Sun, beach and relaxation – improves your health
The Spaniards have 2-3 years 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.
Your health enjoys Costa del Sol
Asthma, arthritis and many other health related problems fare much better in the mild climate of Southern Spain. For many people this is the main reason for moving to 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.
Your free time on 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 Costa del Sol, almost any local speciality from home is available, especially in the towns of Fuengirola and Mijas.
Children on Costa del Sol
There are many International Schools on 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
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 Costa del Sol
Since the international property marked slowed down in 2005, the Spanish property marked has had a similar slow down. The properties on Costa del Sol follow the European marked, as most of the buyers are European. However 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 you have a choice of hospitals and doctors speaking your own language.
Many flight connections to Costa del Sol
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 Costa del Sol. Granada may also be another option for those visiting Almuñécár or La Herradura in the far eastern parts