Spain Property Guide - January 2022 Issue 7

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 

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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) 

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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. 


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. 


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. 


7

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(+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. 


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 


11


@ 

@ 

@ 

+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 


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 


475m2 

Build 

850m 2 

Plot 

7 4 


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 


13

COSTA 

LANCA 


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. 


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 


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) 


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€ 


LA FINCA GOLF 419,000€ 


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€ 


TORREVIEJA 172,000€ 


FONT DEL LLOP 223,000€ 


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: 


17


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. 


€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 


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. 


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. 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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. 


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 


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. 


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. 


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 


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. 


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 


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. 


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. 


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 


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. 


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 


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 


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 


41

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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! 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


49

Málaga TECHNOLOGY PARK 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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 


63

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