1.Old town
Quaint cobbled streets, traditional artisan shops, market squares and the sounds of life are grounding. It’s a reminder of a time once forgotten, as modern buildings, spaces and commercial builds become the norm, it’s an important part of history that must and deserves to be celebrated and cherished. Enjoy the Plaza de los Naranjos in Marbella or soak up the atmosphere at the Hotel Pilar Andalucia in Estepona.
2.Christmas
Spending my time between the UK and Marbella, I get more emotional when I see the celebrations in Spain and I’m not there. The atmosphere out on the streets in the towns, the Spanish traditions and the feeling is just incredibly warm. I love that traditions are being held onto and celebrated. My personal favourite is Malaga, cosying up with a red wine in a bodega, tapas, a look around the town for the best drone scenes and enjoying the atmosphere and lights from all over the town and all around the port which gets better every year.
3.Promenades
We all love a pretty promenade but my favourite has to be San Pedro de Alcantara. Calm, spacious and relaxed. Another favourite is further along towards Estepona, you can enjoy the stunning walk along the coastal path of what is known as the Senda Litoral, the most beautiful sea views and surrounded by wild flora and fauna along the way.
4.Moutains
Take the AP7 to any village and as they say it’s not the destination but the journey. Stunning mountain views, scenic driving and excellent routes make exploring easy. Mountain walker? Try La Concha, it’s a moderate to challenging walk and will take a full day but the scenes are worth it. Or, walk part way and enjoy the pine forest and some of the earlier climbs.
5. Local life
It’s not always the big grand experiences that we all know of and love. Most times it’s the humility, kindness and love of local Spanish people that are at the heart and soul of Andalucia that make it such a wonderful place to enjoy, invest and live. Andalucia is celebrated for its mix of nationalities that come to invest and live there and its wonderful how the investment in business, innovation, technology and commerce has and is shaping its future. I also wish to see this benefitting locals and creating opportunities for affordable homes for those whose roots are here.
6. Art
The arts to me is one of the most vital industries that fuel how we feel, understand and communicate. I’m not a stranger to getting quite emotional in a gallery! To say South Spain has amazing artworks and galleries is an understatement. I recommend the Malaga Museum, Picasso Museum, Couso Freedom Art Gallery in Marbella and countless others for you to explore.
7. Community
We all want it and need it. Whether that’s social groups or the business community, it’s healthy to need to be around others that lift and inspire us. I have never felt that more than when I’m in South Spain. The groups, co-working spaces and more than anything – the positive go get attitude no matter how challenging it can be. I’ve seen groups for making friends, walking, Padel partners, learning Spanish, golf, and whatever you can’t find you can guarantee you’ll have interest if you start one.
8.Memories
Everything from La Plaza evenings at Puente Romano to your own relaxed BBQ at San Pedro de Alcantara beach and beyond. The choice of places to enjoy dining, entertainment and entertaining at home are endless right from Sotogrande to Marbella. From picnics on the beach to fine dining at home, beach clubs, national sports events, children’s clubs or traditional Spanish events and celebrations, there are countless activities to enjoy.
9.Time
No matter where along the coast your are from Sotogrande to Marbella it really doesn’t take long for you to enjoy experiences and places wherever they are. It feels like you never waste time travelling just to get somewhere there are so many choices and that’s the most beautiful thing, a place for every mood. Sometimes we need solitude and sometimes we need a fun busy social atmosphere – it has it all and it won’t take long to get there!
10. Opportunities
Good things come to those who knock the doors down. One thing I can say hand on heart is that this is a place where you can find and create opportunities. Nothing worth having comes easy and of course there are considerations such as work visas and other requirements including taxation for businesses but investment here is growing in business and real estate. The shift from tourism into more long term residential will create opportunities for more long term and non seasonal work, employment and business growth.
