The Costa del Sol has come to be known as the Costa del Golf in recent years. The traditional things that have benefited the typical tourist over the last four decades have also to some extent caused an increase in the amount of people that come to the Costa del Sol to play golf. The climate and the long hours of sunshine provide a perfect opportunity in which to practise the sport and each year the clubs and courses are visited by an ever increasing number of enthusiasts and professionals. The long hours of sunshine that the Costa del Sol receives has established the region as firm favourite amongst golf aficionados.

The fact that the Costa del Sol receives over three hundred days of sunshine each year is something useful to keep in mind when starting a round of eighteen holes. Fresh Atlantic winds, due to the proximity of the Straits of Gibraltar, mix with the mild Mediterranean winds and help to moderate the temperatures.

The climate here is usually defined by the warmth of the air and lack of extreme atmospheric weather. This is due to the fact that the length of the Costa del Sol is sheltered by elevated mountainous regions - the sierras of Mijas, Alpujata and Blanca - which act as a protective screen against the affects of the colder northern winds. Apart from offering such a warm climate, the mountains, slopes and valleys provide a wonderful scenic backdrop to the game, this is especially evident on some of the famous courses in the Valle de Golf near Puerto Banús.

All these factors contributed to the decision to hold various European PGA tournaments in the Costa del Sol. Grounds and facilities are kept in immaculate condition throughout the whole year and are unaffected by the harsh northern continental winter. A club in this area was the first one in Europe to be permitted to hold the Ryder Cup outside of the UK.

Many of the players that have made a memorable contribution to the Ryder Cup are resident professionals in the Costa del Sol and are available to give lessons. Some of the clubs have excellent golf academies, like the well-known Academia de David Leadbetter which is run by professional players.

Golf enthusiasts will be able to find a complete variety of courses ranging from the technical and demanding, with challenging lakes and bunkers to the straightforward, with wide easy fairways

Residential tourism on the Costa del Sol

Over the last few years residential tourism has become more and more popular and increasing numbers of tourists and their families are now seeking a place in which they can stay for long periods throughout the year.

Hotels and apartments have therefore adapted in order to cater to the many different types of tourism. Famous actors such as Sean Connery, Deborah Kerr and Antonio Banderas as well as the rich and famous such as Gunilla von Bismarck or Philippe Junot are just some of the many people that have decided to enjoy the extraordinary quality of life that a second residence in the Costa del Sol can offer.

The mixture of a warm climate, relaxation and superb leisure activities is enough to keep many people coming back each year and many European visitors only have to visit a few times before they realise the benefits a second home in the Costa del Sol could bring to their lives. Golf, is just one of the excellent leisure pursuits on offer, with an outstanding range of courses to be experienced all along the coast (see corresponding section). The natural surroundings and the increasing variety of protected areas are also considered an important element for those who live in the Costa del Sol.

The vibrant character of the South of Spain is one of the main reasons people choose to come and live here, but also importantly, the knowledge that the country is subject to the same rules and regulations that EC imposes on any other European country, is reassuring to the residential tourist. The Costa del Sol is dynamic in its development and continues to meet the expectations of its visitors. At any given moment there is a wealth of newly developed properties suitable for buying, renting or time share.

For those that are interested, studies commissioned by the council show what residential tourists require and one of the main requirements is a full range of residential services and facilities. Below are some of the other factors that were displayed:

:: The majority of foreign estate agents show a clear preference for villas.

:: There is a strong preference for accommodation that is within an existing residential area.

:: Potential buyers usually seek advice from people they know.

:: Residential areas that have good services and facilities help to create a more self-sufficient and independent community.

:: The majority of the villas bought in the Costa del Sol were completed with assistance of a Spanish bank.

:: Accommodation outside of an existing residential area was more likely to be purchased with the assistance of a foreign bank.

:: The preference for accommodation situated outside of an existing residential area was greater in those who were motivated to buy for investment purposes.

:: Those who took the last option are far more likely to spend greater periods of time in their property, in contrast to the one or two month periods spent by people who purchased villas.

:: Villas generate more satisfaction in their owners than properties located in residential areas.

:: The secondary factors people appreciated were the cuisine, the culture, the landscape and the tranquillity.

Residential tourism is on the increase and demand is high for properties in all sectors. Foreign tourists often have a tendency to buy properties within a residential area of a dominant nationality, as it is perceived easier to maintain the habits and lifestyles of their country of origin. This combined with the expected efficiency of communications, services and administration of a country residing within the European Community, contributes to the high level of satisfaction already exhibited in people who have chosen to make a purchase.

Leisure Information for your Costa del Sol rental apartment

Basic information on the Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol Rentals, Costa del Sol Apartments for Rent, Costa del Sol Rental Apartments, Apartments and Penthouses for Rent on the Costa del Sol, Costa del Sol Villas for Rent.