Sun, beach and relaxation - they definitely improve your health!

The Spaniards have two to three years of a longer life expectancy than the North Europeans. Whether it is the sun, siesta, red wine or olive oil it is hard to say. However some of the Scandinavian countries send patients to Spain for rehabilitation as experience has shown that it is easier to recover in the sun.

The Costa del Sol improves your health

Asthma, arthritis and many other health related problems fare much better in the mild climate of Southern Spain than in many colder and darker climates further north. For many people this is the main reason for moving to The Costa del Sol. The climate is mild with winter temperatures generally not lower than 10 degrees Celsius, and summer temperatures seldom higher than 35 degrees Celsius. On average you will find more than 300 sunny days, and less than 20 wet days per year.

Leisure time on The Costa del Sol

Different clubs, sports or cultural activities are here to fill your free time. It can be playing bridge or golf, taking a hike in the mountains, attending concerts and much more. Several business clubs are available where people meet for networking and to exchange experiences.

Selection in the shops

Due to the large international society on The Costa del Sol, almost any local speciality from home is available, especially in the towns of Fuengirola and Mijas.

Children on The Costa del Sol

There are many International Schools on The Costa del Sol, and local Spanish schools are also quite good. In any case, the children are always the first to learn the language!

NIE-number

A Foreign Identification Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is required to buy a property in Spain. The original document must be presented to the notary when signing the Title Deed (escritura), so make sure you apply for your NIE number well ahead of time. The NIE number is issued by Policia National or at the Spanish embassy in your home country.

Buying a property on The Costa del Sol

Since the international property marked slowed down in 2005, the Spanish property marked has had a similar slow down. Properties on The Costa del Sol follow the European marked, as most of the buyers are European. However The Costa del Sol is unique in the way that buyers come from most of the Northern European countries, making the property market on Costa del Sol more robust.

Health insurance

This is an important topic and you have to pay attention to the small print. Private health insurance is not that expensive in Spain, though it does depend on your medical condition and age. The public health system is excellent, however with a private insurance policy in place, you have a choice of hospitals and doctors speaking your own language available to you.

Many flight connections to The Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a popular destination and has been for many years. Prices are low, and if you can order well ahead of departure, you might find that the prices are so low that it makes transport and parking at home more expensive than the flight itself. Flight connections are available from almost any airport in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and also all other major cities in Northern Europe are well connected to the Costa del Sol. Most people fly in to Malaga, however Gibraltar can be quicker if you live in Estepona or Sotogrande in the far west of The Costa del Sol. Granada may also be another option for those visiting Almuñécár or La Herradura in the far eastern parts of The Costa Del Sol.