES
WELCOME TO
SPAIN 2022
AGENTS l LEGAL l RESIDENCY l CURRENCY l TAX
£50 Amazon
voucher
Earn a
GET A QUOTE
CONTENTS
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
Beaches and crystal waters 06
Featured property 10
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
The white coast 14
Why People Choose Welcome Estates 16
A family business 18
COSTA CALIDA
Classic Mediterranean region 24
Costa Calida Market review 26
Urbania - A philosophy of development 28
SALES
EDITOR
DISTRIBUTION
DESIGN
>> sales@spainpropertguide.com
>> editor@spainpropertguide.com
>> distribution@spainpropertguide.com
>> design@spainpropertguide.com
Tel: Spain +34 966 94 20 22 • Tel: UK +44 7498984177
COSTA ALMERIA
Long stretching beaches 32
Costa Almeria Market review 34
COSTA DEL SOL
Popular destination 38
Luxury in a natural setting 40
Granada - Seductress of the ages 44
Malaga - The other Barcelona 48
Malaga Technology Park 50
Andalucia’s own car maker 52
Spanish Architects 54
BALEARIC ISLANDS
Archipelago in the Mediterranean 58
Ibiza - Shabby Chic and much more 60
38
COVER IMAGE: Yaroslav Shuraev from Pexels woman in skiwear on a
snowy mountain
2
l
DISCLAIMER: Spain Property Guide Magazine accepts no responsibility for claims
made by advertisers or comments by made by contributors in any form. Any
unauthorised reproduction, in whatever media format, whether in whole or in part, is
strictly forbidden. Artwork produced by Spain Property Guide remains the property of
Spain Property Guide. All rights reserved.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
44
10
48
LAW & LEGAL
Golden Visa 04
Currency Outlook 20
Plusvalia - Tax for properties in Spain 22
Living in Spain 30
Buying A Property in Spain - The process 36
The next evelolution of BinckBank 46
54
Bodegas for a modern era 62
58
32
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
3
GOLDEN VISA
A GOLDEN PATHWAY INTO SPAIN
For people outside the EU interested in buying a property,
investing or indeed residing in Spain, the Golden Visa
scheme offers a convenient way of acquiring legal status.
Since Brexit, this also includes British citizens.
The access and rights once automatically granted to British
subjects were withdrawn when the UK left the European Union
along with the free movement of people within its boundaries;
now effectively outside of this zone, the same rules broadly apply to
them that also govern relations with the citizens of many other of the
world’s nations. However, the Golden Visa offers a way of attaining
residence rights and the ability to conveniently own property, invest
in and also reside within Spain.
WHAT IS REQUIRED
The essential requirements to qualify for a Spanish Golden Visa are
pretty straightforward. You really just have to own a property within Spain
with a minimum net value (excluding charges) of €500,000. The second
requirement is to be able to prove to the satisfaction of the country’s
authorities that you have the means to support yourself in Spain without
the need to work here, thus waving any responsibility of the state for
your financial wellbeing. The aim of this is to encourage investment in
Spain and to ensure that any non-EU citizens residing in the country are
financially independent.
HOW YOU APPLY
To apply for the Spanish Golden, you have to be physically present in the
country, as your passport will have to contain a date stamp of entry. While
a lawyer or gestor may submit the application on your behalf, you have to
be present in person during the process and up to its completion.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
As is standard in such cases, a certain amount of documentation is
required and has to be submitted in a specific manner. Some, such as
your passport, will already be in your possession, while others will have
to be requested in your home country in advance of your Golden Visa
application in Spain. As these will be issued in your mother tongue,
an official translation of all such documents by an accredited sworn
translator will have to be prepared in Spain before submitting both sets
(the original and translated versions) for scrutiny. Make sure you have
both the original versions and copies available. Your lawyer or gestor will
be able to assist you with all of this.
Moreover, all documents have to be legalised and bear the Apostille of
The Hague – and remain valid for only three months from the date of
issue.
The documents needed for your Golden Visa application are:
• Passport and copies of all its pages (including blank ones)
• Non-criminal record certificate
• An updated marriage certificate (if applicable)
4
l
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
Documents to be requested in Spain:
HEALTH INSURANCE IN SPAIN
Proof of valid full health coverage, and if this needs to be contracted
through a health insurance company the lawyer or gestor will be able to
assist.
CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE LAND REGISTRY
This certificate confirms that a Spanish property is registered in
your name with the Land Registry, and that it is owned by you free of
outstanding charges or encumbrances. This too can be obtained on your
behalf by your appointed lawyer.
BANK CERTIFICATE – IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY
This certificate documents the current balance of your account in your
home country, as well as its average annual balance. In addition you will
be required to provide an extract of bank account movements going back
six months from the date of application. Both these documents need
to clearly identify the holder of the account and the matching account
number, so as to confirm that it is indeed your account and your money.
SPANISH BANK CERTIFICATE
The above also applies for your Spanish account, with which a lawyer or
gestor can once again be of assistance.
PROOF OF TRAVEL
This usually entails flight tickets to enter and leave Spain, with the latter
dated after the submittal of the application for a Spanish Golden Visa.
APPROVAL PERIOD
Once all the above documentation has been correctly compiled and
submitted, the Spanish government has 21 days to respond with a
definitive answer. If your application is successful, you will have to
come to Spain within around a month of a positive decision to have your
fingerprints taken at police headquarters.
You will then receive the Residence Card approximately six weeks later,
and again, it has to be collected in person.
LENGTH OF VALIDITY
From the moment it is granted, the Spanish Golden Visa is valid for a
period of two years, after which it should be a formality to be renewed
and extended for periods of five years at a time, until one ultimately
becomes eligible for indefinite residency status.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
5
COSTALANCA
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
Levante houses, Beach, there are only tiny beachside spots dotted, and
Benidorm
6
l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
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
NORTH
A view from
Moraira to
the Ifach in
Calpe.
Elche
Rojales
Orihuela
Villa Martin
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.
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
Alicante
Santa Pola
Guardamar
de Segura
Torrevieja
Denia
Javea
Benissa Moraira
Altea Calpe
Albir
Benidorm
Villa Joyosa
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.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
7
Are you planning on
moving to Spain?
Blevins Franks has 45 years of experience advising
UK nationals moving to and living in Spain. We
can guide your through various aspects of your
move, from residence and Brexit, to tax and estate
planning, to how best to structure your investment
capital and pensions for a Spanish resident.
Talk to the people who know
+44 (0)207 389 8133
centralenquiry@blevinsfranks.com
We have nine offices in Spain as well as one in
London. Our local advisers would be more than
happy to have a chat with you and see how they
can help you establish your dream life in Spain.
INTERNATIONAL TAX ADVICE • INVESTMENTS • ESTATE PLANNING • PENSIONS
108-es
8
l
Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK,
reference number 179731. Where advice is provided outside the UK, via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in
Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks
Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts and
companies. Blevins Franks Tax Limited provides taxation advice; its advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. This promotion
has been approved and issued by BFFM.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
www.blevinsfranks.com
(+34) 965 791 035
rimontgo@rimontgo.es
https://www.rimontgo.com
Partida Montgo, Jávea l 5,700,000€
Dénia
l Price on Request
RMG6126
RMG3238
Spectacular villa built to the highest standards, a unique style,
beautiful views and a perfect enclave in the Montgó area in Jávea.
This majestic villa is surrounded by a well-preserved garden. The property
is organised into three levels, each of them with spacious rooms and a topquality
equipment. The main floor fuses with the terrace, the pool area and
a fantastic patio partially covered. All of it with beautiful views of the valley.
Property with private pool and panoramic views of the golf, sea and
the city in Dénia.
Exceptional, 5 bedroomed modern architect- designed avant-garde villa, set
within the privacy of the exclusive Golf Resort La Sella and Marriot Hotel,
with magnificent panoramic views to Montgó mountain, the 27 hole golf
course and the Mediterranean Sea.
La Plana, Jávea l 895,000€
Bocairent, Valencia l 1,930,000 €
RMG6303
Villa set on a plot of 13,000m2 in La Plana, a well-known area surrounded
by the Montgó Natural Park in Jávea. Includes guest accommodation.
The villa is comprised of the main residence and a guest apartment. The
main property is arranged on a single floor consisting of a large fitted
kitchen, living-dining room with fireplace, the master bedroom with an ensuite
bathroom, guest toilet and a bedroom.
RMGV1980
Unique rural home, very integrated into the surroundings with open
views of the valley and the spectacular swimming pool.
Located in the middle of the Sierra Mariola natural park, this villa sits on a huge
75,000m2 plot on top of a mountain. The house itself covers an area of 350m2
and comprises four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a magnificent living/dining
room with double-height ceilings, completed with a large kitchen.
Vall d’Albaida, Valencia
l Price on Request
El Bosque, Chiva, Valencia l 620,000€
RMGV2822
RMGV4241
Spacious country property surrounded by olive trees and vineyards in
one of the most beautiful locations of the Valencian Community.
Opportunity. Reduced price. Rimontgó guarantees that this property
features an extremely good price in its competitive market set. For more
information visit our Best opportunities section where you will find an
assortment of the very best buying opportunities in rimontgo.com.
Exclusive villa facing the golf in El Bosque, Valencia. Combination of modern
and Mediterranean style, bright with a large plot, garden and private pool.
Facing the prestigious golf course El Bosque, set on a plot of more than 1,200m2
with a well-established garden and a large swimming pool. The outdoor design
is Mediterranean with Ibiza-style touches and the indoor area benefits from a
modern design also combined with Mediterranean classic details.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
9
FEATURED
PROPERTY
10 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
STUNNING
CONTEMPORARY
MODERN DESIGN
PROPERTY
@
@
@
+34 96 5744179
info@tabairarealestate.com
www.tabairarealestate.com
Stunning contemporary modern
design property for sale located
just on the outskirts of Moraira with
incredible panoramic sea and
countryside views.
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• constructed: 400m2
• Plot: 10.000m2
• Energy rating: In process
• Construction year: 2006
• Pool
• Air conditioning
• Close to all amenities
• Summer kitchen
• Pool
• Close to town
• Exterior Terrace
• Heating - underfloor
• Views - Sea views
• Parking - covered
• Electric car gates
• Alarm system
1.540.000€
m 2 Ref: 20.616
400m 2
10,000m 2 3 3 Pool
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
11
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
@
@
@
+34 96 5744179 Avenida Madrid, 03724 Moraira
info@tabairarealestate.com
www.tabairarealestate.com
CUMBRE DEL SOL 129.000€
MORAIRA 650.000€
3
m 2 m 2
m 2
m 2
2 1
131m 2 526m 2 4 3 Pool
m 2 m 2
m 2
m 2 m 2
86m 2 Terrace Pool
Ref: 30.192
m 2
Ref: 20.3399A
BENISSA 255.000€
BENISSA COSTA 550.000€
m 2
137m 2 Terrace Pool
m 2
3 2
m 2 m 2
Ref: 10.268E
MORAIRA 675.000€
m 2
m 2 Ref: 20.2267
255m 2 1.880m 2 6 3 Pool
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
JAVEA 1.250.000€
216m 2 1.947m 2 Pool
m 2
5 3
m 2 m 2
12 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
m 2
Ref: 20.3427
m 2
m 2 Ref: 70.427
393m 2 1.000m 2 3 2 Pool
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
BUYING IN SPAIN?
from our Extensive Northern Costa Blanca North Portfolio
we’ll get you moving...
Moraira 350,000 €
Villa
Ref: MT.H-747
Altea 230,000 €
Apartment Ref: HO354024
Javea 1,095,000 €
Modern Villa Ref: HO232889
175m2
Build
825m 2
Plot
3 3
Bedrooms Bathrooms
Private
Pool
100m2
Build
200m2
Plot
2 1 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 500,000 €
Villa
Ref: CA.H-099
105m2
Build
NA
Plot
3 2 Community
Bedrooms Bathrooms Pool
165m2
Build
NA
Plot
3 2
Bedrooms Bathrooms
475m2
Build
850m 2
Plot
7 4
Bedrooms Bathrooms
Private
Pool
Moraira • Javea • Jalon • Calpe • Denia
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.
(+34) 96 649 1883
moraira@moraira-hamiltons.net
www.moraira-hamiltons.net
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
13
COSTA
LANCA
14 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
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.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Moving up along the coast from the
SOUTH
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
Torre Vigía Tamarit
(Vigilance Tower)
Santa Pola
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
Denia
Ja
Benissa Mo
Altea Calpe
Albir
Benidorm
Villa Joyosa
15
Why people
choose
Welcome
Estates
Welcome Estates brings more
than 25 years of experience in
the Spanish Property Market,
the team of property experts offer an
unparalleled level of knowledge of the
Costa Blanca region and the current
market and are always on hand to
support you in the buying and selling
process.
The office is situated at the beautiful
La Finca Golf and Spa Resort, with a
portfolio of new and resale properties
within the best golf resorts, coastal areas
as well as typical Spanish villages and
towns in the Costa Blanca and Costa
Calida. Whatever your dreams and
goals, Welcome Estates are qualified
and experienced to help you achieve
them.
The company is built on a simple
framework, helping you to build a
better life by understanding that
clients have their own unique
set of requirements. The priority
at Welcome Estates is to take
the time to establish how to
make them a reality together.
Why use Welcome Estates:
Transparency, honesty and
consistent communication are
paramount to help you navigate
the buying process. Providing an
extensive after-sales service ensuring
that you can always call to find help
and guidance long after you secure
your new home.
Highly qualified and experienced
staff will be able to guide you through
the process of buying and selling in
Spain, answering any questions that
arise along the way. The enthusiastic,
friendly, and personable team cover
multiple languages and have excellent
knowledge of the surrounding areas
and current market.
Buying or selling a home is one of the
biggest decisions you ever have to
make, Welcome Estates will be there
with you every step of the way to
make the buying process as simple and
straight forward as possible.
What our clients say:
We just purchased our property in
January and they were first class and
introduced us to our solicitor also based
on la finca who were so professional
and helpful with all aspects of buying
property in Spain. We love it here. Good
luck with your house hunting.
Joe and Rue (January 2021)
Amazing service
Amazing service from Lisa and Team at
Welcome Estates. By going over and
above from start to finish made our first
foreign property purchase a pleasurable
experience. Huge Thanks to Lisa and her
team.
Julie and Steve (August 2021)
16 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
BUYING IN SPAIN?
From our Extensive range of properties in the Costa Blanca
LA FINCA GOLF RESORT 1,250,000€
3 Bed, 3 bath Villa
With Private Pool Ref: 658281
LA ZENIA 990,000€
Villa Ref: 658240
LA FINCA GOLF 347,500€
Villa Ref: 410506
LA FINCA GOLF 419,000€
Villa Ref: 658193
m 2
m 2
m 2
m 2
660m 2
3
4
Private
128m 2 350m 2
m 2
3
2
m 2
Communal
m 2
132m 2 500m 2
m 2
3
2
m 2
Communal
m 2
LOS ALCÁZARES 152,000€
Villa Ref: 658204
TORREVIEJA 172,000€
Villa Ref: 658261
FONT DEL LLOP 223,000€
Villa Ref: 658045
m 2
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
m 2
240m 2 68m 2
52m 2 Terrace
m 2
2
1
m 2
Communal
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2 m 2
77m 2 Terrace
m 2
2
2
m 2
Communal
m 2
Terrace
2
2
Communal
Office: +34 965 020 204
UK: 01273 900966
Email: info@welcome-estates.com
Web: www.welcome-estates.com
We speak:
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
17
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
THE CASAS
MANUEL
FAMILY
Benefiting from two strategically
placed sales offices in Benijófar (Sales
office, and a dedicated aftersales
office) and La Zenia, Casas Manuel is a
professional, family-run company which
has been selling property throughout the
Costa Blanca since 2001 offering both
buyer and seller an exceptional strength
of service.
Since 2001, our reliable and professional
approach to business has created for
us many strong relationships throughout
Spain, UK, Belgium, France, Iceland,
Sweden, Russia, Norway, Czech Republic
and Holland. We pride ourselves on our
very personal and professional service that
we deliver to ALL clients.
As shown by our Testimonials page
– Trust is earned though our collective
Honesty, Hard Work, Transparency,
Knowledge and Ethics.
Our reputation for Values such as
these has enabled us to provide serious
property buyers the benefit of always
Whether you are buying
or selling, our approach to
business is simple - To provide
the best service possible to
every client we meet.
having a wide variety of well-priced
properties to offer for sale on the Costa
Blanca South. So, whatever budget range
stipulated… whether from small beachside
apartments, semi-coastal townhouses,
traditional Fincas, right through to luxury
villas – we will help you!
When you consult our specialist advisors
you will find we take your requirements
very seriously indeed and because we
listen to you we apply our extensive
knowledge and capacity within Casas
Manuel to diligently find you the perfect
property in your ideal location.
In simple: Our team is here to make your
Spanish buying process as easy as possible
and will be assisting you through every
step of the buying process...
If you are looking for something that we
do not have in our portfolio then not to
worry, you simply tell us what it is you want,
and our team of dedicated agents will
find it for you.
In 2016 Casas Manuel were honoured
to take part in a new Channel 4 property
series “Sun, Sea and Selling Houses”. The
success of the 1st show resulted in the
series being re-commissioned by channel
4 and was followed up by a further three
series!
FEATURED PROPERTY
FEATURED PROPERTY
Benijófar
Stunning new build villas on the
outskirts of the popular village of
Benijofar. These villas are built over
two floors boasting a open plan
living/dining area on the ground
floor along with a shower room.
The first floor holds the two double
bedrooms along with a family
bathroom along with a roof top
solarium.
18 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
€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
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 510.000€
PUNTA MARINA 139,900€
672m 2
m 2
547m 2
m 2 Communal
m 2
m 2
m 2
5 3 Pool 66m 2 Parking 2 2
m 2 m 2 m 2 m 2
m 2
Ref: CM6210
Ref: CM8156
ALGORFA 58,000€ VILLAMARTIN 149,950€
m 2
50m 2 Parking Communal
m 2
2 1
m 2 m 2
Ref: CM7834
DAYA NUEVA 129,500€
m 2
m 2
98m 2 Parking 3 2 Communal
Ref: CM8168
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
CABO ROIG 89,950€
m 2
166m 2 Garage Communal
m 2
3 2
m 2 m 2
Ref: CM7649
@ info@casasmanuel.com @
m 2
m 2
71m 2 Parking 2 1 Pool
Ref: CM8145
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
www.casasmanuel.com
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
19
ALICANTE –
lady of the seas
You couldn’t imagine a seaside city more
quintessentially Mediterranean and Spanish
than Alicante. It offers history, culture, culinary
experiences and authentic Spain while also
being at the heart of the Costa Blanca and its
endless beaches, coves and resorts.
A
little over an hour south of Valencia is Alicante,
the second-largest city of the autonomous
Community of Valencia. Midway between
Catalunya and Andalusia in culture, it is the elder
of the two cities, originating some 5000 years BCE.
This means the area has been an inhabited centre
for over 7000 years, and was already known when
Greek and Phoenician colonists began building their
trading port – long before Romans or Moors ever
set foot on these shores. Alicante has seen battles,
sieges, plagues, civil war, inundations and fire, but
survived them all, producing a city that is at once
rugged and beautiful.
It was the site of skirmishes between Moors and
Christians, and for a while found itself dominated
by Cid el Campeón, the famous Spanish warlord,
before settling down to become a more sedate
port city. The 1950s brought renewed importance as
the centre of an expanding tourist region, and this
has continued to this day, though academic institutions,
tech parks and film studios have added to growing
diversification in recent years.
AWAY FROM THE BEACH
In a port city such as Alicante, the focus will naturally
always be on the sea, and the spectacular bay and its
broad sandy beaches make it hard to pay attention to
anything else, but there is in fact more to this city than
just miles of sand, azure waters, wooded cliffs and the
palm-lined seaside esplanade. Alicante is certainly a
scenic city, but it is also atmospheric, so be sure not to
miss out on its authentic side.
Tourism is all good and well, but if you were to make your
way to the hill atop of which stands an ancient fortress
(the Castle of Santa Barbara on Mount Benacantil),
your breath would most likely be snatched away by
the spectacular views across the city, the beaches, the
port and the blue expanses of sea and air. Only when
you survey this does the true length of Alicante’s history
become clear, and what this means in terms of legacy.
Walk through the main thoroughfares, through shaded
parks and elegant avenues, and you will come to
the true barrios or city suburbs of Alicante. It is in
places such as the Barrio de la Santa Cruz that you’ll
encounter traditional character and colour, both in the
atmospheric architecture and the little taverns, cafes
and tablaos where fiery flamenco shows still spark with
raw non-touristy passion. The little, tightly-packed houses
stand against steep inclines, dissected by narrow streets
and alleyways.
But by all means end your visit to this most Mediterranean
of cities to the pretty Tabarca Island, which lies just a few
kilometres offshore. Once a lair for Barbary Corsairs, it is
now a beauty spot popular with visiting tourists – and
there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be one of them, so
complete a well-rounded exploration of Alicante with
some typically hedonistic sun-worshipping.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
021
PLUSVALIA:
value added
tax for
property in
Spain
The ‘Plusvalia’ tax is one that every property owner
and new buyer should become familiar with, as it is
a tax applicable to any increase in the value of the
land your property stands upon when it is sold to a new
owner. It is important to note that the tax only applies
to the value of the land, and not to the property on it.
Furthermore, it only affects dwellings that are classified
as urban, not those defined as ‘rustic’.
Each municipality is responsible for collecting this tax
themselves, although some of them may delegate
its collection to their local Provincial Revenue Board.
Either way, it is due within 30 days of the property being
transferred to the new owner.
WHO PAYS PLUSVALIA?
In the case of a property sale, the seller must pay the
tax. If the property is left as an inheritance, then the
person receiving the property is responsible for paying
it.
HOW IS IT CALCULATED?
Plusvalia tax is calculated by multiplying the tax base
by the tax rate:
a) The tax base is the increase in value that the property
has experienced during the time it has been owned
by the seller. This increase is calculated by multiplying
the cadastral value of the property at the time of
its sale by the annual rate set by each municipal
council (with the maximum limit established by law).
The calculation is based on whole years, not on
fractions of years.
b) The type of lien is the rate set by the municipal
council, and there is a 30% limit established by law.
22 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
There are, however, some variations depending
on the years of ownership.
RECENT CHANGES
Back in 2017 the Spanish courts determined that the
method of calculating the tax was only valid if the
seller profited from the sale, and that it would be
unconstitutional to levy the tax if there was a loss.
Another court then ruled that any loss must be proven,
either through documentation or expert evidence. In
proving a loss, neither the expenses associated with
the transfer of the property, nor any expenses for
property improvements could be taken into account,
since what is taxed is the increase in the value of the
urban land and not the buildings upon them.
And in October 2019, the Constitutional Court
ruled that that the tax is also unconstitutional when
the calculated tax payment is greater than the
increase in value actually obtained by the seller,
because “it would be taxed for a non-existent, virtual
or fictitious income, producing an excess of taxation
contrary to the constitutional principles of economic
capacity and is non-confiscatory (article 31.1 Spanish
Constitution).”
In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that the method
of calculation applied thus far is unfairly biased
towards the town halls, favouring payment of
taxes even when there was no real profit made.
of calculation will be more evenly balanced between
town halls and property owners, and therefore more
in line with the reality of a situation, in which value
added tax only becomes applicable when a profit
has been made.
There were hopes that the ruling would go
even beyond this result and allow for claims and
reparations on the part of those who had ‘overpaid’
in the past, but it seems the authorities are happy for
the old system to end but also want to protect town
halls from claims. Overall, the ruling is a very important
step, and one that gives homeowners in Spain added
assurance that their interests are being heard and
acted upon – so all existing properties and any new
properties bought since autumn 2021 will fall under a
far more favourable method of calculating the value
added tax on property sales.
BENEFITTING HOMEOWNERS IN SPAIN
In other words, new buyers, existing
homeowners and those selling their properties
in Spain will no longer have to worry about
unfairly high Plusvalía taxes, as the new form
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
23
OSTA C
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
24 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
ALIDA
San Javier
Murcia
Santiago de
la Ribera
La Manga
La Azohia
Cartegena
Mazarron Isla Plana
Aguilas
Sunrise at
Playa de la
Misericordia,
Costa Calida
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. 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 red-faced 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 yearround
residence and retirement.
The beach at
Mazarron
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
25
Costa Cálida
Market Review
Known as the ‘warm coast’,
the Costa Cálida extends over
250 kilometres of dramatically
changing shoreline within the
province of Murcia. Thanks
to its scenery, amenities
and healthy climate, it has
become one of the most
popular places to live and
own a property.
The Costa Cálida is sometimes mistaken for the Costa
Blanca, which in truth begins just after Murcia’s most
northerly coastal resort town, San Pedro del Pinatar.
Few of Spain’s littoral regions and holiday destinations
can boast such variety of scenery as the Costa Cálida,
and this, coupled with its dry, healthy climate and
extensive leisure facilities makes it one of the most
in-demand places to visit and live among foreign
homebuyers.
If the dream of owning a summer home on Spanish soil
first began in locations such as the Costa Brava and
the Balearic Islands, and later spread to the likes of the
Canaries, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol, then
the Costa Cálida is a relatively newer but already very
well-established destination in its own right, with a broad
offer of inland and seaside locations to choose from – a
factor that is given added depth by the scenic diversity
of this fascinating region.
VARIETY OF CHOICE
In a region where you’re never more than half an hour’s
drive from two international airports and can similarly
choose from the cultural attractions of historic cities such
as the regional capital of Murcia and the ancient port
city of Cartagena, variety is the name of the game. The
most famous of the many golf courses are Hacienda
Riquelme Golf Resort, El Valle, Hacienda del Alamo and
the famous La Manga Club, which enjoy one of the
longest playing seasons in Europe.
The same is true of a summer beach season that offers
26 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
a wide variety of settings and resort towns, not to mention
one of the most unique features in Europe – the 170km2
Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon whose relatively shallow
waters are ideal for water sports. Another stunning natural
phenomenon in the area is the 22-kilometre long La
Manga sandbar, which divides the Mar Menor from the
Mediterranean Sea, while the southern Costa Cálida is
marked by dramatic coves.
PROPERTY MARKET
If you choose to own a holiday home or live in the
Costa Cálida year-round, choice once again becomes
a notable factor, as there is the option of buying in a
Spanish town or village, a coastal resort, a golf country
club or also smaller purpose-built communities, many of
which are gated and offer amenities such as restaurants,
cafes, sports clubs and shops. The most popular of these
are Tore-Pacheco, Los Alcazares, Villamartin, San Pedro
del Pinatar, Roda, Sucina, Fuente Alamo, Corvera and La
Palma.
Here, and elsewhere, you will find apartments ranging
from €75.000 upwards, townhouses and bungalows from
under €100.000 upwards and private villas from as little
as €200.000. Some require a little renovation, while others
are perfectly maintained, and there are also newly-built
modern projects from as little as €120.000 to multi-million
modern mansions. The combination of sun, setting and
value for money ensures the Costa Cálida remains a
popular destination with strong demand for its lifestyle and
properties.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
27
VALENCIA
elegance by the Mediterranean
The capital of its own autonomous region within
Spain’s federal system, Valencia is one of the cultural,
historic, gastronomic and architectural gems of
Spain, a city of boulevards, monuments and parks that
also has a sandy beach. One of the ultimate lifestyle
destinations among Europe’s larger urban centres, it is
Mediterranea personified, and draws on a rich historical
heritage that includes the Iberians, Romans, Moors and
subsequent Spanish monarchy.
Valencia is also the home of paella, one of Spain’s
most iconic dishes, which like the saffron fields has its
spiritual home in the Albufera wetlands located just
south of the city. A little further south the northern part
of the Costa Blanca begins, positioning Valencia ideally
between Barcelona, Madrid, the Balearic Islands and
endless beaches to the south. Not surprisingly, it is very
popular among European and American visitors and
homebuyers.
MODERN MEETS CLASSIC
The city that has such a colourful past is also forwardlooking,
and among its landmarks are not just the
cathedrals, palaces, parks and grand edifices of other
centuries, but also gleaming modern ones in areas
such as Penya-Roja and the otherworldly theatres
and museums of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, a local architect
who would go on to become world-famous, the
L’Hemisfèric, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and Museu
de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe helped to give the city
a truly modern identity.
For all this, some of its greatest sites are still classical,
including the beautiful Mercat Central market, the
Monastério de San Miguel de los Reyes, the Mercat
de Colon in local Modernista style, Llotja de la Seda,
the city’s main cathedral and de Convento de
Santo Domingo, to name just a few. The Palau de
28 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
For those who are not familiar with Spain’s
third-largest city, it is a wonderful blend of
the first two – Madrid and Barcelona – but
on a more personable scale and full its own
character and charm. In other words: this
is one of the most attractive cities on the
Mediterranean.
la Generalitat Valenciana, the belfry tower of Santa
Catalina church and the Sant Joan del Mercat are
also gorgeous examples of local architecture, but
above all it is a delight to stroll through the avenues,
squares and parks of Valencia.
A LIVELY PLACE
But if you’ve come to relax, then head for the beach
or the long park that has been created where the
Turia River once flowed, for the rest of Valencia is all
about action. It’s a city of sport, with one of the top
football clubs in the Spanish Liga, for several years
also home to the F1 Valencia Street Grand Prix, hosts
major international regattas, and is of course famous
for the Fallas, one of the noisiest festivals in Spain, and
therefore Europe. Expect raucous fire cracker salvos
along with processions of amazing (and huge) effigies,
which are spectacularly burnt on the final day.
Valencia is also home to many excellent food
markets, cafes and restaurants, and in addition to
paella is also the birthplace of Orxata de Xufa – a
drink served chilled that is made from tiger nuts. It
also comes in ice cream form, but the liquid version
is best for washing down Farton pastries. Aigua de
València – a cava cocktail mixed with orange juice
and vodka or gin – is one of many local delicacies,
and if the names sound strangely not quite Castillano
then that is because, while most people speak
Spanish here, the local vernacular is Valenciano, a
close relative of Catalan.
In many ways Valencia blends the best of its two
larger cousins, Barcelona and Madrid, and does so
on a more intimate scale in a great setting by the
sea. In fact, there are few reasons why you shouldn’t
experience this city for yourself.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
29
LEGAL ADVICE
Living in Spain
If you intend to live in Spain for more than 90 days
in every 180 days then as you may already knowthe
rules for non EU citizens have changed since
January 31st 2001.
We all love the weather in Spain the wonderful
beaches and most of all the outdoors and lifestyle
that is on the wish list for most UK citizens especially
those who plan to retire.
Therefore if you intend to spend any considerable
amount of time in Spain and if you want to remain
longer then 90 days in every six month period then
it is required to apply for your Spanish non-lucrative
visa. This must be done form you home country by
application to the Spanish consul. It is also advisable
to apply for an NIE number for things like opening
a bank account, registeration of a Spansih mobile
phome and also to buy a car. Infact the Spanish
NIE number is used for most things so even if you
intend to stay for shorter periods but live in Spain
part time you will find that life without a NIE is almost
impossible.
For both the NIE number and the Spansih residency
visa (non-lucrative visa) you will need to fill in forms
in Spanish, also you will need to present the required
documents, some of the documents would need to be
translated and certified together with your passport,
utility bills and bank statements all with multiple
copies.
This process can be discouraging for those who
are considering a move to Spain, and expectadly
difficulties with the language, as well as which
documents to produce. Legal advice and support
is recommended to the simplify the process and
lead the way to a straight forward and stress free
application process. The timing which is most
important for those people wanting to buy a property
at the same time as selling a property and then move
to Spain as there are time restrictions on visas once
granted and necessary to apply for the residency TIE
card.
30 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
The
Spanish
power of
attorney
THERE IS AN EASIER WAY!
By Michel Cruz
Legal Services in Spain has produced a simple easy to follow guide
under their website https://www.getspanishresidency.com/
You can apply for your Spanish residency online or simply
arrange a free no obligation 30 minute telephone consultation,
that will save you time and headaches. Legal services in Spain will
help you every step of the way to becoming a resident in Spain.
· Assurance of the correct paperwork completed prior to visiting
the authorities
· An appointment made for you at a mutually convenient time at
the Police station and the Health centre
· Support of English speaking legal professionals on hand to
answer any questions you may have and provide the advice you
will need
· Assistance to find insurance companies for you to choose the
health insurance package that best suits your needs
· Help with your health insurance agent to ensure all documents
are issued correctly prior to presentation to the Spanish
authorities.
In Spain the power of attorney is known
as poder notarial the document must be
drawn in front of a public notary and it
must clearly stipulate the types of activities
that are granted to another person who can
be a family member or a Spanish abogado
(lawyer).
To grant someone the power to act on
your behalf must be carefully considered as
well as the powers you are granting to that
person.
These powers are usually used when
overseas property buyers instruct a lawyer
to act for them. Simple actions such as
opening a bank account and registering for a
NIE number are amongst the common uses,
they would normally include the power to sign
deeds on your behalf to buy, sell or inherit
property, or to issue legal proceedings.
A power of attorney is a powerful document
which authorises the appointed attorneys,
and must be only be used for trusted people,
to carry out wide ranging powers on your
behalf.
In Spain we have general powers of
attorney and special powers of attorney. A
general power of attorney is by its nature
wide ranging with general powers to carry
out a number of tasks. A special power of
attorney is used for a specific purpose, for
example to issue legal proceedings or to
incorporate a company.
If you want to get further advice and
consultation with a lawyer contact Alex
Radford legal abogado in Spain.
Sponsored by
a.radford@legalservicesinspain.com
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
31
ALMERIA
COSTA
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.
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 whiteplastered
houses – and the charming beachside
resort of Mojácar Playa.
32 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
El Toyo, Almeria
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.
Almeria
Aguadulce Retamar
Belerma Cabo de
Adra
Gata
Almerimar
Villaricos
Vera
Garrucha
Mojacar
Agua Amarga
Las Negras
San Jose
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
33
Costa de Almería
Market Review
Situated in the south-eastern
part of Spain between the Costa
Cálida in the region of Murcia and
the Costa Tropical in Andalucía’s
Granada Province, the Costa
de Almería extends over 200
kilometres of coastline and some
of the sunniest climes in Europe.
Like the Costa Cálida, the Costa de Almería
is a relatively newer tourist and residential
destination when compared with older ones such
as Mallorca, Ibiza, the Costa Brava and the Costa
del Sol. Like its northern neighbour in the region of
Murcía, though, the warm, sunny and dry climate of
coastal Almería have made it a favourite in its own
right. One important distinction with most of the other
costas, however, is the fact that this coastal stretch
is less built up and therefore more natural and more
authentically Spanish – a key factor for many who
decide to visit and buy properties here.
Beside the space, healthy climate and authenticity
of this region, people are also drawn by the value
for money it offers, as both holidays and properties
are cheaper than in locations such as the Costa del
Sol, the Costa Brava, the Balearic Islands, the Costa
Tropical and also the Costa Blanca. More comparable
in price to the Costa Cálida, the Costa de Almería
provides an offering that is sufficiently different to
give it a distinct character and appeal – one marked
by expanses of unspoiled, rugged nature, traditional
Andalusian villages and towns, and small resort
towns.
34 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
SPACE AND NATIONAL PARKS
The most popular resort towns and destinations for
foreign homebuyers are Mojácar and Vera on the eastern
side, and Almerimar and Roquetas de Mar on the southern
coast. Set between them is the provincial capital of
Almería and a series of national parks and reserves such
as Cabo de Gata-Nijar and Punta Entinas-Sabinar. Here
you will find an almost lunar landscape of rocks and sand
in places, dry but strikingly beautiful in its raw, rugged
impact.
Long, sandy beaches and private coves with crystalline
water make it a much sought-after area among visitors
who love open spaces. At Vera, a specialised tourist
segment catering to naturists has grown up, while
Roquetas de Mar and Almerimar offer classic beachside
resort pleasures coupled with water sports and golf.
Where the latter are especially popular among Spanish
tourists and second home buyers, the delightful village of
Mojácar has become a favourite of British, German and
other Northern European visitors and residents.
PROPERTY MARKET
For foreigners, therefore, the area around Mojácar is
therefore the hub for property buying. Some has settled in
mountain and fishing villages where rustic homes can be
snapped up for under €50.000 and fixed up, but Mojácar
remains the main focus and consists of a pretty white
mountain village set upon a prominent hill overlooking the
sea, and a more recent beachside resort called Mojacar
Playa.
Attractive apartments can be found here from under
€100.000 upwards, townhouses from little more and
smaller bungalow villas from as little as €150.000. Larger
villas start at €250.000 and can surpass €1 million, while
there are also modern new-build apartments and semidetached
homes for sale from €100.000 and €200.000
respectively, with contemporary villas starting at around
€300.000. Similar figures apply to Vera Playa and smaller
coastal resort areas such as Turre and Villaricos, as well
as Roquetas de Mar, and it is this accessibility along with
its natural appeal that marks the Costa de Almería out as
a vibrant sub-market within the Spanish costas, ensuring
it a gradual growing following of visitors, homeowners and
residents who seek space, nature and warm climes at
affordable prices.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
35
LEGAL ADVICE
Buying a
property
in Spain
THE PROCESS
In Spain the buying process has been simplified to become
easier and quicker since it was known to be complicated and
lengthy, now the sale or purchase of a home in Spain has not
only become easier, but also quicker.
The dual system involved joint documentation, the Land Registry
with a written description of a property while the Cadastre had
graphic representation in the form of a map or plan. There were
sometimes errors where the two did not match, this led to legal
disputes regarding boundaries. The Cadastre was not routinely
cross-referenced with the Land Registry, details that showed
alterations and extensions built that would not necessarily appear
on the Cadastre, again leading to legal complications.
The Spanish government took action to update the
conveyancing process and ensure the two registries were
consistent when describing a property. Amongst the changes is
the requirement that Land Registry descriptions must include a
‘graphic representation’ of the property in the form of a copy of the
map or plan held by the Cadastre.
This will ensure buyers know exactly what they are purchasing
and 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 avoid 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 buying a property, and should speed up
the process greatly.
THE STEPS
PLANNING
· Review your desire and essential
requirements
· Set your budget
· Choose the location/s
· Arrange the finance
· Allow for additional costs
· Arrange legal representative
· Plan your travel date
· Arrange viewings
· Research getting to know the
areas of your choice
Contact aradford@mylawyerinspain.com
www.mylawyerinspain.com
l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
36
ACTION
· Get your NIE - Spanish tax
identification
· Open a Spanish bank account
· Agent’s property brief and
information pack
· Viewings
· Make an offer
· Negotiations
· Pay a reservation deposit
THE NEXT STEPS
· Review of property details
· Survey – Advice
· Legal documentation - Planning
checks – Land Registry Checks
· Draft of the reservation agreement
· Review any conditions
· Fixtures and fittings inventory
· Signing of the pre-purchase
contract
· Pay the deposit 10% of the
purchase price less any
reservation deposit
FINAL STEPS
· Establishment of liquidation
settlement including taxes
· The resolution of mortgage/loan
· The Notary Sign the deeds
· Payment – banker’s draft
· Registration and transfer of
property documents and utility
supplies
· Key handover – once the title
deeds have been signed and final
payment made you receive the
keys to your new home.
POST COMPLETION
· Quality monitoring
· Agents support and advice
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
37
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, to Nerja; the area combines beautiful coastline, with white- washed villages
and some of the most spectacular inland scenery of the Axarquía.
38 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
Mihas in
Andalusia
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.
Malaga
Nerja
Marbella Mijas
Torrox
Torremolinos
Benalmadena
San Pedro Fuengirola
de Alcantara
Estepona
Gibraltar
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
39
REAL DE LA QUINTA
Luxury in a natural setting
Since its very conception, the intention
has been to make Real de La Quinta a
luxury residential country club resort with
a difference. Quality of life within the midst
of nature is a key ingredient of this.
Set within the scenic beauty of hills and valleys just
inland from Nueva Andalucía, Marbella, the luxury
resort community of Real de La Quinta is emerging as
one of the most enticing residential options on the Costa del
Sol. The first development, Olivos, sold out quickly, with the
first owners already moving in. The reason for this success is
the fact that the boutique development of luxury apartments
and penthouses is not merely a single urbanisation but
forms part of a well-thought-out master-planned residential
resort that will include a variety of complementary villas and
apartment complexes. All this, built around a central concept
of low-density, quality of life living, surrounded by nature and
some of the most stunning mountain and sea views available
in this region.
All of this is possible because Real de La Quinta
encompasses a large gated country club domain of 200
hectares. Situated in the hills and valleys just inland from
Nueva Andalucía, it is the continuation of the original La
Quinta, but designed in and for the 21st century. This involves
not only the use of the latest technologies and amenities, but
also a very clear dedication to sustainable development and
the creation of a gated residential area that offers not only
luxury, style, comfort and close proximity to Marbella and its
amenities, but also a fantastic natural setting at the very point
where the municipalities of Marbella and Benahavis merge
with protected nature.
Living on the edge of Marbella – and a National Park
Not only is Real de La Quinta the first resort development
in Spain to receive BREEAM certification for sustainable
development – meaning that the commitment to
environmentally-friendly construction and management
systems goes far beyond the usual level. It centres upon the
creation of a collection of boutique developments surrounded
by open nature and overlooking a man-made lagoon that is
ringed by a lagoon-style pool, an elegant lakeside restaurant
and clubhouse with full amenities, as well as a pathway that
offers views of the water, the hills and the six-hole golf course.
“Even though we use grey water as part of our water-saving
management systems, we also opted for this configuration
instead of a nine-hole course exactly because it is a more
environmentally-friendly option,” says Marisol Serrano, Sales
Director of Real de La Quinta. Indeed, with the Golf Valley’s
courses just a few minutes away, the main focus is on creating
a golf course within a verdant valley so that residents have the
convenience and beauty of a golf course on their doorstep. It
all forms part of a clear focus on what some are calling ‘new
concept luxury’ – quality time and sensory experiences spent
in a safe, private and inspiring setting.
As with many other aspects, Real de La Quinta takes it a step
further. “Amazingly, and rather uniquely, we are on the edge of
both Marbella and an actual national park,” says Marisol, as the
Sierra de las Nieves mountain reserve which extends inwards
in all directions from here is about to be elevated to the status
of a Spanish National Park – the highest level of protection
that exists. “It will be the 16th National Park in Spain, and one
of only three in Andalucía,” says Marisol, “and this means that
40 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
there will be no further development bordering Real de La
Quinta.” She regards this not only as a bonus for quality of life,
but also for future property values within the resort.
The boutique concept of Quercus
The second development of 96 apartments and penthouses
is already under way – ahead of schedule due to strong
demand – and it showcases its own evolution of the timeless
architectural styling and material finishing that makes Olivos
so eye-catching. Clean, modern lines are added to with stone
and wood finishing in a use of architecture and materials that
is mirrored indoors and on the spacious terraces that form an
integral part of the quality of life that Real de La Quinta offers.
The developers have a long-term vision and commitment to
the maintenance and management of this residential country
club resort, and this is reflected in the timeless styles and
build qualities of both Olivos and Quercus.
The latter continues the boutique living concept initiated
with Olivos, and offers a combination of two, three and
four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and garden flats
overlooking lush gardens planted with indigenous species. At
their heart lies a crystalline swimming pool and sundeck, from
which to take in the majesty of the surrounding mountains and
the hills flowing down towards the Mediterranean. This blend
of sea and mountain views marks out Real de La Quinta, as
does the range of facilities within it, the proximity to Marbella
and the ability to head into the hills, wooded groves and
green valleys. It is perfect terrain for hiking, mountain biking
and horse riding – making full use of the country club’s own
equestrian centre.
Residents can spot goats on the hillsides from their sunny
terraces, along with eagles soaring overhead, and forests
that contain one of the marvels of the area: Castaño Santo,
a giant tree believed to be over 1,000 years old. It’s all part of
a unique mix of lifestyle ingredients at Real de La Quinta that
mix country life, nature, resort luxuries and modern homes in
a stunning setting on the edge of Marbella.
La Quinta Grupo Inmobiliario
Avda. Tomás Pascual 6, Of. 6, Urb. de La Quinta Golf,
Benahavis
Tel: +34 952 762 400
inmo@grupolaquinta.com
www.realdelaquinta.com
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
41
THE HOTTEST PROPERTIES
IN SPAIN RIGHT NOW
Easy Search Tool
1000’s of new property listings
Trusted Agents
Latest News and Articles
FIND YOUR DREAM PROPERTY IN SPAIN IT’S
ALL RIGHT HERE @ SPAINRIGHTNOW.COM
42 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
@
@
info@marbella-estates.com
www.marbella-estates.com
MARBELLA 655.000€
SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA 2.485.000€
m 2 m 2 m 2 m 2
m 2
m 2
m 2 R3829483
110m 2 45m 2 2 2 Pool
NUEVA ANDALUCÍA 2.800.000€
m 2
m 2
286m 2 956m 2 4 4 Pool
m 2
R3628811
LOS FLAMINGOS 5,450,000€
m 2
m 2
m 2
m 2 R3601088
509m 2 163m 2 4 4 Pool
SIERRA BLANCA 6.950.000€
m 2
m 2
770m 2 1.571m 2 6 6 Pool
R3744535
m 2
m 2 m 2
m 2
PUERTO BANÚS 1,395.000€
m 2
m 2
m 2 R3451840
1073m 2 18.785m 2 10 10 Pool
m 2
m 2
m 2
167m 2 27m 2 2 2
m 2
m 2 m 2
R3693959
+34 952 904 244 • Urb. Monte Biarritz. Avenida Picos de Europa, nº8 29688 Estepona
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
43
SIERRA NEVADA
from beaches to the ski
slopes in two hours!
In Andalucía, spring is for country drives
amid the floral beauty of the interior;
summer is for surfing in Tarifa and
beach life on the Costa del Sol; autumn
is for hiking in the countryside and city
escapes; and winter is when the ski
slopes of the Sierra Nevada’s very own
alpine resort beckon.
Few parts of Europe are as diverse and enticing as this;
you can be at the beach for breakfast, on the slopes
for lunch, and enjoying post-action après ski in the
evening – or heading into the nightlife of Granada, a beautiful
historical and student city less than half an hour from the ski
station.
LIFE’S WHAT YOU MAKE IT
This adage is true anywhere in the world, but if the world is
your oyster then the southern region of Spain is a pearl. It
truly offers almost everything – from beach life, water sports,
golf, tennis, motorsports, fitness, wellness, horse riding,
culture and history to nature, hiking, biking, mountaineering,
caving, extreme sports, gastronomy and yes, winter sports.
All within a three-hour radius!
44 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
Not just that, but the combination of altitude and climate
make the Sierra Nevada one of the ski resorts with the
longest season in Europe; spanning in a good year the entire
period from November to May.
Pradollano village is the heart of the winter sports action
in the Sierra Nevada – the scene not only of professional
facilities that have hosted among others the FIS Alpine World
Ski Championships in 1996, the 2015 Winter Universiade
and the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World
Championships 2017, but also some of the cosiest eateries
and most luxurious hotels and spa retreats this side of the
Alps.
The station can boast two cable cars, 17 chairlifts, two
T-bar lifts, two Magic Carpets and one ski tow, as well as over
100 kilometres of ski runs – and with all of this just two hours
removed from beaches, it means you can head for the pistes
on a marvellous whim.
Words by Michel Cruz
Photography by
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
45
HUGO INVESTING
The next
evolution of
BinckBank
“The banking sector is diverging,” says Kaspar Huijsman,
director of Hugo Investing and the man who brought online
investment of this kind to expats in Spain. “On the one hand,
normal banks are cutting back their services and retreating
online because of both the current difficulties and as part of
an on-going technology-based trend, but at the same time
there is a growing demand for specialised financial services
accompanied by personal attention.” Hugo is an example of
such a firm, as it offers a very well-established and multifunctional
online investment platform managed by experienced
investment personnel that provide support, information and
help clients develop a sound strategy.
Back in the late nineties, Kaspar was part of a team that
developed one of the first online investment platforms in the
world, and brought it to Spain some years later. “We have over
twenty years’ of experience in this field,” says the financial
professional who has been involved with the stock markets
for more than 25 years now. “It remains a highly rewarding
asset class, but of course you have to know how to interpret
Hugo Investing is the next information and make decisions based on a predefined
evolution of BinckBank, the online strategy.
A good investor doesn’t base his or her decisions on the
investment platform supported by
present moment but looks ahead, and we help our clients
qualified personal service at the develop all these skills, providing all the information, tutoring
company’s welcoming investment and support they need along the way.”
centre on the Golden Mile in
Evolving into Hugo
Marbella. As such, it gives investors The firm first reached Marbella as the Alex Bank, which was
complete control over their money later rebranded to BinckBank, when Saxo Bank provided the
technical systems and Binck the expertise in financial service.
and their investments, without
The combination worked so well across Europe that Saxo Bank
hefty commissions but with full took over the company, and now Hugo Investing in Marbella has
personal support. become an independent entity closely aligned with the Danish
mother company. “We fit hand in glove and continue to provide
the same structure and service as before, with clients opening
an account through which to manage their investments.”
Structured this way, Hugo forms part of Europe’s largest and
fastest-growing online investment network, but provides local
support and a personalised service.
“People are used to insuring their cars, homes and even
holidays, but in reality should also take out insurance coverage
for their investment portfolio,” says Kaspar. “However, even
then it pays to know your market, and in this case many of
the countries and banks that underwrite investments may
be overleveraged themselves, so working with a Danish
investment bank such as Saxo Bank, which doesn’t carry the
risk of providing loans or mortgages, and which comes from a
country with a very solid balance sheet, provides extra security
and peace of mind.” This makes it possible to escape the gravity
of virtually 0% returns from banks to more direct personal
investment where you control where your money goes and your
advisors don’t sell or promote their own financial products.
Independent, bespoke financial support
“Unlike institutions such as banks, we don’t lose track of our
clients once they’ve invested, as we provide continuously
updated online information and tutorials, as well as regular
seminars and personal guidance in our offices on the Golden
Mile.” In fact, clients are welcome to visit Kaspar and his team
at the comfortable office on the Golden Mile whenever they
want, where they provide information, guidance and help them
create an effective investment strategy suited to their personal
46 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
needs, experience levels and appetite for risk. “There
are no guarantees here as in most other fields of life,
but if you’re armed with the right fundamentals and
information, you can make your money work for you
without even having to expose yourself to much risk.”
Our saying is: “If you’ve worked hard for your money,
don’t throw it away,” and we ensure that people have the
best possible chance of success with their investments,”
says the specialist broker who is welcoming not only
Northern European, but also more and more Spanish
clients attracted by the system and the returns it can
produce. “We help them create a plan of action that
builds on security, analytical thinking and a feeling
for spotting sensible opportunities, and this requires
interpreting information the right way, separating hype
from potential, and looking a little bit further afield than
the companies and sectors we already know well.”
Kaspar even collaborated with Maastricht University to
set up an Alex Academy back in 2004, so he is wellversed
in guiding investors.
A Spain-wide investment centre
He and the team at Hugo provide direct one-to-one
online and Zoom support whenever clients feel they
need it. The comfortable offices feel more like a trendy
New York café and indeed, the coffee is always brewing
and a warm welcome awaits private investors and
professional traders alike, both of whom comment
on the fact that the investment centre feels more like
a personal club than a financial office environment.
“For all that we’re relaxed, modern and welcoming, we
focus very much on helping both inexperienced and
professional traders achieve their target goals,” says
Kaspar, who also produces informative weekly vlogs on
Youtube, which give away valuable know-how built up
over many years.
Kaspar works hard for his clients, believing that the
lack of financial worries is one of the cornerstones of a
happy, stress-free life. “You should work for your money,
but you should also make it work for you, and this implies
above all a certain quality of life and peace of mind.”
He and his team listen to their clients’ feedback and
personal needs to develop a strategy that achieves that
definition – which is different for each person – through
the widest possible network of investments available.
“Through us you have access to stock exchanges and
markets across the world, and we guide you through the
process, whether you have a lot to invest or a smaller
amount. We know either way it’s very important to you,
so we take our responsibility equally seriously.”
In other words, at Hugo you direct your own
investments but build upon a high-tech system and
can take full advantage of the know-how of professional
investment experts to reduce risk, avoid painful lessons
and maximise your chances of success.
Hugo Investing – Kaspar Huijsman
kaspar@hugoinvesting.com
Urb. La Carolina, Edif. Aries, Local N, Marbella
Tel: 951 56 56 56
www.hugoinvesting.com OR
www.binckbank.com/hugoinvesting
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
47
MÁLAGA ‘the other Barcelona”
Just as Barcelona was once ‘discovered’ and its beauty
and charms related across the globe through the likes
of Lonely Planet, so Málaga has since been undergoing
the same process – leading this Mediterranean port city to
be dubbed ‘the other Barcelona’.
Some years ago cities such as Barcelona, Bilbao and
Seville joined the pantheon of must-see beauty spots on the
planet, and just a relatively short time ago it was Málaga’s
turn to join this international Hall of Fame. The why of it is
no accident, as it coincides with a process of beautification
and development that has indeed transformed Andalucía’s
second largest city from one often overlooked into a veritable
Cinderella. Now a beautiful city of museums, art, culture, fine
dining and shopping in a spectacular Mediterranean setting,
Málaga breathes Andalusian passion along with a newfound
sense of big-city sophistication.
Its historic buildings sparkle newly renovated, grand
squares and former traffic choke points are the elegant
domain of shoppers and café society, and the tree-lined
avenues are grand once more. It is fair to say that Málaga
has been ‘discovered’, making it a top European destination
in its own right for the 220 cruise ships and 18 million
passengers that dock every year or for those who jet in from
abroad. In addition, the city has also become the cultural
and gastronomic jewel in the crown of the Costa del Sol, and
at under an hour from most of the resort towns along this
coastal stretch is a fantastic resource for local residents
and property owners too.
Malaga breathes Andalusian passion along with a newfound
sense of big-city sophistication
MUSEUM CITY
To many across the world Málaga has become a museum city
to rival the likes of Paris, London, Madrid and Florence. This
revolution started with the opening of a museum dedicated
to the city’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso. Its success
paved the way for more, and now the city can boast of the
Carmen Thyssen, the CAC centre of contemporary art, the
Glass Museum, a fantastic car and design museum, as well
as its very own Pompidou. If you’re an avid fan of culture also
don’t overlook the Interactive Music Museum, the Museo
Jorge Rando, the Museo del Patrimonio, the Revello del Toro,
Sea Museum, Russian Art Museum and the Málaga Wine
Museum, which very nicely rounds off a fantastic offering of
art and culture in this bustling city.
AUTHENTIC VIBE
The millions who visit Málaga throughout the year are
also drawn by the vibrant authenticity of an archetypal
Andalusian city that still lives to its typical daily routines.
Visit the flamenco tablaos and, if your Spanish is up to it, the
48 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
local theatres. You can also immerse yourself in local colour
by visiting the wonderfully ambient food market or strolling
around the streets and cafés of the Bohemian quarter near
the Teatro Cervantes. Students keep the vibe as young as
it is Spanish, while traditional little shops stand close to
glamorous modern outlets as a living testament to the Spain
you would have encountered in the not so distant past. Much
of it is still alive if you follow your nose and fan out from the
main shopping Street around Calle Larios.
SHOPPING SURROUNDED BY HISTORY
Málaga has its shopping malls, but theidea of high street
shopping in a classic quarter surrounded by the sights and
indeed sites of over 2,000 years of history is a rather exotic
and bewitching one. Calle Larios, once a busy road leading
off the main boulevard, is now a beautifully tiled pedestrian
street blissfully free of traffic. Its shops, cafés and tapas bars
have blossomed to the point where it now exudes that big city
refinement, but stroll across this pedestrian district and you’ll
find a full range varying from exclusive and chic to young and
trendy, rustic and even surprising. The architecture in the old
quarter is beautiful, enlivened by shops and restaurants that
breathe life into majestic structures, squares and parks where
Phoenician archaeological findings blend with an unearthed
Roman amphitheatre, Baroque churches and the soaring
battlements of a Moorish fortress.
DELICIOUS MÁLAGA
This city on your doorstep is everything you want it to be:
romantic, exciting, cultured, trendy and just fun. Stroll along
classical streets or head for the modern minimalism of
quayside Muelle Uno, where you look back across the port
and the nearby city centre. For an even better view there is a
modern Ferris wheel, but the best panorama is undoubtedly
to be had from the Moorish Alcazaba fortress that sits atop
a mount overlooking the city, port and the Mediterranean
coastline as it stretches towards Fuengirola and Marbella.
Though a monument, this expansive 11th century complex
is also home to a luxury Parador hotel, so in Málaga you can
enjoy good food from the water’s edge and hill tops right into
the smallest streets and squares.
El Pimpi is perhaps the bestknown of the many excellent
tapas bars, while the elegant Puerta Oscura and authentically
rustic Antigua Casa de Guardia are also must-do experiences.
The classic Lepanto patisserie also belongs in this category,
but really you can enjoy dining in Málaga from Michelin star
restaurants all the way to charming family-run ones, with
a world of cuisines in-between. With this sparkling city little
more than half an hour from the coastal towns of the Costa del
Sol, there is every opportunity for local residents to regularly
enjoy what visitors from across the world travel far to savour
just once.
THE ARCHITECTURE IN THE
OLD QUARTER IS BEAUTIFUL,
ENLIVENED BY SHOPS AND
RESTAURANTS THAT BREATHE
LIFE INTO MAJESTIC STRUCTURES
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
49
Málaga TECHNOLOGY PARK
50 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
IT IS AN INDUSTRIAL HUB FOCUSED ON
TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, WITH THE BULK
OF FIRMS SPECIALISING IN ELECTRONICS, IT,
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTING
OFFICIALLY NAMED THE PARQUE TECNOLÓGICO DE
ANDALUCÍA BUT POPULARLY KNOWN AS THE MÁLAGA
TECHNOLOGY PARK, THIS LARGE FACILITY ON THE
NORTHWEST SIDE OF THE CITY IS A CENTRE OF
INNOVATION AND RESEARCH THAT IS LEADING THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED, KNOWLEDGE-BASED
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE REGION.
Part of an ambitious development project that stretches
back to the mid-nineties and also included the general
beautification of Málaga’s historic city centre, the science
park is a large business complex that is home to over 600
businesses and employs 17,000 people, most of them highly
qualified.
It is an industrial hub focused on technology and
research, with the bulk of firms specialising in electronics, IT,
telecommunications and computing, These include important
engineering firms and support services in the form of specialist
laboratories, training centres, R&D facilities, consultancies and
technical advisory bureaus.
The large international corporations present here account
for much of the employment at the Málaga Technology Park,
including amongst them Oracle, IBM, Accenture, Huawei, TDK, CGI
and Ciklum. Though generally much smaller in their operations
than these multinationals, local firms also play an important role
– not just in creating jobs but also in developing the skills and
expertise needed to create a thriving 21st century technologybased
economy in the Málaga region.
INCUBATING NEXT-GENERATION SKILLS
In this the science park works closely with Málaga University
and other academic institutions both in Spain and abroad. A
core part of the initiative is to give university and college leavers
specialised vocational skills, an international perspective and the
entrepreneurship not just to work for companies, but to create
their own products and businesses. Stimulating the founding of
value-added start-ups is therefore an integral part of the formula.
For this reason there are exchange programmes with
international universities and technology centres around the
world, but especially in the USA and South Korea, two global
leaders in the field of digital technology. The students and
employees who return from one or two-year stints abroad not
only deepen their technical knowledge, but also improve the
language skills, world vision and creativity needed to really
succeed in the new world.
This exchange also extends to the key members of embryonic
tech start-ups, many of which encounter growing problems
within the first few years of their founding.
It has seen burgeoning Andalusian Bill Gates contenders
acquire invaluable experience in situ with Silicon Valley
companies or even includes the incubation of a small Málaga
start-up within such a large corporation.
In this way, the Andalusian Technology Park is opening new
frontiers for economic development in this part of Spain, and
Alcazar baths of
the fact that it is the world headquarters of the International
rain water.
Association of Science Parks underlines its position as one of the
most important centres of its kind in the Mediterranean.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
51
GRANADA
seductress
of the ages
This ancient settlement at the heart of the
Andalusian plains is much more than a
city, or even a beautiful historical one. It is
a cultural and architectural gem endowed
with a great deal of atmosphere and
charm – the perfect place to enjoy and lose
yourself in as you stroll through cobbled
streets and grand avenues lined with
historic landmarks.
Set within the fertile floodplain knows as the Vega,
Granada also lies within the shadow of the towering
Sierra Nevada mountain range. They form a perfect
backdrop for a place that is in many ways the epitome of
Andalusian Spain, a rich melange of Iberian, Roman, Moorish
and Castilian Christian influences that together add up to
one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world.
The winter air carries the chill of a plateau at 700 metres
altitude, added to by icy gusts carried down from the snowcapped
mountains that provide such a spectacularly scenic
backdrop. While ski lovers are enjoying themselves at the
alpine resorts in these nearby mountains, people in Granada
itself huddle in cosy tavernas where it is said the tradition
of offering a free tapa with every beverage ordered first
originated. Not all tapas are still gratis in Granada, but it is
one of the centres of excellence for this uniquely sociable
and Spanish form of cuisine.
52 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
Today, Granada is above all a lively student city with a thriving
local social scene in which tapas bars, cervezería eateries,
cafés and bars play a central role. Whether tucked away in a
pedestrian street or basking in the sunlight of a broad plaza,
they add contemporary life to a city that is steeped in history.
It’s everywhere, from grand Baroque churches, palaces and
avenues in the centre of town to the more densely packed
market and student quarter just beyond. An undeniable
highlight is the magical Alhambra, a Moorish palace fortress
that conjours up One Thousand and One Nights.
A city of layers
Set upon a panoramic hillock that towers over the city it
overlooks, the Alhambra is itself one of the most iconic
scenic pictures one could imagine, often framed by mighty
snow-capped mountains that rise beyond it. This complex of
palaces, patios and gardens is so popular that the authorities
have wisely decided to cap visitor numbers in a first come,
first served manner. Even so, if you book ahead you should be
Words by Michel Cruz
Photography by
able to arrange a dreamy tour of its exquisite workmanship
and wondrous gardens, not to mention the views enjoyed
from here.
Even more beguiling than a daytime visit is the nightly tour,
when the complex seems to come alive, and if you stay at the
nearby Parador palace hotel you can enjoy both and wander
through the beautiful Generalife gardens at will. The Alhambra
is the symbol of Moorish Andalucía, as it was here that the
last Muslim state held out until 1492, when the Christian
reconquest of Iberia that began over seven centuries earlier
was finally completed. From its fortress wall another Moorish
gift to the city of Granada beckons enticingly.
The Albaícin
Divided by a small river and standing on the opposite hillside,
this erstwhile Moorish suburb retains a wonderfully artistic
charm about it. The Albaícin is a maze of cobble stone streets
that dissect white-washed houses rolling down a gentle
hillside. It is a place of elegant gardens and terraces hidden
behind high walls; pleasant squares and flat roof terraces
where in Moorish times families would sleep on mattresses
to escape the worst of the summer heat. Stroll through its
streets, visit an Arabian Hammam spa or enter a classic tea
room to absorb the atmosphere.
Not far away is Sacromonte, a somewhat poorer district
complete with troglodyte cave houses that has long been
home to Granada’s Gypsy community and as such is one
of the finest places in Spain to experience their unique
Flamenco artform. In this most authentic of settings, the
unbridled passion of dance, guitar and song produces a state
known as duende, and it fits well into the bohemian ambience
of Sacromonte.
From elegant and stately to raw and authentic; Granada
blends its ancient past with the vibrancy of a youthful student
city, and the effect is enticing.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
53
Spanish Architects
Who have made a name
for themselves
Most people will have heard of Antoni Gaudí, the ingenious
creator of Barcelona’s iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia, but
thereafter the list of well-known Spanish architects thins out
quickly. Which is strange, as this country has a rich heritage of
design that spans the centuries and continues today.
FERNANDO HIGUERAS
FERNANDO HIGUERAS
The name Fernando Higueras may not be as universally famous
as that of Renzo Piano, Jean Nouvel, Frank Gehry, Norman Foster
or Zaha Hadid, but in reality he is one of Spain’s greatest modern
architects and during the 1970s belonged to an international elite.
Born in Madrid in 1930, his style came to represent a fusion of
Constructivist, rationalist and organic architecture. Though typical
of his era in that he worked a lot with concrete and created heavy,
solid structures, Higueras moulded this industrial material into
natural, organic forms that either mimicked nature or were inspired
by the setting of each individual project.
As he rose through the ranks and established a name for himself,
the projects grew in scale to encompass an oeuvre composed of
the Spanish Pavilion in New York (1963), the Polivalent building
project in Monaco (1969), the Fierro House in Marbella (1971), iconic
apartment complexes in central Madrid, hotels, churches, college
buildings, museums and government edifices.
54 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
RICARDO BOFILL
RICARDO BOFILL
A contemporary of Higueras, Bofill represents the rich design
tradition of Barcelona, of which he has become an important
exponent. His Taller de Arquitectura emerged as a leading studio
from the 1960s onwards, racking up over 1,000 projects completed
in over 50 countries to date. From his very first project, a summer
villa in Ibiza designed at the tender age of 17, Ricardo Bofill’s portfolio
has grown to include churches, villages, offices, housing estates
and private villas. His vision is clear in the transformation of an old,
disused ruin of a cement factory into the suitably mesmerising head
office of his Barcelona-based architectural practice, RBTA.
Though famous enough, with iconic projects to his name across
Barcelona and Spain, in France, Algeria and other parts of the world,
Ricardo Bofill is perhaps one of the most underrated architects of
all time, for his is a singular mastery of form that blends touches
of industrial brutalism with nature, culture and a sense of magic.
Indeed, his creations conjure up the ethereal to offer not just
housing or functional spaces, but the power to stir emotions.
Walden 7 (Barcelona), La Muralla Roja (Costa Blanca), the Meritxell
Sanctuary (Andorra), Les Espaces d’Abraxes (Paris) and the Houari
Boumedienne agricultural village in Algeria all attest to the almost
Escher-like geometry of this unique architect.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
55
ENRIC MIRALLES
EN
CARME PINÓS
CARME PINÓS
Enric Miralles was married twice, both times to a fellow architect. His
first wife was Carme Pinós, also from Barcelona, who rose to fame
in the 1980s and 1990s, first in partnership with her then husband,
and later as an independent architect with her own practice. Public
projects in Barcelona were followed by parks, schools and wineries
in her native Olot, in the Catalonian countryside. The experience
garnered here through a constant process of experimentation and
immersion in the local cultural and natural setting was recognised
in the form of commissions to design a museum, auditorium and
cultural centre in Zaragoza, an art and design centre in Barcelona,
and a hotel complex in Mallorca.
More work followed in Spain, in the form of bridges, waterfront
refurbishments and a long list of public works, including the Catalan
government’s headquarters, museums, urban renovation projects,
and designs for corporate and public clients in Latin America. Pinós
is also responsible for the design of the campus of the Vienna
University of Economics and Business, whose angular forms recall
the jagged geometry of another famous architect, Frank Gehry.
56 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
RIC MIRALLES
ENRIC MIRALLES
Also a native of Barcelona, Miralles continued the
Catalan penchant for unusual, pioneering forms driven
by a strong sense of artistry and social conscience. It
led at first to mostly specialised public projects such as
the Igualada Cemetery, the archery range and pergola
at the Olympic village, as well as the conversion of the
Santa Caterina, all in Barcelona. The rather unique
styling of projects like this drew attention, and earned
Enric Miralles national and international recognition.
It is hard to pin his style down, but he was influenced
at once by the machinist brutalism of Le Corbusier
and the more vernacular, natural architecture of Alvar
Aalto.
This much is visible in works such as the extension
to the city hall in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and the
Scottish parliament building in Edinburgh, though
perhaps the skyscraper he designed to be the
corporate headquarters of Gas Natural deviates from
the more idiosyncratic style associated with him.
SANTIAGO CALATRAVA
SANTIAGO CALATRAVA
Perhaps the most famous of modern Spanish architects
is Santiago Calatrava, whose reputation carries far and
wide. Born near Valencia, he helped to revitalise the city
through the creation of a futuristic new arts and sciences
complex on the outskirts of the centre. The iconic structures
created here helped to put Valencia on the map the way the
Guggenheim did in Bilbao, but they also made Calatrava a
controversial figure in his homeland.
An engineer as well as architect, he has become famous for
the many bridges he designed, from Seville to Rotterdam,
basing these, and also communication towers, office blocks,
galleries and museums, upon the structures of the body, a
philosophy that is also visible in Calatrava’s designs for the
Athens Olympic sports complex – the grand opus of a man
who has given Spanish architecture renewed stature in the
world.
BALEARIC
ISLANDS
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.
58 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
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.
Ciutadella
Andratx
Pollenca
Palma
Inca
Alcudia
Cala Ratjada
Maó
MENORCA
IBIZA
San
Antonio
Santa Eulária
des Ríu
Ibiza
City
Cala d’Or
MALLORCA
FORMENTERA
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.
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
59
IBIZA
Shabby Chic
and much more!
Shabby chic” a word that has come to characterise Ibiza a style that is considered by many
to be the ultimate in trendiness. Ibiza is about summer, beaches, open-air parties and latenight
clubbing. The capital of Europe’s summer clubbing scene has spawned its own genres
of music, as well as numerous world-famous clubs, but aside from techno, trance and chillout
music – not to mention throngs of swaying, sweating bodies – there is another, more cultural
side to this tourist isle that is being cultivated.
By Michel Cruz
“Those in the know, like Richard Branson and other wellheeled
Ibiza modern and trendy yet ancient and mysterious with
latter day flower power children, have long since
a host of modern and rustic private villas, secluded low-rise
been enjoying its pleasures. Together with the creative types boutique hotels and other hot spots overlooking paradisiacal
who helped develop the iconic Ibiza style, they are turning coves or white yachts bobbing quietly on the turquoise
this super cool spot in the sun into one of the most mustexperience
water.
places of the moment. If there were a colour to The old walled town is so pretty that the entire area has
represent the island and encapsulate its ambience it would been declared a world heritage site by Unesco, complete
be azure; the deep aquamarine blue of its coastal waters, with castle, churches and the quaint houses and little plazas.
the intense blue of its skies and the liquid freshness of sea
Here you will almost stumble over the history of the island, or
air. Or perhaps the pure, stark white of its plastered walls,
simply drink in the atmosphere, while on the other side of the
the sails that play against the horizon or the white linen that bay luxury yachts lie in the trendy marina fronted by luxury
seems to become an inadvertent uniform for sophisticated boutiques, eateries and lounge bars. Much of the nightlife
urban types seeking summer epiphanies in the Med. Such continues to be concentrated around calle Barcelona, while
descriptions are not unlike the islands of Greece, complete the town is also home to some of the most popular clubs,
with pretty white-plastered windmills, and indeed, the
among them the famous Café del Mar, where revellers
quintessentially Mediterranean island of Ibiza is in many ways come to chillout and watch the sun set.
a reflection of its cousins on the other side of the vast sea.
More than 40 clubs and trendy bars that dominate the
summer clubbing scene, and though the island has tried to
become more upmarket the popularity of nightlife tourism
shows no signs of diminishing. New hotels, however, have
all been five-star in recent years, and the overall trend has
been towards smaller scale and greater character. The
result has been that Ibiza has been tapping into the cool
chic scene that is 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.
The more rustic destinations just inland are also very
popular, and while this new international jet set likes to dip
its toe into the feverish partying of the main tourist areas
you sense that they are more at home enjoying freshly
caught fish or organically grown vegetables at a quaint
– but stylish – seaside venue. It is at unassuming locations
like this where, on a good day, you could find yourself
surrounded by Liam Gallagher, Kate Moss and Mark
Ronson, if you care for that sort of thing.
Besides crystal clear waters inviting the visitor to swim,
sail and scuba dive, Ibiza offers a surprising amount of
beautiful nature for so small an island. From the cliffs and
coves rises the pine cover that 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. Though threatened by
property development, the islanders are now beginning
to recognise the value of this natural spot with its deep
historic connection.
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 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. There must have been people on the islands
when the Phoenician traders from the other side of the
Mediterranean founded the town of Ibossim, but by the
time control passed to the Carthaginians the islands had a
strong Punic culture also touched by traders from Greece
and Rome, which would later come to rule the territory
under the name of Ebusus.
Most of the beautiful seaside that now draws so many
people were devoid of population, made uninhabitable
by fear. The seaside villages we see today date in the
main from the 19th century, before which you needed an
impregnable fortress to retire to when the raids came. The
town of Ibiza is a fine example of this. Though it now houses
almost half the island’s 125,000 people, it 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.
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.
After all, a Richard Branson or Jean-Paul Gaulthier
may seek out hip venues where they can chill out and
get closer to nature, but they will not easily forsake the
subtle pleasures and comforts of life. As a result, the Ibiza
chic venue 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. Some
will even feature yoga classes and detox regimes amid the
fragrance of flowers and incense, while others are more
starkly minimalist in their avant-garde sophistication.
Either way, they combine with the shabby chic simplicity
of favoured seaside fish restaurants in pretty little coves
or villages, days spent lazing on secluded beaches,
watching the sun set on yachts and trekking into the
rustic countryside – as well as heading off to the most
exclusive of the lounge bars and clubs – to produce a
style of Ibiza-branded experience that is drawing more
and more visitors to the dramatic beauty of this coolest of
Mediterranean islands.
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
61
62 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM A
Bodegas for a
modern era
wine cellar used to be just that, a somewhat
dank stone or brick room hidden in the vaults
of a home. Indeed, it didn’t use refrigeration
but had to be located beneath the main house to
attain the ideal temperature and humidity conditions
required for storing precious vintages. As time
moved on and classical homes become more
comfortable in style, the bodega, as it is also often
called, became a little more accessible.
By the late 20th century it was no longer just the
place where the erstwhile butler or chef’s assistant
would go to find the requested bottles of wine,
but now an increasingly attractive space, not
infrequently in the style of a winery, a traditional
café or even a tapas bar. Fancy brickwork was
accompanied by a bar, tables for wine tasting and
even card-playing, as this was the sort of room that
had become part of the modern villa’s basement
area.
THE BODEGA COMES INTO THE LIGHT
With the trend switch to sleek modern architectural
Besides sunken fire pits, open-plan living
rooms and minimalist kitchens and bathrooms,
the modern wine cellar is one of the classic
additions of 21st century home design.
styles this decade, has come a veritable revolution in the
shape and function of this centuries-old space, which
has seen it totally redefined from a traditional brick space
located below the home to a glass-and-chrome vitrine
situated right at the heart of its living areas. In other
words, in this century the bodega has come out of the
dark and into the light.
If the look and location of the wine cellar have changed,
the function hasn’t, and as many of these beautifully
styled glass cabinets are located at the point where the
kitchen and dining room meet, the wine tasting can now
be done at the kitchen bar, the dining room table or even
on the terrace outside. Now, the modern wine cellar has
also become a true design feature in its own right, for
a glass-and-chrome bodega is attractive by day and a
visual delight when lit up with LED.
Coming in a wide range of sizes and configurations, what
is effectively a gently refrigerated cooling cabinet can
be a practical and aesthetic addition to anything from
a studio apartment to a large mansion, and they range
from standardised designs to anything you want them to
be. Modern technology ensures the sky is the limit, so be
creative.
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME WITH US -
multilingual property experts for 25 years on the Costa
Email:
Web:
info@welcome-estates.com
www.welcome-estates.com
SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM l
63
Buying property
in Spain?
Save time and money on your currency transfers with:
Excellent exchange rates
No transfer fees
Expert support and guidance
Tailored transfer solutions
We’ve been helping people move money to and from Spain
since 1996 and with 16 Spanish branches we’re never far away
when you need us.
We’re authorised by the Bank of Spain and guarantee no
receiving charges in any Spanish bank on euro transfers – so
you enjoy peace of mind and additional savings.
Get a quote now and find out how much you could save!
Get a quote
Earn a
£50
Amazon voucher!
Our special offer for Spain
Property Guide readers – if
you register with us and
transfer £5000 we’ll send you
a £50 Amazon voucher.
*
Want to find out more? Contact our team today.
Mention ‘Spain Property Guide’ for preferential exchange rates.
+34 965994830 | costablanca@currenciesdirect.com
*Terms and conditions apply
© Currencies Direct Ltd, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AA, United Kingdom. Registered in England & Wales, No.: 03041197. Currencies Direct Ltd is authorised
by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Electronic Money Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Our FCA Firm Reference number is 900669.
Our EU services are provided by Currencies Direct Spain.
64 l SPAINPROPERTYGUIDE.COM
© Currencies Direct Spain, E.D.E., S.L., Avenida del Mediterráneo, 341, 04638 Mojácar, Almería, Spain. Registered in the Commercial Registry of Almería under the Spanish tax ID
number B04897930. Currencies Direct Spain, E.D.E., S.L. is authorised by the Bank of Spain as an Electronic Money Institution under Law 21/2011 of 26 July and Royal Decree
778/2012 of 4 May. Our registration number with the Bank of Spain is 6716.
UK18486EN