Why buy a villa townhouse or apartment on the Costa del Sol?

Why buy a villa townhouse or apartment on the Costa del Sol?

Spain has long been one of the most popular destinations in the world for those seeking either a second home or a more permanent base.

At first glance, for those not in the know, the reason seems obvious. The Spanish costas offer beautiful sandy beaches, the climate is benign and, as the saying goes, the living is easy.

These are certainly the bedrock of what makes sought after resort areas like the Costa del Sol so popular, but it only tells part of the story of why people so often seek out villas and apartments for sale in iconic hotspots such as Marbella, Estepona and Mijas.

Of equal importance is the sheer variety of styles and locations of property available  in the area, which means there is a home for sale that will suit just about any lifestyle option.

Most homeowners who move to Spain from overseas opt for a place near the beach – but even here there is an enormous variety of suitable villas, townhouses and apartments on offer. Whether you are looking for a palatial villa at the heart of Marbella's Golden Mile, a luxury two-bedroom apartment in the up-market party hotspot of Puerto Banús, or a spacious town house with sea views in the more relaxing environment of the new frontline beach complexes towards Estepona, the choice is enormous.

But the Costa del Sol is not simply about the beaches and sunshine. The many golf courses offer a wealth of property choices too, while the slopes of the mountains that sweep down to the coast provide plenty of opportunities for those seeking a more rural lifestyle – but just a few minutes´ drive from all the amenities of the bustling coast.

Excellent transport links make just about anywhere on the Costa del Sol easily accessible to historic Andalusia. In winter, the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada are within a two to three-hour drive, as are the historic cities of Granada (home to the famous Alhambra palace), Sevilla and Córdoba.

Closer to hand, the Costa del Sol capital of Málaga offers a host of cultural and culinary attractions, while the stunning Ronda valley is an excellent destination for those seeking natural splendour and beauty.

Marbella and Puerto Banús are the places to see and be seen, while resort towns like Fuengirola and Benalmádena offer a more family-style atmosphere.

The whitewashed walls of ancient houses in towns like Estepona and, slightly inland the mountain villages of Mijas and Casares, give a taste of traditional Spain. Older, traditional homes are sometimes available at the heart of these villages and towns, although many buyers prefer the modern comforts and amenities of the stylish new urbanisations along Mijas Costa, Casares Costa and flanking Estepona on the New Golden Mile.

This tantalising choice of properties, lifestyles and attractions available on the Costa del Sol helps explain why prospect of buying a villa, apartment, studio or town house in the area is such an attractive one. The sunshine, sporting options, huge number of restaurants, excellent healthcare and schools make it an even more enticing prospect.