ANDALUCIA 
                    and the    
           COSTA DEL SOL

The southern quadrant of Spain, known as Andalucía, is rich in history, bathed in sun, and populated by British, Germans and Americans!  But once you move inland the changes are immediate and welcomed.

GRANADA
Christopher Columbus came to Granada to ask his patrons, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, for funding for his explorations to the Americas in 1492.  Busy conquering the Muslims at that time, the Spanish Royals had reason to celebrate the strength of Spain as Granada became the last Muslim stronghold to fall to the Christians, and 1492 became a banner year for the Spanish Royals.  

                 
Left behind by the Muslims was the magnificent Alhambra, a complex of numerous palaces and lush gardens that were built over the centuries and completed in the 1300s.  Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range and overlooking the verdant agricultural valleys of the Vega, the Alhambra is a testament to the strength and might of the early settlers of Spain and is Spain’s most visited tourist attraction. 

Granada is heavily influenced by its Arabic past, yet its gypsy population gave birth to what has become emblematic of Spain – the flamenco, while the Jewish peoples are considered to be the first settlers of the region.

If a taste of home is what you want in Granada, a Dunkin Donuts is there.  But if it’s culture, education and a Moorish-Arabic-Jewish-Spanish influence that intrigues you, Granada is a town worth considering.    

SEVILLE
The Roman emperor Hadrian was born here and the legendary Don Juan began his conquests in this Spanish town.  The opera “Carmen” has its origins in old Seville and the tobacco factory in which our  heroine worked is now a university building.

The charming city of Seville is a welcome oasis for anyone wanting to not only live in Spain, but to find employment as well.  Teaching English is a big opportunity and many who are qualified find a large base of clients.

There is no international school in Seville, and if moving with a child is your goal, then know that you are going to have to immerse your children in the Spanish language and enroll in a local Spanish school.

Seville’s past is similar to that of Granada, with Arabic, Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences abounding.  The Real Alcazar is steeped in local history and its beauty speaks of the artists of Seville.

Education, culture, history and a lifestyle of being intellectually stimulated, while enjoying some of the best tapas around, is the draw of Seville.  But if the beach is what you want, then the Costa del Sol is where you will need to be!

COSTA DEL SOL
Once you get past the “Miami beach” skyline of concrete towers, the drive along Spain’s Costa del Sol becomes what we all think of when we conjure up what living in Spain is all about.

The weather is gorgeous, with nearly 325 days of sunshine each year.  The food is plentiful and reasonably priced.  The swank international playground of Marbella is on the Costa del Sol, and expats from throughout Britain, Europe and the Americas have discovered it, and it has became the lure for living in Spain.

Cultural Spain is best left for the cities of Granada and Seville.  Life along the Costa del Sol revolves around sun, surf and golf. Affectionately known as the “Costa del Golf” by enthusiasts, the 75 courses that line the coast are a golfer’s heaven!

There is no shortage of English speakers and services catering to expats looking to rent or buy property are everywhere.  International schools are present and the medical community is rated very highly. 

The Costa del Sol is the home of many “snowbirds,” but it is becoming increasingly popular as a year-round location for many Americans.  People from around the globe flock to its cities and beaches, making Málaga, the provincial capital, a city of international stature.

Inland a few miles is the quieter town of Velez Malaga.  Less touristy and quieter, its agricultural base gave birth to the famed Malaga wines.

Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, is not to be confused with its quieter sister.  A true beach town, Malaga is known for its hospitality – and its party atmosphere!

Malaga does have its cultural and architectural past linking it to the Moors and boasts the Picasso Museum, as the famous artist was from this noble town.

Irish pubs are the norm in Torremolinos, while Fuengierola boasts Burger Kings and tapas bars.  But the Village of Mijas (Mijas Pueblo) is the Crown Jewel of the Costa del Sol. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas Mountains, it is a traditional mountain village with its narrow cobbled streets and white washed buildings. And did we mention the golf courses?  There are 12 of them!  Just minutes from the coast and its beaches, the village of Mijas is a unique blend of all that is good on the Costa del Sol.

For a true picture of life on the Costa del Sol, it is important to explore the towns and villages inland.  All is not beach-and-bar life, and the richness to be discovered in the Andalucía region of Spain is waiting for you as you plan your own Change of Lifestyle.