Costa Brava

SpainCertainly not short on charm or popularity, Spain has a wealth of amenitiesfor those who know how to enjoy life. Whether you are seeking a beachfrontresort, a city escape or a rural retreat, Spain has it all.

FABULOUS SUNSHINE ANDBEACHES HAVE BEENATTRACTING VISITORS TOSPAIN FOR MANY YEARS BUTSPAIN IS PERFECT FORMANY TYPES OF HOLIDAYS.From luxurious marinas and breathtaking mountains to beautifulresorts and exhilarating nightlife, Spain can be whatever you wantit to be.

GREEN SPAIN is the countryside by shore between theAtlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay. The Regions of Galicia,Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country, in northern Spain,are home to some of most valuable and best-conserved ecologicalareas in Europe. These are landscapes full of contrasts, with salt-water rivers, endless greenery that can be discovered onhorseback, by boat, or following an old Roman road. A coastlinethat stretches for more than 2,000 km, with cliffs, mountains,forests, rivers, beaches, deep gorges and valleys.

The COSTA BLANCA or 'white coast' is a land of manycontrasts with golden beaches, green valleys, mountains,quaint villages and over 150km of coastlineoverlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea with anirresistible promise of sun and sand. As you beginto explore the Costa Blanca, its varied historyand culture will become evident – owing toearly settlements of Romans, Iberians and theCarthaginians, you will come acrossarcheological sites, castles and stone-carvedchurches.

The COSTA DEL SOL has built its successon its warm air and sea and almost guaranteedsunshine. Resorts range from Marbella – with itsexclusive marina at Puerto Banús – to Torremolinos, adddramatic mountain scenery and the spectacular cave at Nerja andyou have the perfect destination. There are 11 marinas on theCosta del Sol, offering sailing and watersports facilities and mosthave magnificent nightlife and top restaurants, with many stylishboutiques and shops of all kinds.

The COSTA CALIDA, or 'warm coast' is home to both theMar Menor and La Manga Club. The 250km of coastline whichlies between the Costa Blanca and Costa Almeria is shared bytwo seas: the Mar Menor, the biggest salt water lake in Europeand one of the best places in the world for watersports; and onthe other side is the Mediterranean with the fine-sand beaches ofPunta del Estacio, Ensenada del Esparto and Galúa.

The COSTA DEL LA LUZ faces south-west into the sunand the Atlantic and is aptly named the ‘Coast of Light’. Fine

golden sands, windsurfers’ winds, the historic cities ofSeville and Cadiz, and Jerez de la Frontera – the home

of sherry – are some of the reasons this region is sopopular with the Spanish themselves.

The COSTA BRAVA is a rugged corner ofCatalonia which has captivated artists such asDalí, Chagall and Picasso; its attractions rangefrom resorts like Lloret de Mar and Platja d’Aroto the architecture of Girona and the scenic

beauty of places such as Banyoles and Cadaqués.Catalonia’s distinctness is evident in the Catalan

language and traditional festivals.

COSTA DE ALMERÍA is a popular, modern touristresort with natural areas where mankind has barely left its mark.Enjoy varied folklore and plenty of fiestas, as well as popularhandicrafts such as pottery, rugs and marble. Gastronomicspecialities such as paprika, gurullos (stews), and seafood soupare also a legacy from the region's rich past.

Spain is agolfing paradisewith 313 courses

spread across majorcities, mountain

areas and right onthe coast

Choice Villas & Apartments 2010 57

Estepona, Costa del Sol

Fact fileExperience first-hand “SPANISHEQUESTRIAN ART” at the Royal AndalusianSchool of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera(Cadiz), Andalusia. Visit this internationally-renowned institution and tour its facilities, whereyou will see that horses form part of the culture ofAndalusia. You will also be able to admire the waythey dance to the beat of traditional Spanishmusic.

THE ALHAMBRA is a beautiful complex ofbuildings and gardens in Granada. Its leafy tree-lined walkways provide pleasant shade andcoolness, enhanced by the abundance of waterthat flows in its streams. It was the largestpolitical and aristocratic centre of the MuslimWest. The Palace premises are made up ofbeautiful rectangular courtyards and numerousfountains. The oldest building is the Alcazaba(citadel).

THE PYRENEES is the large mountain rangewhich separates northern Spain from the rest ofEurope, and is fascinating for its stunning naturallandscapes. The range is 450 km long, reachingfrom the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean.Sports are an excellent medium by which to enjoythis extreme, abrupt countryside to the full.

Just north of ALICANTE, the 17th-centuryparish church and the Calvario, Santa Ana andSan Roque chapels make up the monumentalheritage of San Juan de Alicante.

THE ROMAN THEATRE in Cartagena,Murcia is now open to visitors. Hidden forcenturies under other buildings, the remains of theRoman Theatre were only discovered in 1988 andsince then a major project has been underway tocarefully preserve and excavate the theatre.

Tourist Officewww.spain.info/uk

Official language Spanish

Average temperaturesAlicante, Costa BlancaDec–Feb 17°C Mar–May 20°C Jun–Aug 28°C Sep–Nov 24°C

Malaga, Costa del SolDec–Feb 17°C Mar–May 21°C Jun–Aug 29°C Sep–Nov 23°C

Currency Euro

Average flying time from UK 2–21/2 hours

Did you know?Spain has 14 National Parks, all arecharacterised by their variety,mountains and wetlands, beachesand forests, volcanos, lava and lakes.but above all, by their stunningecological wealth.

There are over 100 different cheesesin Spanish gastronomy ranging fromcurd like Burgos, cream like Torta delCasar, blue like Cabrales, aged likeManchego, and smoked like Palmero.

Spain is the second mostmountainous country in Europe.

Barcelona P. Güell ©Turespaña

Cala de Moraira, Costa Blanca ©Turespaña

Playa de Mijas, Costa del Sol ©Turespaña

Choice Villas & Apartments 201058

Please quote CVA when replying to ads

Spa

in, C

osta

Bla

nca

Choice Villas & Apartments 201060

Please quote CVA when replying to ads

Costa B

lanca

Choice Villas & Apartments 2010 61

Please quote CVA when replying to ads

Cos

ta d

el S

ol, C

osta

Bla

nca

Choice Villas & Apartments 201062

Please quote CVA when replying to ads

Costa del S

ol

Choice Villas & Apartments 2010 63

Please quote CVA when replying to ads

Cos

ta d

el S

ol, G

reen

Spa

in, P

rope

rty

for

Sal

e

Choice Villas & Apartments 201064

Please quote CVA when replying to ads

Costa de A

lmeria, S

pain Property for Sale

Choice Villas & Apartments 2010 65