Why now? The magic of the Spanish summer
In early June, something changes on the southern coast of Spain. The air becomes silky, the sky turns deep blue and city life spills out onto the streets - terraces, market squares, evening strolls along the beach. The Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca are at their best at this time of year, with 300 days of sunshine a year, crystal clear seas and stunning natural scenery.
This is not just a tourist attraction. For those who have been considering property in Spain for a long time, this is when they get the best sense of what life would be like here. A morning coffee on the terrace, the smell of the sea, the constant summer atmosphere - it's all very different from any summer in northern Europe.
Costa del Sol - where the sun never sets
The Costa del Sol - "the coast of the sun" - lives up to its name. Málaga, Marbella, Mijas and Fuengirola are at their liveliest in summer, with beaches, hillsides and evening promenades all bustling with life.
Marbella is one of Andalusia's most popular destinations. The streets of the port district, Puerto Banús and Old Town are packed with people until 10pm in summer. The market for luxury apartments and beachfront villas is buoyant - prices are stable and foreign buyers are high.
Mijas - which we recently blogged about in detail - is one of the most balanced micro-regions on the Costa del Sol. The combination of the seaside Mijas Costa and whitewashed mountain villages attracts those who don't want to give up nature or comfort. Summer temperatures are mild, rarely going above 35 degrees - unlike in the Andalusian interior.
What are buyers looking for in summer?
- Apartments with views of the lake and smaller villas where the balcony is a livable space for most of the year
- Properties close to the golf course - the region has more than 70 courses
- Small holiday homes available to rent all year round
Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is located in the province of Alicante and has been one of Northern Europe's most popular second home locations for many years. And with good reason: it has one of the mildest climates in Spain, a tolerable UV index in summer and prices that are more affordable than the Costa del Sol.
Torrevieja is a city of salty seas and pink lakes - known for its unique microclimate, highlighted by medical research. The coastal housing prices are the most affordable in the region, yet it has a full infrastructure: airport, shopping centres, restaurants, hospital.
L'Alfàs del Pi and neighbouring Altea tend to attract those seeking a more natural, quieter lifestyle. Hundreds of metres above sea level, between the views of Benidorm and the Sierra Gelada mountain ranges, with the scent of Mediterranean pines in the air - this is the atmosphere most often described by those who move here.
Summer specialities on the Costa Blanca:
- From June to September there is almost no rain - planning your trip is predictable
- Long days: the sun sets around 21:00, with time for excursions in the evening
- Seasonal rental yield: 4-6 weeks of spending in the summer months is realistic
When to consider real estate
Some believe the best time to buy property is autumn, when there is "less hustle and bustle". In fact, the summer season is the ideal time to get acquainted: properties are at their best, you can get a real insight into the real life of the location and all the amenities are up and running.
When you view a property in person in summer, you make a more confident decision. You get to experience a real summer before signing in the autumn - and then you know exactly what you're buying.
What to look out for in summer:
- Can you tolerate the climate, the heat, the midday sun?
- What about shade, ventilation, nearby noise sources?
- Are the neighbors permanent residents or just vacationers?
We help you every step of the way
The Feeling Spain team knows both regions - Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca - well. We can help you to select the right property, guide you through the site visits and the entire legal and administrative process.
If you're interested in the Spanish summer - and want to experience it, not just visit it - contact us.