Top 5 reasons why the Costa del Sol tops the property charts

In terms of climate, terrain and location, the Costa del Sol has been dealt a rather generous hand

It’s a relatively well-known fact that the Costa del Sol is one of the world’s leading property hotspots for foreign buyers. The region regularly tops polls, studies and surveys into where people are investing in property, and can boast an estimated one million expat residents drawn from a number of foreign countries.

But why? Why does the Costa del Sol turn so many heads? VIVA has spent years espousing the appeal of the region, but what it boils down to are these five simple facts…

1. It’s the science

Blessed with 320 days of sunshine a year, an average annual temperature of 18c (rarely lower than 15c in winter and regularly topping 35c in summer), boasting a timezone of GMT +1 and within a two-hour flight of most of the rest of Europe, geography has dealt the Costa del Sol a rather generous hand.

There are few other places in Europe that are so accessible, beautiful, convenient and warm all year round, which is something of a boon to the millions of sun-starved north Europeans who know that a sun-drenched beach is just a short plane journey away.

2. It’s the tradition

But then, other Spanish regions could lay claim to similar boasts. The Costa Brava, further north along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, is actually about 45 minutes closer by plane. But that simple fact does not explain why the Costa del Sol continues to dominate the tourism and property sectors.

There’s a simple answer here – tradition. The first package holidaymakers from the UK, Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia headed largely for the Costa del Sol, lured by savvy local marketing and a distinct Andalusian sense of warmth and independence. This, lest we forget, was during the days of General Franco’s dictatorship, and Andalucía’s relative remoteness from the centre of Madrid power played into its hands. Tourism was a way forward. And the region has not looked back since.

3. It’s the history

Much of southern Spain developed along a different path from northern Spain over the centuries. During the time of the Moorish occupation, Andalucía was very different to, say, Galicia. That difference is still visible today, and it is these living reminders of a more exotic history that appeal to millions of visitors every year.

The architecture of the many whitewashed towns and villages exudes tangible Moorish influence, while the very properties people buy on the Costa del Sol have been influenced in their style, size and location by centuries of taste, desires and architectural trends. It might not seem obvious when strolling the glamorous streets of Puerto Banús, but every inch of the Costa del Sol seeps with its distinct history.

4. It’s the here-and-now

Torremolinos, Marbella, Puerto Banús, Fuengirola, Sotogrande – the names of these resorts have renown across Europe and, in Marbella’s case, the world. Only Benidorm can even come close to matching the Costa del Sol’s reputation as the Spanish destination of choice for fun-filled holidays.

And love them or loathe them, the procession of Premier League footballers, reality TV stars, actors and actresses that descend on Marbella and Puerto Banús all year-round have done wonders in keeping the Costa del Sol’s charms in the limelight. And while it is the go-to region for all wannabe stars, it retains an alluring old school appeal and mystique, attracting some of Hollywood’s biggest A-listers each and every year.

5. It’s the people

Catalans are desperate to force through recognition of their independence from Spain. Madrileños think nothing of demonstrating against the latest law or labour reforms instigated by the Prime Minister. The Basques have made their feelings on a unified Spain very clear.

And Andalusians? They are probably the most passionate of the lot, yet also the most peaceful, content and welcoming. It is their culture that created flamenco, sherry, bullfighting and many of the other stereotypes we associate with Spain. For Andalusians have forged a fantastic lifestyle for themselves in southern Spain; one that is at ease with the stunning climate, at one with the wonderful landscape, and at peace with welcoming millions of foreigners each year to enjoy it too.