Tag Archives: Costa del Sol

How to spend rainy days on the Costa del Sol

The saying goes the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plane. On the Costa del Sol it´s not far from the truth, we have on average only 44 rainy days in a year. So the question is if you are on the Costa del Sol and the heavens open, how best to spend your time. Here are a few ideas to keep you and the family entertained.

Visit a Museum

Málaga center has a good selection of art museums. Visit Museo Casa Natal Picasso, the house in which Pablo Picasso was born, here you can browse through memorabilia, works and photographs and trace Picasso’s early years. https://museocasanatalpicasso.malaga.eu/ Following from there you can see more than 200 works of art by Picasso at the Museo Picasso Málaga located in Palacio de Buenavista. On the lower floor you can explore Phoenician, Roman and Arabic archaeological ruins. https://www.museopicassomalaga.org/

If this wets your taste buds to know more about Spanish art Museo Carmen Thyssen has a trove of 285 incredible Spanish paintings on display from the 19th and 20th centuries. A private collection plus the temporary exhibition. https://www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org/

Pompidou Center

A modern exhibition space hosting temporary exhibitions of contemporary artwork and interactive installations. In its semi-permanent collection there are art pieces from Frida Kahlo, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso.

Butterfly Park

A visit to Mariposario de Benalmádena is a delightful way to spend family time. Walk among 1,500 spices of exotic butterflies from around the world. The butterflies are flying freely in a paradise of tropical gardens with waterfalls and flowers. You will be able to observe how the butterflies are born, how they reproduce and enjoy learning many things about these wonderful insects. https://www.mariposariodebenalmadena.com/

Los Arqueros Bowling

A fun way to spend time is at Los Arqueros Bowling and Sports Bar in Benahavis. A trendy venue with 6 bowling lanes. A sports bar and restaurant onsite serves delicious food and drinks. Los Arqueros Golf, Ronda Road A-397, Km. 44,5, Benahavis. https://losarquerosbowling.com/

Retail Therapy

Retail therapy is a good option for rainy days on the Costa del Sol. There are several Shopping Malls here on the coast offering an abundant array of retail stores all under one roof. You will find all the popular high street brands as well home furnishing, toys, cosmetics, supermarkets and technology stores such as Apple and FNAC. The shopping centers offer eating establishments to satisfy all tastes and for movie lovers each Shopping Mall has it´s own several screen cinema. Check for screening in Original Version.

Parque Comercial La Cañada, Carretera de Ojén s/n, 29600 Marbella Miramar Centro Comercial, Avda. de la Encarnación, s/n, 29640 Fuengirola Plaza Major Malaga Calle Alfonso Ponce de León, 3-2, 29004 Málaga

Go to the Movies

Another option for those rainy days is to catch up on the latest cinema releases. There are numerous cinemas on the coast plus as mentioned most of the Shopping Malls have a cinema. Be sure to check for movies shown in VO: version original. Red Dog Cinema in Puerto Banus frequently has movies shown in English. https://reddogcinemas.com/es/inicio/

The Orchiderium, Estepona

The Orchiderium, located in the center of Estepona, is botanical garden dedicated to orchids. A space of 1000 m2 divided into 3 levels, thus creating separate micro- climates and allowing for a wide variety of species. The Orchiderium boasts a botanical collection of over 3000 plants including 1500 different orchid species, ranging in size and scale and one equally as beautiful as the next. A visit here on a rainy day will certainly lift the spirits. Admission is 3€ per adult and 1€ per child. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. https://orchidariumestepona.com/elorquidario/

Property purchase costs – transfer tax reduction

When considering to purchase a property in Spain, it is important to account not only for the purchase price of your dream home also the associated acquisition costs. When buying an existing property (not a new build), the largest cost is the Property Transfer Tax. Since April 2021 (Decree-Law 7/2021) the Andalucian government reduced this tax to a fixed rate of 7%, (previously this Tax ranged from 8% to 10% depending on the property purchase cost). This new fixed rate incentive was due to end 2021.

The good news is that that towards the government declared that this reduced rate would remain in place for the future. Therefore a flat rate of 7% is fixed and applies on second hand housing transactions. Additional to this the government reduced the Stamp Duty from 1.5% to 1.2% on newly build property purchases.

Other costs to keep in mind when buying a home in Southern Spain include legal fees, usually 1% of the property purchase cost, Notary Fees and Land Registry fees. In total budget approximately 10% acquisition costs and then you will not be left caught out when a dream house is in your reach.

7 Top tips for selling your property on the Costa del Sol

The Real Estate market is a competitive business. If you have a property to sell you need to stand out from the crowd. First impressions count, and creating a wow factor in those early moments is paramount. Whether your buyer is pulling up by the front gate, entering through a front garden or drive way, or walking directly through the front door, those early moments need to spark joy. Buyers get a feeling as soon as they enter a property, you need your property to omit the good vibe feelings. Here we discuss 7 proven steps to help you achieve it.

Declutter

One of the first visual impacts will be the brightness and the space available. By removing unnecessary pieces of furniture and small decoration you maximize the potential of these aspects: light and space. Minimalism is popular in interior design and this style can go a long way, it will help your potential buyer envisage living in the property. Cluttered shelves and busy walls can detract the buyers from appreciating the size of the rooms and views. Give each room a clear purpose, if there is a room where you tend to store everything turn it into an office or study.

Decorating & Fix Up

Walls that are marked and wobbly door handles, leaking taps or dripping toilets. We can get complacent with small imperfections. Those little jobs that you may have been putting off need to get fixed. A fresh lick of paint can help brighten up a room. Make sure all the lights are working – replace light bulbs where necessary. All these details avoids that your buyer is counting what needs to be done around the property. If you have a terrace: keep on top of the weeding. If your property has a garden: be sure that it too is neat and tidy. Fixing small DIY problems can avoid that the buyers conclude that it is a tired or an old property. A property needing too much work can put buyers off.

Home Staging

Want a show home effect; well this is what you can achieve with some professional home staging. Whether it is moving around existing furniture and changing small details to give the property a fresher look. Or setting a workable budget and purchasing furniture and decoration to update the properties overall feel . A home stager will guide you on up to date trends attractive to buyers.

Spick and Span

When a prospective buyer walks into your property you want to be sure that there is a freshness in the air, that makes them want to stay. Have regular deep cleans and ventilate the property as best as possible, especially during the winter months. Marble floors can look tried and dull, turn them around with professionally floor polish company that can bring back the shine. Think about having the upholstery cleaned to give it a new lease of life.

Professional Realtor

Entrusting a professional Real Estate agent is paramount to the success of selling your home. With their knowledge and experience of the local property market your Real Estate agent can guide you on the correct price to market your property. Real estate agents can provide professional photography and strategically market your property to a local and international market. Furthermore when your Real Estate agent has a viewing at your property they will arrive in advance, open up the property, ensure the best presentation, be informative and ready to answer any questions.

Electrical Appliances

If the boiler is not working well or the electricity trips when you overload the system, it is worth having these issues resolved. These costs might add up, if you can demonstrate to the buyer you just invested in a new appliance it can only add value in the mind of the buyer. You don’t want to sell something that is broken in parts. Having a property that is fully functioning is as important as how the property looks. Don’t hide any flaws. When you have an interested buyer they would likely come back, or ask their agent, to revise that everything is in good working order.

Get the Price Right

If your property is priced too high with comparable properties, you will miss out on property viewings. Property buyers are well researched on the market having access to hundreds of pages of property listings on the web. The price factor can make or break your selling opportunity especially in a seasonal market where buyers are not consistent. Your experienced Property Consultant can guide you best on the current real estate market.

Everyone loves a Chiringuito.

It’s lunch time on a sunny day in Marbella, what better way to enjoy the afternoon than to head down to your favorite Chiringuito. For those that haven’t heard the word Chiringuito or are not sure what exactly it means; Chiringuito means a place to rest in the shade. Chiringuitos are establishments located on the beach and can typically be of a modest structure where you can drink and eat.

Along the 30km stretch of Marbella´s beaches there are over 70 chiringuitos. The ambiance of a Chiringuito can vary from one to another; some in keeping with a traditional rustic style or even as basic as plastic chairs and tables : where the focus is on quality food at realistic prices in a simple setting on the beach. At the other end of the spectrum there are fine establishments that have created a hip and happening atmosphere with trendy interior design, live music or DJ sessions, where the music tempo increases as the day hots up then cools back down for sunset.

**Fish cooked over coal at Guayaba beach, Linda Vista Playa, San Pedro**

Being a prime beach location the principal cuisine revolves around tasty fish dishes, however a good selection of meat is often available too. The most authentic and most popular dishes at a Chiringuito are fried fish dishes, typical to southern Spain and originating in Cadiz. Such as Calamari Fritos and Boquerón’s al Limon. Another fish dish to look out for is the Malagueña, which is a plate of mixed fish fried – definitely a dish to share. A good old classic is Gambas al Pil Pil (sizzling garlic prawns). Many types of shell fish such as Almejas o Coquinas (small clams in an oil and garlic sauce). There is the catch of the day from wild Sea bream or Sea Bass to seasonal fish caught locally such as Rosada which is similar to cod. You will often see the fish being cooked ´La Moraga´ which is cooked over coal in a small boat, check out the Sardines al Espeto. The best time to eat Sardines is from May to August. You will find traditional Andalusian dishes such as Paella, a rice dish cooked with shell fish and white fish or meat. The Spanish way is sharing several plates; such as Ensalada de Tomato or Roasted Pepper Salad. Tomatoes are a prominent food in Andalucia and a traditional summer soup is Gazpacho – served cold with garnish. If you have any room left ask about the delicious range of deserts preferably those that are Casero (homemade) such as Arroz con Leche – a cold rice pudding, chocolate mousse or almond cake. Of course if you prefer a plate of seasonal fruit or ice-cream these are regularly on the menu.

**Classic dishes for sharing at Restaurante Las Flores, Playa Alicate**

Everyone has their favourite Chiringuito and one of ours is on the east side of Marbella in Las Chapas; Restaurante Las Flores. A family friendly Chiringuito situated right on the golden sandy beach and next to protected dunes. We are never disappointed with the food and value for money. Las Sardinales, Los Monteros Playa, is another firm favorite. The Belgium owned Restaurante Casanis Plage a little further along (Playa de Las Chapas is a popular Chiringuito with chic décor creating a fine ambiance with a live DJ sets. The food is splendid and the menu has some popular Belgium dishes too. More expensive than your average Chiringuito this is a prefect option for a splurge and special occasions.

**Catch of the day: Lubina, served at Restaurante Casanis Plage**

West Marbella a family favourite is Guayaba beach in San Pedro Alcantara, this venue is always buzzing, the tables are on the sand so leave your cares behind and get sand in your toes for chilled atmosphere and good food. Chiringuito Sol Beach in Guadalmina is a hidden gem, traditional and ideal if you fancy a quiet dinner with focus on the food. Central Marbella La Red is a popular place with the perfect location if you are town, always a good atmosphere and quality food. We also enjoy El Chiringuito which is by the sports harbor, good for large groups with children, it ticks all the boxes value for money, good food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Chiringuitos are open for lunch and most for dinner, during the high season it is highly recommended to reserve your table in advance. Not all Chiringuitos are open throughout the year and they usually close for up to a month during the winter.

El Mercadillo Organic Food Market – shopping with a natural feel good factor.

Living in Andalucía we are fortunate to embrace a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables and with the blessed climate of southern Spain a huge variety of products can be locally sourced, meaning not picked before ripened and travelling thousands of miles to land in our shopping basket. Unfortunately there is a tendency to shop in the large supermarkets for our fruit and veg as these stores provide a convenient “one-stop-shop” yet in doing so we miss out on the advantages of local food shopping.

Organic fruits and vegetables Guadalhorce valley, Malaga province — Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Guadalhorce Valley, North of Malaga is considered to be one of the most fertile valleys in Spain. In 2008 a group of organic farmers and consumers from the local towns of the region came together and formed El Mercadillo, Guadalhorce ecológico. This non-profit organization comes to different towns along the coast at set weekends of the month and simply brings the producers to the consumers while supporting the production, transformation, marketing and consumption of organic products from agriculture and livestock.

El Mercadillo organic market offers a real feel good factor level of food shopping. Not only are you provided with the best quality organic product, free from artificial substances, locally grown in an artisan way meaning true to flavor and taste. It is indeed part of the experience to be meeting the local farmers, producers, bread makers, bee keepers et al whose skills have been passed down from generation to generation.

It is worth taking a note in your agenda and saving the date to make a trip to the El Mercadillo organic market when it comes to a town near you. You can find the dates detailed on their website below. The variety on offer is outstanding plus nothing beats supporting local businesses. The market makes for a pleasant mornings shopping in a friendly atmosphere with an organic coffee stall and delicious cakes on offer too. Check out www.guadalhorceecologico.org for their agenda and other relative information.

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