When buying property in the Costa Blanca area of Spain, there are several pieces of information you should know.

Firstly, you should know where the Costa Blanca is. Of course it’s in Spain but where exactly? The Costa Blanca is situated in the South-east of Spain in the province of Alicante in the region of Valencia. The Costa Blanca is actually a 200km stretch of coastline (the Costa Blanca translates into English as the White Coast).

The Costa Blanca can be a dream come true for many people: justeExploring the area alone is well worth the time and effort. Of course the Costa Blanca is world renowned and has become the home of people from a variety of cultures: people from the UK and Germany frequently purchase property in the Costa Blanca and many people from other parts of the world also seem to flock to this area.

Travelling to the Costa Blanca

Travel to and from the Costa Blanca is quite simple with many airports providing good access: there are airports in the cities of Valencia and Alicante. The weather during the summer as well as the winter is pleasant, although if you are considering purchasing a property you may of course desire to buy a property as a summer vacation home.

Costa Blanca Property

Property in Costa Blanca, Spain is plentiful. Several types of dwellings can be obtained. You could decide upon an appartment, a villa or land to construct a brand new building. The summer months are booming with tourists, which can be an excellent opportunity to purchase a home as an investment property during these months and live in yourself during the winter. There are many reasons why you may decide to search for property in the Costa Blanca: vacationing or living and/or renting are all grounds to seek out property in this desirable region.

How to Choose a Property in the Costa Brava Region

Of course the internet is a fabulous tool that can really assist you in looking at properties and their prices: the internet may in fact be the best place to start. Several websites are dedicated to showing perspective buyers what type of property can be obtained.

Another suggestion is that you explore the region inperson. This is a more expensive option requiring a bit more legwork, but it can really help you to get a feel for the Costa Blanca. Travelling to the Costa Blanca will also enable you to see everything that the area has to offer, not just in terms of property types but also in terms of the variety of activities and environment that the towns and cities of the Costa Blanca have to offer. If you find a property you like and decide to make an offer, you could even become friendly with your potential neighbors!

A visit to the Costa Blanca will give you first-hand knowledge of road conditions, transportation and traffic and also what the weather is like. Finding a place you like and Knowing from experience where you would like to be is a fantastic way to decide upon buying property in the Costa Blanca.

Costa Blanca Property and Valencian Law

There is some legal information that every buyer should be aware of. If you are seriously considering purchasing a property in Valencia you should make sure you research the laws of the region. In particular you should be familiar with Valencian "Land Grab" law or LRAU (la Ley Reguladora de la Planificación Urbanística). This is a law that can grant private developers the right to assume ownership of up to 40% of your land and force you in the process to pay for the costs of "urbanising" the land they take from you. If you are ignorant of this law, your dream home could turn into the money pit from hell. If there are facts that you do not understand about Spanish (specifially Valencian) law, contact a lawyer. They can assist you with all the paperwork and legal advice you could possibly need.

The Costa Blanca is a beautiful part of Spain filled with exciting events and fabulously diverse people. Buying property here is a great opportunity but you must do your homework. Many thousands of individuals buy properties in the Costa Blanca each year as the real estate market is reasonably bouyant despite Spain’s current property downturn.

It has been proven by various studies that a person learns a language more quickly when it is a part of their daily lives. After all, everyone is taught their native language in their first few years.

Studying abroad can be a wonderful experience not only in terms of your linguistic development but also in terms of your cultural development.

Spanish Language Immersion Programs

There are many schools and universities that offer Spanish abroad programs. These programs will allow you to study in a different country. A student may stay with a sponsor family, which is a fabulous way to begin speaking Spanish more fluently because you wil naturally converse with the family with whom you are staying. These programs demand that you do not speak any other language while taking the class. This is to assist you to learn Spanish quickly. When you are abroad, all conversation while with the family, shopping and on the street must be conducted in Spanish. Even at the start of the class. Limited knowledge is perfectly natural, you will soon be able to speak to everyone you come in contact with. Deciding upon a small group for the class may be the best method as this will allow more one on one time with the instructor as well as with classmates.

Where Should You Consider Learning Spanish Abroad?

The most popular destination for learning Spanish abroad is Spain. However, other places offer excellent facilities as well. Many students decide they wish to study in Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Any country where Spanish is one of the official languages will do… the decision is up to you.

Each country is different in style and customs. You may have to do research for the country that most appeals to you of course; some Spanish speaking regions are bustling and others may be more remote and therefore quieter. It is all up to the program you choose and your personal preferences. If one location does not appeal to you, a transfer may be arranged, however, this may up to the school and class instructor. It is more appropriate to research locations and choose before the class begins.

Spanish Immersion Courses

Spanish immersion courses are ideal for students who are interested in travel and who may or may not find learning a second language challenging. Each day can be a new adventure in learning and exploring the location. Learning Spanish really does seem to be more accessible when you have to use the Spanish language in a daily situation. Conversing with the sponsor family and talking with different people on the street will give each student a broader and more involving experience of the language than learning verb drills from a book; you can hear the sounds and understand how to use Spanish in various social situations.

The Benefits of Learning Spanish Abroad

Travelling to a new country to study is a dream that many people wish to partake in. With such a Spanish immersion program your second language will develop quickly. Learning Spanish in a Spanish speaking country is a highly recommended way to pick up this wonderful language.

Alicante

Alicante Attractions

Among the several attractions of Alicante are Alicante City (Castillo de Santa Barbara), Benidrom (Terra Natura, Terra Mitica, and Mundomar). The mountains in Busot village just outside of Campello are equally beautiful. In addition to the Canelbore Caves (Cuevas de Canelbore), Busot also has some stunning scenery where you can enjoy a bit of tranquility. These spots are not easily accessible and you will need to work a bit to get to them but they are definitely worth all the effort thus required.

Things to do in Alicante

There are many types of recreational activities available in Alicante. In the mornings you could visit Grenada (Sierra Nevada) and put in your time snowboarding, and in the afternoon you could be on the beach getting a bit of sun. You can also take ferries to Ibiza, Majorca, or Tabarca Island (the smallest permanently inhabitted islet in Spain).

Alicante Car Hire

The best way to see as much of Alicante as possible is to hire a car at the airport or in the city. Alicante car hire can cost as little at 10 Euros per day and you can book in advance if you are planning to visit during the busy seasons.

Alicante and Property

A major reason for increased interest in Alicante has been property. Alicante has attracted many expats who keen to invest, purchase a holiday home or looking to emigrate. The cost of property has increaed quite rapidly in the past few years. However, you can still find some great bargains if you are willing to move inland and away from areas like Benidorm and Javea. Spain is one of the most expensive countries in terms of tax and legal issues but investment is still a good idea as long as the Euro remains weaker than the Pound.

Flights to Alicante

The hotels in Alicante offer a wide range of accommodation options and can fit any budget requirement. Always make sure that you book in advance if you are planning your visit during peak season. Flights to Alicante are quite cheap considering the popularity of Alicante airport and the resulting high competition between airlines.

Madrid, Spain

Spanish Eating Customs

Consequently, we have just added a new page about the Catalan city of Barcelona onto the Spanish Talk website. You can find the new page here:

An Introduction to Barcelona Spain.

1. Spain is the third largest country in Europe in terms of geographocal territory.
2. There are four official and co-official languages in Spain: Castillian (what most people think as "Spanish"), Galician (spoken in Galicia), Euskara (spoken in the Basque Country) and Catalan (spoken in Catalonia).
3. The population of Spain is approximately 45 million: the 6th largest in Europe.
4. The Spanish clinmate is extremely varied. The north of Spain is largely wet and temperate with the south being dry and hot. The centre of Spain is cooler and can be extremely cold during winter.
5. The realm of the Kingdom of Spain at one time included the country of Portugal.
6. Spain "owns" two cities in Africa: the cities of Ceuta and Melilla in Melilla.
7. There are 17 Autonomous Regions in Spain (Comunidades Autónomas) in Spain and 2 Autonomous Cities (Ciudades Autónomas). The Autonomous Regions are: Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile La Mancha, Castile Leon, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarre, The Balearic Islands, The Basque Country, The Canary Islands and Valencia. The Autonomous Cities are Ceuta and Melilla.
8. The capital City of Spain (Madrid) is the highest capital city in Europe. Madrid is 667 meters above sea level. Madrid is also situated precisely in the centre of Spain.
9. Spain is geographically the closest country to Africa: at its closest point, the region of Andalucia is a mere 12 miles from the coast of Morocco.
10. Spain produces around 44% of the olive oil consumed on Earth: Spain produces double the amount produced in Italy and four times the amount produced in Greece. One region in particular (Jaén) is the super-producer of olive oil: approximately 25% of Spain’s output is produced in Jaén - almost 10% of the world’s olive oil!

For people who enjoy a more active type of holiday than just lying around on a beach, what could be better than a walking holiday in Spain?

Spain is a veritable treasure chest when it comes to walking holidays, having something for everyone. Spain has the third largest territory in Europe after the Ukraine and France respectively) and the 2nd most mountainous (Switzerland being the most mountainous).

Popular Destinations for Walking Holidays in Spain

There are hundreds of opportunites for walking holidays in Spain: from the Pyrenees mountain ranges in Northern Spain throughout all of the mainland to Andalusia in southern Spain. Walking enthusiasts should also consider the Balearic and Canary Islands, which also offer some great locations for walking holidays.

Walking Holidays in the Pyrenees

The Spanish Pyrenees offer somthing for most oputdoor/active sports enthusiasts: rock climbing, mountaineering and other adventure sports are very well catered for in many parts of this sometimes extreme terrain. Walking holidays are also hugely popular in this part of Spain, the best times of the year for which being the summer months (April through September).

The Picos de Europa and Walking Holidays

The Picos de Europa (European Peaks) are also situated in the northern part of Spain (falling between Asturias and Cantabria). The Picos are stunningly beautiful comprising mountainous peaks, gorges, lush green valleys and canyons.

Walking the Camino de Santiago

Perhaps the most well-known walking trail in Spain is the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James). The Camino de Santiago is a journey that has been made by Christian pilgrims for over a thousand years. Although there is not a single starting point for the route, all routes begin in the north of Spain with the destination being the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (in Galicia - northwest Spain), where there is a shrine dedicated to Santiago (St. James). More experienced walkers looking for a walking holiday in Spain might consider walking the Camino de Santiago throughout one of the longer routes - starting at the Roncesvalles pass in the Pyrenees passing through the Spanish regions of Aragon, Navarra, la Rioja and Castile Leon.

Walking in the Costa Blanca

If you would like a mountainous walking holiday in Spain without the same severity of terrain that areas like the Pyrenees offer, you might like to look at the Costa Blanca. During the springtime the weather in the Costa Blanca is very pleasant and the mountains bloom with orchids and many other varities of wild flower.

Andalusia and Walking Holidays

Andalusia tends to be a good destination for walkers in the wintertime: the summer in Andalusia can be extremely hot but winter temperatures rarely drop lower than 14C. The Alpujarras mountains in Andalusia offer some of the most dramatic and spectacular vistas in the region.

Whether you are a seasoned or a more casual walker, walking in Spain has something to offer you. If you are interested in walking holidays in Spain, check out some of our other articles that should provide you with further information.

Spain has some of the best beaches in the northern hemisphere. Around 500 Spanish beaches have attained Blue Flag* status: the highest number in all of Europe. Many of Spain’s beaches and coastal areas are extremely beautiful and/or set in very picturesque areas. The Blue Flag beaches, are extremely safe, have very clean water and are looked after to prevent environmental damage caused by tourism and its impact.

* Blue Flag is an eco-award given to beaches and marinas if they are deemed to have good water quality (clean), are safe and developed with a strong regard for environmental sustainability.

Spanish Weather

What good is a beach without good weather? Spain has a national average of around 320 days of sunshine each year. The southern and eastern coastal as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands of course bumps the average up somewhat. Inland Spain can be colder and wetter, particularly during the winter. However, stick to the coastal and you should be able to avoid Seasonal Disorder Syndrome with brighter and sunnier days!

Flights to Spain

Spain is very well established on the flight paths of the major and minor airlines, so getting a flight is easy. The price of flights to/from Spain from/to European is also very reasonable.

The Spanish Cost of Living

The Spanish enjoy a much lower cost of living than most of its European counterparts. It is also a much cheaper place to live than North America. You will literally get more bang for your buck in Spain.

Spanish property Prices

The price of Spanish property makes investment a very attractive proposition for foreign investors. Although the market is comparitively tough right now, there are still bargains to be found if you are prepared to do your research.

Spanish Services

As Spain has been providing for large-scale tourism since the 1960s, the travel, shopping, infrastructure, medical, entertainment and educational infrastructure is exceptionally good.

The Spanish Lifestyle

Combined with a lower cost of living, the mediterranean diet, fair weather and more relaxed way of life makes for a happier and healthier you.

Spain and golf

Why?

Well, Spain offers a combination of exceptionally good golf courses, cheap flights and a climate that enables golfers to play throughout the year… without using an umbrella! And for the times in between a round of golf, Spain offers a multitude of attractions, sights, culture and other recreations to keep a whole family entertained.

Where to Play Golf in Spain

Looking for a golfing holiday in Spain? You will simply be spoiled for choice looking for a destination.

There are well over 300 golf courses and golfing facilities throughout Spain offering opportunities for all levels of ability. Many of these facilities are situated close to major towns and cities for those holidaying with their family. This means that you can nip off for a few holes with everybody else in your party being able to find something to entertain themselves with. Alternatively if you are going to Spain for a golfing holida you will find accomodation situated close to, if not practically on, the golf courses themselves.

Costa Del Sol Golf

The Costa Del Sol, located in the south of Spain, has been dubbed the Costa del Golf! This area has has over fifty golf courses, around thirty of which are considered to be championship quality. The Costa del Sol offers reasonably priced accomodation and a multitude of sights and activities for all ages.

Costa Blanca Golf

The south-western area of the Costa Blanca has developed a number of golf courses during the past decade. Although peraps not as famous as the golfing area of the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca has numerous golf courses of a very high standard.