THIS is the final episode of “Around the World in 80 years” as I revisit the Costa del Sol and all it has to offer.
Twenty one articles visiting some of the places on my journey but others on the bucket list will have to wait – but for now I am off for a break in the sun, the first time since Covid in 2020.
The last leg of my journey ends on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
I have visited most of the coastal towns in the area starting with Marbella and ending with the town of Benalmadina via Torremolinos and Fuengirola.
Benalmadina is noted for its sandy beaches and family-friendly attractions as well as some good places to eat. My cuisine recollections include a visit to Brown’s restaurant and seeing TV Quiz host Bob Holness, enjoying a quiet meal. As I made my way to the toilets, I resisted the temptation to say “Can I have a “P” Bob”, which some readers may recognize as a phrase uttered by contestants in the popular “Blockbusters” programme! I can’t recall the years I was in Marbella, which is noted as a millionaire’s paradise.
Torremolinos has lively beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and a charming old town. I went there in the early 2000s to see a friend and entertainer, Les Styles who I had interviewed in Tenerife. He had a music bar in Torremolinos, aptly named Styles Music bar, which is a magnet for lovers of karaoke.
On my latest visit, I took a bus trip to Fuengirola, another popular destination for Brits to visit and contemplate retiring. Noted for its golden sands, sun drenched beaches and a historic Moorish castle, visitors are encouraged to enjoy tapas in a chiringuito, a beach bar or restaurant either on the beach or very close to it. Fuengirola is described as the perfect escape for sun seeking Brits.
It was here that my daily steps total surpassed the 10,000 mark or approximately five miles less than half a day exploring the town and its vibrant market.
This September, I also visited the northern edge of the Antequera region which lies in a small valley, overlooking olive groves, which, along with farming, is the basic economics of the area. It is about 72 kilometers from Malaga airport and has a population of many ex-pats who settled there for a life in the sun long before Brexit. Centered in the Genil river valley at its highest point – 768 meters above sea level – the Genil River provides the area’s water supply and draws many rafting enthusiasts and hikers to the area.
My visit was originally planned for July/August but I was advised against it as the temperature often exceeds 35C and this year, during the time of wild fires in the region, it topped 40C on many days – well over 104F.
The area has a history, dating back to 40,000 BC, and existence of hunters and fishermen are evidenced by tools found in the area. The Romans occupied the village in the 2nd century and built many Roman roads in the area. During the Middle Ages, the area was the site of two Muslim settlements after Pedro de Naravaez conquered Antequera in 1426 but, after the Muslim population and their Jewish neighbours were expelled, the settlements were demolished.
Readers may be familiar with the Channel 4 TV programme “A Place in the Sun” when Brits view various properties in different areas mainly in southern Spain to buy as holiday homes or their forever house in which to retire. As that has always been on my bucket list since the time I lived in Tenerife, I followed in the footsteps of the TV show and visited the area around Nerja, where all the properties shown to prospective buyers exceeded £200K.
My favourite property was a two bed duplex in Capistrano Village on an urbanisation boasting 3 communal pools. It had two bathrooms, pine furniture throughout, fitted wardrobes, and a galley style kitchen. Priced at £209K, the Brits on the programme made a cheeky offer of £185K which was rejected which they then increased to £190K – only to be turned down again by the vendor. If you watch “A Place in the Sun” as often as I do, you will know that many of the prospective buyers are just there for a holiday at the TV programme’s expense and rarely buy any property.
However, until the jackpot “lightning” lottery strikes again in Hartlepool, my dream of owning a place in the sun is nothing more than a dream which could become a nightmare as you negotiate the new rules after the UK voted to leave the EEC.
The most important rule for Brits, who do not hold Spanish residency, is that you can only stay in the Schengen Area (which includes Spain) for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 day period. Overstaying can lead to fines, visa refusals and entry bans. So buying a property you can only occupy for half the year would appear to be a non-starter until we rejoin the EEC.
Given that the purchase costs, legal fees and tax rates are also subject to change and vary by region, it is crucial to consult with a qualified Spanish lawyer or financial advisor for a personalised breakdown based on your specific property and circumstances.
Well that’s it folks – my excursions are concluded for the time being but I hope you enjoyed the series and join me again, sooner or later, to see where we eventually land.
Author: John
Author of Around The World In 80 Years